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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> February 18, 2021 – ODAT – Keep An Open Mind
Post Info TOPIC: February 18, 2021 – ODAT – Keep An Open Mind
Debb


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February 18, 2021 – ODAT – Keep An Open Mind
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Todays reading suggests that the Al-Anon program works if those who approach it keep an open mind and not expect overnight miracles. 

It goes on to remind us that it took years to create the situation we find ourselves in, and that if we are receptive and listen, instead of

being quick to judge, that we will see that, yes, our situations are all different, but the Al-Anon is a program affords everyone a chance

to take what we need and leave the rest. Because we do not see our situation in the exact same way as others in the program have,

actually is a good thing because it gives us a chance to see and hear new ideas and situations through sharing and the literature. 

"I Expect Al-Anon to change my life if I give it a chance"!!

Todays Reminder:

If I take to myself each day even one small new idea, heard at a meeting or read in Al-Anon literature, I will make progress.  Things may

not work out as I want them to, but as my point of view changes, what I thought I wanted changes too.  My ultimate contentment does

not depend on having things work out my way.

We may think we can change the things around us according to our desires, but when a solution does come, we find it was our desires

that had changed.

I have experienced such wonderful Al-Anon changes in my feelings and thought processes.  Just love the basic honesty the program

suggests, that just like in life, if I am not happy, it starts with me.  Only I have control over myself and not someone else. Al-Anon has

taught me that my perspective and honesty play pivotal roles in how I view and solve my unhappy situations.  Sharing my experiences

with others in the program brings my Al-Anon experience to reality.

{{HUGS}}



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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart" ~ Unknown

Debbie
Lyne


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Thanks for your service and share Debb. This is a wonderful reading for today. I agree that honesty and openness are keys to moving forward. When I was stuck in denial and codependency, I got no where. As I was reading what you wrote, I thought about things people have said to me, that have stayed with me for years. I've been on the board 8-9 yrs, long before a F2F meeting. Someone said they had resigned from the" Doormat Club." I don't know who said that, but it was a brilliant idea to me. I repeat it often. Something my sponsor told me many, many times, was not to try and force solutions. Once I got the hang of that, it has helped dozens of times, and will continue to be in my tool box. So besides for hearing new pearls of wisdom all the time, I have collected a toolbox filled with amazing skills for life. Indeed this is a great program...

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Lyne
SunnyFrogs


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Good morning.

This program does work when I work it,it's as simple as that. It may not work perfectly,I don't always do or get it right but it truly is making a difference in my life.

I love reading shares here. I learn something new that applies to my situation nearly every time I come here.

We're having another snowstorm again today after just digging out from the last one. I'm grateful for MIP and Alanon to help me through through my days.

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PosiesandPuppies


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Thank you Debb for your service. I feel that this one thought is very key for me.

Like Sunnyfrogs, I seem to learn something, or have a "take-away" each time I enter this forum. In part, I believe, b/c I am able to keep an open mind. I am open to all possibilities.
Thanks for the reminder!

For all of those affected by wild winter weather... stay safe and warm!
&



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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

 

 
Skorpi


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What a lovely topic for today! Like so many others, I learn something new, unexpectedly sometimes, when I keep coming back.

Hope everyone impacted by the snow, ice, and cold is staying safe and warm!

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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
DavidG


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aww Thanks Debb...

                           I need and expect a miracle, at the moment. My life- from the inside looking out- has been crap for over 60 years!

I am not a member of AA- but I borrow from the AA Big Book:- "Half measures Avail Us nothing". And I measure that against our slogan:- "progress, nor perfection". 

I am limbering up a bit here- with a day-long Alanon workshop coming up- on outreach. In 10 days time... aww ...

And always ask- what is the point of trying to drag people into a group that is falling apart! ???

Our groups are made up entirely of our members. We don't have that agency-client relationship. 

We just share our ESH. Under Tradition 4 each group has a certain amount of leeway- in how it chooses to operate.

It is allowed to try things out- and work things out.

So l think we are all a series of small miracles... works in progress. smile ...



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Each Alanon member is my teacher.                                                                                                                  
Daffodils


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Thanks Debb for kickstarting today with an awesome post. For me, I was open and honest about others ...the day I read "put down the microscope and pick up a mirror" , I started taking meaningful action. Furthermore, with Alanon members, I don't feel ashamed or judged when I realize I am in many ways, sicker than my AH. Have a splendid day everyone!

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Daffodils


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Thanks Debb for kickstarting today with an awesome post. For me, I was open and honest about others ...the day I read "put down the microscope and pick up a mirror" , I started taking meaningful action. Furthermore, with Alanon members, I don't feel ashamed or judged when I realize I am in many ways, sicker than my AH. Have a splendid day everyone!

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Iamhere


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February 18, 2021 – ODAT – Keep An Open Mind
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Happy Thursday MIP. Thank you Debb for your service and the daily. Thank you all for your shares & ESH. I keep coming back simply because stopping here @ MIP 'fills my cup'. Very much like going to a meeting, reading some literature, making a gratitude list, etc. It is the many tools and the variety of tools that have kept me sane in my recovery and during this pandemic.

At any point I consider HOW recovery works, I am reminded of Honesty, Open-Mindedness & Willingness. I've also seen Humility in place of Honesty. What I know about me is I need all 3 to really embrace and accept that my best chance of having a peaceful, joyful day is to keep my energy pointed at me. Even when I am in the middle of a phone call with a friend, & my AH appears to 'mansplain' something of no interest to me (my morning, before a full cup of coffee) I have a choice. It's much easier to ask my friend if I can call back in a few, listen (or pretend to listen) to my AH mansplain and then return to 'my agenda' that to ask for change in my AH.

While it would be 'lovely' if he had my values, and would wait patiently for my call to end, or better yet come back when my call ended, that's not reality. For me, this is where humility enters - it's not all about me comes to mind. After all, we are all retired, and with the pandemic, have no place to go so what difference does it make if the order of my day is modified a bit?

Small changes like this, using our tools, have rewarded me 10-fold. Allowing others to just be who they are and who they need to be and choosing to be happy vs. frustrated when things change, is one of many gifts this program has given me. When I am honest with myself, and add some humility to the mix, it helps keep me open and willing to do what's suggested - Change Me.

It's a good day here - my parents are set to get their 2nd vaccine on Monday, and my brother in Houston is finally with power & water after several days. Damage - TBD - but they were able to get out and about for the first time since Sunday. Off to get dinner together and have a restful evening. Love & 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

 

 
Daffodils


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Wow lamhere. You literally filled my cup! Then I got up and got more coffee I'm so happy for your parents and brother being given some relief. Love, light and blessings to you and all my new friends.

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