How has the Al‑Anon program helped you deal with change?
Please share your experiences by commenting on the topic below. The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the person who gave them. Take what you liked and leave the rest. Member sharing on the Member Blog may be used in future Al‑Anon publications.
This month we’re asking you to share on the question, “How has the Al‑Anon program helped you deal with change?”
Al-Anon offered me the opportunity to change at my own pace and of my own free will. Throughout the recovery process at each meeting I attended I was told at the end of the meeting to “take what I liked and leave the rest.” Wow, what freedom to explore exactly what was going to work for me. I listened to members share how they endured the day to day struggle of living with an active alcoholic. What worked for them and how much more serene they were when they chose to put their well being first in their life. For… Read more »
Change is very hard for me, even positive change, because it frustrates my sick tendency to manage and control everything. I feel safer knowing what is going to happen (and preferably being in charge!). All the unknowns bring stress and insecurity. Al-Anon has helped me so much in my responses to change. First of all, it helps me accept my powerlessness over outside events. It reminds me that I have a loving Higher Power who is in charge and is not surprised by anything. It reminds me that I can rest all my worries with my Higher Power and that… Read more »
“This too shall pass” helps me remember the discomfort of change won’t last forever. When I keep focused on the next indicated step, my attention shifts away from things that keep me stuck – like dwelling on feelings of discomfort, sadness, fear, anger, and resentment. I continue to improve in being aware of my feelings then letting them go. This practice opens me up to experience more positive things like curiosity, delight, and comfort. In many ways, Al-Anon teaches me to focus less on what I don’t like and more on what I do like. It gives me an attitude… Read more »
Change.
Never did I know that I did not like change. Slogans is the first thing that comes to my mind. Sometimes I am in a spot that requires fast thinking and slogans are perfect. When I can just say “let it go Jackie let it go”. Take a deep breath and move on. I don’t have to answer, sometimes no answer is the answer. I didn’t think that way before Al-Anon. Change now means growth & evolving so I strive to better today one day at a time.
Answer: In becoming more able to adapt to change, the Al-Anon program of living has supported my moving through the discomfort of such. In learning from *AFG that feelings are not facts and that they change, I have become better able to tolerate the discomfort and fear that pops up when things don’t go as I expected or don’t go the way I want/ed. Example: one of the alcoholics in my life gets angry that I say ‘no’ to a request I always in the past said ‘yes’ to (i.e., change!). Al-Anon has supported me through the discomfort I feel… Read more »
The Al-Anon program has given me courage to change the things I can and acceptance that things must change in order for my life to get better. It has given me the tools I need to move forward without fear and with the self confidence that I was always lacking. I have learned through working the steps that change is inevitable but that it is necessary for my recovery. The program has given me hope that by making changes within myself and not trying to change others, I will lead a happier life. Change is no longer scary when I… Read more »