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 reader talks about the progress the author has made and that when they are troubled about what lies ahead, they can look back at where they have been. Time offers evidence that the Al-Anon program works - they see growth in their lives and the longer they live by these principles, the more evidence they have. This reinforcement provides strong support in times of doubt and helps boost their courage in times of fear.
Today's reminder - when I feel unable to move, or when I am filled with fear, I have a wonderful gift to help clear my way - the gift of memory. Too often my memory has given me sadness, bringing back past hurt and shame. But now I can use my memory to see the progress I have made and to know the joy of gratitude. My own experience is teaching me to trust this wonderful recovery process. All I have to do is pay attention.
Quote - "God gave us memories so that we might have roses in December" - James M. Barrie
For me this is like going on a journey. When I first came to Al-Anon, I wanted to be at the finish line. I just wanted the pain to go away and the journey seemed insurmountable. I didn't even know what the journey was about. I just didn't want to be where I was at that point in time. However I saw progress very quickly. Sometimes it was baby steps but if I left a meeting feeling more peaceful than when I walked in, it felt good, so I did indeed keep going back. At times I struggled with the lack of advice. I wanted answers and not to have to find them on my own or with what at times seemed a very elusive higher power. But I can see now that it was my journey to make. No one is in exactly the same situation. I listened to ESH and the daily readings but I was the one who needed to decide how best to fit it to my own life. Today, I am grateful that I am on a journey that doesn't end and continue to make progress in all aspects of my life.
-- Edited by Bettertomorrow on Saturday 18th of September 2021 10:22:21 AM
Thank you BT for your service and share. I too wanted a quick fix, especially for my A. I thought alanon would tell me how to do that. WRONG! And I like the idea to look back to see my progress--because if I do that, there is plenty to appreciate. I've also learned that after years of program, I still will stumble and fall, but I ALWAYS get back up. And usually there is something to learn from my humanness. It's a great program. :)
Good Morning BT. Thank you for your service/ESH. It's hard to believe that when I found MIP, I was gripped with fear, anguish and many times contemplated suicide. I didn't feel suicidal, but it seemed like a solution.(?). Then MIP gave me hope. I thought I 'd find a fix for my AH but in the process found solutions to fix me. Who knew? (lol). Now I shudder at the thought that I got that low but am so grateful to have acquired skills to live life on life's terms and be happy with the process. These days I feel blessed-not stressed. Enjoy the day...it's the last weekend of the summer for us....
