Daily Reading – May 22, 2013 – One small change….
The change of one simple behavior can affect other behaviors and thus change many things. —Jean Baer Our behavior tells others and ourselves who we are. Frequently, we find ourselves behaving in ways that keep us stuck or embarrass us.
Daily Reading – May 22, 2013 – One small change….
The change of one simple behavior can affect other behaviors and thus change many things. —Jean Baer Our behavior tells others and ourselves who we are. Frequently, we find ourselves behaving in ways that keep us stuck or embarrass us.
Daily Reading – May 21, 2013 – If only’s…
-Our friends were not unearthly beautiful, Nor spoke with tongues of gold; our lovers blundered now and again when we most sought perfection . . . —Adrienne Rich So often our expectations exceed reality. We want more than we have;
Daily Reading – May 21, 2013 – If only’s…
-Our friends were not unearthly beautiful, Nor spoke with tongues of gold; our lovers blundered now and again when we most sought perfection . . . —Adrienne Rich So often our expectations exceed reality. We want more than we have;
Daily Reading – May 20, 2013 – Ups and downs and the good times…
The serenity I am offered in Al-Anon is not an escape from life. Rather, it is the power to find peacefulness within life. Al-Anon does not promise me freedom from pain, sorrow or difficult situations. It does, however, give me
Daily Reading – May 20, 2013 – Ups and downs and the good times…
The serenity I am offered in Al-Anon is not an escape from life. Rather, it is the power to find peacefulness within life. Al-Anon does not promise me freedom from pain, sorrow or difficult situations. It does, however, give me
Daily Reading – May 19, 2013 – Its wanting what you’ve got…
The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment. —Doug Larson We are men on a quest. We seek the serenity of being friendly toward the world and toward ourselves. The spiritual practices we follow
Daily Reading – May 19, 2013 – Its wanting what you’ve got…
The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment. —Doug Larson We are men on a quest. We seek the serenity of being friendly toward the world and toward ourselves. The spiritual practices we follow
Daily Reading – May 18, 2013 – Changing the Channel
. . . if we are suffering illness, poverty, or misfortune, we think we shall be satisfied on the day it ceases. But there too, we know it is false, so soon as one has got used to not suffering,
Daily Reading – May 18, 2013 – Changing the Channel
. . . if we are suffering illness, poverty, or misfortune, we think we shall be satisfied on the day it ceases. But there too, we know it is false, so soon as one has got used to not suffering,
Daily Reading – May 17, 2013 – Do not be anxious for tomorrow….
“When we talk of tomorrow,” says a Chinese proverb, “the gods laugh.” They laugh, I believe not because they find us ridiculous, but because they know the future is not predictable. Thus we have no choice but to live one day at
Daily Reading – May 17, 2013 – Do not be anxious for tomorrow….
“When we talk of tomorrow,” says a Chinese proverb, “the gods laugh.” They laugh, I believe not because they find us ridiculous, but because they know the future is not predictable. Thus we have no choice but to live one day at
Daily Reading – May 16, 2013 – Align the will…
Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans. ~ John Lennon There has been no better quotes to sum up my past three weeks than this. Without going into too many details suffice it to say
Daily Reading – May 16, 2013 – Align the will…
Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans. ~ John Lennon There has been no better quotes to sum up my past three weeks than this. Without going into too many details suffice it to say
Daily Reading – May 9, 2013 – Do you still “feel” the hurt, bitterness or pain?
Forgiveness is a process that often must be repeated. Even when I’ve worked through my feelings and forgiven someone who has hurt me, including myself, I may find pain from old wounds resurfacing. This signals me that it’s time to
Daily Reading – May 9, 2013 – Do you still “feel” the hurt, bitterness or pain?
