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 credits Tradition 10 with being able to have a beneficial relationship with a sponsor, even though the sponsor has very different -- even abhorrent to the author -- political views. Despite those disagreements, the sponsor has provided valuable lessons about serenity, courage, and wisdom. The author believes that the tradition of Al-Anon groups having "no opinion on outside issues" made this possible.
Because of this singleness of purpose, the author can go to group meetings confident that there will be no recruitment into any particular cause. There is only one focus -- helping one another recover from the effects of alcoholism. With this supportive environment, the author could establish a positive personal relationship with someone they might not otherwise even have been able to treat with civility.
Today's Reminder: "Today I can be more tolerant of other views as I learn to take what I like and leave the rest. I don't have to let outside issues distract me from my primary spiritual goal. I'll keep the doors open for I never know where I might find help."
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I've seen over and over again that when I focus on what we have in common, that I can love and respect people who have different views than mine. Certainly in Al-Anon, I feel humbled by knowing that we all have a common pain and are trying to recover from it or manage it day by day. I have come to like, and look forward to seeing, people that I didn't think I would like because of their personality -- but as I listen over time, I see traits to admire or empathize with.
I don't think I've ever heard politics mentioned around an Al-Anon meeting (thank goodness!!). But I've seen deeply religious people keep an open mind, and angry people become willing to listen and make efforts to change. Outside the program, I've discovered that some people I have known and appreciated for years, actually have some political or other beliefs different than mine -- and my first thought was, wow, how could such nice people think that way? And that made me realize that good people come in many different forms. Where we connect on common ground is the sweet spot.
Good morning Freetime - thank you for your service, the daily and your ESH. I too love the miracle that I find/see when I look for the similarities vs. the differences in recovery. There is no doubt that other members beliefs, values, etc. differ from mine and I've learned in recovery that it's perfectly OK! Our differences have no bearing on moving forward, learning along the way and staying open to growth and change.
I am grateful that I've been able to remain open and that we are given such great tools to let go of shares thru 'take what you like and leave the rest'. So often, I find that shares which did not seem relevant to me at the time have come to have value at a later time! I practice active listening and my brain feels like a filing cabinet - putting items in the best spot to be located when needed!
I was raised to not discuss religion and politics with those I love so that's easy for me. I avoid both topics in recovery and beyond. With the current climate, I am extremely grateful to have learned this early on. I am eternally grateful for the gift of humility which allows me to listen and learn to each share, with an excited intent to learn something new!
Enjoy the day MIP family! The sun is shining brightly here, but it's darn cold outside! (((Hugs))) to all!
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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
Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily.
I find that the more I learn how to not manage others or situations, the more open I am to all things... even people who have drastically different views than mine! I think it is partly due to me moving AWAY from my Ego (my way must be right), and partly accepting that despite their different views, they deserve a level of respect from me... just for being a fellow human. If they are disrespectful to me, well... that is harder to manage. LOL! But Al-Anon gives us tools for that as well.
I also find it comforting that I can walk into just about any meeting and not feel like I will be "recruited." With some meetings, it was the "meeting after the meeting" that some people would try to ensnare... but I avoided those as they presented themselves.
Today I was awoken at 5:30 am to 5 helicopters hovering over my house, and then an earthquake! GOOD MORNING! HOW ARE YA?
LOL! Anyway, right now, the bear that brought the copters is now gone, and no new shaking... so I am going to make this Friday the best that it can be!!! How about you?
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"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
Thanks FT for your service and all above shares. Listen and learn is one of our slogans for a reason! At first glance sometimes I can't imagine what people might say, and with an open mind I find I can learn something from all the people that come to my F2F. I always come away from my meeting with a better grip on life. Everyone's experience is so helpful, even if I haven't personally had it myself. Meetings are part of the "power greater than myself." Lyne
My relationships with others have changed demonstrably. I am self reliant in a way I never was before. I am proactive
I do have compassion for others but I am no l Ionger obsessed with what others should do
One of my friends has a sister in the ICU who is pretty grave. That is not my issue but before I would have a lot to say about that situation. I cannot imagine having a doctor call up and ask me if I want to pill the plug on someone. That is what he endured today
I am struggling these days to set limits
I was on.sheer overdrive in January the price was high too high
I have to pace myself to not let that happen again.
I have many many issues I am not dealing with which is very hard
One more month of being on hiatus. In April I move back to my apartment. I want time off to move back in but I am am.not going to get it. For months at a time I did not have a day off and I am still scrimping
There is always another bill.
Maresie
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