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.
Many of us see miracles happen within ourselves and our al-anon friends when they start working the al-anon recovery program. Our attitudes and perspective changes and we gain tools that better help us to deal with problems and manage them without letting them become a crisis. We become higher functioning moving out of our heads and into our lives taking the best action we know to pursue. We learn to let go of fear and doubt and grab onto faith and confidence. This is a miracle we can make happen in working our program.
Today's reminder: In doing my part today, I will trust God will not let me down and he will do his part. The quote from psalms says that there was a battle within me, but he brought me out of it and into serenity.
All of this reading is perfect for me, I used to have such a chip on my shoulder and had to be rebellious just for the sake of it. I am no longer that way and life is so much easier. I am humbled and have a far better perspective realizing most things are not a battle. My friend used to say if the only tool you have and know how to use is a hammer, you walk around whacking everything with a hammer. Well I now have many tools and none of them include feeling I need to whack anyone for any reason. I love how this program looks on so many! Sending you love and support on your journey's!
-- Edited by Breakingfree on Thursday 29th of January 2015 08:06:02 AM
__________________
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."
Thanks for the share, BF. I was not a rebelling person as much as I was a person who would blame myself for the ways other people behaved in relationship to me. I noticed that as I grew healthier and stronger and more willing to look at what I wanted and needed in my life, I also noticed what relationships I wanted to do my part to nurture and cultivate and what relationships I needed to step back from or away from that were abusive, discounting or oneupmanship. I used to think I had to deal with the cards I was dealt all the time. I learned that sometimes I need to deal with the cards I'm dealt but often I can fold and move to another table with other players who like and love themselves and therefore can give and receive the same from me.
-- Edited by grateful2be on Thursday 29th of January 2015 08:29:41 AM
Thanks for the share, BF. I was not a rebelling person as much as I was a person who would blame myself for the ways other people behaved in relationship to me. I noticed that as I grew healthier and stronger and more willing to look at what I wanted and needed in my life, I also noticed what relationships I wanted to do my part to nurture and cultivate and what relationships I needed to step back from or away from that were abusive, discounting or one up man ship. I used to think I had to deal with the cards I was dealt all the time. I learned that sometimes I need to deal with the cards I'm dealt but often I can fold and move to another table with other players who like and love themselves and therefore can give and receive the same from me.
You know as I read your share Grateful2be I am reminded after many years living with my exAH I didn't rebel, I had switched over to the eggshell walk. I blamed myself for many nights of his drinking and tried to become perfect in order to redeem him, none of it worked of course and he kept getting worse and we both blamed me for everything, not good! I am so glad to no longer be living that life! I am so glad you are here! Thanks for this! Sending you much love and support!
__________________
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."
Dear Breaking Free, thank you for sharing today's reading as well as your thoughts on the topic.
When I read the portion that spoke about "changed attitudes," I was reminded of the Al-Anon's opening that states; "changed attitudes can aid recovery".
When I first heard that, I thought, okay I'll go home and change my attitudes. I then realized that I tried to change my attitude many times in the course of my lifetime and although I was successful for the first few days, my attitudes did not change but came roaring back at the first sign of conflict or disappointment.
I then listened more carefully and discovered that my attitudes will be changed as a result of working this program. Not by any concerted effort on my part to change my attitudes.
It was indeed a miracle to see how I stopped reacting and began to act in a more positive constructive manner. For years I believed erroneously that I really thought fast and on my feet ,but when I look back all I was doing was reacting and never really thinking.
Working the steps, using the slogans, attending meetings all brought about a fantastic change in my attitudes and my responses to life. When I was able to let go of, gossip, criticism, judgment and blame, I discovered I could feel compassion, empathy, understanding and express them in a powerful manner in all my interaction.
I do so love the quote from psalms that you shared; "That there was a battle within me, but he brought me out of it and into serenity.
This is exactly how program worked for me and I am eternally grateful
BF. I'm receiving your love and support and returning it. You are a gift to watch and to learn from in this fellowship.