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's writer recalls feelings of loneliness and desperation at time of Alanon discovery, of wanting the serenity that members there seemed to enjoy.
The opportunity was not lost as the newcomer absorbed what had worked for others: Attending/sharing at meetings, work the Steps (in order, one at a time), read Alanon daily, reach out to others.
Daily diligence gave rise to belief, knowledge and higher power guidance into competence, continued practice into change, growth, and finally the serenity they had longed for.
Reminder: Alanon introduces us to the tools and other members that can lead us to serenity, sanity, and detachment with love...real and lasting changes in all areas of our lives.
"Daily vigilance will turn out to be a small price to pay for my peace of mind." - Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage ------------------------ The beginning of the year is a regular time for reflection, to consider where I came from, where I am, and what worked or didn't in helping me get here.
I hope I do not forget the feelings of desperation and defeat I carried into my first meeting, willing to try something that I knew involved challenging topics for me (higher power concept, group of people I thought I would share little in common with), daring to hold a small kernel of hope that it might help.
There were some important conceptual breakthroughs but no magical, transcendent removal of my burdens or spiritual awakening. It has been a long, gradual process similar to that described in this page.
The tools and perspectives I learned in Alanon changed my life in ways that nothing had before. The good things that I have in all areas of my life I enjoy as a result of changes that came from working the recommendations and program to the best of my ability at the time, every day.
Very grateful for the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you Paul for your service and share. Yes my journey began with the very first step. That was this board. Next I landed Betty as a sponsora true gift from God. Then that very first F2F meetingI called my son from the parking lot, saying how nervous I was to go in. He encouraged me and I did it. I guess the rest is history.
What I need to keep in mind is that there will always be setbacks. They take me by surprise because in general my program works for me. I must remember that no matter how bad it feels, I always get back on track with the help of everyone and everything related to alanon. Grateful member always.
Happy Tuesday - thank you Paul for your service and the daily. I vividly recall how broken and defeated I felt when I went to my first meeting. What I did not realize for a while is how utterly angry I was - at the world, the disease, the diseased, etc. So much so that I was shocked and more angry when those in attendance suggested I needed to work on me, change me - pfffft...
I left and continued to fight everything and everyone. I kept trying to cure, fix, control, change all others believing they were truly the issue and cause of my pain, anxiety, etc. Needless to say, I returned to Al-Anon, more broken and more defeated yet open to answers because I finally surrendered and accepted I could not fix 'this'.
It's been a journey like no other. One step forward, a couple back, then forward, etc. Yet, just being willing to listen and open to change gave me just enough to keep coming back. I too am grateful for the program and the willingness to embrace each day as it arrives.
Make it a great day!
__________________
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
Thank you for the daily and great shares. I am so grateful that I rarely wake up with that undefined fear that had become a part of me. I admit that I have not followed the program exactly as outlined, however, I notice positive changes in my life. I guess it's better I work it poorly than not at all. The practices I have applied have decluttered my mind/ heart , and lifted my spirits. I am willing to change through continous action and by remaining teachable. Thank you again for the ESH .
