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January 31 - February 9, 2023
RECOVERY - Through the Steps UNITY - Through the Traditions SERVICE - Through the Concepts
I could finally see my dad in
a way that I believe my Higher Power sees him, with compassion and love. By Steve H., Ontario
It was a rocky road. I suffered from low self-esteem, intense self-judgment, an inflated sense of responsibility, people-pleasing, loss of integrity, and, above all, the need to control.
Secondly, today I choose to accept whatever happens in my life, unconditionally, in faith.
“How has Al-Anon helped you, as a child of an alcoholic, ‘grow up’?”
“I survived by telling myself, ‘It’s not that bad.’”
I discovered that hidden misperceptions, irrational behavior, and unrealistic expectations of myself and others had grown like thick
vines twisted up in my mind.
Whenever I start worrying about the future or the past, when I start caring too much about my loved ones’ problems, when I am frustrated because I don’t know the answers, or when my life is unmanageable because I am trying to control too much, I “Let Go and Let God.” This slogan alone brings me so much peace. I am so grateful that my Higher Power brought me to Al-Anon and that Al-Anon brought me to my Higher Power.
“challenge in recovery is to find balance in our lives.”
“looking within ourselves.” It explains that spiritual growth is a process that takes time and does not happen overnight.
heal our lack of trust and find safety in a God of our understanding. Most importantly for me,
We can become mature, responsible individuals with a great capacity for joy, fulfillment, and wonder.
In this way, I have seen my part in my misery, acknowledged the pain I have caused others, and discovered a loving, beneficent Gentle Spirit within me. I have even begun to love and accept that I am exactly where I need to be.
I’ve learned that I have the right to my feelings and thoughts. I have a responsibility to own my behavior and my experience of life, regardless of what anyone else is doing.
I’ve learned that even if I don’t seem to be making progress, I can at least try to be facing in the right direction. That is enough!
Just do what you would be doing if this wasn’t happening.
Tradition Two: For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants—they do not govern.
Little by little, I gain new trust in myself, God, and others. Gradually, I appreciate this new way of being through Tradition Two.
In Al-Anon, I have learned that I can voice my fears openly and honestly within the loving support of our fellowship, where I will be understood and not judged.
Little by little, I am beginning to see that better outcomes are possible and that the final story of my life has not already been written.
“Loving myself and sharing that love with others gets me farther than I ever dreamed of going.”
