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.
If only able to put Alanon slogans into practice, we could almost be spiritually perfect thought today's writer.
Using Live and Let Live as an example, these four words encourage us to experience the rich joy and happiness that is possible when we are living at our best.
Often more difficult, we are challenged also to acknowledge the right of others to do the same without delivering our unsolicited critique, advice, or judgment. Even when we are ideologically opposed to them, we would not hold contempt or resentment.
Reminder: Focus on the lesson of Live and Let Live will help me learn and form the stick to which I measure my interactions with those in my life.
"When my thoughts are centered on learning to live, I will be less tempted to involve my mind with the thoughts of how others live." - unattributed ---------------------------- I was not raised around any concept of Live and Let Live. It was a bumper sticker I saw occasionally, one that didn't make sense to me.
Alanon introduced me to this as a spiritual concept that was best for me and those in my life, a beginning for me to restore sanity and an opportunity for the alcoholic and others get a break from my relentless, detrimental and disrespectful interference...the beginning of humility, the first steps on the road to spiritual recovery.
I agree completely with the author, the slogans, and this one in particular for me, carry so much Program, I can always use this reminder
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for the reading and your share. The slogans have been such a help for self focus, sanity, serenity. I entered the Al-Anon rooms with problems that seemed insurmountable. As a person new to the Al-anon program, the slogans seemed to be silly little sayings because I didn't understand their meaning or how to apply them in my life. It wasn't until I heard concrete examples of how others were applying the slogans to their life situations that I gained clearer understanding. The slogans were not magical incantations to just be parroted with an expectation that my difficulty would then disappear.
My favorite among the slogans is still One Day at a Time. It reminds me that each day can be a fresh opportunity to live my life to the fullest. Some actions I take to work One Day at a Time are making self care a priority. The include actions prioritizing my physical, emotional and spiritual fitness. Things I do concerning each these are now daily habits but I also allow for flexibility because well.... life happens ;) I saw this slogan in action with my first Al-anon sponsor who was an early teacher for me. She was living a balanced and reasonably content life despite a family member's drinking. She had a calm demeanor and seemed fully present when with others, took loving care of herself, had a a job she enjoyed, her own interests, friends and recovery. One would never have guessed there was active alcoholism in the family. She taught me through example to do what I could each day and not pressure myself with unrealistic expectations of progress. With time and experience, including prayer and meditation to begin my day, I've been able to stay present and not worry as much about tomorrow as I once had. Our Just for Today bookmark reads I will try to live through this day only and not tackle all my problems at once. That has become my daily practice now and One Day at a Time is my reminder.
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Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
Thanks Paul for your service and all above ESH. I have spent way too much time focused on my A with resulting disappointment, resentment, and sadness. I feel much better when I can Live and let live, Let go and let God, Bless them change me, one day at a time. :)
