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.
Today's reading notes that some may expect problems to disappear if/when the drinking stops.
There are more challenges ahead, however, as home responsibilities recalibrate, the newly sober individual pursue a new set of activities (AA meetings, etc), and we continue working on our own recovery. As Alanon suggests, our view of how well things are working depends on how we decide to feel about them.
Reminder: As the alcoholic works on their compulsion to drink, growth emotionally and spiritually, my role is to remain focused on my own recovery and growth.
"In re-inventory, I found I could no longer blame the alcoholic in my life for my should sickness, my restlessness and my feeling of inadequacy. I will accept my share of responsibility for our troubles, for I have learned, in AlAnon, that many of them were rooted in my own imperfections." --------------- Regardless of what stage of my relationship with an alcoholic, or anyone for that matter, Alanon is consistent in its reminder that the responsibility for my serenity or lack thereof is on me, not the action or inaction of another, alcoholic or not.
My acceptance of that reflects my take on the steps, especially 1-3, and how well I am putting them to work in that moment or situation.
Grateful for the reminders of Alanon
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for your service and ESH. I often say this is a really simple, complicated program. The simple part is to just focus on myself. The hard part is doing that consistently, day after day. I go forward but do have setbacks. The more I practice however, the better I become at focusing on myself and not trying to force solutions, especially on my A. Live and let live. Keep it Simple. Think. Let go and let God. Amen.
Happy Tuesday MIP. Thank you Paul for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your shares and ESH. I started my day volunteering at the golf course - it's a peaceful, quiet, natural space and I've discovered that it is a good place for me to be - playing or not!
How nice would it be if the only issue were the substance abuse. How lovely would it be if recovery and abstinence brought back to 'us' the person as they were before. My experience is this is so not reality. And, as I grow in this program - it makes more sense to me. I strive to learn, grow and change each day and have that hope for others too. As I ponder this disease in my loved ones, and wish for the persons of the past, I see how utterly insane that is. If they were happy and whole before, mine would not have needed to self-medicate to get through a day!!!
So, I work to accept and love unconditionally, even on those days when I am repeating my abbreviated serenity prayer in my head all. day. long...Bless Them and Change Me. I truly want them to be happy, joyous and free from this disease and have no input into how they define those elements of their journey.
When I remain objective and open, in spite of this disease, I have so much to be grateful for. Today, I'm grateful to just be me, sitting at a golf course, greeting golfers and hopefully spreading a bit of cheer. Make it a great day 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
