A head full of injuries and a heart full of despair often accompany the new member to an Alanon meeting, and are sometimes what fuel the content of first shares.
Good it is that a new member finds the group that hears these first pain-focused expressions graciously, as it allows the newcomer to process thoughts and listeners to remember their own journey.
Even better, says todays reading, is the group that does not get stuck at that stage but helps all move toward the goal and focus of Alanon: moving beyond the fear and pain toward learning and practicing new tools for spiritual recovery.
Reminder: Alanon meetings are not intended to be alcoholic horror story recitals or victim reinforcement exercises. They are intended to focus on learning and exchanging ways to use Alanon Steps and principles to rise above the events and challenging circumstances we may face.
"The more I immerse myself in Alanon teachings, the more I will get from them and the more I can help others." - Unattributed
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I am grateful that my first exposure to Alanon was in meetings that kept a healthy focus on experience, strength and hope; solutions rather than things outside my control. It was a good model of what a spiritual view strives for.
Sometimes I may need to acknowledge frustration, sadness, or loss briefly among Alanoners who I know will understand. Good reminder to let it begin with me and not endlessly blame someone else
DM2021 said
Mar 21, 2023
Good morning Paul, thank you for your service and today's reading.
I find it so understandable that continually complaining serves me no purpose and only
points out to me that I need to work the program or I will not find the relief I seek.
Lyne said
Mar 21, 2023
Thanks Paul for your service and all above ESH. I know at my very first meeting I shared my story so the group could understand why I was there. And of course no one told me how to fix my A. But the energy of the group kept me coming back and overtime things fell into place. It does take patience and practice to move forward, but after all, that's why I've kept coming back. And by the way, I plan to keep,coming back!
SunnyFrog said
Mar 21, 2023
Good afternoon.
I do believe when I first joined here it was all about the A(A's) in my life and everything they were doing. I still may do that sometimes but I do realize I have become more self focused. It's not an easy thing to do,it sounds pretty simple but it's hard to change a lifetime thing. But I am progressing,even if it's slow at times.
I needed this reading and reminder today. I really am grateful for this program and all that share.
A head full of injuries and a heart full of despair often accompany the new member to an Alanon meeting, and are sometimes what fuel the content of first shares.
Good it is that a new member finds the group that hears these first pain-focused expressions graciously, as it allows the newcomer to process thoughts and listeners to remember their own journey.
Even better, says todays reading, is the group that does not get stuck at that stage but helps all move toward the goal and focus of Alanon: moving beyond the fear and pain toward learning and practicing new tools for spiritual recovery.
Reminder: Alanon meetings are not intended to be alcoholic horror story recitals or victim reinforcement exercises. They are intended to focus on learning and exchanging ways to use Alanon Steps and principles to rise above the events and challenging circumstances we may face.
"The more I immerse myself in Alanon teachings, the more I will get from them and the more I can help others." - Unattributed
-----------------------
I am grateful that my first exposure to Alanon was in meetings that kept a healthy focus on experience, strength and hope; solutions rather than things outside my control. It was a good model of what a spiritual view strives for.
Sometimes I may need to acknowledge frustration, sadness, or loss briefly among Alanoners who I know will understand. Good reminder to let it begin with me and not endlessly blame someone else
I find it so understandable that continually complaining serves me no purpose and only
points out to me that I need to work the program or I will not find the relief I seek.
I do believe when I first joined here it was all about the A(A's) in my life and everything they were doing. I still may do that sometimes but I do realize I have become more self focused. It's not an easy thing to do,it sounds pretty simple but it's hard to change a lifetime thing. But I am progressing,even if it's slow at times.
I needed this reading and reminder today. I really am grateful for this program and all that share.