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 reading for Monday, 4/6, takes a look at accepting that not only the alcoholic has symptoms, but we affected by the disease also display symptoms, such as obsession, anxiety, anger, denial, and guilt. Our reactions to alcoholism have affected our relationships and our quality of life. We begin to heal through recognizing these problems and acceptance. We can change our old responses into self-worth, love, and spiritual connectedness. We can strive to behave with compassion, and alanon can help restore us to sanity.
Reminder: My acceptance of this family disease allows me to stop wasting energy fighting a hopeless battle, and to turn instead to sources of genuine help and hopealanon and my Higher Power.
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Well I must admit I spent many years trying to cure my A, and in that process I became sick myself. The worst part was that I couldnt see what was happening to me. There is no preparation for what happens to the family in this process. I can spend my time now having regrets and grieving years being miserable, or I can walk forward with program and appreciate the help I continue to receive. Ill take program! Its changed my life. And better late than never, Lyne
Thanks lyne for the reading and your share. My life before Alanon was one of reaction instead of actively living. Whether it was the alcoholic, other family members or people outside the family; I shaped myself emotionally to fit, to protect myself from hurt from others. As an adult, I would seek unhealthy relationships and suffer in them because they felt familiar and I knew no way out.
Recovery work has helped me to identify my true self and value myself. There have been alot of stops and starts for me in my recovery but I'm glad I've chosen to stay.
It's allowed me as a flawed human being to feel whole and acceptable by way of a relationship with a loving higher power rather than seek my worth through other people. It's also given me an opportunity to see defects in myself and others with compassion and understanding, to separate out alcoholism from the alcoholics in my life and see their behaviors as "people behaviors" not alcoholic behaviors because I'm not an alcoholic but have practiced those behaviors too.
Best of all, my hp has opened my eyes to the positive behaviors and gifts in all of us and particularly to those assets in the active alcoholics in my life. That didn't come over night for me but I'm grateful to no longer view someone through the lens of an illness but as a person first. TT
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Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
Thank you Lyne for your service, and wise words of ESH!
I got to the point that I no longer recognized myself as well! My enlightenment did not happen over night either. It has been a process... one of progress not perfection.
The more I learn, the more I understand that Acceptance is the core of many things in and surrounding this disease. It is not always easy to do. Sometimes it feels counterintuitive, but in my life, it has become key. I find that when I learn to Accept, then I stop fighting... and can attain more peace in my life.
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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 for your service Lyne and for your share. Also thanks to the other shares.
I find many memories resurfacing and noticing some triggers as of late. My symptoms rear and I know I'm powerless over situations and can only control my own responses. My tendency is to resist acceptance... oh the many ways of pretending I will not have to accept an undesirable outcome! lol
Working the program, I have come to realize that acceptance comes more graciously as a warm, soft cloud wrapping around my body. For this, I feel blessed.
