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.
Todays reading is about how al-anon is a focus on ourselves, not the alcoholic(s) in our lives or anyone else. For many of us, it takes a while to understand that we have the ability to redirect the focus and energy on other people on ourselves instead. Like the writer, I remember wondering how it would be possible for the alcoholic to get better while all we did was talk about ourselves! The writer describes beginning to understand that al-anon was for him/herself, not the alcoholic. All the answers being sought after were already within. the path to finding them was through the steps and a close look inward. Some of the work through the steps unearthed difficult mental debris, but by continuing forward and working through it, the voice of the writers HP came through more clearly.
I remember sitting in wonder listening to a woman at an alanon meeting who had described some very chaotic behavior that the alcoholic in her life was consistently demonstrating. Somehow she could describe all of that but also seemed so at peace with all of it. I couldnt figure out her magic trick. As she spoke I began to realize that she was able to discuss the alcoholic behavior but it was at a loving distance. She had really invested her energy in herself and what she was radiating inward and outward was positivity. She was one of the people early on that convinced me to keep coming back.
The thought for the day is a succinct reminder: I like the me I am discovering.
Thank you Mary for your service with this Daily post. I don't often get time to come & respond, but I love The Dailies!!
I couldn't receive such Grace when I was living with Active Alcoholism/Addiction. Al-Anon gave me the courage and knowledge to know that I didn't have to. The principles and ideas help me in my everyday life, and with interactions with my Ex. I use them a lot with my adult kid who is still living with me. Our relationship is much better b/c I work at staying on my side of the street!
Whenever I feel wonky, I read the Serenity Prayer and find a Step to contemplate. It really does work to restore me to sanity!
Forever grateful!
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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
