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.
Since today's share was posted later than desired, I decided to post for tomorrow early!!! Perhaps they can balance out in some way!
Tomorrow's reading talks about what was expected at a member's first meeting vs. what was delivered. The writer shares disappointment that the Twelve Steps were provided instead of instructions including Do's and Don'ts.
The writer goes on to suggest the first 3 Steps were easy - already had a belief in God, was willing to turn all issues over to anyone or anything willing to take them - no issues! Then comes some awareness - the writer realizes that owning and admitting powerlessness are not the same - trying to control everything and everyone was ever present - thus realizing a skip on "letting go and letting God".
With added time in recovery, the writer realizes that God does work in our lives, not always in our time frame...As we heal in recovery, we realize God is patient with us as we learn how to use the tools and how to live while moving forward at a pace that works for us. Steps 1-3 give us a great platform to begin recovery, and aren't as easy as they appear....however, we are reminded always of progress, not perfection.
Tomorrow's reminder --- When I was dealing with alcoholism without the help of Al-Anon, I developed coping skills. These are no longer enough. Al-Anon is teaching me a new and better set of skills. I will try to be patient with myself. I am doing fine.
Tomorrow's Quote -- from Seneca "As long as you live, keep learning how to live."
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The quote for me sums up to me how I've come to live my life and work my program. Possibly from FOO, I had this mind-set that everything was a 'project' with a start and a finish....from schooling to work to home chores - etc. I never stopped and enjoyed the journey - always racing to the finish...
Time and time again, I was disappointed - I guess I thought there would be a parade, a break, some recognition or something. As the disease progressed all around me, I dreaded everything and everyone. I came to Al-Anon broken, down-trodden and wondering why life had to suck so, so bad.
I found a good home group who loved me until I could love myself. They showed me how to embrace recovery, how to celebrate myself and how to work those first 3 steps - the building blocks. I have heard them summarized before as, "I Can't. He Can. I think I'll Let Him."
I am one who does 1-2-3 each morning during my prepare for the day ritual. My days just go so much better when I stay aligned as best I can with the many tools taught in recovery. The work has been difficult but the reward in beyond words improvement for my life, attitude and joy.
Make tomorrow the best you can - I'll be heading to my morning meeting and then who knows! Softball starts up again next week!
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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
Wonderul reminder IAH Thank you for posting this important message . Attempting to cope with the disease of alcoholism ithout the spport of alanon was terrible. Being able to live one day at a time without projecting or reacting. Learning how to look withih and examine my motives without blaming or judging others. was a wonderful gift.
Meetings, Sponsors, Steps and the Slogans were all tools to freedom.
Thanks for your service IAH.
I had to chuckle when I read that without Alanon one develops coping skills. Yes I sure did: a mental state full of fear, anger, depression, obsession, negative thinking, spying on my wife-EEEE GADS. Nothing positive happened there. Alanon is teaching me a saner, softer, kinder way to treat myself, and without my every breath focused on my A, I've been growing and changing. And now 4 Yr's later, my A is sober for a few months, and getting some help. Not sure what the future holds, but I can enjoy today. Thanks, Lyne
I also got a chuckle Lyne - yes....my 'coping' strategies before recovery were beyond crazy-making. As Betty points out, it was tiring and just so not working... I hear you too Aline - I am one who constantly needs to be gentle with me.....I forget and then remember that a power greater than I is here to restore me to calm and sanity!
Make it a great day everyone - happy Sunday!
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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
