Post by lildee on Jan 31, 2005 8:12:04 GMT -5
Hope for Today
Tradition One took on new meaning for me when another member shared her interpretation that unity included coming to meetings even when life was going well for her. Her insight helped me look at meeting attendance as both an act of unity with other members and a commitment to my own growth and well-being.
In the beginning unity of purpose meant I could come to a room full of people who accepted my irrational thinking. They offered me an encouraging hug rather than telling me to shape up. Instead of rejecting me for being different, they showed me how alike we all are by sharing their experience, strength, and hope. Through these types of healthy encounters, I began to feel a bond with other members. I felt united with them through common experience. As I worked my program, I became more unified in my own mind, body, and spirit.
Now unity of purpose means it's time for me to attend meetings not just for what I need, but for what I can offer. How else will newcomers know there's an end to their suffering if I and other members in recovery don't show up when things are going well? How will they learn that they, too, can smile again if they don't see our smiles? What about the long-time members who slip and forget the help available to them until we offer it? I might need this type of prompting sometime myself. When I come to meetings during my good times, others are reminded that whatever their problems, there is help and hope in Al-Anon.
Thought for the Day
As Al-Anon leads me to peace and serenity, I increasingly become an example to struggling members that such a life is possible.
"Reaching out. ..gave me a new perspective on our common welfare:' . When I Got Busy, I Got Better, p. 38
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Tradition One took on new meaning for me when another member shared her interpretation that unity included coming to meetings even when life was going well for her. Her insight helped me look at meeting attendance as both an act of unity with other members and a commitment to my own growth and well-being.
In the beginning unity of purpose meant I could come to a room full of people who accepted my irrational thinking. They offered me an encouraging hug rather than telling me to shape up. Instead of rejecting me for being different, they showed me how alike we all are by sharing their experience, strength, and hope. Through these types of healthy encounters, I began to feel a bond with other members. I felt united with them through common experience. As I worked my program, I became more unified in my own mind, body, and spirit.
Now unity of purpose means it's time for me to attend meetings not just for what I need, but for what I can offer. How else will newcomers know there's an end to their suffering if I and other members in recovery don't show up when things are going well? How will they learn that they, too, can smile again if they don't see our smiles? What about the long-time members who slip and forget the help available to them until we offer it? I might need this type of prompting sometime myself. When I come to meetings during my good times, others are reminded that whatever their problems, there is help and hope in Al-Anon.
Thought for the Day
As Al-Anon leads me to peace and serenity, I increasingly become an example to struggling members that such a life is possible.
"Reaching out. ..gave me a new perspective on our common welfare:' . When I Got Busy, I Got Better, p. 38
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. I will be back looking for Lin and others.