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YOUR CART

Readings updated daily by
​8 a.m. cst
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Step 7
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Daily readings from Al-Anon's Magazine The Forum • Recovery Reflections • Quote/Sayings
Wednesday 7/6/22
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Kindness: Loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness. -Andy Stanley
      
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Resentment
Of all the negative emotions, resentment diminishes us the most. It brings unwarranted anger toward those who have something we want, and self-pity for ourselves. It drains us of the energy we need to change our lives and work toward goals. Resentment keeps us in a rigid judgment of who "should" and who "should not" achieve success; all "should" attitudes are pointless, breeding discontent and wasting time. Above all, resentment is ugly to see and even uglier to feel. When I'm resentful, I feel hatred toward others and myself.

Today, I ask for the humility to accept my limitations, without resenting others who have exceeded them. I ask for the courage to pursue my own goals, not comparing myself to others. 

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From Anger to Serenity:
Changing Myself, Understanding Others

I came to Al-Anon because I was very angry at a young alcoholic.  He is the son of the woman I am dating and he is making her life and consequently mine-miserable.  I wanted to learn how I could change him.  I also wanted to understand what his mother was experiencing.

And because I wanted her to be happy, I needed to change her too.
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To my surprise, I didn't learn how to cure the alcoholic in our lives.  In fact, I was told I had no control over alcoholism.  This was a shock.  At the very least, a good kick in the pants should work!  Not only could I not control his disease, I couldn't control my friend's reactions.  What was I doing at this meeting?

Maybe it was the members' warmth and kindness or their insightful comments that kept me coming back.  I attended an open A.A. meeting and read the al-Anon literature.  Soon I found myself listening and learning from all the members of the group as I continued to participate.

Over time, my anger toward the alcoholic dissipated and an understanding of his mother's angst evolved.  I now realize what has been happening.  I was no longer trying to change or control other people.  Although I am an unfinished work, I have been changing myself.

Al-Anon helps me with my daily life, whether in work situations, social interactions, or the painful experience of my brother's recent death.  What Al-anon has brought me is a new outlook on life.

As I have worked on my self-improvement, I have also seen my friend improve.  Each of us attends a meeting and when we get home, we telephone and discuss the insights we have gained.  It is an important element that has led to a loving, supportive relationship.

On this, my first anniversary, I want to say that I admire all of you and I thank you for your thoughts, support, sharing, and courage.  And yes, as the Suggested Closing says, I have come to love each of you in a very special way.


By John F., Indiana February,  2008
Reprinted with permission of The Forum
Al-Anon Family Groups Incorporated, Virginia Beach, VA

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Readings updated daily by
​8 a.m. cst
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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. ​

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