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 loved today's reading in the ODAT It points out that attending Al-Anon meetings is extremely important to growth in Al-Anon. It suggests that when we first begin attending meetings, we find a safe place to share and it feels good to do so. After a while, it is important to note that complaining about oppression and indignation only makes them seem larger and more disturbing. Working the Al-Anon program means that we put the shortcomings of others out of our mind and think constructively about putting Al-Anon ideas to work in my life. This is the reason that having a sponsor is so important to recovery. It is with this person we can vent and receive the empathy and tools to recover in an individual fashion
Today's reminder states. "I go to Al-Anon to get rid of self-pity and resentment, not to increase their power to destroy me. I go to learn how others have dealt with their problems so I can apply the wisdom to my own life."
The quote is "I ask God to keep me from magnifying my troubles by harping on them continually."
I found this to be very true. I do believe that I learned to use all my Al-Anon tools by practicing them in Al-Anon meetings as I listened to learn. Keeping an open mind, enabled me to allow others to have their own opinion without cross talking and giving mine. I also learned to be patient as I waited my turn to share. Let Go and Let God also worked when things did not go as I wanted.
I found, just as the reading states, that attending meetings where members share their full ES H is much more powerful than one where people just share their pain.
Your thoughts help eveyone grow. How great is that.
Today's reading reminds me exactly what it is that I like about Alanon - it isn't just where I bring my pain and problems, but I have something to offer people as well. I really feel the spirit of learning with Al-Anon - students learning from teachers and teachers learning from students so everyone has something valuable to contribute. And, I love the positivity and laughter. I have been living in a home filled with resentment and anger for so long, it is like a breath of fresh air to learn how to deal with my problems instead of letting them consume me.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
