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 reading, the author reflects on how alcoholism has certain symptoms, such as mood changes and blackouts. As a person living with the disease of alcoholism, the author finds it useful to acknowledge that they, too, have symptoms similar to the disease of alcoholism, including obsession, anxiety, anger, denial, and guilt. While these symptoms impact the authors life and friendships, acknowledging that they have been impacted by the disease of alcoholism allows the author to start to recover and heal. Al-Anon helps us discover feelings of self-worth, love, and spiritual connectedness. Alcoholism is a disease that is stronger than good intentions, so having compassion for the alcoholic and oneself is a way that the author tries to live.
Today's Reminder: My acceptance of this family disease allows me to stop wasting energy fighting a hopeless battle, and to turn instead to sources of genuine help and hope - Al-Anon and my Higher Power.
Today's Quote: "By accepting the idea that alcoholism is an illness from which problem drinkers and those who care about them can find release, you will have no reason to be ashamed of alcoholism - no reason to fear it." So You Love an Alcoholic
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I remember how freeing it was to understand that I wasn't crazy, that I was having the emotions I was having because of the disease of alcoholism and living in close proximity to that disease. Even today, I find peace in the idea that when I am dealing with a crazy situation, the emotions are because of the disease, and not core to my way of being. This lets me release my emotions and not be governed by them. I can also be more gentle with myself, and have compassion for myself when things don't go exactly as I would like.
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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
Good Day Skorpi. Thank you for your service. I used to feel a lot of shame for my behaviours . I have overcome some of it by accepting that this is a family disease. Letting go of the negative stigma and not seeing the symptoms as a judgement of character frees me to embrace treatment. By being willing to "go to any lengths" for recovery, (some days not so willing) I am less governed by erratic emotions. Grateful HP placed MIP in my path.
Thanks Skorpi for your service and for above ESH. Before program I felt so ashamed of my A, especially from drinking and driving. I pulled away from most of my friends and family. I was lost in negative emotions. Alanon helped me climb out of my hole. Occasionally I take a dive downward but with all my tools and an improved attitude, I don't stay there very long. ODAT and progress not perfection for sure.
Thank you for this and for the knowledge that I am not alone. I regularly experience anger and resentment, because HIS behavior directly impacts MY life. So there is a lot of blaming on my part as well. It is unfair and I hold a lot of anger over it, inside. I hope to get beyond that, eventually, but not there yet.
