The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
In today's reading, the author reflects on the "instant-ness" of our society and how the habit of getting other things (instant coffee, money from an ATM, instant breakfast, etc.) in an instant can impact our desire to get instant answers when coming to Al-Anon.
Recovery from the impacts of living with alcoholism is a process, and it takes time. There isn't an instant solution. Growth takes time. Healing takes time. Change takes time. Al-Anon offers us the tools we need to recover - steps, traditions, slogans, concepts, sponsorship, service. All these things can lead us to answers that are right for us as we recover from the impact of addiction.
The author reminds us that we all have dark times in our lives, and often the journey from these dark times to better times is what makes us stronger, happier people. When we stop expecting instant solutions to problems, we might realize that we are exactly where our Higher Power would have us be.
Today's Reminder: Al-Anon is a "One Day at a Time" program. No matter what is going on around me, today I know that I am moving forward. I will trust the process of recovery. I'll let time take time.
Today's Quote: "If I am under pressure and setting myself deadlines, I will stop for a few minutes and think of just this one day and what I can do with it." - One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
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I really like today's reading. I remember my first Al-Anon meetings - I left discouraged. Nothing seemed better, nothing had changed. But I kept going back, and slowly, I opened up. I slowly assimilated the concepts and principles. I slowly thought about the slogans, and used them to guide my reactions. I worked the steps - not once, but many times. I kept going back to meetings, sure that there was a secret in there somewhere that would lead me to better times. And over time, I saw myself change, and I saw my alcoholic wife change. I keep going back now because I continue to struggle with some frustrations, and I continue to see positive growth and change. I appreciate about the program that I decide the pace of my program work, and I can decide to keep working. My goals can change and grow with me, and the program allows for that growth.
Happy to be starting out the New Year with AlAnon!
I hope your New Year is starting well. I'm excited to see where HP leads us this year!
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Good Morning Skorpi AND HAPPY NEW YEAR MIP Love the message in today'a reading
i was always an instant answer person and avoided anything that took time and energy.
So happy I stAYED WITH PROGRaM AS THE LESSONS i HAVE LEARNED THROUGH HE HARD TIMES HAVE MADE ME STRONGER ND HAPPIER
Skorpi tHANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE and for he ESH from aLL who post
Happy New Year, all, and thank you Skorpi for today's reading.
I love the one-day-at-a-time philosophy. Even though we celebrate the ending of a year -- and a decade -- and the beginning of a new year, I can focus on just this one day. If I don't, I begin to think of all the things that could go wrong in the coming year. If I do focus on this one day, I can rejoice in what I have at this moment.
Happy New Year MIP family. Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily! I too love the one day at a time focus. When I stay present, I can surely deal with whatever comes my way. It's when I add my thoughts, expand, project or fill with fear based on past events that I struggle to move forward.
Grateful for recovery, MIP and each of you that are a part of my journey! I'll keep coming back!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thanks Skorpi for your service and for all the great shares. Yes I wanted to be able to fix my A immediately after joining alanon. But although I was disappointed that there was no quick fix, I was intrigued by many of the members peace of mind and joy. I wanted some of that! And it did sink in rather quickly that my pain was created over many years, including into a second marriage, so I came to understand that to change and heal and grow was not going to be an overnight thing. But now past 6 years in program, all things seem better. And I relate to the constant frustrations that Skorpi talked about. OMG I have them too. Everyday is a challenge with my A. But I am not only surviving, but succeeding in having a better life and improved health on all fronts.
