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.
the Courage to Change reading for today January 14 speaks about being powerless over the disease of alcoholism, It indicates that gradually we will learn that nothing we do or do not do changes the situation. We must learn to focus on ourselves. in Al-Anon we begin to develop the tools that we can use in this situation so that when we are able to admit that we are powerless over alcohol we are lead to an awareness that is we should take the path to personal freedom and serenity and develop tools to live our best life.
"Our spiritul growth is unlimited and the reward endless if we bring the program into every phase of our lives' --
'gradually wewill learn that nothing we do or do not do changes the situation'...so important, so incredibly freeing, yet the very thing I can forget at times; Great reminder.
I appreciate in this reading: "...my fears had little to do with the alcoholic...instead...that I needed to work my program", and "...my path to personal freedom and serenity...begins when I surrender".
I needed recovery as much or more than the alcoholic, and my journey only begins when I recognize that...'unlimited' growth opportunities, what an incredible blessing!
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
I so agree with Enigmatic on every thought concerning fear of letting go and when we follow the programs teachings, it becomes clear that we can be free to focus on our own lives.
Let Go and Let God is, for me, is the focal starting point of the Steps and working on me will always be an on going process, because, I do not know about anyone else, but I suspect that it may be the same, my life is not static. I am always evolving and so is my circumstances. So, as Al Anon says, I am a work in progress!
Al Anon and MIP are truly blessings.
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
Thank you Betty for your service and the daily! Thanks to you and Paul also for your shares and ESH. It took me a while to realize that I was as 'sick' as my A(s), just in different ways...The disease of alcoholism brings with it a whole lot of denial for all involved.
I did not like the words surrender and/or powerless. Based on my upbringing, my mind translated both of these words negatively - weakness/quitting. It took me a long, long while to accept that there is unlimited power once we truly embrace that with help from a power greater than self, any/all things are possible.
We had a good laugh at a Sunday meeting recently. As I sat watching Joel, one of a few things I do for my sanity, serenity and recovery, before the meeting, it dawned on me how the me of long ago would not EVER sit and watch an evangelical TV dude unless it was nursing a hangover and for laughs! I got to mention it at the meeting as it was just too strange/funny not to! In my experience, when I remain humble, open and willing, it's easy to truly believe that the best is yet to come!
My friend is home from the hospital and very grateful that just for today, her kidneys are functioning. I am grateful that she's at home, in her comfort zone, having a good day! It's amazing what a difference a week can make in life, love, acceptance and growth. Happy Tuesday MIP family - make it a great day!!
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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
Good morning Debb - we were posting at the same time!! Great share and yes - recovery and MIP truly are blessings in my life!
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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
I am sitting here with a great happy smile while reading the share from my MIP family. I came here first off after getting up and now have a smile welded on my heart. I checked in on a story of a man who saved the life of three guys who were in a car upside down in an icy water way and read his morning perception that God puts the right people in the right place when needed and that attached itself to my Al-Anon metaphor prayer. "place me where you want me...tell me what to do". Awesome. Thanks Family ((((())))) Hugs.
))))) Hugs.