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.
The C2C reading for October 30 speaks about gratitude as expressed by members of Al-Anon. It points out that one of the most powerful experiences of a new member who enters the rooms and hears people express their gratitude, they (like myself) are often amazed .
I could've written this page because when I came into the rooms, and heard the word" gratitude",I was angry and could not say the word myself for a long time never mind "Feel "the feelings. Finally after working with the slogans and the sponsor, and making daily gratitude lists (that I did not feel) the metamorphosis happened and I can honestly say and feel gratitude.
The quote is from the ODAT "when things looked like this, it is within my power to brighten them with the light of understanding and gratitude.
Today's reading is a powerful one....thank you Betty for the daily and your service!
I remember that I too was so angry. While I tried to keep an open mind, my mind was so filled with anger and what was wrong. I remember thinking, "what in the world is there to be grateful for??? This is broken, that is broken, I am broken, etc."
Before this program, I focused on what was not working, not good and/or what was done TO me. Through the program work and a great sponsor, I learned that when we live with this disease, we need to flip our thinking upside down. She taught me how to be grateful for what is working and what is good instead of the way I processed.
I could not even find 5 things to be grateful for at first. They were there - I just couldn't think that way and needed others to remind me that I had a home, my health, my sanity, new friends, a program and so much more.....I just couldn't get there in the beginning - what a battle within me.
I am a huge advocate for gratitude lists. For me, it's such a quick tool to change my thoughts when they drift negatively. The same with the asset lists that Al-Anon suggests. It is a simple, yet powerful tool for living in the moment/day!
Happy Friday to one and all!!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thank you both for your service and your shares...As I read this page I, too, reflected on my first reaction to the concept of being grateful for the alcoholic in my life.
My very first thought was that it was a bit overcompensated: 'Thank you, may I have another'. But the member who made the statement was one I had observed demonstrating good program, healthy perspective, and a true serenity and peace. As I pondered the concept further, I saw that their commitment to AlAnon principles had helped them to separate from the anger and focus on others and had made real adjustments within themselves at a very deep level. I knew that I was not there, but wanted to be...
As I read this page now, it speaks to me and my heart smiles in agreement. To reach this point, to have this feeling was never a goal of mine, it just happened: a dawning realization. It is not something that I can ever take credit for, because my own perspectives and thinking only left me twisted by frustration, driven by fear, with very little room for true gratitude for anyone or anything.
The principles and tools I discovered in AlAnon were the only things that broke through my self-created misery and pain. Without them, I might have continued stumbling blindly, without hope for clarity and the joy of seeing the many reasons I have to be grateful. Every day there are challenges, but none for which AlAnon and my hp do not offer adequate assistance. When I choose to call upon it, the power of gratitude is incredible...Thank you AlAnon
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
