Daily readings from Al-Anon's Magazine The Forum • Recovery Reflections • Quote/Sayings

Sunday 1/23/22

Meet my needs, fill my own bucket, and give from abundance.  I receive; I give.  I love me; I love you.

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Our Spiritual Journey
We begin our spiritual journey at different times in our lives but most of us reach the same place eventually where we accept the guidance of a Power greater than ourselves. A Power that cares for us and accepts us just as we are. A Power that guides us, teaches us, and grants us just what we need – and, at times, what we want. A power that helps us cope with our illness each day. A Power that never leaves our side, even when we become angry and demanding.

If we have not yet begun our spiritual journey, there is still time to do so. Our Higher Power is there for us. All that is required from us is the willingness to begin.

Today, have I begun my spiritual journey?

Spirituality is a gift that is always available.

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Part of the Solution

Recently I was standing in the “quick” checkout line at the grocery store.  There was lengthy delay with a customer’s check and I could hear grumbling from the people waiting behind me.  Before Al-Anon, I would have reacted to this type of situation by shifting from one foot to the other, turning to give “knowing” glances to my fellow sufferers, and sighing impatiently.  Of course I never would have complained vocally, which was consistent with how I dealt with unpleasant alcoholic situations in my life.  I suffered in silence, allowing my body language to convey my displeasure.
               
Al-Anon principles have helped me see how I can be part of the problem, or part of the solution.  I felt so serene waiting in that line, knowing I did not have the power to change what was happening.  By accepting the situation I could stand in line quietly while peacefully scanning magazine covers.  I knew the clerk was doing her very best to resolve the problem and she needed my consideration, not my contempt.

When the line finally moved, the customer behind me said loudly, “I hope no one else is going to write a check.”  I turned, smiled warmly, and said, “I thought I would write three,” and of course everyone laughed, which broke the tension.  I feel I can speak to others in this manner because I felt no animosity to any part of the other customers.  I’ve learned in Al-Anon to love everyone in a very special way.

​Anonymous April, 2003​       ​​​

Reprinted with permission of The Forum
Al-Anon Family Groups Incorporated, Virginia Beach, VA

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