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.
I was delighted to discover today's page in Hope For Today. The main topic is service, how the writer grew more and more by taking on increasingly responsible service positions, and eventually had such a strong program that they had something to give away. The Traditions, Concepts, and Service Manual help them be successful in service.
The part I like most about this page is the first paragraph, which says that miracles happen in Al-Anon, but they don't happen by magic, they happen by participation. The writer says that their higher power helps them create miracles for self and to assist others in creating their own miracles.
I have experienced miracles in Al-Anon, and I continue to see them. What I have realized is that, when I think about the amazing things that happened for me, I actually had something to do with it. It was a miracle that my friends helped me through a hard time -- but I was willing to be open with them and tell them what was going on. It was a miracle that my husband attended an AA and an Al-Anon meeting, and made amends to me -- but I had already shared with my close family that I was going to Al-Anon. and I had started practicing detachment. It is a miracle that I have been able to move from anger towards loving detachment -- and I have done a LOT of work (steps, service, meetings, literature) to make that possible.
Along these lines, I learned an interesting approach to gratitude this week. I read a suggestion that when listing the things I am grateful for, to also list why/how that happened, and how I can possibly get that to happen again. For example, I was grateful that it rained (we need it, and I love rainy weather). It happened because nature caused the conditions that lead to rain. This means it's possible for nature to give me something to be grateful for again in the future, so I have more hope. I was grateful that I had a nice video chat with my kids on Zoom. This happened because I was willing to reach out and set up the time to chat with them, so it is possible that I can create this again in the future. I am enjoying my new take on gratitude for the everyday miracles in my life.
Thank you FT for your service and ESH. I really don't like speaking in front of groups, yet I continue to chair meetings with my F2F and yes, even last Tuesday on zoom. I have a meditation CD and one of the sayings is, the more you give, the more you receive. I think that is true.
Yes I experience miracles. My spouse, son, and dtr-in-law, have not spoken in over 3 years due to them getting fed up with my A's alcoholic behavior. At first I tried to force solutions, which of course made things worse. Today my A is reviewing an amends she wrote to my son, and she may send it to him. At the time she wrote it , his life was in turmoil and I suggested she wait. They (son and dtr in law) seem open to hearing from my A. My granddaughter is only 9, yet she is stirring the pot for some change. It is possible a miracle can happen here. Only time will tell, but I learned to stop trying to force people to do things. It is not my job to fix them. I will keep you posted, Lyne
Mahalo Lyne for your share your ESH. It created another smile on my face as I remember that just one of the gracious miracles in my recovery is being able to stand back and watch the miracles evolve around me. Standing in service helps me to realize the consequences are miracles of recovery and the blessings from HP are powerful that invite me and many others to keep coming back for more. (((((hugs)))))
Thanks Freetime for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your shares and ESH. I am one who's grateful that recovery suggests we continue to look for learning, progress and growth. I also believe that the more one gives, the more one receives. The giving for my program does not have to be super-sized, recognized and/or flashy....I actually feel more fulfilled when it's the simple, small things - a smile, letting another in during traffic, holding a door open, etc.
For me, gratitude and miracles in recovery, in my mind, take me back always to the God of my understanding. Not in some prophetic, profound way but just a simple progression of 'events'. I believe nothing happens by mistake so any miracle I see, feel, witness, experience has me humbly thanking my HP. I have always felt a connection to the Step 11 prayer/meditation suggestions (AA):
God, I ask you to direct my thinking, I especially ask that my thinking be
divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.
Think about the twenty-four hours ahead, Consider your plans for the
day
If you are faced with indecision, pray:
I ask you for inspiration, an intuitive thought, or a decision.
After considering your plans for the day, pray:
God, I pray that I be shown all through the day what my next step is to
be. I pray that I be given whatever I need to take care of such problems.
I ask especially for freedom from self-will. I ask that I be given strength
only if others will be helped.
Also say the following prayers:
My creator, I ask that you show me the way of patience, tolerance,
kindliness and love (page 83)
God, what can I do today for the person who is still sick? (page 164)
If you have resentment that you want to be free of, pray:
God, I ask that everything I want for myself be given _____, I ask for
_____'s health, prosperity, and happiness (page 552)
Practicing what's suggested helps me focus on how I can be a part of the solution each day, which in turn brings me gratitude. (((Hugs)))
__________________
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
