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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Hope for Today June 20
Post Info TOPIC: Hope for Today June 20
yanksfan51


~*Service Worker*~

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Date:
Hope for Today June 20
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Good morning everyone:

Todays reading is about the influence of other people in our lives. After considering the amends of step 9, the writer wondered about ever repairing the relationship between she and her mother. One member of alanon suggested thinking about what talents had been received from her parents.  The writer found it easy enough to write about her father, but was drawing a blank when thinking about Mom- the only memories the writer could come up with were painful ones. She worked at it for weeks, praying about it.  After some time the writer tried to make a list again; this time some very positive qualities were revealed, and the writer realized all of these traits were attributed to mom.   The writer realized that in addition to the burdens of her difficult childhood, her parents passed many talents on to her as well.

Courage to Change (p.335) offers: Everyone who plays a part in our lives offers something we might learn.

This reading got me thinking about all of the decisions that help steer the direction of our lives.  Even the most minuscule decision may change the path we are on.  Considering all of the people and situations along the way as learning experiences is helpful.  What can I learn about myself if there is a difficult relationship I am experiencing at home or work?  What part of me has developed as a result of growing up in my specific circumstances?  As a parent and teacher of small children- what type of influence/learning experiences am I sharing? 
It is helpful to me to consider what I can learn from interactions with others- even those that dont seem completely positive on the surface.

I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful Sunday- theres a lot to learn (from) out there! Happy Fathers Day to all who are celebrating and happy memories to those who are remembering Dad today.

Mary



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Debb


~*Service Worker*~

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Mary, thank you so much for your service, today's reading and your ESH.

I am such a firm believer in that, there is always a benefit in life, when it comes to

occurrences and relationships, good and not so good. I think there are always

lessons to learn and that nothing happens for no good reason!!  smile

When I reflect on my Mother and our difficulties, I can clearly see why she 

acts the way she does and I have empathy for her.  It still does not give her

the right to make me uncomfortable, but using the tools of Al-Anon has helped

me to deal with her in a more compassionate way and still maintain my own

integrity.  

Wishing everyone a very peaceful Father's day.

 



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

Debbie
Daffodils


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Good Morning Mary. Thank you for your service/ESH and well articulated shares. Working the Al-Anon steps has led to rebuilding an honest relationship with my Mom ( I have let go of calling her stepmom). She raised me since I was nine, having to fill in for my deceased Mother. I fixated on one flaw - overlooking her style, class, humour, sense of adventure, value for education, kindness, inner beauty...basically, the type of woman I respect and admire. My father loved me so much, he chose a partner that embraced me as her child. We are able to share his memory and my purpose and spirit has been renewed. I care less about outcomes; I just trust I will be okay. Weird but I feel lighter and taller these days...Have a splendid day.

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DavidG


~*Service Worker*~

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 aww Thanks, Mary, Daffs and Debb... smile ...

Many years I was busting my gut to share ESH. Only one meeting a week. I really did not 4 or 5 at one time.

But I get this here- sometimes 6 or 7 meeting-style shares if I need it. There was a time I leaned heavily on this group-

and it took my weight. In other words- this group I found succour. I was able to test a few Alanon boundaries throughout

all of my time here- without "getting thrown out". Actually, having been thrown out of my FOO- at a critical time in my life

this was my greatest fear. blankstare ...

It is the shortest day of the year here today. Mid-winter. For many years I pruned apricots over the winter. And I hung out

for this day- as a turning point. Even though the following days were going to be colder. In many ways it felt like I was serving out

a prison term, really.

I humbly ask my higher power to remove my shortcomings- in Step 10... on a regular basis.

I think that the first time through the steps I demanded that my higher power do this!

The last few nights i have had a recurring dream. I used to have a modest flock of sheep. And each year I took them up to a neighbour's

shed to be shorn. The dream ranges around this. It is new fresh ground.

These days I only need to work 20 or 25 hours a week. Even less in the winter.

Most of what I do I enjoy. If I have a challenge I try to attack it first. Have always done this. while I am fresh and alert.

News on the family front has been good.

I do want to give back this year- but not each and every day.

Lead by example. Listen and learn.

Thanks.



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Each Alanon member is my teacher.                                                                                                                  
SunnyFrogs


Senior Member

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Date:
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Good afternoon.

I came here yesterday and was going to share on this but was feeling a bit too emotional to be able to.

I saw a picture of my Dad on Saturday and for pretty much the first time since his death good things about him and good memories came flooding back. It touched me down to my soul.

There's good in everyone. Everyone has good traits. My Dad did have some good qualities that I inherited,both physically and personality wise.

Sometimes things are hard to see because of pain.

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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Hope for Today June 20