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.
In the reading for ODAT today I am hearing loud and clear the message of paying it forward. Someone loved me before I loved myself when I first came into the rooms of al-anon and helped me to learn to love myself and actually take good care of me. My life has changed so much for the better and now I want to share my own ESH and pour into others to help them get through their own personal dysfunctions and survival mechanisms until they learn the al-anon tools and gain a better perspective on life. It takes time and patience from us all here to love and support each other in finding our own voices, finding our own paths and in just finding ourselves deep down to know our wants, dreams and desires for this life, more than just merely surviving. I am glad I am here and am glad to share this journey with you all.
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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."
Dear Breaking Free, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on today's reading in the ODA T. I love how you shared the concept of attending meetings, sharing our own experience, strength and hope and by so doing" paying recovery forward" to everyone who walks in the door of Al-Anon.
I never did understand how meetings worked but I just knew that I felt 100 times better after attending one. When I walked in the rooms. I could/can feel the love and peace surround me and as I sat and listened to learn, I was astonished to see the courage and wisdom of those in attendance.
There were little whining about problems,they were not telling each otherwhat to do, they were merely listening with an open mind and heart and using Al-Anon principles and slogans to grow.
You are absolutely correct it takes time, and effort in order for the Al-Anon philosophy to grow deep down within. It is also powerful medicine to share that growth with others.
. I do love the prayer at the bottom of the page reminds us to take actions each day that may advance my steps on the road to understanding.
Meetings, Al-Anon readings, Al-Anon telephone calls, posting on this Board helps me to reinforce the Al-Anon principles for myself and therefore I gain by giving. This truly is a fellowship of equals. :)
I can say I don't attend meetings like I should and it hurts me more often that not...but I do try and live by the readings in all my books I read. I still have times I catch myself wanting to win....to be above it because I know better but with the Al-anon way I can control it more and more and the years go by.
I only once had a sponsor for a brief time and never did the real work but I will never give up trying because the way I am now is 100 times better than 2 years ago.
Thank you for your ESH and love you give to all of us....that makes me feel better than I deserve ((( hugs )))
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Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth
Speak only when you feel that your words are better than your silence.
