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.
I am seeing that we all have programs. Programs are provisional sets of belief systems in which we live our lives- we all have a program! The issue then is WHAT KIND of program am I going to use in my life today (just for today)?
I have had terrible programs- ones that were toxic and very self destructive to myself and those around me. This is the stinking thinking, etc.
Today I have Al-anon, a different kind of program that is based on sharing, reaching out, optimism, faith, hope and love- not pessimism, expecting the worst, resentments, isolating, anger, fear and self-loathing- THAT was my OLD program!
I don't know but this was just a switch that flipped on with me this morning. I get to choose which program I am going to use, just for today. I have to chose some kind of program 'cause we all got one!! Why not choose the one that feels good and safe and provides me with a feeling of freedom and serenity? Why not choose the one that makes me smile a little?! Jean
Yesterday I was at work. Things are pretty tense with some changes about to take place that will affect the staff. Demeanors are tense and aggitated and I was on the recieving end of it a little bit yesterday. I almost responded in the same way, afterall, I am facing the same concerns. But I took a couple minutes and was able to tell myself, "people are feeling stressed. it's not you. you don't have to respond." So, I didn't. The work day ended up being a good day, for ME!
I can always count on you for a new insight. It's really true that we do get to choose what kind of program we are going to use. I guess it depends on what's in our toolbox that day. I was having a rather tough day at work a couple of days ago. I was tired of "babysitting" the crew and my program was no where to be had. I forgot to use my program. Now I see that I could have choosen how to react in a better way rather than in the way I did. I was able to let it go once I got home. That's a big change for me. Normally I would stew about it all night long. So somewhere my program must have crept back in. Thanks for the reminder. Love and blessings to you and your family.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
I got an email this morning about how everything is about attitude and choosing to have a positive attitude and outlook, choosing to be in a good mood and now this.... I think HP is speaking to me...
Thanks Jean for that powerful reminder. You are so right. My negative tools are right out there ready for me to pick up.
Today I know how destructive they are, and by focusing on myself and my feelings I can choose to pick-up an alanon tool instead.
I have to remember it is progress not perfection that counts so when I go to my negative tool box, I am very aware of the choice I made and know what to do to return.
Before alanon I had NO other tools to call on.
I am so grateful for this program and appreciate your share.
I must admit, I kind of get a wry smile on here sometimes, when people come in here new, with pre-conceived notions of what kind of program Al-Anon is.... I believe that Al-Anon has to be one of the gentlest and most forgiving programs in the world - there is a universal key to entry, the work is all our choice, and there is pretty much no exclusion of any sort....
Take care Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
Jean...see what you went and started!! God I'm grateful you did the feedback is all right on!! I learned this angle...I can do my program or thee program. It's about how I want my life to turn out for any moment. Thanks for the reminder.
