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 speaks about a newcomer to Al-anon who noted that many Al-anon readings referenced a higher power. The newcomer wasn't certain they wanted to have a relationship with a higher power or what they would even do with one if they had it. They were relieved to learn that members of the fellowship don't impose their own thinking on a newcomer but rather let the new person approach the Al-anon program according to where they were at personally.
The reading states, "They shared their experience, strength and hope as I struggled with whether and to what degree I wanted to connect myself to a higher power. I stumbled around, moved forward and fell back for months. Yet no one told me I had to believe as they did to get what the program has to offer."
The person shares that with an open mind and heart, use of the program tools and Al-anon meeting attendance, they began to yearn for a relationship with a higher power. The reading goes on to say that the Al-anon member believes that such a relationship has allowed them to share honestly, set boundaries and express their emotions. They are grateful that others didn't impose their truth onto the newcomer but instead let them find their own truth.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Al-anon lets me grow in my own way at my own pace.
When I first entered the program, I likely would not have returned if I'd thought there were any rules, requirements for for membership. I felt suffocated, controlled by my spouse's drinking and drugging and was looking for a reprieve from those feelings of oppression. I did have a higher power when entering the rooms but had borne a grudge against the god of my understanding. My perception was that the same higher power had abandoned me. I held that hp responsible for the misery I was experiencing. With time, experience in the program and some clearly unmistakable miracles, my skewed thinking was lifted and I found my way back to the very higher power I'd believed abandoned me.
I had the benefit of attending very large urban meetings as a newcomer to the program with a great deal of diversity of thought concerning how to work Al-anon and that one can choose to have a higher power as another tool of for working the Al-anon program or have none at all. Universally, there are no "have tos" as a member of Al-anon. All things Al-anon are suggested and it's a take what you like and leave the rest program.
One of the CAL readers for youngest members, those in the Alateen program is called "Courage to be Me." I have to say that as an adult entering Al-anon with no prior experience in a 12 step program, I often picked up that little red reader from the coffee table in my meeting place. I related to so many of it's readings because I was trying to learn who I was and heal some of those "kid" wounds.
Gratefully, because of the suggested self focus in Al-anon it's been a journey of self-discovery and growth at my own pace as the quote suggests and the journey continues. Others have been my teachers without shoulding on me. Instead I've been able to find what's best for me through others' sharings, my hp's guidance and the example of healthy support of others in the program. I've found "attraction not promotion" to be best practiced in this way in the rooms and here at MIP. Although I might share similarities with others on my recovery path, each of us has a very personal recovery journey and the right to find our way in our own way. My progress has been becoming more respectful of others outside the Al-anon program to make their own choices. Live and Let Live. TT
-- Edited by tiredtonite on Saturday 18th of September 2021 09:47:38 AM
__________________
Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
Thank you TT for your service today. I hope that you are having a wonderful start to your weekend!
The best part (for me) of this program is that Al-Anon allows for growth at your own pace and truly embraces that each person needs to find their own path. I have experienced all kinds of meetings. It was the members who "drove" the direction of any particular group I attended. Some had a very Christian slant to them... some actually made me feel uncomfortable and unworthy. It took me awhile to understand it was not the program at fault, but the members at that location who wanted to make me follow their rules. Luckily, I had a great sponsor who helped me to see that I had choices... just find a meeting location where you feel comfortable!! Duh!! LOL! Easier here than in some places I know. That is why I am grateful for MIP and this forum in particular. It has been there for me when I couldn't find a F2F meeting that worked for me!
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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
I am a flower lover TT and White with a Red centered Hibiscus owns my spirit...no kidding!. Thanks for your Avatar spirit. I am not home in Hilo any longer and I don't have my Hibiscus bush at the front door. Mine were large by ego and spirit and the white pedals were tissue thin which I believe is my HP's way of saying, "There you go...enjoy" and I did and do again when I see your Avatar. (((((Hugs)))))
Another patience exercise? Okay I can wait and when I hold my breath I know what the outcome brings. It causes me to patience pray which includes the spirit of gratitude. My sponsor use to tell me that when I have awareness such as this, I can hold my breath and listen and then hear my HP laugh. He was true cause that has happened to me in program. HP's chuckle is so loving. Mahalo again. (((((hugs)))))