Forgiveness is a process that often must be repeated. Even when I’ve worked through my feelings and forgiven someone who has hurt me, including myself, I may find pain from old wounds resurfacing. This signals me that it’s time to
Daily Reading – May 8, 2013 – The gift of Freedom…
Among the many gifts we are offered in Al-Anon is freedom. When we are new in Al-Anon, we are prisoners of our own confusion and despair. Working with the program offers us release as we learn to understand the true
Daily Reading – May 8, 2013 – The gift of Freedom…
Among the many gifts we are offered in Al-Anon is freedom. When we are new in Al-Anon, we are prisoners of our own confusion and despair. Working with the program offers us release as we learn to understand the true
Daily Reading – May 7, 2013 – Teach them to fish…
Al-Anon’s main purpose is to help those who are living in an alcoholic situation. To this end we share experience, strength and hope with each other. What we don’t do, and should not do, is to share one another’s burdens,
Daily Reading – May 7, 2013 – Teach them to fish…
Al-Anon’s main purpose is to help those who are living in an alcoholic situation. To this end we share experience, strength and hope with each other. What we don’t do, and should not do, is to share one another’s burdens,
Daily Reading – May 6, 2013 – As we improve…
While we do not come to Al-Anon for the purpose of getting the alcoholic to stop drinking, it is true that membership in an Al-Anon group has been an important factor in many an alcoholic’s recovery. Nevertheless, our first concern
Daily Reading – May 6, 2013 – As we improve…
While we do not come to Al-Anon for the purpose of getting the alcoholic to stop drinking, it is true that membership in an Al-Anon group has been an important factor in many an alcoholic’s recovery. Nevertheless, our first concern
Daily Reading – April 26, 2013 – Take what you like…
The most important words many of us hear when we first come to Al-anon are, “Take what you like, and leave rest.” Everything about our program is suggested, not required. This gives us the freedom to pick and choose. If
Daily Reading – April 26, 2013 – Take what you like…
The most important words many of us hear when we first come to Al-anon are, “Take what you like, and leave rest.” Everything about our program is suggested, not required. This gives us the freedom to pick and choose. If
Daily Reading – April 25, 2013 – Everything has its wonders…
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. —Helen Keller There is wonder in the moment, if we but look for it, let it touch us, believe
Daily Reading – April 25, 2013 – Everything has its wonders…
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. —Helen Keller There is wonder in the moment, if we but look for it, let it touch us, believe
Daily Reading – April 24, 2013 – Unanswered Prayers
She knows omnipotence has heard her prayer and cries “it shall be done—sometime, somewhere.” —Ophelia Guyon Browning Patience is a quality that frequently eludes us. We want what we want when we want it. Fortunately, we don’t get it until
Daily Reading – April 24, 2013 – Unanswered Prayers
She knows omnipotence has heard her prayer and cries “it shall be done—sometime, somewhere.” —Ophelia Guyon Browning Patience is a quality that frequently eludes us. We want what we want when we want it. Fortunately, we don’t get it until
Daily Reading – April 22, 2013 – Building Foundations
I was set free because my greatest fear had been realized… And so rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life. J. K. Rowling ————————————————————————————————————————————————- As first, the idea of searching for defects of character, wrongs,
Daily Reading – April 22, 2013 – Building Foundations
I was set free because my greatest fear had been realized… And so rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life. J. K. Rowling ————————————————————————————————————————————————- As first, the idea of searching for defects of character, wrongs,
Daily Reading – April 18, 2013 – It is what it is, regardless what name you give it…
I had spent a lot of time yearning for things I wasn’t getting from the alcoholic in my life. As part of my Al-anon recovery, I was encouraged to put those needs on paper. Courtesy, respect, attention, affection communication –
Daily Reading – April 18, 2013 – It is what it is, regardless what name you give it…
I had spent a lot of time yearning for things I wasn’t getting from the alcoholic in my life. As part of my Al-anon recovery, I was encouraged to put those needs on paper. Courtesy, respect, attention, affection communication –
Daily Reading – April 17, 2013 – Not my will…
It has often been suggested that we adopt a favorite maxim or quotation to repeat when we want to tide ourselves over a difficult time. Many of use the Serenity Prayer in this way. Others, trapped in a baffling dilemma
Daily Reading – April 17, 2013 – Not my will…
It has often been suggested that we adopt a favorite maxim or quotation to repeat when we want to tide ourselves over a difficult time. Many of use the Serenity Prayer in this way. Others, trapped in a baffling dilemma
Daily Reading – March 16, 2013 – What things may come…
Letting Things Happen: April 16 We do not have to work so hard at gaining our insights. Yes, we’re learning that painful and disappointing things happen, often for a reason and a higher purpose. Yes, these things often work out
Daily Reading – March 16, 2013 – What things may come…
Letting Things Happen: April 16 We do not have to work so hard at gaining our insights. Yes, we’re learning that painful and disappointing things happen, often for a reason and a higher purpose. Yes, these things often work out
Daily Reading – April 15, 2013 – Detaching…filling the void…
My Al-Anon sponsor once suggested I detach from my problem and attach instead to my Higher Power. Until I practiced Step Three and turned my will and life over to God’s care, detaching was more like constructing a wall of protection from
Daily Reading – April 15, 2013 – Detaching…filling the void…
My Al-Anon sponsor once suggested I detach from my problem and attach instead to my Higher Power. Until I practiced Step Three and turned my will and life over to God’s care, detaching was more like constructing a wall of protection from
Daily Reading – April 11, 2013 – WHY????
