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.
It's easy to forget how important it is to continue working on ourselves during the peaceful times. That doesn't mean walking on eggshells waiting for the crisis to start anew, but it does mean staying focused on the things that help us to grow and resisting the urge to become complacent. We can "rest" and wait for another crisis to wake us up again essentially stagnating in a cycle of crisis management followed by anxious times of "peace", or we can be grateful for what we have and take the time to work even harder at growing and understanding happiness.
There will always be crisis in life, alcoholism gives us something to fear and can distract us from growth, but even without addiction, we are all going to face loss and pain. So enjoy the times of peace and use them to help you through the times of doubt, take the opportunity to grow and don't become complacent fearing what might happen. If you are in a time of crisis, you're not alone and take some solace in the knowledge that the pain you're feeling is a reminder that you are alive, and active in your life.
Dad,
Happy holidays to you as well. I have to admit my program has a 24 hour shelf life. I get a daily reprieve from my thinking contingent on maintaining my spiritual condition. The old saying goes pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. When I connect myself to my HP, life seems to go a bit smoother even in the darkest times.
T
