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.
Todays reading describes alanon in terms of the power in hearing shares from others, in being heard when ready to share, and knowing that what we say will be received without judgement and with compassion.
As I was reading this page, I thought about alanon being layered in a sense: I realized I needed help and kept hearing that alanon might be a good fit for me, I put off attending meetings, convincing myself I didnt really need it, I finally got myself to a meeting, I felt lost and as the writer described could only sit in shame filled silence, I kept attending meetings, I started hearing others share and over time, began to speak up myself. I know that for me, feeling the isolation that living with alcoholism brings with it was crippling; finding a space where the feeling became you are not alone was one of the greatest supports.
Happy Sunday Mary and thank you for your service, the daily and your ESH/share! I was a ball of negative emotions when I arrived, and really did not want to be there! Yet, as others who found serenity, peace and authenticity in their own recovery shared, I slowly realized my life was lacking peace.
I did not believe recovery could work for me, yet I was intrigued that others who were living with this disease were actually not ruled by it. In spite of what others were doing/saying, they were genuine in their smiles, laughter and joy. Over time, I realized they had something I wanted so through sharing and examples, realized recovery was certainly worth a try.
I am very grateful I arrived where I did and when. I do not believe in coincidences, so am grateful for the nudge to just show up. I am also grateful that I kept going back, even when I didn't want to!
I have little people spread all over my room, still sleeping this morning. They go home in a while so I can go to my meeting! Make this Sunday a lovely day all - find and keep your joy!
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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
Mary, thank you so much for your service and today's reminder that we are not alone in Al Anon and
that my service, along with our membership, can provide that same support to other people who are
working their recovery as well.
Happy Sunday to everyone!
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
GOOD MORNING MARY THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS ON TODAY'S READING. ALANON TOOLS ARE NOW MY GO TO PRINCIPLES AND MY LIFE HAS BECOME MANAGEABLE. . iA M GRATEFUL
Hi Mary! Great to see your smiling face!
Thank you all above for your "take" on this subject.
When I first came to the rooms of Al-Anon, I was mad as hell at my spouse for putting me in that position!! At that time, we had lost almost everything... still had our rental house, and I still had my part-time job. Kid was about 10, I believe. I was filled with so much anger!! I must admit, Al-Anon and the people in my F2F meetings got me through that year of hell. But I never really believed I had anything to work on for myself... it was all him.
Fast forward 7 years, and a different addiction had hijacked our lives, destroyed our marriage, and really left us homeless. Luckily, I had the support of my family to provide a place for me and teen kid, and I now had plenty of experience of being in the Welfare system (sadly), so that wasn't such a shock to me. This time, I stayed with Al-Anon so that I could find out exactly what it was about me that allowed Addiction back into my life, and what I really wanted for my life - I'll give ya a hint... the merry-go-round of pain, uncertainty and lies was NOT it!!
The space of Al-Anon - whether F2F meetings or online - gave me a place where I could share feelings, work out emotions, and learn to practice complete honesty WITH MYSELF. Members share's helped me to be strong... to know that there was light at the end of my dark, dark tunnel! I am grateful each day to be able to come here and find something of value that has been shared!
Got almost all my work done yesterday, so that I could sit and enjoy the NFL playoffs without guilt! LOL!
&
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
& 
Mary, and thanks for the reading...
... it brings light into my world.