The ODAT reading for March 6 things about the importance of anonymity between Al-Anon members and while attending an Al-Anon meetings. The reading points out that what we hear in meetings or what is shared between each member must be held in confidence and kept locked in our minds and hearts, We can allow ourselves to speak of Al-Anon principles outside the program but never personalities. Our success with the program depends on our discretion.
The quote is the 12 th Tradition: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.
I love the fact that Al-Anon stresses the importance of anonymity, as well as keeping the confidence of each member. I know that this was once a challenge as one n of my many defects was that I loved to gossip, about others to keep the focus off myself. After practicing Al-Anon principles for a while, it became second nature to protect another's secrets and to keep the focus on myself.
Have a lovely day
Iamhere said
Mar 6, 2018
Good morning Betty and all - thank you for your service, the daily and your share/ESH. I too was into gossip and drama and came to understand much of this was because focusing on others distracted me from focusing on me. I also respect that recovery stresses anonymity as it allows us to have a safe place to share what's in our minds and hearts without fear of judgement, advice or departure from the rooms.
What I realize now is my life is full - just as full - when I keep the focus on me. My attitude and outlook has changed as I fill my days with healthy choices, actions and people. I'm grateful that we have a program that helps us be authentic.
Make it a great day - stay safe if you're in the path of yet another storm gearing up for the NE!! (((Hugs)))
Skorpi said
Mar 6, 2018
Good morning MIP! Thanks for your service, Betty.
Anonymity was so important to me when I first started the program. Our city is pretty large, but not so large that you don't run into people you know everywhere, and I work in a place my wife used to work, which made things a bit awkward. I felt more able to share openly because of anonymity, and protecting anonymity and keeping my focus on myself allowed me to talk about the program in terms of what I got out of meetings.
It is a snowy day here today, but if we are lucky, the warmer temps might just melt the snow off the streets today!
Lyne said
Mar 6, 2018
Thanks everyone for your ESH and the daily Betty. I appreciate so many things about alanon and anonymity is certainly one of them. I'm not sure everyone is capable of practicing this, but what's funny to me is that if someone needs to talk about me, I can't do anything about it. Who do I have control of? At best, me. I do my best to regard people's privacy, and that helps me feel proud of myself (something else I have learned in program). Have a great day everyone, Lyne
What I realize now is my life is full - just as full - when I keep the focus on me. My attitude and outlook has changed as I fill my days with healthy choices, actions and people. I'm grateful that we have a program that helps us be authentic.
Make it a great day - stay safe if you're in the path of yet another storm gearing up for the NE!! (((Hugs)))
Anonymity was so important to me when I first started the program. Our city is pretty large, but not so large that you don't run into people you know everywhere, and I work in a place my wife used to work, which made things a bit awkward. I felt more able to share openly because of anonymity, and protecting anonymity and keeping my focus on myself allowed me to talk about the program in terms of what I got out of meetings.
It is a snowy day here today, but if we are lucky, the warmer temps might just melt the snow off the streets today!