Today's reading uses the example of decision making at an Al-anon business meeting to demonstrate the process of letting go. During the business meeting, the Al-anon member suggests using the entire Serenity Prayer in the group's Al-anon meetings. Another member contributed their a suggestion for the group as well.  A group conscience was taken and members did not vote to use of the entire Serenity Prayer but did vote in favor of the Traditions related change suggested by the other member.

The member who whose suggestion was voted down recalled Al-anon's Principles Above Personalities and was able to let go of any negative feelings concerning the rejection of their meeting suggestion. They focused  instead on what they felt was important; the group was together in fellowship.

Today's Reminder - It is important to express my ideas. It is also important to accept the outcome. I can acknowledge myself for taking the risk to speak out, knowing that the results of my actions are out of my hands. Today, I choose to trust those results to my Higher Power.

"Your proper concern is alone the action of duty, not the fruits of the action. Cast then away all desire and fear for the fruits, and perform your duty."

This reading is an important one for me in measuring my progress with Letting Go and Letting God work in my life. My progress has come from finding courage to ask for what I want, to take responsibility for my own voice and speak my ideas, interests and desires not only within an Al-anon group but outside the rooms of the program.  Progress has come with the experience of receiving both acceptance and rejection as it relates to what I think, feel, want.

With emotional maturity gained from Al-anon I work each day to keep it and monitor my motivations when interacting with others. Feedback is important from others concerning how my manner of expressing myself is received by them. I am grateful for such input and inventory if change in how I present is needed. I continue to strive for emotional balance as it relates to acceptance or rejection of my communications being mindful of humility, progress is in not boasting when I get my way or believing my self worth is elevated. Nor is rejection of my opinions, ideas or suggestions tied to my feelings of self worth today. I can keep an open mind to the ideas, suggestions and experiences of others and respect their right to have them. In Al-anon every member has a voice in the outcomes for our Al-anon meetings and groups which affect us collectively. It would be rare that everyone would agree all of the time but the process of taking a group conscience at our business meetings helps for all members to have their voices heard and acknowledged.

The reading as a whole including Today's Reminder and Quote remind me of the importance of working Al-anon Traditions One - Our common welfare should come first: personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity and Tradition Two - For our group purpose there is but one authority, a  loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern.

I think Today's Reminder offers a pathway for healthy interchanges between Al-anon members, family members and others. Within Today's Reminder and Today's Quote I see opportunities to work the 3 A's Awareness, Action and Acceptance.

-- Edited by tiredtonite on Thursday 28th of September 2023 09:57:12 AM