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 was an artistic kid in the sporty frontier style community...
...drinking was 'a way of life' for quite a body of people.
An alcoholic was someone who 'drank with the flies' in a corner of the bar....
My rural community is no longer really rural- so many changes!
I am still finding my family and my community--- well y'all say it often- it is a journey!
Alanon, and AA, came along to our place when the construction crews arrived to flood the valley floor. They had seasoned members... something I am so grateful for. [This of off the record, huh? But the timber for our extra bedroom came off of the dam site, and supplied by the AA members...]
A gift of love... my family had been living inside the construction zone, and this was a break for us. We fostered kids and this was gratitude.
I am a local historian too- and have made a special study of the role the chapel churches played in curbing excessive drinkers. This was another model to AA-Alanon... and a vital issue. There was life before recovery was invented.
This alone has been the background to my journey with our higher power... any of us who have been in this community know the issues and concerns well....
I sometimes invent my own acronyms. I call 'em Akronyms, because the programme seems to be full of 'em.
A ffection
R espect
T rust
I hold to this one a lot. The L. word can be confusing and sometimes hurtful... and for me affection fills the bill.
I wasn't always covered in cotton candy. I realised that when I did my steps that that 'goody-two-shoes' I was when growing up was not the same in my twenties- as I tried hard to find my feet.
But that is an asset now. Virtually nothing would shock or surprise me...
I have had a full exciting life- but the down times were long and protracted... even impossible...
...the last 24 hours i was in a traffic accident with my farm bike... they took me to hosp for an X-ray.
i had medics, paramedics and an ambulance ride... I wasn't badly hurt.
My SO was impressed that I did not try to 'claim the blame' like being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The other driver was in the wrong and she was sooo upset and sorry.
We have had issues here which were not alcohol related. I used my programme and it has worked a charm... I was going to say 'so far', but to be honest it is a miracle.
I was the one who had to execute the intervention... and it worked... I am just so grateful...
this is a special home-place, MIP Alanon, for me- where I found real help... and hope...
but along the way, as we all know just getting through the day we need miracles... and we shore do need the people around who offer us these daily miracles... break-throughs... insights,
sometimes without realising it themselves, until later...
so if I hold back because of a sense of perfection, I may be missing an opportunity...
I hold to this one a lot. The L. word can be confusing and sometimes hurtful... and for me affection fills the bill.
***************** Yea, i am wary of the over use of the "L" word, like it is waaay thrown around and its not genuine, affection, respect, honor, loyalty, keeping ones word, etc., fills the bill for me.........
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Live and let live and do it with peace and goodwill to all!!!!
Great share and I love when you post and share a part of your world. I am also glad you aren't too awfully hurt, but send prayers for a fast healing anyway. Sending you respect and support!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
David: I'm sure that upset on your bike was certainly no welcome surprise. Fortunately, you weren't badly injured, your SO was with you in such a loving, supportive way and you are here posting your experience/strength/hope. Good to see you here.
Glad you're ok david! Damn bikes, you just can't trust 'em! I like what you've said about responding to posts here and the gifts we receive from the many insights of others. I've gotten a lot from your shares. Thanks for Akronyms! LOL, that's great! I enjoyed hearing about the roots of the programs in your part of the world. I always appreciate learning more about the history of our programs. Isn't wonderful that due to the internet we program people are so accessible to one another now. We're lucky to share with people from all over the world at mip. It's one of the things I've enjoyed most about coming here. Glad you found us and choose to share your experience strength and hope with us. Keep coming back. TT
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Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
I like what you've said about responding to posts here and the gifts we receive from the many insights of others. I've gotten a lot from your shares. Thanks for Akronyms! LOL, that's great! I enjoyed hearing about the roots of the programs in your part of the world. I always appreciate learning more about the history of our programs. Isn't wonderful that due to the internet we program people are so accessible to one another now. We're lucky to share with people from all over the world at mip. It's one of the things I've enjoyed most about coming here. Glad you found us and choose to share your experience strength and hope with us. Keep coming back. TT