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.
In today's reading, the author shares about the different kinds of loss, and their impact.
Types of loss include divorce, incarcerations, illness, death, emotional change, among others. When the author lost the person they loved most, they grieved and in their grief, pushed everyone away. With the help of the program, Al-Anon members, and their Higher Power, the author went back to step one, and admitted they were powerless over the loss and that their life had become unmanageable. They found hope in a Power Greater than themselves, and began to work the steps as a path through their grief. Slowly, they began to feel alive again.
Today's Reminder: Pain and loss are part of life. no matter what I do, I will not be able to change that fact. But with the fellowship to support me and the Steps to guide me, I will be able to face, and grow through, anything that comes my way.
Today's Quote: "The foundation I have developed in Al-Anon not only makes me grateful when things are going well, but also makes me realize that the program works especially when things go badly." ...In All Our Affairs
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Like the author, I've had my share of losses, illness, death, physical distance, emotional change. I recognize myself existing while grieving (like the author) and slowly finding the will to really live again. Today, I'm thankful to the program and my program friends to help me work through my grief in a healthy way, and I'm thankful for the reminder that life goes on, and joy will still be present, even when loss occurs.
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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
I will be able to face and grow through anything that comes my way.--------------
I lost a loved one, they died from a complication of their addiction a few weeks ago and it's been hard to process.
Accepting that I had set healthy boundaries for myself, and could not have done or said anything more that could have changed this outcome has been difficult. But I also see in myself the capacity to face this loss and grow through this experience.
In the past, avoiding pain (or trying to avoid pain) led to more heartache, numbing my feelings through disassociation , and avoiding loved ones. With Al-Anon tools and guidance I now understand I need to "feel it to heal it" and I'm on a path of healthy grief and healing. I'm grateful for my loved one's presence in my life, the expansive circle of friends and relatives who shared a love for them, and the memories I carry with me. I'm grateful for the Al-Anon program, and for the work that I've put into the program so I can show up in this new way today as I'm holding this grief and loss and moving forward - with love and acceptance.
Thanks Skorpi for your service and all above ESH. Like everyone, I have had some devastating losses--both parents, a career I loved in the arts, divorce, etc. My most recent loss was from my dog I had to put down after maybe after the first year of covid. I was so low for many months. But eventually I got back on track. I still miss her and realize the love doesn't stop--not for my dog, not for my parents, not for a dear friend lost to breast cancer--I can continue to love and cherish all my memories. Grateful to alanon always.