Newcomers to Al-Anon often ask what makes the alcoholic drink. They seem more eager to know why than to learn why they allow another’s compulsive drinking to affect them so destructively. The causes of the drinker’s desperate need for escape through alcohol
Daily Reading – April 11, 2013 – WHY????
Newcomers to Al-Anon often ask what makes the alcoholic drink. They seem more eager to know why than to learn why they allow another’s compulsive drinking to affect them so destructively. The causes of the drinker’s desperate need for escape through alcohol
Daily Reading – April 10, 2013 – Tricky business…
Having lived with alcoholism, many of us have come to think of ourselves as innocent victims of other people’s abuse. it can be shocking to discover that we too have harmed others. Listing those we have harmed (Step Eight) becomes
Daily Reading – April 10, 2013 – Tricky business…
Having lived with alcoholism, many of us have come to think of ourselves as innocent victims of other people’s abuse. it can be shocking to discover that we too have harmed others. Listing those we have harmed (Step Eight) becomes
Daily Reading – April 9, 2013 – There is some good in even the darkest troubles
Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation so difficult that it seems like a long drawn-out crisis; we can not solve it; there is no way to escape. Such a problem will occupy our thoughts continually – round and round
Daily Reading – April 9, 2013 – There is some good in even the darkest troubles
Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation so difficult that it seems like a long drawn-out crisis; we can not solve it; there is no way to escape. Such a problem will occupy our thoughts continually – round and round
Daily Reading – April 8, 2013 – Your will, not mine…Let Go and Let God
Would I stand on the seashore and, like King Canute of the ancient legend, try to command the tides It is just as fruitless to try to control the alcoholic. Yet this is what I would be doing in attempting
Daily Reading – April 8, 2013 – Your will, not mine…Let Go and Let God
Would I stand on the seashore and, like King Canute of the ancient legend, try to command the tides It is just as fruitless to try to control the alcoholic. Yet this is what I would be doing in attempting
Daily Reading – March 8, 2013 – Taking Offense
One of my favourite Al-Anon pamphlets is A Guide for the Family of the Alcoholic. It discusses the weapons the alcoholic might use to relieve his or her anxiety or to create additional reasons to drink. These include the ability to
Daily Reading – March 8, 2013 – Taking Offense
One of my favourite Al-Anon pamphlets is A Guide for the Family of the Alcoholic. It discusses the weapons the alcoholic might use to relieve his or her anxiety or to create additional reasons to drink. These include the ability to
Daily Reading – April 5, 2013 –
A member once said: “The Twelve Steps were designed for desperate people like us – as a shortcut to God. When we accept them and use them, we find they open the way to use our God-given abilities which we
Daily Reading – April 5, 2013 –
A member once said: “The Twelve Steps were designed for desperate people like us – as a shortcut to God. When we accept them and use them, we find they open the way to use our God-given abilities which we
Daily Reading – April 4, 2013 – That “Golden” time!
