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.
Today's writer refers to Tradition 5 statement of Alanon's "one purpose: to help families of alcoholics", and how we carry out by following the 12 Steps of AA ourselves so that others are able to learn by our example rather than sermon.
Trad 5 further suggests "encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives" by showing compassion and love rather than hostility. All benefit when we extend our circle of love.
Reminder: Kindness and love must begin with me, then can extend to others unconditionally on its way to returning full circle back to me.
"Love is patient and kind, Love is not jealous or boastful, it is not arrogant or rude, Love does not insist on its own way." - bible --------------------- Inspiring and humbling to remember that the recipe for my recovery is virtually the same as for the alcoholics: working the 12 Steps of AA. I am not morally better than the alcoholic and need spiritual healing just as much.
Airline travel instructs me to strap on the oxygen first for myself before trying to help others. Alanon reminds me to extend kindness and love to all, not just those who first show it to me...challenging at times, but always rewarding when I do.
Grateful for the wisdom and reminders
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for your service and all above ESH. Yes, we need love and kindness to ourselves and to others. It's taken me years to find love and kindness towards myself. Program has helped me move forward. Each morning I pray for compassion for my A--I am improving. Progress not perfection! I couldn't ask for better direction than what I find here with alanon.
Good Morning Everyone. Thank you Paul for your service and all the shares. The reading and ESH is helping to keep me grounded right now. My husband woke me up in a panic describing physical symptoms that (to me) need immediate medical attention. It's been an ongoing issue for a number of years and like alcoholism, left untreated will get worse never better. He is now delaying going to the doctor and honestly, I am at a loss. Key words in the reading-sermon and compassion-have kept me from my preachy "your health, your choice " rants. So, I prayed for HP to direct my day. I cleared my schedule to be available for support. I fed us. I checked MIP. And most importantly, I'm keeping my mouth shut and waiting for Guidance.
Debbie, thank you for the well wishes . Hubby feeling okay today. We DID NOT go to the doctor. ((grrr)) I stumbled on a to-do list yesterday: a) count your blessings b) practice kindness c)let go of what I can't control d)listen to my heart e)be proactive yet calm f) just breathe. That helped me see that hubby is dragging his feet because he's afraid. He cried about his health and I almost slipped ! Instead of lecturing him on taking responsibility/action for himself, being grateful that resources are at hand to help... yada yada yada, I listened and trust his HP has a plan. Anyways, I'm going to get outside. Our weather is sunny and above freezing today. Stay safe...news outlets showing disastrous weather for the U.S. ((HUGS))
