Friday 4/26/24
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One doesn't recognize in one's life the really important moments-not until it's too late. —Agatha Christie Every moment is special and offers us an opportunity-to let an experience change us in an important way, to invite another person into our life, to nurture the growing, changing person within. Life's events move so rapidly we seldom relish the moments individually, but each day teems with tiny gifts divinely designed for our well-being. The woman smiled at in the grocery store yesterday or the man acknowledged on the bus last week felt special. And we were softened, too, by our expression. We change, and we change our world when we acknowledge one another's presence in it. The wonderful reality is that we are in another's world because of the special qualities we each have and are able to share with one another. For many of us, in times past, no moment felt important. The days were simply long and painful. But now, we can relish even the past pain for what it taught us. We know now that we can look to this day before us with expectation. We can be conscious of every moment, thankful for every experience and every person we encounter. In this inner game of life, I share the court, and I will have my turn to serve. To really live, I must participate fully. |
Just Follow the Steps
The day I came through the doors of Al-Anon I was lonely, afraid, and terribly confused. When I left the meeting I was no longer afraid, but I was more confused than ever.
I grew up thinking I was responsible for everything that happened in life---whether to me or around me. I felt responsible for my daughter’s alcohol problem. My sponsor tried, through several conversations, to help me to see that I was not responsible for a disease. Even after several meetings, I became more confused because my upbringing, culture, and church told me something quite different than the Al-Anon program did. As time passed, I became an Alateen Sponsor and my Higher Power showed me that I no longer needed to be confused if I just follow the Steps. The Alateens showed me unconditional love and accepted me for who I was. My growth in the Al-Anon program continued as a result of my Alateen involvement. After eight years as an Alateen Sponsor, I passed the baton so I could move on to other service work. During my “growing up in Al-Anon” years, the support I felt in this fellowship was monumental in learning how to handle a myriad of problems. I am able to release my daughter to her Higher Power even though I would rather see her sober. I have a loving relationship with my daughter and accept her wherever she is. I learned early on that acceptance doesn’t necessarily mean approval. This program did not fail when my older son came to me and asked for help to quit drinking. Al- Anon has been a bastion of strength and hope when my younger son experiences problems in his life. Whenever I thought that my Higher Power had left my side, He brought someone else into my life that helped to prod me into gratitude, acceptance, and detachment. As new problems emerge, God will be there to show me strength and hope. He will move the chess pieces, other Al-Anon members, into my path to help me through the rough spots again. When I forget my gratitude, I look at where I was 24 years ago and look where I am today. I remain grateful for Al-Anon. By: Priscilla C., Oregon January, 2003 Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA. |
Today's Hope is a Recovery themed site with a focus on Friends and Families of Alcoholics and problem drinkers. We are not affiliated with any 12 Step program. The daily sharings contain a reading from
Al-Anon's Conference Approved publication The Forum, an inspirational quote/saying and a recovery based reading/meditation. The intent of Today's Hope is to share experience, strength and hope. Please take what you like and leave the rest. |