How many tmes have I stopped my car at a red light, late at night and with no other vehicles in view, and considered not waiting for the green light in order to proceed? What about the times I’ve flirted with the idea of going the wrong way down a oe-way street because it would make my trip shorter? There are so may traffic rules to adhere to, whether or not the police are around. However, if I disregard those rules, I put my life and those of others at risk.
I think it’s the same thing with the suggested Traditions, guidelines and policies in Al-Anon. When I don’t follow the program’s suggestions, I seem to hurt myself as well as others. I obsess and react as I did before I had a program. I have slips. I put my recovery at risk.
In Al-Anon this process of following guidelines is called “obedience to the unenforceable.” I know deep down in my heart and mind what is right and wrong for my recovery. From experience I’ve learned to respectfully fear the outcome if I ignore the Traditions. The price I pay in terms of my integrity and self esteem, as well as possible damage to the groups that make my recovery possible, just isn’t worth it.
I came to this beautiful fellowship to change the alcoholic. Soon I learned that I could change only myself. The best way to accomplish this is to follow the suggested guidelines that have worked for so long for so many. All I need to do is practice “Keep it Simple” and work the program.
Thought for the Day
What can I share from my experience, strength and hope to help others?
“Al-Annon’s Twelve Traditions help me maintain not only a discipline in my program, but also in life. They help me be a safe person for others.” The Forum, October 1998, p. 4
Follow the rules for designated safety. If you don’t agree with a rule, don’t break it. You need to follow the rule to prove the rule doesn’t work ;D
Have a great Friday all!
Daily Recover Reading – February 24, 2012
I had a revelation yesterday concerning integrity. I became aware that I am in charge of my actions and reactions and I also pay the consequences. I know, it’s simple, us drunks take a few tries to get things down lol. Anyway I realized I have the CHANCE today to be good. To do the right thing when no one is looking and live in the benefits from that. Today I am not living in my own mess, everyday I wake up is a fresh clean slate that I decide what choices to make and it is better to do the right thing.
If I help another person, or do some extra work that needs done or adhere to the rules even when I don’t want to, I get the gift of peace and no longer live in fear guilt, shame and remorse. I lived that way for too long, today is my day to be amazing! Thank you for sharing this post it meant a lot to me.
I loved reading what you wrote! Revel in those moments and carry them forward…that is growth… epiphanies, ah-ha moments…Every day is your day to be amazing! Make today great! It is what we have!