Thank you for your service, the daily and your ESH Mary - happy and peaceful Sunday to you as well. I can still recall vividly the many feelings of failure, inadequacy, self-doubt, lack of esteem, etc. when I came to Al-Anon. For that, I am grateful simply because I know where I don't want to return and thus feel driven and propelled each day to use the many tools we have to keep my sanity and serenity. The fellowship, the traditions, the concepts and steps all suggest that we welcome and support any/all who have concern over a friend or family member's drinking.

We are all asked to avoid judgement, gossip, advice, direction, etc. and instead offer experience, strength and hope. My sponsor has always encouraged me to 'stick with the winners' - those who practice the latter vs. the former. This has served me well in my growth.

I spent some time working with a sponsee last evening where we were discussing feelings. We kind of concluded that there is a human part of us that wants to help those who are feeling low, sad, etc. and try to fix/change others because of it. What recovery has gifted me is the ability to feel my feelings, sit with them, explore best actions, share them openly without shame, let them go when I'm ready and process them without shame/regret to move towards a healthy outcome. BR (Before Recovery), I struggled to identify what I was feeling, and more often than not, went straight to a reaction vs. a response.

As I age and mature, I genuinely value the wisdom in those who came before me. I learn the most from honest folks who share what it was like, what's happened and what it's like now. I choose to live in the present vs. the past or the future and choose to avoid drama, chaos, craziness and controlling people, places and things. I recall just as vividly that I felt safe with those who were at the meeting I attended with an open mind. They did not corner me, direct me, should me, advise me, judge me but instead just shared and listened when I could speak. Today, I am more mindful of unhealthy people, meetings, etc. and get to decide and choose what investment I will make, if any, when faced with such. I strongly believe that our program works way better when we 'let it begin with me', practice authenticity and allow people and life to unfold as it should.

I do believe that the God of my understanding wants me to be happy, joyous and free. I am expected to make mistakes, take wrong turns, and fall down as I am perfectly imperfect. This program, and those who walk the walk vs. talk the talk, together with my HP pick me up each time and remind me it's OK, all is as it should be and trusting the program and process is always my best bet.

I drove to the golf course this morning, and came back home. There is some wicked lightning/thunder and rain falling that was not on any weather station, app or other. I am grateful I have learned to always have a Plan B. I actually redirected with ease and that's a huge area of growth for me. Find and keep your joy MIP Family - we are so, so worth it!