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.
Todays reading is about Tradition 6: taking care that we are not distracted from our primary spiritual aim in the program. The writer states that the way to ensure we follow the singular purpose of Alanon, to help families and friends of alcoholics, is to focus. We may read outside materials, attend other groups, go to therapy but none of those things are Alanon. The one focused way we help one another as friends and family members of alcoholics is to read Alanon literature and attend meetings.
This reading reminds me of when I learned about how AA and Alanon were started. The simplicity of gathering for people to share their experiences is what contributed to the success of the program. I am also thinking that the world we live in is full of distractions, so having consistent opportunities to filter them out and focus (on ourselves) can only be healthy. I remember having conversations with AA members who have said what they need to do is keep in the forefront of their mind that they need to pursue sobriety. Similarly, for those of us in Alanon, helping ourselves and each other must remain our primary focus.
I am very distrustful of ANY organization that tells it's members that "their way is the only way." But what I really like about Al-Anon is that there is always "Take what you like, and leave the rest."
And even though I do use other materials, and visit other venues for support, I keep coming back. So there is something to this.
It is triple digits here. Yesterday was brutal, I think near 107, with a large canyon fire in the city to the east of me, so air quality is horrible. You can barely breathe outside. So today is an inside day! Adaptation is my middle name! LOL!
Hope everyone enjoys their Sunday! &
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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
Happy Sunday MIP! Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your ESH & shares. I also lean into some outside sources for my life, recovery, serenity and spirituality as I think most do. What my sponsor explained to me is this is welcome and encouraged if/when needed - we just don't discuss them 'here' (Al-Anon) as it diverts us from our single purpose.
For me, I get what I need more often than not from our literature vs. the others. I recall arriving and someone recommended another resource which I purchased. Probably because of the state I was in, some of the writing appeared in conflict with CAL, and that was just not helpful. My sponsor suggested setting it aside for now, returning later if desired. I needed ESH way more than self-help then and still today when I am restless, irritable or discontent.
So very sorry to hear of the excessive heat + fires in your area PnP. Sending continued prayers your way. We have another week of window weather forecasted....I will never complain about window weather!
Enjoy your Sunday MIP family - I plan to do so! Love and light to all!
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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
I am also struggling with the excess heat i have had to revise my plans for the week.
Every week it is another hurdle. I recently changed my hours because there is a chance of a large lay off at my job.
I am so glad I took.action early. This week my same coworkers lost significant hours. There are lots of mikestones in the way of lay offs. Some if those are being hit systematically.
I was with my qualifier durimg the last recession. Having his alcoholism and addiction to deal with on top.of a recession was over the top.
I.have set a lot more distance between myself and people with addictions. I have many more limits. I stilk do not have my dog with me because of the ongoing construction at my aoartment. I.am hoping that is a month or so more to deal with
Nowadays any addition to my stress level are aknowledged. I make adjustments. I take into account my limits. I have limits really clear limits
Al.anon has heloed ne immeasurably with those limits. I know many of us talk a lot about what we are in control of. I am in control of my time and energy.
Work is incredibly stressful. I am constantly making changes to deal with the stress. I am much more ready to make changes these days. My mental health is so important to me.
I neglected myself tremendously before. I have had to make dramatic changes to deal with these very trying times.
Maresie
& 
Thanks, Mary, P. and Iam...