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.
Good morning MIP. Today's reading discusses practice in recovery and how that leads to a different outcome than before! The quote is from Aristotle, and speaks to me --- "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
In recovery, we talk about working the program - which is simply defined as practicing what we're learning. If we were to study a 2nd language, we would possibly read books, attend classes and more - which brings technical skills. Yet if we want to USE the 2nd language, we must hang with those who speak it and understand it. We practice listening and speaking while continuing to build the technical skills.
So it is with many of us in Al-Anon We begin with small knowledge and many misconceptions. We attend meetings, learn about the disease, study the literature. BUT to actually be able to use this knowledge, it takes time, patience and effort. By doing as suggested above - working to increase our technical knowledge while practicing using recovery tools, the program becomes second nature and we keep going.
The reminder for today --- If I want to become skillful at applying the Al-Anon program to my life, I need to do more than go to an occasional meeting. I must make a commitment and practice, practice, practice.
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I can admit freely that patience has never been natural for me. When I arrived at recovery, I wanted to fix my A which I learned was not what I would learn. When I then heard I could fix me, of course, I wanted that 'now'. I also learned that's not how it works. I am grateful my HP planted me with others who have the patience to endure my never-ending desire to graduate quickly from a life changing program that offers no certificate of completion or graduation ceremony.
All I know is that by doing what was suggested, and keeping my focus on me instead of others, I've slowly become a different person. I do believe that I am continuing to grow/change and I accept today that I will always be an imperfect person doing my best one day at a time. I am grateful for Al-Anon and a better way to live and thrive!
Happy Thursday all. I am certain I am not alone in having a heavy heart today. Sending tons of supports, hugs and prayers to all affected, directly and indirectly by the senseless tragedy of yesterday. I am supposed to golf later since we're having a spring day in winter - looking forward to it! Make it a great day MIP!
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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 message. Before program I wanted instant success and gave up often, thinking i had failed simply because I refused to accept the simple reality that learning anything new takes PRACTICE. Wish I had heard that quote form Aristotle in my you youth :)
Today I keep coming back because i know that to grow and change I need the alanon tools and the support of like minded souls.
have a great day and as usual" Thanks" for your dedication and service .
Today I am facing a challenge of saying what I mean, meant what I say, and don't say it mean. Program has taught me what is good for me to do, and I do practice, and because it's with my son, I feel afraid. I don't want to be afraid of talking to my son. I will ask HP to have my back and turn my fear over. Practice, practice, practice, Amen, Lyne
