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 a focus on tradition eight which states: Al-Anon Twelfth Step work should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers. While the main business of al-anon is non professional and there is no monetary compensation, there are specialized tasks which workers may be paid for. The sentence in this reading that reminded me of the power in this program is about how we give away what we know freely and without expectation, yet are rewarded by receiving back more support and recovery than we give away.
Todays reading got me to think about the layers of the program- for many of us we land here after a long time of feeling a kind of desperation, then we begin to work on the next steps of inward reflection, inventory and work, and ultimately we share with one another about our own experiences and hope. Learning to live without falling into the trap of expectation has been one of many strengths I have learned about and work on here.
Thank you, Mary, for today's share and Debb for your share.
When I first heard Tradition Eight I was confused about the word "nonprofessional". I used to think that "professional" meant you did a job well, and "non/un-professional" meant you did a job poorly or not up to standard. Now I realize, in this step it is referring to financial compensation for doing a job.
Whenever I do service in Al-Anon, I am compensated beyond my wildest dreams -- (well, sometimes there is a bit of discomfort or delay before I get to that compensation) -- and I like to say that I am paid in Serenity Bucks. It all adds to my store of serenity.
I am humbled and grateful to everyone who serves our program!
Good Day Mary. Thank you for your service/ESH and above shares. I am so grateful for the miracles working in my life as a result of Al-Anon. I value the quote "you have to be willing to serve in order to lead"and member's service has led to solutions that work in and outside the program. Thank goodness members stress the importance of boundaries. One I have set is to not violate my values and it has paid HUGE Serenity Bucks (smile). Another member stated they don't pacify behavior and undermine their own integrity which has been a priceless tool. I am less guarded with Al-Anoners than with professionals which aids in getting to solutions faster! I could go on...but I'll spare you...Have a fantastic day (HUGS)
Thank you Mary for your service, and Debb and Freetime for your ESH! I am digging, "Serenity Bucks!"
For me, that has been one of the many benefits of the program... finding the layers of this program. It has layers just as we humans are made up of many layers!
My parents are having the houses painted, so it has been a hectic, loud, and disruptive weekend! My routine is all discombobulated! But here I am... getting some Serenity!
LOL! Make this Sunday your personal best!
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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
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Thanks Mary... 