The December 31 reading in Hope for Today reflects on the consistently repeated phrases heard in the Suggested Welcome and Closing at Al-Anon meetings.
No situation is really hopeless, and we can find contentment and even happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not
We can put our problem in its true perspective, and it loses its power to dominate our thoughts and our lives
Take what you like and leave the rest
We already love you in a special way, even if you don't like all of us (or yourself)
A loving interchange of help among members
Today's author found that these words and phrases, persistently repeated and heard, gradually came true.
Thought for the day: When I count my blessings, I remember to count Al-Anon's gift of hope.
------------------------
I remember noticing that Al-Anon meetings seemed to have a lot of repetition. Welcome script, Steps, one Tradition or all of them, Do's & Don'ts, Crosstalk reminder, Conference-Approved Literature reminder, Obstacles to Success, Newcomers welcome -- good grief, that's a lot of reading, same thing at every meeting. And announcements -- do I really care what was discussed at the District business meeting, or about some event happening in the future? At times I thought, why don't we skip all that and get straight to the sharing?
Now I've come to acceptance and appreciation of those repeated readings. I remember clearly when I first really heard some of those phrases and they sank in. It wasn't at my first, second, or third meeting -- it took a while.
I remember the times when consistency felt so good, in those times when my life was in chaos and I never knew what to expect when I came home or when I got up in the morning. There was comfort in something that was always the same. I could count on consistency in my Al-Anon meeting.
I can see how having members volunteer to read these selections gives people a chance to participate and be part of the group, even if they don't feel ready to give a personal share.
I am grateful to whatever person or committee composed those words. How did they come up with something so good?
Whatever the next year brings, I can feel confident that I will hear these same repeated words in meetings I attend.
Even the announcements -- they remind me that I am part of something bigger than me, I am not alone, and hundreds of people are voluntarily working on things that could support my recovery. Now that's a miracle.
MIP has been part of my recovery. I wish all my MIP friends a serene and joyful new year, one day at a time.
Lyne said
Dec 31, 2021
FT, what a wonderful reading and share. When I was new most parts of alanon seemed so silly and unnecessary to me. After all, HELP ME TO FIX MY A! Well, we know how that story goes. Those reminders mean so much to me now, the repetition so comforting bringing consistency and hope, and I can't tell you how proud I am of my own anniversary each year. I know it's corny, but alanon has helped save me. I'm so grateful. Peace & love to all.
DM2021 said
Dec 31, 2021
Thank you FT for your service, today's reading and to you and Lyne for both your ESH.
Happy New Year to the MIP Family, sending you all wishes for a very happy, healthy and successful 2022!
This reading does remind me of the hope that Al-Anon gives me everyday when I work this program.
I do truly enjoy reading from the C2C everyday because I feel so much more connected to all that
Al-Anon stands for and teaches. It does make a huge difference to read everyday!
PosiesandPuppies said
Dec 31, 2021
Thank you Freetime for your service! I enjoyed the reading and all whom have shared their ESH. I find that I still hang around, b/c the principles in Al-Anon help me with everyday things. Valuable tools this program offers! For FREE! Imagine that! LOL!
Due to the pandemic, these last 2 years meant that New Year's Eve isn't really a celebration in the traditional sense for me, but a time for reflection. So I am hoping I am evolving into a better human being by being so contemplative. LOL! I hope so.
I'd like to wish TT a very happy birthday!
I also wish all of my MIP friends a year of great health and positive spirit!
I actually have the day off of work (shocker) and I plan on making my very first cherry pie! I have mastered pumpkin, did a decent go at a double-crusted apple, now it is time for the lattice crusted cherry! Then I am going to share it with my folks. So grateful we are all healthy!!
&
Daffodils said
Dec 31, 2021
Good Day Everyone. What a wonderful topic and shares. As always, I learn so much. Happy New Year and Happy Birthday (TT). A home group member shared the following and I got a great kick out of it. "Welcome to FLIGHT 2022. We are preparing for take-off into the New Year. Please make sure your Positive Attitude and Gratitude are secured and locked in the upright position. All self destruct devices such as self pity, fear, anger, resentments must be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. Should you lose your Positive Attitude under pressure during this flight, reach up and pull down a prayer. Prayers will automatically be activated by faith. Once your faith is activated, assist other passengers of little faith. There will be NO BAGGAGE allowed on this flight. Captain Higher Power has cleared us for take-off. Destination: GREATNESS. Wishing you a New Year filled with new Hope, new Joy and new Beginnings. Stay blessed and welcome to 2022." Thank you MIP family for your love and service.
DM2021 said
Dec 31, 2021
Happy Birthday TT!!
Love the share Daffodils!!!
Happy New Year MIP Family!!
Iamhere said
Jan 1, 2022
Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily! Happy Birthday TT & let us know how the pie making goes PnP - I am a much better 'cook' than baker!!!
