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.
Todays reading is all about what it means to 'work' the program. It says we get out exactly what we put in. Working it means, 'attending meetings faithfully' read some alanon literature every day and apply what we learn to our daily lives. It also means sharing with others what we are learning.
This reading is like a dos and donts of alanon. It goes on to say we are not in alanon to be amused or entertained or shocked with horror stories but to discuss alanon ideas with the main purpose of helping others and ourselves. The reminder says we must do our own work and not look to others to do it for us. And that alanon has the most to give those who really want to help themselves.
To me its a reminder that alanon has a purpose, its not just a place to bring all our woes really, or the woes must have a point to them, like the tools used to improve things.its a fine line between a coffee morning and an alanon meeting. I attended one meeting where noone shared their esh. Everyone at the meeting spoke about the next episode of the drama in their life. It was pretty uncomfortable to listen to. I left feeling a bit deflated, there were few solutions or tools, it was one big vent. i never went back but i was told later that after a group consciousness meeting the group had addressed this and made changes to stick to the principles. It was good for me to see that as individuals we are a work in progress and groups are too. We cant always get it right.
Early on in program I did not understand at all how the meetings, etc. were going to help me with my enormous pain. Alll I knew is that the depression, obsession, and despair was getting worse day by day, and nothing I had tried so far seemed to help. At first I resisted F2F meetings-after all, why couldn't I just get help through the board? But slowly it all sank in~the F2F, the board, reading, practicing getting a sponsor, contact with others from my F2F. God it sounded like so much to do. But lo and behold, it works! I did and still do want help-lots of it-because I see positive change and know I could slip back into the hole if not careful. I still live with my A for now and danger lurks all around me! With daily practice of all these great tools I see I can get better and better. Progress not perfection, Amen. Lyne :)
Thanks for that el_cee. I know I remember sharing at a meeting a couple months in and saying "I'm so excited, I'm about to share about me and not about my wife!". I felt like I had really made a change there, and that I was growing through f2f and MIP. I don't know why anyone would want to accept anything less once they have experienced the excitement of personal growth that Al Anon can give!
Thanks El-cee .. years ago when I began alanon, I wanted a to-do list .. Truth is I got one .. it just didn't look the way I expected it to .. it wasn't what to-do with the alcoholic; it was what to do with my obsession period .. Great reminder of what to-do when we feel restless ..
