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.
Today's reading talks about the equality that exists in Al-Anon recovery. Many of us come to the program with a perception of being greater than some and less than others. The writer gives the analogy of being on a ladder rung - middle +/- with some below and some above and God at the very top - way, way up. The reader suggests it was a hard, lonely way to exist because no two persons could stand comfortably on the same rung for long.
Arriving at Al-Anon, the writer found others who had stepped down from their ladder position and stepped into the fellowship circle. All were on equal terms, and God was right in the center - easily accessible for all. When new members arrive, the circle widens and all remain equal.
Learning how to be humble and embracing the equality of all helped the writer with recovery, fellowship and healing. Al-Anon provides each of us a place in a worldwide circle of love and support.
Today's reminder -- My thoughts are my teachers. Are they teaching me to love and appreciate myself and others, or are they teaching me to practice isolation? Today I will choose my teachers with greater care.
Today's quote from This is Al-Anon -- "Live and let live sets us free from the compulsion to criticize, judge, condemn, and retaliate . . . which can damage us far more than those against whom we use such weapons. Al-Anon teaches us tolerance rooted in love."
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I am one (raising hand) who truly always felt less than or great than. This applies for as far back as I can remember. The concept of equality in recovery and my HP walking with me instead of me trying to walk towards him has truly helped me humbly and joyously be grateful to just be a part of.
I am so grateful the program allowed me to live my life and let others do the same. I am glad to have a clear mind and heart and no longer have to blame the diseased around me for my feelings, thoughts, actions, etc. I have learned how to accept myself and others, warts and all, exactly as we are and celebrate what's good. Before recovery, I was hyper-focused on what was wrong all the time, all around me - exhausting and stressful.
Each step, slogan and tool in this program has changed me in ways I never expected. It does work when we work it! Happy Friday MIP - make it a great day....hibernating again today - bone chilly here....stay safe and warm!
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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
Good Morning IAH Love this reading and the fact that we are in a "Fellowship of equal" How impressive is that!! No experts, no one in control, leadership is determined by members rotation and volunteering .
Attending meetings and being part of this organization is enriching and powerful. Thank you for your service
Thank you IAH. Great share. You put everything into the context of my feelings regarding this and yet........I still see areas of needed growth in the not less than dept. It is so much better than it was! One foot in front of the other today.
IAH, thank you for this reading. I too love that we are a fellowship of equals. I remember when I heard in a meeting, "our leaders are but trusted servants," I thought -- these are my kind of people!
It still amazes me how a group of people, one by one, come together out of their pain, to share and uplift themselves and others, voluntarily, for no personal gain other than serenity -- and that this program has thrived for more than 60 years.
Thanks for your service, IAH. I love this reading, the steps metaphor rings very true with me. Thanks to Al-Anon, not as much now as it used to be, but I still have work to do on this one, like on so much else. I'm grateful I'm making progress, so I'm beginning to trust that my attitude will improve with work, over time...
What a fellowship!! I love coming here and reading all of your ESH. I too need an attitude change and can use your shares to do it. THRONE FOR SALE...C H E A P. ((((HUGS))))
I got a huge chuckle out of the THRONE FOR SALE...C H E A P. I know I can so relate! Thanks everyone for your shares. I've always been amazed that in recovery, there is little/no politics, no hierarchy of power, etc. AND IT WORKS! Every other group I've been a part of from work to volunteering with the boy scouts could learn a ton from how it works for us!
(((Hugs))) to 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
