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.
In today's reading from C2C, the author reflects on their initial approach to Al-Anon. They went to meetings unless there was something else to do, didn't get a sponsor, knew that a close relative drank too much, and didn't see a personal need for very much help.
Still, the author's growth in the program progressed at a slow pace.
When crisis hit, and the author lost someone who was very important, they had grown enough to pick up the phone and call someone from Al-Anon. That was a turning point in the author's program. Suddenly, they realized how much they needed the program. The author started to attend multiple meetings each week, engaging in service work, and connecting with Al-Anon friends. With this investment, the Author's program really took off, and they discovered the benefits of giving the program top priority in their life.
Todays Reminder: Sometimes the greatest growth comes through pain, but its not the pain that helps me grow, its my response to it. Will I suffer through the experience and continue as before or let the pain inspire changes that help me grow? The choice is mine.
Today's Quote: I had learned in Al-Anon to look for opportunities for growth in every situation. This attitude allowed me to gain many spiritual riches from the pain I was experiencing. . . . In All Our Affairs
-----------------------
I really like today's reading. Like the author, it took me a while (and a crisis) to really engage with the Al-Anon program. (But, unlike the author, I started and stopped attending meetings several times before I was ready to really commit to regular meeting attendance.) I especially like today's quote, because it reminds me that every experience is an opportunity. I can decide to learn and grow from each experience I have, and the Al-Anon program gives me a framework for that growth. I'm glad the program was there for my crisis, and I'm even more thankful that the program was there for my non-crisis continued growth.
Addiction has raised its head again in my extended family - resulting in some of my mom's cousins becoming temporary foster parents for their own grandchildren. I can see the program working in my response - which is full of compassion for the grandparents, the kids, and the parents. Addiction really is a family disease, and the program helps me to see it as such without negative judgement of those struggling with addiction. I'm thankful to have this loving perspective, and thankful to the program for helping me get to a place where I could have it.
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your ESH & shares. I too was reluctant to embrace recovery 'full on' simply because I had so much fear....not entirely sure of what but when I arrived, I was a self-willed wild person trying to fix, control, cure, manage everyone and everything. So, it was 'natural' for me to try and work this program my way - which did not provide the results needed for me to truly change and grow.
Recovery suggests we embrace this program to the best of our ability, and adopt what works best for us, in our time frame and our way. It does not suggest we pick/choose suggested tools, but rather arm ourselves with all and use as applies. It took me years to really let go of my way and my wants and instead just practice this program, each day, one day at a time. I don't have to spend half my day leaning into my program yet the more I commit and practice, the more natural the tools become when 'life' happens.
I'm grateful for all who patiently helped me get to where I am today. I'm grateful for all who shared their ESH with me vs. advice, direction, opinions, etc. I'm grateful for those who listen and help me when I'm stuck or in pain/fear. I know that who I am today is more aligned with what the God of my understanding wants of me and have way more peace than before.
Love and light all - happy, happy Wednesday! Make it a great day!
__________________
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
Thank you Skorpi for your service and for all above shares. I certainly saw myself in the reading. I was NEVER going to go to a F2F nor get a sponsor. I came to the board sporadically with my magical thinking that I would be able to fix my A. WRONG! Then over time the pain became so great that I was living with despair and hopelessness. Dont ask me how but I found a sponsor and the rest is history. Too soon old and too late smart? I prefer it believe better late than never. :)
I know this morning that I am a grateful full member of the Al-Anon Family Groups because of how I willfully respond to the shares here with a affirmative nod. It took my Higher Power's dedication to my participation and the fellowship's love even during my resistance.
