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.
"What we get from our association with Al-Anon depends pretty much on what we put into it."
We must put effort into reading, listening and using Al-Anon tools to reap the rewards of the program.
TODAY'S REMINDER: Do ALL the "things." Read the lessons, apply them to our lives, help others and ourselves by using the tools, go to meetings, and be grateful for our fellowship.
"The reason I make so much of being an Al-Anon member is that Al-Anon has been the means of making a better person of me."
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Yep! I agree. You can only get out of something what you are genuinely willing to put in. There is that word again....willing! When I'm having trouble committing, my sponsor reminds me to be willing to be willing. I am a stubborn soul and my progress can be slow, but if I am willing to put in the effort, progress will follow.
Thanks to Al-Anon, I took a tiny step today in what I know was the right direction in a family crisis. I was able to see what was my responsibility, make amends, and still reserve the right to set loving boundaries. What a huge sense of relief I felt. I had to set aside my pride, but I gained what felt like freedom! I understood what was in my control (only me!).
I feel certain I am on the right track and am certain that it would be easy to fall off the wagon (find something else to do instead of my weekly meeting, to read the news, my social media feed, or a novel instead of reaching for my Al-Anon literature first thing in the morning). I must remind myself that this program is for me...for my benefit...for my sense of well-being, and it will only work if I work it!
Thanks Bbrave for your service and share. Yes, we reap what we sow, and that is true for me with alanon. My initial 1-2 yrs were sporadic visits to MIP. I felt determined to never go to a F2F meeting nor have a sponsor. And I remained stuck in a deep emotional hole until I allowed my first sponsor to help me. She got me on the right track and it's been uphill ever since. I do have setbacks and bouts with stuckness, but what I've learned is that those rough times pass and I regain my equilibrium. It definitely works for me as I work it. :)
Good Day All. Bbrave, thanks for your service/ESH and all the shares. It's so true about the effort...I had returned to being in an ugly state of mind and have redoubled my efforts to invite HP to guide my thinking and actions throughout each day. Using program tools has resulted in sane behaviors. Spiritual solutions never fail to relieve me of my inner turmoil where the majority of my problems reside. Have a great day.
Bbrave thank you for your share and your service
I have always told people that I can read until I fall over but if I do not meditate and digest and practice Over and over the good things I learned, then I am not going to advance. I am working on cognitive behavioral therapy for myself over writing old and untrue programming in my subconscious mind practicing the program over and over and over in my way of talking to myself and my deeds and my actions how I take care of myself etc. and I am slowly making progress. Thanks for your service again, this was a good reminder
Thank you Bbrave for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your ESH & shares. I have known countless folks over the years who apply 'take what you like and leave the rest' to the program suggestions instead of the shares of members. What I know and I know through experience is if/when I pick/choose recovery tools and leave some 'out', it might work to make me feel better until it doesn't.
For members who don't use a sponsor, the ego remains as does the insanity. For members who don't work the steps, same, same. For members who set aside the readings, meetings, other literature, etc. same, same. I am a hard-headed gal and my best sanity and serenity and the ability to maintain it in the face of over-sized real life issues is working this program to the best of my ability as suggested, not as selected.
The other side of our program suggests, 'half measures avail us nothing...' I believe this. Half measures will provide relief but block us from lasting, genuine serenity and perpetual progress in our recovery.
Happy Thursday all. I opted to say, So Long to my friend instead of good-bye. We laughed, we shared, we reminisced, we cried, we hugged, etc. I had a long car ride home to process and am in denial that I will not see her again 'here'. I just have no words to describe what I am feeling beyond a deep and profound sadness as our 'here' will be short one excellent person shortly. Love and light 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
