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 this January 31 reading, the author shares an interpretation of Tradition One to mean that "unity" includes coming to meetings even when life is going well.
Unity meant that when the author shared irrational thinking, the people in the room offered a hug instead of telling them to shape up. Instead of rejection for being different the author came to see how alike we all are through the sharings. Now they continue to come to meetings during good times, so others can be reminded that whatever their problems, there is help and hope in Al-Anon.
-------
This was a good reading for me. I sometimes feel guilty and self-conscious in meetings when I do not have any terrible drama to share. I imagine that if I share how wondrous my life is today, newcomers will roll their eyes and think, :"What is she doing here? She does not have any problems!" But I also know that the more experienced members have heard my story and know how far I have come.
Just this week, I had been thinking of skipping a meeting I regularly attend because my day was quite busy, and it was starting to rain. I went anyway, and was richly rewarded. Many of my favorite people were there, the meeting was so positive and full of recovery and -- after the meeting -- we were looking out the windows of the room and there was a huge rainbow. I have never seen a rainbow that close-up before. And I got to see it with fellow members.
I remember being the newcomer arriving in despair. I was having a bad day/week/month/year, and by attending the meeting my day was made better. Nowadays, when I am having a good day and attend a meeting, my day is made better. If I can help someone else, that is the icing on the cake.
Thank you Freetime for your service, the daily and your share. I have many friends who've stopped going to meetings after a period of time. I also have many friends who continue to attend, consider it part of self-care, and feel as you do - richly rewarded each and every time. No matter what's going on in my life or with my head/heart, I ALWAYS feel better after a meeting! I was told early on that just attending was participating and sharing is always optional.
Happy Friday all - make it a great day!
__________________
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 FT for your service and both above shares. How can we find "hope for today" if we cannot see the blessings others have? I will never forget my first meeting. I was desperate and learned no immediate fixes to my A were to be had. But I was stunned by seeing others so peaceful and I wanted some of that! My meetings bring me hope and I receive compassion. It's a learning about life experience that I plan to continue with. Lyne
I really needed to see that I was not suffering alone, that there was Hope - like a thirsty person in the desert - meetings gave me that.
Not all of them, mind you. I don't want newbies to think it was all butterflies and puppies... there were a few meetings I never went back to, some I gave the ol' "college try," and one that I still attend today.
__________________
"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
I have had a terrible January. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong. .
Yet at a certain point I said that nothing else could fall apart ..
Now I have been sick for two weeks .
I am nevertheless ploughing through my to do list
January is almost over
Maresie
