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.
I would like to share about Step 12 and what it means to me, I feel the Gratitude towards The Higher Power, who I call God, for giving this wonderful Spiritual Program to both Dr Bob and Bill for AA, and Louis and Anne for our wonderful program. Then for both parties for having the courage, strength and commitment for putting it all together and keeping it together for themselves, and for all the ones that followed on. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for all of them to do what they had to do, having the limitations that they had, not like we have today.
I feel for myself, looking back on their journies, that they left us a legacy, like 2 Lamps shining brightly, and they have passed them on for us to carry, not only the message of Hope for Alcoholics and Alanoners, and Alateens to be able for us to have a better life, but to be able to pass it on to others who are still out there, struggling with both the Disease of Alcoholism and the Effects of. I, myself, have stood them in greatness, love, and gratitude, from the moment, I started to get this wonderful program. I have never forgotten the Legacy, that they have shown me, also the gift. I love Alanon for what it has given me, me and my life. I heard once said, "You have been given the greatest gift of all, when you were given Alanon, so what are you going to do with it."
I have been in Alanon, many years, the years don't count it is what I do with them. I still feel like a newcomer, learning from them. Sure it hasn't been easy, but so worthwhile, I have had to sacrifice many things, relationships, Family members to keep my program, has it been worth it, most times, yes, not all times, but for me to have Serenity, and for me to be able to see, watch someone coming up behind me, struggling, and say to them, "I can't take away your pain, but I can hold your hand, while you go through it,and help you understand, if you want me to."
For me to be in meetings that I use to be in, being the older of the Group, watching the pain of a newcomer, and others would touch my heart. The joy I had to see when they kept coming back, and I could see the pain lifting, and the tears would change to a smile. Like being a Mother, Grand Mother, Great Grand Mother to many, my heart would sing, and be so proud and happy for them to be able to finally get something that I had, and worked hard to get and keep. Then it became theirs. I have been personally given so much with this wonderful program, the friends, places, love, laughter, even getting to know, love and respect the AA.s.
My God has a real sense of humour, as, for when I first came into Alanon, if there was a AA anywhere near the meeting that I use to go to,, I would have shot him. But in time through me going to weekends, Conventions, I changed, and had many more friends in AA than Alanon. I use to be the Phone Contact for Alanon, and my number got mixed up with the AA number, and so I use to get both contacts. It would put a smile on my face whenever I got one, as they use to get AA and Alanon from me, with love.
Step 12 is a lot of Focus for me, I can never, ever, give back to Alanon, for what it has given me, but I certainly try. I have heard, that to keep it, you have to give it away. I will finish with the quote that I have listened to many, many times. It says it all for me.
"When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the Hand Of Alanon and Alateen, always be there, and Let It Begin With me."
Thank you Wendy for your ESH, your share and the lovely, lovely topic. I recall being new in recovery, and finding relief and hope and really, really wanting to 'spread the good word'....of course, I was still a bit insane and had very little to give away, so had to be right-sized a bit by my sponsor who suggested simple service in support of the group first.
I am profoundly grateful for the founders and often wonder at the courage and perseverance they were gifted with to leave us this wonderful program of healing & recovery. Anytime I consider the origin of the program, I find myself in awe of their willingness to grow, change and share with others - very, very humbling for me. I feel the same about all who came before me, willing to set a side their egos and self-will to learn, grow, change and pass along their experience.
I do know that many of the steps for me, make more sense 'in reverse'. In Step One, I easily could see my life was unmanageable, but struggled to admit I was powerless. Accepting the 2nd part, helped me embrace and accept the first part. In Step Twelve, it's more of the same. When I practice these principles in all my affairs, it's much, much easier for me to be of service in a humble, selfless way. I do know that all aspects of my life function better when I am spiritually fit. My spiritual fitness is a direct correlation to my recovery efforts. I am one who needs to visit some aspect of recovery each day, and stay really close to my program or I will stray.
I prefer attraction rather than promotion. I am a private person so appreciate the safety of the rooms of recovery. I have no need or desire to drag another to or through our program, but willingly share when asked. I try to keep all things as simple as I possibly can and be of service as I can. As with all things in growth and recovery, the more I am around, the more that's revealed. I'm grateful to keep growing, learning, changing and recovering! (((Hugs)))
__________________
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
One time I was with an open sharing AA meeting. It was starting up- and sometimes I was the only member present.
...