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 is about the 5th step: admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. (I like to re-write this one: admitted to our Higher Power...") This sharing is very intimate, and many have found the experience of sharing to be freeing. For the listener, it can also be very rewarding. Being the listener is an opportunity to give unconditional love and support to another simply by listening. Many listeners find that there are aspects of the story that are similar to their own. Listeners can reflect on how far they have come in their own program, and have the opportunity to see that we are all quite similar, despite outward appearances.
Today's Reminder: When I respond to a request for help with working the Al-Anon program, I help myself as well.
Today's Quote: "There is no better way to keep our spiritual benefits than by giving them away with love, free of expectations, and with no strings attached." ...In All Our Affairs
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I have found it very rewarding to help other Al-Anon members work their programs. I've found the opportunity to think through the steps for myself again, remember how far I have come, and most importantly, I am repaying people who were there for me by being there for others. I feel a debt owed to the program for all the ways it had helped me, and by being present for others and helping them work their program, I am starting to repay that debt. (As a side note, I'm not using the word debt in a negative sense, but more in a sense of everyone is needed in a community, and we are stronger together.)
I hope you make today a great day!
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Skorpi, thank you for today's share. It must be a higher power thing -- my home group meeting last night had a speaker sharing about the 4th and 5th steps, and it was so interesting to hear other members share their own experiences with how they have worked them. I am glad that in our program we have choices. My sponsors have shared with me the methods that worked for them, and I am finding they work for me too.
Service to Al-Anon -- I feel the same as you, Skorpi. I have so much gratitude for what has been so freely shared with me, and paying it forward is a privilege. A fellow member has asked to talk with me on the phone this afternoon. I have only a vague idea what it is they want to talk about -- but I feel honored to be of service if I can. Al-Anon service is a huge part of my life now, and I get back so much more than I give.
MIP friends, I am grateful to be sharing this journey with you.
