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.
The writer sometimes thinks that something is wrong if they continue to have problems. When they came to alanon, they had one problem: how to get the alcoholic to stop drinking. Now they have many challenges: taking risks, facing fears, making changes, speaking up, and making themself available to life. They still get overwhelmed and want to hide. But the conclusion is that alanon cannot remove all ones' problems. But what it can do is to give us the courage and insight to "turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones."
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About my 2nd or 3rd year in program, I felt so much better, I saw light at the end of the tunnel, and people around me could see my changes. But of course life happened as it always does, and over the years I have had many ups and downs. That's reality. But one of the things I love about alanon is that it truly is teaching me a much better way to handle life. I'm given skills to cope and grow that I never had. So when the rough times come, I am more equipped to handle them and they do pass. I can weather storms much better.
Thank you Lyne for your service and all above shares. MIP provided relief and guided me to new ideas. At first I was thrilled to have tools to attack "the problem ". Eventually I discovered I was the problem and have slowly been applying Al-Anon tools to keep the focus on me. I never expected a problem free life and have discovered the many ways I complicate it. Keep an Open Mind/ Listen and Learn are the current slogans I'm leaning on to simplify my life.
Thank you Lyne and for all the shares. Sometimes Im on top of the program using tools like Ive finally got it only to be reminded that its a journey with steps forward and back. I do know Ive progressed however and am so grateful for alanon to point the focus back on myself each and every time.