I used to love the stillness of early morning, but over years of living with an alcoholic, I stopped noticing it. Instead, I woke up the same way I went to sleep – frantic. Before I was out of bed
Daily Reading – April 4, 2013 – That “Golden” time!
I used to love the stillness of early morning, but over years of living with an alcoholic, I stopped noticing it. Instead, I woke up the same way I went to sleep – frantic. Before I was out of bed
Daily Reading – April 3, 2013 – Miracles
It really isn’t so hard to believe in miracles in Al-Anon. We see such “miraculous” changes in people who came as newcomers filled with self-pity and resentment and beset with fears. There may not even have been any improvement in
Daily Reading – April 3, 2013 – Miracles
It really isn’t so hard to believe in miracles in Al-Anon. We see such “miraculous” changes in people who came as newcomers filled with self-pity and resentment and beset with fears. There may not even have been any improvement in
Daily Reading – April 2, 2013 – Constant Contact…
I’ve heard some people condense the activities of spiritual life into these words: quiet the mind; open the heart. In encouraging myself to expand my understanding of prayer and meditation, I like to recall those suggestions. I think of anything
Daily Reading – April 2, 2013 – Constant Contact…
I’ve heard some people condense the activities of spiritual life into these words: quiet the mind; open the heart. In encouraging myself to expand my understanding of prayer and meditation, I like to recall those suggestions. I think of anything
Daily Reading – April 1, 2013 – The three A’s
I’ve heard acceptance mentioned at meetings as one part of the “Three A’s – Awareness, Acceptance, and Action. However, I am inclined to try to jump from awareness to action without even pausing for acceptance. My thinking goes like this:
Daily Reading – April 1, 2013 – The three A’s
I’ve heard acceptance mentioned at meetings as one part of the “Three A’s – Awareness, Acceptance, and Action. However, I am inclined to try to jump from awareness to action without even pausing for acceptance. My thinking goes like this:
Daily Reading – March 29, 2013 – Be quiet you!
It’s time I started being nicer to myself. The voices in my head that tell me I’m not good enough do not speak the truth; they merely reflect the damaged self esteem that results from living with alcoholism. When I
Daily Reading – March 29, 2013 – Be quiet you!
It’s time I started being nicer to myself. The voices in my head that tell me I’m not good enough do not speak the truth; they merely reflect the damaged self esteem that results from living with alcoholism. When I
Daily Reading – March 28th, 2013 – The Tighter The Grip…
What happens when I physically hold on tightly to something? I turn my head away. I squeeze my eyes shut. My knuckles ache as my fists clench. Finger nails bite into my palms. I exhaust myself, I hurt! On the
Daily Reading – March 28th, 2013 – The Tighter The Grip…
What happens when I physically hold on tightly to something? I turn my head away. I squeeze my eyes shut. My knuckles ache as my fists clench. Finger nails bite into my palms. I exhaust myself, I hurt! On the
Daily Reading – March 27, 2013 – Growing Pains…
“How could I do it? How could I say it? Even though I meant it, I still feel ashamed, guilty, and afraid.” This is a common reaction to new, exciting recovery behaviors. Anything to do with owning our power and
Daily Reading – March 27, 2013 – Growing Pains…
“How could I do it? How could I say it? Even though I meant it, I still feel ashamed, guilty, and afraid.” This is a common reaction to new, exciting recovery behaviors. Anything to do with owning our power and
Daily Reading – March 26, 2013 – Powerless…ahhhhh
Why is it so hard to admit we are powerless over alcohol, as the First Step suggests we do? All of us have heard and shared in discussions, at Al-Anon meetings as to whether this should be interpreted as “alcohol”
Daily Reading – March 26, 2013 – Powerless…ahhhhh
Why is it so hard to admit we are powerless over alcohol, as the First Step suggests we do? All of us have heard and shared in discussions, at Al-Anon meetings as to whether this should be interpreted as “alcohol”
