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.
A learning opportunity presents itself when we interact with others.
As we observe behavior we like and dislike in others, it may help us consider and refine our own.
We may consider the emotion and reaction these elicit within us that may reveal an opportunity for healing and growth...perhaps we may recognize behavior in others we deem unpleasant, only to realize we may demonstrate something similar.
Whenever we feel disturbed, there likely is also a learning opportunity our higher power is allowing us to see. If it has appeared and we recognize it, we are ready to learn if we choose to.
Reminder: I came to ALanon seeking to develop more healthy relationships and feelings about and towards others...I need healthy relationships in my life and am blessed to have my higher power bring them to me.
'Separate reeds are weak and easily broken; but bound together they are strong and hard to tear apart.' - The Midrash -------------------- So, so many times this has happened for me: feeling irritation over someone else's behavior, only for it to dawn on me that too at times...or simply seeing what good and poor behavior looks like in action, seeing what I would like to demonstrate more of, or less.
I thought I was self-reflective before I found Alanon, but I had a built in bias that somehow I was better than the average joe, much more aware and in control... certainly than the alcoholic in my life!
Very humbling to realize that I am not; I am just as, if not more sometimes, guilty of unpleasant behavior and lack of control. Recognizing this begins with humility, realizing that there is something to learn from everyone, everyone I encounter in my life.
So grateful for the wisdom and reminders of Alanon
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you Paul for your continuing inspiration. Although my circumstances remain the same, my mindset has changed dramatically due to Al-Anon. I have been gifted with the opportunity to have a more intimate relationship with my Mom . Also, I see my spouse in a more positive, compassionate light. I still struggle with not doing things alone, but my HP "sneaks" people into my life which encourages me to "join forces " and be stronger together. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks Paul for your service and for all above ESH. I came to program to fix my A, and learned that I needed to fix myself. That was indeed a very important AHA moment!
Recently I have also developed a more understanding and compassionate view of my A. That is a critical step for me. For years I just felt I was so right and my A so wrong. Live and learn, yes?
Thank you Paul! I appreciate today's share so much. It helps me to remember that when I am annoyed by someone, that says more about me than it does about them. Thanks to the program, I enjoy the opportunity of exploring that annoyance, and identifying what it might be about myself that is making me uncomfortable in those situations.
__________________
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
