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.
Good morning/afternoon/evening, MIP! I am posting this a bit early because I have a busy couple of days ahead.
The author of the February 28 reading in Courage to Change says that turning things over to a higher power -- the Third Step -- is an ongoing process. At first it was an act of desperation in the face of big problems. There was nowhere left to turn when all their efforts had failed. As recovery progressed, trust began. Now they maintain conscious contact by calling upon their higher power for guidance in all kinds of situations - family, job, friends. They always try to be willing to receive guidance.
Today's reminder: Faith takes practice. I will include my Higher Power in more of my actions and decisions today.
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My challenge is to remember that I don't have to solve all problems by myself. My best thinking -- which constantly echoes inside my head -- is often not enough. My higher power is the program, the group, Al-Anon friends, and others whose judgment I trust. It's usually not my first instinct to reach out to them. But when the noise in my head gets loud enough, sometimes I remember to do that.
Recently I was stressing over some problems at an organization where I volunteer. I'm really uncomfortable because there are interpersonal conflicts between various people, it could lead to the collapse of the organization, and I can't fix those conflicts. I can't make other people think or behave differently, and I was losing sleep over it. I didn't cause, can't control, and can't cure -- hey, wait a minute, that sounds like Al-Anon would be useful here. I can't make other people use Al-Anon tools, but I can use the tools myself. One of the tools I need to use is making conscious contact with my higher powers.
As soon as I realized I could attend an extra Al-Anon meeting on the day I was so stressed, and didn't have to wait to go to my regular group, I started to feel better. When I attended the new meeting and unloaded my story on the group, I felt better. Now that my mind was clearer, it dawned on me that I could call a trusted Al-Anon person to get their perspective. Just knowing that, I felt better, and I haven't even called her yet -- just got her phone number. And then we got some completely unexpected good news about someone (not me!!) who is coming in to help my volunteer organization get through a rough spot.
So, just for today, I am hopeful. My faith that a higher power can restore me to sanity has already been proven. I feel more sane -- at least for today.
Thanks FT for your service and great share! Although I have God as my HP, alanon in general is also an HP for me. Without program, I'm not sure what my life would be like at this point. I'm dealing with some medical stuff and have been afraid lately. I have to remind myself that I have an HP and in fact more than one. I need to lean on these supports because I'm not doing a good job when I try to handle things alone. Lyne
I am not sure how I missed this yesterday, but I am so glad I came back to read it today!!!!
Freetime - I just love how you spelled out how you are making your Al-Anon Tools work for you in your job situation!!! I always get a kick out of hearing how these things work in "normal" situations, not just in Addiction circles!
I know that at first, it was very, very hard to have faith that the tools would help. Writing out a concrete example for all to see is very important IMHO. It can help those who have lost their faith "see beyond."
Grateful to you, Freetime!
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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
Thank you Freetime for the daily, your service and your ESH! You were a day earlier than planned and I'm a day later than planned! It's refreshing that we get to be flexible in recovery - I rarely allowed myself 'that' BR (Before Recovery)!
With practice, I've improved on trusting and relying on the God of my understanding. I will add to that 'in all my affairs' as many 'life events' happen beyond this disease. I am powerless well beyond this disease and those I love with it and when I can remain focused on spiritual growth and recovery, my days and these 'things' all feel as if the load is a bit lighter.
I do make that decision each day to turn my will and life over to the God of my understanding! Some days, I think it's best to take it back so I love that I learned in recovery that I can start my day over at anytime. So many tools for those of us willing to work it, live it, practice it and get back up if/when we fall down.
It's Saturday - hope all have a lovely day and stay present, one day at a time! That's the plan - we'll see how well I can 'do it'!! (((Hugs)))
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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
Hi, It's Wendy P. I have been slack in reaching out to this programme of late, my excuse, I have been busy with my Craft. But when I do, I get so much Peace from it all.I was so, so, sorry to hear the passing of Betty, for the short time I knew her, she gave me so much Love, and I could see that her Programme ran so very deep. She had so much to give, and now she can look down at all of us, and still be here for us,...Still.
Thank You also, Freetime for your sharing, as I relate so much to what you said. When I read it, I realised of how much I have grown, and changed. Oh who I was before, and who I am now,of the work I have had to do, to get where I am now. I couldn't have done it without my HP, and Alanon. I say that My HP gave me Alanon, but I found a totally different God, here In Alanon. He had so much trouble with handling me, I use to tell my alanon Pals, He would have needed a strong Sponsor to deal with me. I was a tough Head, but that has all changed now. I use to be so scared of Him, but now He is my Friend, He walks beside me, He understands me and my ways, and why I do things like I do. I can't begin to say of the difference that I feel now, to the Journey, we have both been on, since He gave me Recovery.
There is not a day goes by now, that I don't talk to Him. I can Trust Him with my Loved ones, where before He had to earn my trust. I know that He has done most of the work to change me, and I am truly grateful. I share about Him to my loved ones all the time, sharing with them, how He has helped me. All of my Family, know that I pray for them, I use to hang back, and be scared if I told them of my God, they would think me crazy. I am proud of my Relationship with Him now, I don't preach, I share. It is March here, and Step 3 comes to the Month, I include it in My Prayers each Morning, and then feel safe. I am a type of person, who needs to see, how I am travelling, or not travelling, I need to see my Growth.
So Freetime, that is the gift that with your sharing today, you have allowed me to see that I am doing okay.
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