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.
In today's share, the author reminds us of the work of a stone cutter. A stone cutter may hit the same rock 99 times without any apparent effect, but on the 100th blow, the rock may split in two. Our work in Al-Anon can be like this as well. Whatever we are working on through the program (acceptance that alcoholism is a disease, detachment, self-pity, etc.) we can seem to be working on for a long time without apparent success. It might even feel as though we are wasting our time. But, if we continue to attend meetings, do the readings, and connect with a sponsor and al-anon friends, we may discover one day that progress has been made, seemingly overnight.
Today's Reminder: We are often reminded to keep coming back. Today I will remember that this not only applies to meetings, but to learning the new attitudes and behavior that are the long-term benefits of Al-Anon recovery. I may not see the results today, but I Can trust that I am making progress.
Today's Quote: "Try to be patient with yourself and your family. It took a long time for the disease of alcoholism to affect each and every one and it may take a long time for everyone to recover." Youth and the Alcoholic Parent
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I remember when I started AL-Anon work, I wanted things to get better, and I wanted them better now. I've also had times where I feel like I am spinning my wheels, not making any progress, not getting anything out of meetings. But I keep showing up anyway. And, every time I push through the "I'm not getting anything out of this" feeling and keep showing up, I feel a sudden and impactful change in how I am thinking about life, or approaching something, and a wave of newfound serenity and confidence arrives. I try to hold onto that when I start to feel that I'm not making any progress, or that I'm not getting anything out of the meetings. Sometimes, just being there is what I need, and the cumulative time spent in meetings and working the program brings great results.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Skorpi for your service, ESH and today's message. The Al-Anon program has made subtle changes in me. On occasion, I catch my hubby giving me puzzled look as if to say "Who are you?" LOL. I respond to situations instead of reacting. I try not to sweat the small stuff. I don't repeat myself (good or bad) as much as I used to. And the most freeing, I go with the flow instead of forcing my solutions and schedules on the most part. These changes have occurred due to practicing the steps/principles of Al-Anon. I notice when I ease up on the work, I get ugly pretty quickly... Have a wonderful day.
I am doing journaling now and when I catch myself projecting something negative or talking about something I dont want I am mediately say to myself out loud cancel that thought cancel that thought that is not my truth and I replace that thought with what I want what is the truth about me and what I want for me and I give thanks to the universe that I already have it like codependency anything around debt or self retribution I cancel it and I focus on what I do want and the good I see in Me. And all the people who have come against me because I chose to get into recovery and change, I send them peace and Goodwill and I detach and keep my distance from them. I only want supporters in my close circle because thats what I deserve and now I focus on what I want and what I deserve and that is peace and plenty and lots of detachment from those situations and people That I can never ever come to control
Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily. Thanks to all who've shared. Boy howdy - I can admit that I was one, crazy, concerned, controlling soul when I arrived. I can relate to wanted it all better, now. I am lucky to have a lovely sponsor who just keeps reminding me that we're all about progress, not perfection.
The best tool I learned early on was the One Day at a Time. This concept really helped me learn how to keep things more simple. I read the Just for Today flyer/pamphlet over and over and over again because i had a mind that raced backwards and forwards -- rarely landing or resting on today.
I love the daily reflections. They tend to speak to me in a way that matters in the moment. I accept I am perfectly imperfect and welcome reminders, feedback, ideas, etc. to keep working on recovering from the affects of this disease in my family.
Happy Wednesday all - we're still have high heat here and it's not ending soon. I look forward to the weekend when we might get some rain, followed by milder temperatures! (((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
Thanks Skorpi for your service which I missed several days ago, but its just as helpful today. The reading reflects exactly what I have experienced lately. Burdened by a health issue myself and my brothers, I got stuck in a negative place. Whats interesting is that I knew I would be OK again, but I didnt know when. Ive been putting one foot in front of the other, doing all my alanon and other positive things (exercise, etc.), and wham today, the fog has lifted. Grateful member always.