Happy New Year to all. I arrived broken and defeated and truly felt many of the repeated suggestions were not 'for me'. I was determined to take what I like and leave the rest - unfortunately, unknowingly, I wanted to work this program 'my way' vs. as designed. It took me a long, long while to just surrender and realize that I was independent of those I love with this disease and I was 100% responsible for my own journey and joy.
I had spent a lifetime looking for cause/effect and blame beyond me. I truly felt I believed that I was sane and didn't need work/change. These repeated statements and suggestions have become much more natural as I surrender to my powerlessness, learn to trust my HP & my program and keep my focus on me vs. others around me.
I am really grateful that others allowed me to grow/learn/surrender/accept me and my reality in my time. I continue to focus on progress and just for today, I am serene and joyful. I admit I am ready for this pandemic to move along yet feel gratitude that I have a program and other like-minded folks to get through it.
Make 2022 the best you can! Choose joy, one day at a time!
The December 31 reading in Hope for Today reflects on the consistently repeated phrases heard in the Suggested Welcome and Closing at Al-Anon meetings.
Today's author found that these words and phrases, persistently repeated and heard, gradually came true.
Thought for the day: When I count my blessings, I remember to count Al-Anon's gift of hope.
------------------------
I remember noticing that Al-Anon meetings seemed to have a lot of repetition. Welcome script, Steps, one Tradition or all of them, Do's & Don'ts, Crosstalk reminder, Conference-Approved Literature reminder, Obstacles to Success, Newcomers welcome -- good grief, that's a lot of reading, same thing at every meeting. And announcements -- do I really care what was discussed at the District business meeting, or about some event happening in the future? At times I thought, why don't we skip all that and get straight to the sharing?
Now I've come to acceptance and appreciation of those repeated readings. I remember clearly when I first really heard some of those phrases and they sank in. It wasn't at my first, second, or third meeting -- it took a while.
I remember the times when consistency felt so good, in those times when my life was in chaos and I never knew what to expect when I came home or when I got up in the morning. There was comfort in something that was always the same. I could count on consistency in my Al-Anon meeting.
I can see how having members volunteer to read these selections gives people a chance to participate and be part of the group, even if they don't feel ready to give a personal share.
I am grateful to whatever person or committee composed those words. How did they come up with something so good?
Whatever the next year brings, I can feel confident that I will hear these same repeated words in meetings I attend.
Even the announcements -- they remind me that I am part of something bigger than me, I am not alone, and hundreds of people are voluntarily working on things that could support my recovery. Now that's a miracle.
MIP has been part of my recovery. I wish all my MIP friends a serene and joyful new year, one day at a time.
Thank you FT for your service, today's reading and to you and Lyne for both your ESH.
Happy New Year to the MIP Family, sending you all wishes for a very happy, healthy and successful 2022!
This reading does remind me of the hope that Al-Anon gives me everyday when I work this program.
I do truly enjoy reading from the C2C everyday because I feel so much more connected to all that
Al-Anon stands for and teaches. It does make a huge difference to read everyday!
Thank you Freetime for your service! I enjoyed the reading and all whom have shared their ESH. I find that I still hang around, b/c the principles in Al-Anon help me with everyday things. Valuable tools this program offers! For FREE! Imagine that! LOL!
Due to the pandemic, these last 2 years meant that New Year's Eve isn't really a celebration in the traditional sense for me, but a time for reflection. So I am hoping I am evolving into a better human being by being so contemplative. LOL! I hope so.
I'd like to wish TT a very happy birthday!
I also wish all of my MIP friends a year of great health and positive spirit!
I actually have the day off of work (shocker) and I plan on making my very first cherry pie! I have mastered pumpkin, did a decent go at a double-crusted apple, now it is time for the lattice crusted cherry! Then I am going to share it with my folks. So grateful we are all healthy!!
Love the share Daffodils!!!
Happy New Year MIP Family!!
Happy New Year to all. I arrived broken and defeated and truly felt many of the repeated suggestions were not 'for me'. I was determined to take what I like and leave the rest - unfortunately, unknowingly, I wanted to work this program 'my way' vs. as designed. It took me a long, long while to just surrender and realize that I was independent of those I love with this disease and I was 100% responsible for my own journey and joy.
I had spent a lifetime looking for cause/effect and blame beyond me. I truly felt I believed that I was sane and didn't need work/change. These repeated statements and suggestions have become much more natural as I surrender to my powerlessness, learn to trust my HP & my program and keep my focus on me vs. others around me.
I am really grateful that others allowed me to grow/learn/surrender/accept me and my reality in my time. I continue to focus on progress and just for today, I am serene and joyful. I admit I am ready for this pandemic to move along yet feel gratitude that I have a program and other like-minded folks to get through it.
Make 2022 the best you can! Choose joy, one day at a time!