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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> ODAAT-Page 13
Post Info TOPIC: ODAAT-Page 13
Jerry F


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ODAAT-Page 13
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Aloha Kakahiaka Ohana....Good morning Family.

I am following thru on a recovery practice that I have just renewed of reading daily from my old, old CAL.  I mean old and it is very conforting and powerful because I've got notes and phone numbers and member statements from 1979.  It is like opening a treasure chest I stowed in back of the closet and just get a glimpse of now and then.

I'm reading the page of the day and also those pages from the index which apply to my daily life with emphasis.  I like the page of the day and then went to the first page on "Decisions" which was January 13 or page 13 and a flood of emotions and powerful surprise came back.  "When will I realize that I need not permit the alcoholic's behavior to conufse my life and destroy my peace of mind?"  I cannot quote the whole thing because of copy right laws but I'd like to remember that this phrase and this page was a HUGE earthquake to my senses when I first got into the Family Groups.   I didn't know they about choices and I also didn't know about making choices for me and not because others would approve or dis-approve them. 

This statement is my freedom question and the permission to not only open the door to changes for my life but to take it completely off it's hinges.  No more would I make the decision to accept the unacceptable and go along as a hostage on the ride into hell, over and over and over again.  

If you have the ODAAT...go read the page.   If you don't go get one and read the page.  Then let the shackles drop.  Freedom from....

 

"God guide me to make the right decision and give me the fortitude to cling to it against all pressures and persuasions."  Rocket Science.

 

(((((hugs))))) smile



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drummerchick423


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Ok, I'm confused. What is CAL? What is ODAAT?

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RLC


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Jerry,

I just read the page and I couldn't agree with you more. At some point slowly over time, I can't pinpoint the exact day, I came to the realization and made a promise to myself that I would not let the alcoholic's behavior destroy my peace of mind......anymore. I changed my thinking. As you often say it takes practice, practice, practice, but I finally realized I was in control of how I reacted or didn't react to the alcoholic's behavior.

The first sentence of "Today's Reminder" on Pg. 13 states: "I have a right to free myself from any situation that interferes with my having a decent life and pleasant experiences". The alternative is to allow my life to be unmanageable.......I had a choice, I chose to change, and my life is better because of that change.

Thanks for you post.

HUGS,
RLC

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RLC


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Sandra,

CAL stands of "Conference Approved Literature". Literature approved by Al-Anon. In f2f Al-Anon meetings only CAL can be used.

ODAAT is short for the Al-Anon book used in f2f meetings call "One Day At A Time".

HUGS,
RLC



-- Edited by RLC on Saturday 9th of April 2011 01:17:36 PM



-- Edited by RLC on Saturday 9th of April 2011 01:20:37 PM

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GailMichelle


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Jerry &  RCL:

The quotes you shared are exactly what I needed to be reminded of today.  They didn't apply to my qualifier, however.

So many well-meaning people offer  me their unsolicited advice  since I've been newly divorced.  Sometimes, self-doubt takes a big hold of me and I begin to put pressure on myself.  I allow it.

Thanks guys!  w00t.gif



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Ness


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(((((Jerry))))).......thank you.

I am wavering, and my serenity is challenged.....my shackle is the umbilical cord............you know what I mean.

I will read and re-read and practice harder.

Love in recovery

Ness x



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Christy


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The really cool part is..at first we struggle to reclaim our sanity while dealing with the alcoholic by choosing a different reaction through choices.  Eventually we learn that these same behaviors work in every day life with all kinds of people and situations.

Last night I was flipping through channels and landed on The Apprentice.  Gary Busey (who was previously on a rehab show) stood quietly and took all kinds of screaming expletives from another person.  He was accused of stealing something (which he didn't) and was being degraded and personally attacked.  He never said a word or even felt the need to defend himself.  I could see his program at work.  He was seeing the "S" (sick) on the screamers forehead.  The "S" doesn't always mean the person is a alcoholic.  We can see the "S" appear in many forms, and we can choose to not get sucked in.

Thanks Jerry,

Christy

 

 

 



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hotrod


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Hi Jerrry and thanks for picking a page from the ODAT.  I too love that book. Mine is also quite used and written  In.  I am so grateful to this program because it gave me permission to change and to RESPOND in more positive, constructive ways than I had ever known before.

  Just by attending meetings reading CAL and sharing- my ingrained attitudes changed and I no longer cherished my sadness, anger and resentments.  What a gift we give ourselves and others when we choose to use these tools



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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

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Debilyn


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thank you RLC and Jerry, My books are all packed or up at the cabin.

"I have the right..." I like that. Its something I learned since being here at MIP. its my life, my choices. If I want to do something that may seem off the wall to others, so be it.

I don't want to miss a thing here during this time on earth. Being a JW, I am very devouted to my HP, the creator. Not all people relate to how I honestly believe and follow the Bible the best I can.

Thats ok with me. I like being me, following my own heart.

Loving an addict can make us limit what we want, what we love, what we do. Its weird how we can just let them such us dry and pull us into their pit.

One A told me I was stupid and embarrassing becuz I carried some kittens around in a front pack I was bottle feeding. jerk.

I carried baby piglets too. My ex AH loved animals too so he never hurt me about animals. He loved me for it.

I am a little eccentric, I like that. I like others who are to. Dare to be themselves, let their hearts show. Addicts disease can make us protect and hide our "who we are."

We don't have to change becuz a disease tries to kill us.

Anyway thanks for sharing this. People are at their best when they show and share themselves and know they have rights to choose, and be themselves and rights to say no, and protect their precious lives.



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Peggy7


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Jerry,

Thanks for the reminder to pick up the healing words and reminders.  I love the portion that reminds me ...every person has the right to live without fear, uncertainly,  humiliation or discomfort.

Grace to you my friend,

 

Peggy 7

 



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tommyecat


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Thanks for sharing. :)

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