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 author learned in Al-Anon about self-care: how to take care of self physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They also added financial responsibility, and took to heart the 7th Tradition: self-supporting, living within their means. They learned to save for their future needs, without neglecting their present needs. They came back up from a fiscal rock-bottom.
The quote from the Al-Anon-Alateen Service Manual says, "For Al-Anon prudence is a middle ground, a channel between fear on the one hand and recklessness on the other."
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I've learned a lot about self-care through this program. I used to think self-care meant just taking a bubble-bath when feeling down -- and I knew those kinds of solutions weren't going to fix what ailed me when living with alcoholism. I discovered that self-care meant looking deeply into what did I really need, listening to that, and acting on it. (There's nothing wrong with bubble-baths -- I just needed more than that!)
Thinking about my own self-care, I've discovered I need to let go of the Friday daily posting. This weekly practice has been very helpful to my own recovery over the past few years, encouraging me to stay in touch with our literature. I have discovered pages that really spoke to me, which I might not have come across otherwise. I hope someone will take up this opportunity to serve. In my experience, service really does aid recovery.
Thanks FT for your service and ESH. I think the most important area of learned self-care from our program was to resign from the Doormat Club. That has made a huge difference in my health and well-being. As I show up for myself now, I feel better as a person in every respect. Grateful member always.
