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.
This reading implies that recovery means we are trying to regain something we lost. Living with active drinkers can cause a loss of spirit. Life is survival, a daily challenge, and hard work. The writer says that nothing helped when they were trying to do it by themself. Alanon helps us come to know we have a resource within ourself and all around usHP. So the writer recovered their spirituality and regained an important part of themself.
Reminder: I am a spiritual creature, capable of faith, hope, and an appreciation of beauty. I have an unlimited source of strength and comfort at my disposal. Today I will take the time to cultivate that spiritual connection.
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I certainly had lost my spirit before recovery, forgot about myself, and any sense of well-being was long gone. I was at an all-time low, and there had been plenty of lows before this one. Program has renewed my faith in a higher power, given me hope, and an appreciation of many things. I have grown in ways I never expected. I am a much better person and plan to continue to think, learn, and practice everything alanon has to offer.
Thank you Lyne for your service, and what a great way to start off the week!
I now think of the week containing the Thanksgiving holiday as "Thankful Week" or "Giving Week." Because of Al-Anon and it's emphasis on focusing on Gratitude, I not only celebrate on Thursday with my family, but I try to show ways of thanking or giving to others throughout the week - sure, they are small gestures, but size isn't the point. The Gratitude for each little thing in my life (nurtured by this program) has helped me see that my HP is there and is indeed taking care of me! So I have regained strength in my spirituality.
I wish all our MIP members a week filled with peace and personal growth! Thank you all for being a part of my growth!
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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
Thanks Lyne for your service....and of course the daily. I can relate to that feeling of 'lost' sense of self, purpose, etc. I recall vividly coming to the realization that I truly didn't even know 'me' - I'd known myself more as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, etc. I had absolutely no idea who I - as a stand alone person was, or what I valued, believed, felt, etc.
In the self-searching providing by working recovery, I do believe what's said above in the reminder. I am amazed that as I progress through this life and this recovery journey that I continue to learn more about me and what makes me tick. Most of all, I've come to accept that I can keep moving forward in spite of what others are or are not doing. I fully embrace - YOLO - You Only Live Once.
In the other side of this program, we're told early on that 'special days' goes much better when we just view them as another day. This helps me keep my expectations in check. I no longer buy into the materialism of any special day, no longer decorate for holidays and do what makes the most sense, based on where I am spiritually. My extended family has gathered my entire life for the big 3 - Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas. We have not gathered since the pandemic began, and still have no plans to do so. While it is vastly different than what I've known my entire life, a part of me is relieved. It's much easier for me to prepare a meal for 2 than for 50!!!
I'm golfing every day except Thursday this week. I'll be driving across the country next week, end of week, to surprise my dad for his birthday. When I trust my HP, and focus on being of service to self and others, my days unfold in lovely ways - sometimes planned and sometimes spontaneous. I try to find gratitude every day, no matter what's happening around me.
Love and light all - happy Monday too!
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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
