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.
When we are troubled about what lies ahead, we can look back to see where we've been. When we grow frustrated about the changes we want, we can see that we are dealing with things because we have gained awareness. Time offers evidence that alanon works--we can see the growth in our life. This gives us strong support in times of doubt, and we have our courage boosted in times of fear. Our memory lets us see progress, and we have learned about joy and gratitude.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I can only agree with this writing on page 262 of C2C. Before program, I didn't have joy or gratitude, my memories were all negative, and the outcome of my being in alanon is so much different and better than I could ever imagine. During my first few years, I was in so much pain, that I couldn't see feeling better. When I heard people say they were a "grateful member of alanon," I thought it was a bunch of hype. Now I get it and say it or write it often. I have become a totally grateful member!
Great page and great reminder, thank you Lyne and TT for your shares.
This is one of the times it is helpful to look back: to remember where I was, how desperate I was, how hopeless, and how irrational. Like you Lyne, I thought it was a little over the top when I heard 'grateful member', but now that I am one also, it makes great sense.
Today I truly am grateful for Alanon and the ability to remember before I found it
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