Daily Reading – March 25, 2013 – Stop and Smell The Roses
When I slow down long enough to smell the roses, I usually see the beauty and all else that is ours to share. —Morgan Jennings We overlook so many joys, so many hidden treasures, when we hurry from place to
Daily Reading – March 25, 2013 – Stop and Smell The Roses
When I slow down long enough to smell the roses, I usually see the beauty and all else that is ours to share. —Morgan Jennings We overlook so many joys, so many hidden treasures, when we hurry from place to
Daily Reading – March 24, 2013 – Progressive Degenerative Disease…
I had a very difficult time believing that alcoholism was a disease. I was convinced that if they really wanted to, alcoholics could stop drinking. After all, I quit smoking. Wasn’t it the same thing? The one day an Al-Anon
Daily Reading – March 24, 2013 – Progressive Degenerative Disease…
I had a very difficult time believing that alcoholism was a disease. I was convinced that if they really wanted to, alcoholics could stop drinking. After all, I quit smoking. Wasn’t it the same thing? The one day an Al-Anon
Daily Reading – March 23, 2013 – Choices
I was around a lot of anger this weekend. Some of it belonged to the alcoholics in my life, and some of it belonged to me as I came to grips with my powerlessness over people, places and things. By
Daily Reading – March 23, 2013 – Choices
I was around a lot of anger this weekend. Some of it belonged to the alcoholics in my life, and some of it belonged to me as I came to grips with my powerlessness over people, places and things. By
Daily Reading – March 22, 2013 – Remembering what we already know…
In order to survive in the contradictory and explosive world of alcoholism, many of us learned to ignore our feelings. We lost touch with ourselves without even knowing it. For example, although I pointed an accusing finger at the alcoholics
Daily Reading – March 22, 2013 – Remembering what we already know…
In order to survive in the contradictory and explosive world of alcoholism, many of us learned to ignore our feelings. We lost touch with ourselves without even knowing it. For example, although I pointed an accusing finger at the alcoholics
Daily Reading – March 21, 2013 – A way out of the depths of despair …
People whose problems have brought them to the point of despair often try Al-Anon as a last resort. Filled with thoughts of their unhappiness, their whole idea is to talk it all out. Fortunate is the newcomer who finds a
Daily Reading – March 21, 2013 – A way out of the depths of despair …
People whose problems have brought them to the point of despair often try Al-Anon as a last resort. Filled with thoughts of their unhappiness, their whole idea is to talk it all out. Fortunate is the newcomer who finds a
Daily Reading – March 20, 2013 – Higher Power Calling
The Higher Power we read about in the Twelve Steps is a spiritual idea. We may think of this Higher Power as God – Goodness, Power, Love, Spirit, Father, Friend. Or it may be nothing more than the Al-Anon group
Daily Reading – March 20, 2013 – Higher Power Calling
The Higher Power we read about in the Twelve Steps is a spiritual idea. We may think of this Higher Power as God – Goodness, Power, Love, Spirit, Father, Friend. Or it may be nothing more than the Al-Anon group
Daily Reading – March 19, 2013 – Fix your thoughts on what is…
My father died of alcoholism when I was in my 20′s. I knew others who had lost parents to more respectable diseases, and their grief was evident. Where was mine? Instead I felt relief, pity, a vague sense of sadness,
Daily Reading – March 19, 2013 – Fix your thoughts on what is…
My father died of alcoholism when I was in my 20′s. I knew others who had lost parents to more respectable diseases, and their grief was evident. Where was mine? Instead I felt relief, pity, a vague sense of sadness,
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Daily Reading – March 18, 2013 – Let It Go!!!!!! But don’t lose the lesson!
I am not accountable for being born into an alcoholic environment where I couldnt’ clearly see my choices. As an adult, however, it is now my responsibility to deal with the consequences of past decisions. Many of the amends I
Daily Reading – March 18, 2013 – Let It Go!!!!!! But don’t lose the lesson!
