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 the power of service within the program. The writer details coming to the program and finding a place where our opinions mattered. Encouraged to be part of the service, the writer realized this could take the form of everything from setting up/breaking down chairs to working at a convention. Every persons part is important, from sitting as witness to sharing, chairing a meeting and everything in between.
This writing resonates as I think about my earliest days of hearing about alanon (years before I felt I could go to that first meeting), to questioning whether I really belonged there, to sitting and feeling so sad and depleted, to listening to the strength and support of others, to feeling I could share, to understanding just how much alanon had helped (and continues to help) with changes in my life. As a musician, the symbol for crescendo comes to mind: < In music this represents starting at a soft or quiet place and growing louder. For me, it was starting at a sad and defeated place and growing stronger. The particular isolation that living with alcoholism brings is comforted by the message from the strength of alanon: we are not alone.
Good Sunday morning, Mary! Thank you for your service!
I really related to your ESH about the topic. I liked the visual cue and explanation... it made sense to me!
Wishing you a peaceful 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
Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. I have found that when I am uncertain about 'the next right thing', leaning towards service in recovery helps me find my way while lifting my mood. I have always been amazed at how my attitude and outlook can improve almost instantly when I just do something - call another, send an uplifting email or text, show up for a meeting, etc.
I'm a day late for 'this' but it's such a big part of recovery that I wanted to weigh in. Being of service doesn't need to be huge nor is it limited to our programs. I am finding that the smallest of actions, RAOK, etc. matter in big ways! Happy belated Sunday MIP - I had a great day ... hope you did too!
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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
Carrying on the tradition of al anon is key to carrying the message
I have definitely become even more grateful to both the founders and the members who have built up al anon.
Gratitude is not often in my vocabulary. This week I gave nyself a day off. I luxuriated in that day. I used to bristle at people who spoke about that. Now I know it begins with the small things. Humility is a big oart of the program
Thank you for this opportunity
Maresie
& 
Thanks Mary, and P.
...