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.
When I die and I'm being buried, I don't want there to be this very prime body, with no scares, no wrinkles, no grey hair, perfect smile, dressed in a tux with everything all primp lookin' and everything in order like a choreographed event. I want it to look like I lived. Fully, as though I lived to the very last minute the fullness that life has to offer, with all of its colors, sounds, sunshine and rains, curves and cliffs, smiles and sorrows, and it all to look like I just slide into my grave sideways screaming "wOw what a ride, such a fabulous journey!"
Al-Anon restored my ability to breath deep within. Al-Anon taught me how to stop holding my breath. Al-Anon give me wings, to fly and learn how to live.
I remember, a while back I asked someone I truly trust and respect why we have to fall so far, and hit such hard bottoms, before we learn? Why would God do that to His people?
He replied, "A bird does not build its nest in the lowest branches of a tree. It builds it near the very top of the tree, so when the time comes and its young ones have to learn how to fly, they have plenty of branches between themselves and the ground. They do this, so the baby bird will either learn how to fly very quickly, or have a safe place to land as it is learning. They find a branch on the way down."
Al-Anon was my branch. A safe place to land. I knew I was going to be okay, that everything was going to be alright, and I would learn whatever i needed to learn here and most importantly, I would never have to try to fly solo again, there were a lot of other birds in this beautiful tree.
Thank you for being here. We can do this thing together!!
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I find a bit of peace, love and serenity when I am watching my fish, or taking care of their tank needs. They are like way cool fish. I can put my finger in the water and they will all come and lightly rub against it with their sides, they don't run, they know they are safe and I will care for them.
John
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-- Edited by John on Monday 9th of February 2015 01:17:04 PM
I love this post.your passion for life and gratitude for this amazing program. its like a second chance, just when you think life is not really worth living, well thats how far down the tree i had to go but alanon got me way up above any branch ive ever been on before. Life is beautiful, even the bad times are worth it. Is it spirituality that gives us this? Fills the hole inside? Thanks john, that was brilliant for me to read today.x
-- Edited by el-cee on Monday 9th of February 2015 02:23:08 PM
Nice tank, beautiful Plechostomus! I love those guys! Great analogy too, having those branches there at least slow us down before we hit bottom. And then we try again...
Nice analogy and appreciation for life's pit falls . I adopted a fighter fish that was abandoned by a co-worker, when it was time to say good-bye to "sharkie" I found it very difficult, such a beautiful creature.
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
I have a 100 gallon plexiaquarium that is an antique from when my parents first got married, I love it and watching the fish relaxes me as well as the waterfall sound the filter makes. I love the pictures and can relate to your share. I want to truly live this life and share in it and not try to avoid the scrapes and bruises that come with it. It can and is painful at times and I still get ashamed when I make mistakes, but I am staying open and vulnerable to the process, because for me it is the only way to grow is to push through it, even the uncomfortable parts of it. Even when I just want to take my marbles and go home, I don't allow myself to isolate and think like a victim anymore. This life is worth it as are all of us sharing in this journey to live out loud and to enjoy our world and everything in it. Life is hard, but oh so worth it. Thanks for this share!
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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."
. I adopted a fighter fish that was abandoned by a co-worker, when it was time to say good-bye to "sharkie" I found it very difficult, such a beautiful creature.