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, the reading in Courage to Change talks about how we begin to feel after some good time with the program. We begin to feel strong, healthy again. Many may feel like we no longer need Al-Anon because we shouldn't have anymore problems. When difficulties arise (and they will), we may feel like there is something wrong with us or the program.
The author goes on to say that in the beginning, they had only 1 problem: they didn't know how to FIX the alcoholic/addict in their life. Through Al-Anon they have come to understand and then embrace that they can't fix anyone but themselves, and they challenge themselves daily to seek a richer, more meaningful life. Risks are taken... facing fears, making changes, speaking up, and making themselves/ourselves available to life. There are bound to be snags. Sometimes life doesn't follow our blueprints. When this occurs, we may feel overwhelmed and want to dive into our bed and hide!
During these times, it is good to remember that Al-Anon doesn't take away problems, but it does give the courage and insight to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Today's Reminder: In handling my difficulties, what's important isn't how much time I have in Al-Anon but how willing I am to implement the tools of recovery.
"Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things."H.W. Beecher.
This reading today illustrates why I continue to come back to Al-Anon. My immediate threat to my sanity is gone, but I still benefit from healthier choices. I hope you all enjoy the weekend! Wishing for you all... health.
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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
Thank you PnP for your service and the daily. Thanks to both for your shares & ESH. Happy Saturday all - this is an awesome reading for where I'm at, just for today. As we all know, this disease and the diseased bring us many opportunities to grow, use tools, etc. I have to readily agree that most of my growth comes through the challenges in my life and my willingness to continue seeking growth and healthy responses.
I am grateful today that I have solutions, tools, choices and more to help me when I'm uncertain/confused. I am grateful today that I spend less time 'hiding under the blankets' and more time processing and seeking the courage to change the things I can. I do believe today and hope to believe again tomorrow that when I remain willing and just keep showing up, more will be revealed.
We are to get rain today - and we could use it. We've had incredible fall weather so far, a gift in the middle of this pandemic! I intend to make this a great day and hope you decide the same. (((Hugs)))
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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
PnP, thanks for your service. Im very sad and feel vulnerable as we put one of our beautiful dogs down on Monday due to her age and illness. Ive lost a best friend, and along with Covid being on the rise, Im stuck a little in a painful place. Im using my tools and what I realized this morning, is that I know I will be OK in a matter of time. Program has given me hope, and now I remember how it is to feel peaceful and good. I can look forward to serenity again, and I know it will come.
I've PM'd you in regards to G, so you know I have recently been through your pain, and I sympathize/empathize with you. Our pets are very real members of our families... it will be a "time of pain." There is just no getting around that. But, you are very aware that you have all the tools you need at your disposal (especially your younger dog), to help you out of the painful trenches - should you choose to use them. Mostly I read from your shares, HOPE. Even now, when your heart is aching so!
G will be patiently waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, have no doubts about that!
Sending you support,
&
__________________
"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
P&P I also am grateful for your service and understanding of this page and it's message. I have come to accept that I will always be a family member of Al-Anon having become a very different man since coming into and staying on purpose within our fellowship. When I came to listen about what being said and came to apply it to my life up till then two understandings came to me. The first was that I was as dumb as a stick and secondly I didn't know and didn't know that I didn't know what was going on in my life from birth. I knew that I didn't want to have any part in it and yelled and screamed at HP to lift me off of the face of the earth and let me be elsewhere. I lived like a trapped threatened animal with two failed suicide attempts until I came to learn I could have patience and not end my then life but make a new attempt as a member of our fellowship and follow the suggestions and guidance from the elders including my sponsors. I was constantly told to "keep coming back" which I do daily.
I know why my Higher Power took guidance of me, telling me "I am your father when my former 2 fathers died and became reluctant to serve. I learned to love them and had no real relationship at the heart. My male sponsor, Don'T, was a genuine HP gift and from this I came to understand and practice gratitude. I didn't have blue prints when I started this life. I had random reactions until I felt the differences between responding and reaction and put my sponsor's name before reaction...DON'T.
When I inventory my life since the changes were put into effect I can know that my Higher Power is pleased most often at how I have used this tool and blessing.
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Thanks P.
