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.
Courage to Change has been a helpful part of my recovery. I have a really bad memory but I know today's reading is a good one. I will probably read it again because I tend to forget almost every thing I read that can be important. Sometimes I would rather read light reading because I am in the moment & don't have to remember what I read & it is just for enjoyment. I definitely need to try to remember things that matter. I need to focus more. I have been under so much stress lately even though I am having some of the best days of my life in spite of all me & my family are going through.
My dad was on my mind yesterday. I was thinking about how good of a provider he was. He made such a huge difference in my life when he took me in after getting separated from my first husband. Boy, did he ever step it up! I am so grateful for the times we had. He was a light in my life. He was definitely not perfect--he did some things early in my life that i still don't understand today. He was unable to face his issues w/ my mom & they ended up divorcing when I was about 9. I don't hold it against him anymore--I have done a slew of things that I am not proud of. Actually one of the things he did, I did in a way. I was guilty too. I don't have a leg to stand on when it comes to the past. At least I can see where I went wrong today. I don't have to dwell on the mistakes in my past. I am now focusing on today & to do something for the Al anon who still suffers. Even those of us who have been in The Program, need support & sometimes we still suffer whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.
Well...I got off the topic of using the Courage to Change book as a tool. My book is falling apart. I hope I can figure out a way to fix it. I guess good tape will do the trick.
It is a new month today. I am glad September is over. I plan to get my swing set up so I can get on it & start writing down my story. I really feel it is time to get it on paper very slowly & thoughtfully. It is important for me to have the moments in my life on print. I am going to type them up on the library printer. It will work better because I don't have really good penmanship. And, I don't have a printer or a computer at home. I guess having a tablet isn't enough for what I need to do.
Kathleen I love the C2C as well. Mine is also old and beat up as I read it daily. It is amazing how I always feel enriched after I read it. I love alanon and the tools
I have learned that I can glance back at the past, and not stare. I need to learn the lessons from the experiences of the past, and then move into the present with the knowledge and wisdom I have gained. The alanon principles are so powerful . There is no need to beat myself or anyone else up-- It is all a learning experience. I am glad that you are going to write yur experiences It is very helpful.
That's a good reading Kathleen. I like the way it describes the thoughts crashing around in my mind. That's sure how it feels. Detachment is key for me. Getting that emotional distance from the problems helps me put them in their true perspective and they don't look so huge and overwhelming.
I know the tablet isn't perfect, but I am learning how to type pretty well on mine and it has an office package on it that you can use to type into. I can show you haow it works if you want.
See you at the meeting.
__________________
~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
