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, 5/31, discusses how program enables us to explore our hidden motives, secrets, buried memories, and unrecognized talents. Guided by a Power greater than ourselves, we learn to overcome obstacles to our personal growth, such as the effects of alcoholism and a variety of defects of character. The writer says that only by facing the darkness, can we find light and joy from everything that has held us back. And we are reminded that self-knowledge is the path to personal freedom.
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This reading rings true for me. The denial I was in prior to program, and the fear of seeing reality, kept me in a very dark, uncomfortable place, with no path to recovery. I felt like I was in a deep hole of negative emotions and hadnt a clue had to change anything. My willingness to try alanon, and finding my amazing sponsor, took me out of that abyss and into a very wonderful new place. And its not that everything is roses and sunshine, because although there is progress, there will never be perfection. I am still married to my A who has made some small attempts at recovery, but just isnt willing or able to surrender. I am able to find joy and gratitude much of the time and thats what alanon is all about. Lyne
Lyne, thank you for your service for the first day of June!
I love how this program gently moves me through the exploration of self!
I am off to work. Wishing Peace for everyone today! &
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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
I know I arrived to recovery very broken, very stressed, very dark and full of anger and fear. I absolutely denied the disease, the disease in others and that it had indirectly affected me - I'd been sober for a long while and 'knew better'.
Pffffft - I didn't know anything! Who I was when I arrived was vastly different than who I was a long while ago and still different from who I am today! What I believe now is that I was doing the best I could at the time, and in spite of the entire novel/chapter/page of my life (insanity), it was necessary for me to get where I am today.
I have grown more and changed more as a direct result of the pain and painful experiences I've had. I truly believe my bottom led me to the complete understanding that no human power could change me or another, and I had no choice but to trust in a power greater than self. Had I not hit that bottom at that point, I would NOT be who I am today.
I would love to share that I've mastered spirituality - just not so! My concept of God has changed/evolved in recovery and continues to do so. What I also believe today is that no concept has been 'wrong' - just limited in scope! The older I get, the more inspired I am to see the God of my understanding in everything - people, places, nature, animals, exchanges, etc. I really do feel as if I am never alone which hasn't always been!
Thank you for the daily and your service - I can not believe that we are already to June! This year is flying by....Love and light all - I'm late to the party and that's just how it is!
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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
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