I am not accountable for being born into an alcoholic environment where I couldnt’ clearly see my choices. As an adult, however, it is now my responsibility to deal with the consequences of past decisions. Many of the amends I
Daily Reading – March 17, 2013 – Nothing Lasts Forever
No problem lasts forever. No matter how permanently fixed in the center of our lives it may seem, whatever we experience in this ever-changing life is sure to pass. Even pain. Difficult situations often bring out qualities in us that
Daily Reading – March 17, 2013 – Nothing Lasts Forever
No problem lasts forever. No matter how permanently fixed in the center of our lives it may seem, whatever we experience in this ever-changing life is sure to pass. Even pain. Difficult situations often bring out qualities in us that
Daily Reading – March 16, 2013 – Making Progress
Progress can be hard to recognize, especially if our expectations are unrealistically high. If we expect our negative attitudes or unhealthy behavior to change quickly and completely, we are likely to be disappointed – progress is hard to see when we measure
Daily Reading – March 16, 2013 – Making Progress
Progress can be hard to recognize, especially if our expectations are unrealistically high. If we expect our negative attitudes or unhealthy behavior to change quickly and completely, we are likely to be disappointed – progress is hard to see when we measure
Daily Reading – March 15, 2013 – Forgive and Forget
Before Al-Anon, forgiveness meant power to me. I could judge the offender – the person who wasn’t doing what I wanted- and then exercise my power by showing that I could rise above the offense and magnanimously bestow forgiveness. But
Daily Reading – March 15, 2013 – Forgive and Forget
Before Al-Anon, forgiveness meant power to me. I could judge the offender – the person who wasn’t doing what I wanted- and then exercise my power by showing that I could rise above the offense and magnanimously bestow forgiveness. But
Daily Reading – March 11, 2013
“Take care of yourself” is a common phrase, but I didn’t always pay attention to its deeper meaning. When I came to Al-Anon, the idea of caring for myself was foreign. I usually tried to take care of others and
Daily Reading – March 11, 2013
“Take care of yourself” is a common phrase, but I didn’t always pay attention to its deeper meaning. When I came to Al-Anon, the idea of caring for myself was foreign. I usually tried to take care of others and
Daily Recovery Reading – March 10, 2013 – Living With Families
Living with Families: March 10 I was forty-six years old before I finally admitted to myself and someone else that my grandfather always managed to make me feel guilty, angry, and controlled. —Anonymous We may love and care about our
Daily Recovery Reading – March 10, 2013 – Living With Families
Living with Families: March 10 I was forty-six years old before I finally admitted to myself and someone else that my grandfather always managed to make me feel guilty, angry, and controlled. —Anonymous We may love and care about our
Daily Recovery Reading – March 9, 2013
Al-Anon tells me I don’t have to accept unacceptable behavior. It has taken me a long time to learn what acceptable, even desirable, behavior looks like so that I can determine what is unacceptable. I believe strongly that these difficulties
Daily Recovery Reading – March 9, 2013
Al-Anon tells me I don’t have to accept unacceptable behavior. It has taken me a long time to learn what acceptable, even desirable, behavior looks like so that I can determine what is unacceptable. I believe strongly that these difficulties
Daily Reading – March 8, 2013 – Weapons of Mass Destruction
One of my favorite Al-Anon pamphlets is “A Guide for the Family of the Alcoholic.” It discusses the “weapons the alcoholic might use to relieve his or her anxiety or to create additional reasons to drink. These include the ability
Daily Reading – March 8, 2013 – Weapons of Mass Destruction
One of my favorite Al-Anon pamphlets is “A Guide for the Family of the Alcoholic.” It discusses the “weapons the alcoholic might use to relieve his or her anxiety or to create additional reasons to drink. These include the ability
Daily Reading – March 7, 2013 – Life is the Job
Many long-time Al-Anon members have observed that the newcomer who has what a famous theologian calls “the gift of faith” is apt to grasp the Al-Anon program much more readily than those who try, with grim determination, to “make it
Daily Reading – March 7, 2013 – Life is the Job
Many long-time Al-Anon members have observed that the newcomer who has what a famous theologian calls “the gift of faith” is apt to grasp the Al-Anon program much more readily than those who try, with grim determination, to “make it
