A Work in Progress - al

"A Work in Progress"
SCWS Al-Anon District 33 Quarterly Newsletter
Issue 57 Jan, Feb, March 2012
Message from New District Representative Rose S.
I would like to thank all of District 33 for the opportunity to have been of service
as Alternate D.R. It has been an honor for me to have worked side by side with our
D.R. Irene C. She was an excellent example for me,. I learned better communication
skills as we worked closely on district matters and I experienced continued recovery
and healing as the result of service. I am excited to take on the new challenge of D.R.
Overall, I feel more sense f belonging as I have worked with the District 33
committee board. I have enjoyed organizing and helping to plan workshops and events
for a very active district. While learning to delegate, I sharpened my leadership skills
as well. And, I took pleasure in working with a team. It helped me keep in mind the
awesome traditions of our program such as ―personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity.‖
These last 3 years of service have helped me to focus, to prioritize, and to better
keep my commitments no matter what is happening in my life. This has been a learning
process and a very rewarding experience. Al-Anon has taught me that I can’t keep it
unless I give it away. That’s what service is about.
I have also been able to see all the work done by World Service and the impact to all
of Al-Anon. I have discovered the reasoning behind approved literature and the
process of changes to be made. Al-Anon is truly servicing the world!
Thank you, Rose S.
———————————Thank you from all of us to Irene, our outgoing District Representative! Thirty six
meetings and countless toolbox and District outreach events to be a part of!
And…..congratulations for having every meeting in District 33 with a Group Rep!
Cheers to you and to all the G.R’s these last 3 years. Great job!
1
DISTRICT 33 World Service Reports ...
District 33 Service Board Members
District RepresentativeRose S.
Alternate DR Archives–
TreasurerTina
Co-TreasurerCarolu
SecretaryRecords Secretary Barbara C.
InstitutionsMaria S.
Public OutreachChristine
Alateen Coordinator Irene C.
LiteratureHomebound MeetingsCarolyn F
Newsletter EditorVivian
Co- during t/o
Kathy
Alathon chair 2011
Kathy g.
Alathon Chair 2012
April g.
Area 4 Delegate SCWS
Jayme P.
At print, the following positions are still
open. Alternate D.R., Archives, literature
and minutes Secretary. If you are
interested, please come to the next district
meeting or contact Rose on the district
website………………..
Table of Contents
Pg. 1-
D.R. Report
Pg. 2District Reps.
Pg.3Meeting list
Pg 4Treasurer
Pg.5–
WSO
Pg 6Alateen
Pg.7,7b
Archives
Pg 8,9
Quotes
Pg-10 –
A meeting
Pg 11
A meeting
Pg. 12
A meeting
Pg 13-,14 Prayer and
meditation
Pg 15
ODAT
Pg 16 ,17,18 Rose‘s pages
Pg 20– Serenity
District 33 Website and Contact
Information
-
Website www.al-anonesgv.org
Mail contributions, newsletter articles, and
other requests to:
District 33 P.O. Box 4576
Kathy g.-Newsletter Editor
How much fun you have in a commitment, is in
direct relation to what you put into it. I must say
that I put a lot of efforts into this newsletter these
past 3 plus years and I have LOVED IT! What a joy
it has been to find interesting quotes, literature
pages that reveal a new message every time they are
read and the fun of encouraging district fellowship
to share their stories or thoughts. Keeping in mind
always, that not everyone will contribute. I heard
that from my earliest days in Al-Anon. This
program is for those who want it and not those
who need it. And that is especially true in service.
Every time I received any contribution, from any of
you, I was honored to have received it and to put it
in print!
This issue is partly me and partly Vivian. I will
assist her until her commitment as Treasurer of
AFG the convention is completed in April. I look
forward to her bringing her talents to you quarterly.
With gratitude in service, Kathy G
Institutions– Marie– – She stills holds panel once
a month and details can be found on our website.
It is possible a 2nd may be coming soon to
another location ! Be of service!!!!
Public Info- – Christine S. is remains in her
position to complete her 3 yr term
There are no final reports from any
board position.
