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.
Last night, I couldn't sleep, (worrying about AH, legal issues, bills....etc.) so I opened up Netflix on my computer and began to browse titles suggested for me. I saw "The Secret" and remembered that someone had mentioned that in a recent F2F meeting. I gave it a try.
Wow, what I took from the video is that the "Secret" is a simple concept of living a positive, grateful life, and getting positive things in return. So much of the video seemed to echo the tools of Al-Anon. I'm not a big believer of trendy self-help ideas, so I didn't pay much attention to the Secret when it was all the rage a number of years ago. But now, it just seems to make sense in the context of my life at the moment, particularly all I am learning through Al-Anon. I'd be interested to hear what others think.
I really enjoy The Secret and reminding myself of the Law of Attraction frequently. In fact I listen to the audio book of The Secret in my car most mornings on my drive in to work. Reminds me to keep my mind focused on positive things.
One of my favorite chapters in the audio book is the one on relationships and the message is given very clearly that we are the only ones in control of our own happiness. We cannot expect others to "owe" us happiness, nor can we sacrifice ourselves in order to try to be someone else's joy. The sacrifice mentality comes from feelings of lack - that there's not enough in the world for everyone so we must do without. If I follow along with the Law of Attraction and trust that God... the universe... has more than enough of anything that I or anyone else needs, then there is no need for me feel like I have to sacrifice myself for others.
It's really great stuff, and I also personally feel like it parallels a lot of the Al-Anon message.
The tricky part is just remembering that while the Law of Attraction essentially says I have a lot of power over what manifests in my world, I have to remember that that's where it stops. ME. I still remain powerless over other people.
