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.
Todays reading is a reminder about how much we receive (with program work) when we give. The writer describes a time when she was not able to get around very easily and fell into a period of self pity. The writer was frustrated that the people surrounding her were not mind reading to figure out what help they could be. Typically an independent woman, she let negative thinking turn her into someone decidedly different. Once she was able to get around on her own again, she realized that when people around HER may need help, she also was not in the practice of asking what they might need. She put her focus into our slogan let it begin with me. As she started to look out for the people around her, she also felt that she was nurturing herself.
This reading makes me think of a concept inherent to teaching- that we are learning far more than we teach (accurate). I have found this to be true in small tangible ways, as in when talking through something specific with a student and I am made to see it in a different way, and also true in bigger and more conceptual ways, as when I evaluate my own behavior as a student and that informs how I teach. The idea of giving way as an act of generosity to ourselves in the program is also true. I am grateful to write here each week because I can think through, and reflect in a focused way, on the ideas and concepts of Al-anon. It helps me to remember that recovery is aligned with discovery (of self) and I can only hope that anything I write might be helpful to others, as all of the many posts here have been helpful to me.
From the Thought for the Day: Ive heard it said that to keep this program, I have to give it away. When I give it away, Im also giving it to myself.
Thank you Mary for your service. This board serves as a springboard that launches me to get into action/recovery. For the first time in weeks I woke up feeling refreshed. Yesterday I went early to set up a F2F meeting, called my Mom, checked on my best friend who's experiencing some challenges and called (not text) my sponsor! Not once did I moan and groan about the crappy mood I had been in for the last little while. It felt good to hear their joy and desire to see me. I realize that retreating/isolating is cold behaviour I inflict on my loved ones. By reaching out, I took a step towards changing it. By giving love, I got love in return . Thanks MIP and enjoy your day.