2
District 33 Meeting List
DISTRICT 33 MEETING LIST
821
Monday 8 PM – Newcomer Orientation – Covina 91790
December, 1984
825
Wednesday 12 noon – Covina Up-Front – Covina, 91733
October 1980
30085
Sunday 11 AM – 502 Club
-
Covina 91723
March, 1981
35662
Tuesday 10 AM – Step Study
-
Covina 91724
March, 1987
40529
Wednesday 7 PM – Step Study -
Covina 91724
January, 1974
54521
Monday 6:30 PM – Aurora (Charter Oak) – Covina 91724
43146(64577) Tuesday 7:30 PM 979
Monday 7:30 PM -
1824
Tuesday 1:30 PM
- Diamond Bar,91765
August, 1986
September, 2000
- Glendora 91740
September 1978
- West Covina 91740
November 1966
54450(61503) Tuesday 6:30 PM – Book Study
West Covina, 91791
(Same time, same place – Alatot/Alateen Meeting)
50119
Thursday 6:30 PM – Girls Night out – Glendora
91740
April, 2004
65666
May, 1983
Thursday 8 PM – Young at Heart -
Covina
501501 Tuesday 7 PM – Candlelight—
Monrovia
30517649
Saturday 6:30 PM -
Glendora
30527674
Thursday 7 PM – Hope to Share -
Monrovia
91790
February 1997
September, 2004
July, 2007
November, 2008
Missing from the list-Meeting start dates
30516631
Thursday 8 PM -
West Covina
___________
819(500806)
Friday 10 AM - Living in the Solution
– Covina 91740
___________
823
Friday 7:30 PM – Thank God it‘s Friday – Covina, 91722
___________
827
Saturday 10 AM – Question and Answer – Covina 91790
___________
47132
Sunday 7:30 PM -
West Covina
____________
60494
Saturday 9 AM – Spanish Meeting -
La Puente
___________
60035
Saturday 10:30 AM – Literature Study –
Covina 91723
___________
3
DISTRICT 33 TREASURER’S REPORT
"
4
?
of
-
y
-
WSO— Happenings
News from Al-Anon Family
Groups—
That is all the items listed
on this page. The CMA– current Mailing Address for
each meeting receives
information like this. Who is
your meetings CMA?
If you do not have oneConsider volunteering!
Is your group aware that there is
a new blog on "Thinking
Abundantly In... " on the Members'
Web site. Log in and join the
conversation.
If you are interested in
participating in the audio
recording of How AL-Anon Works,
please submit a three-to-five
minute audio clip of yourself
reading a piece of
Al-Anon
literature no later than July 30th.
The reading should reflect the
way you would read literature to
someone who might be sight
impaired, and can be submitted to
the WSO either via mail on
cassette tape, CD, DVD, or as
mp3 file via-mail.
CMA Newslette
Sharings for the New Workbook
If you would like to submit a sharing
for the new workbook in development
on using Al-Anon's three Legacies in
our personal lives, just post your sharing as a "comment" on the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts blogs on our
Members' Web site, www.al-anon.org/
members. Click on "Blogs" from the list
on the left side of the opening page
and leave a "comment."
."
Podcasts
Podcasts with members sharing on
group concerns and sponsorship are
available on the Members' Web site
at:www.al-anon.alateen.org/
members. Members can add their own
comments about the topics discussed.
Participating in Future Podcasts
1.
Members interested in participating
in future podcasts are invited to
complete the Unlimited Abundant
Resources Skills Inventory. The
Skills Inventory is also on the Members' Web site under the menu item
"Surveys for Members".
Al-Anon literature is written by AlAnons. Share your story and be apart
of the outreach. You are worthy!
5
ALATEEN
Alateen Literature from 1973
Prepared by a Committee of Alateen Members/4-20M-73
Alateen Do‘s and Don‘ts
—————————
Do‘s
1. Do remember you are not the only
one with an alcoholic parent.
2. Do look for help in Alateen, Al-Anon,
AA, and other local and community
councils on alcoholism.
3. Do learn all you can about alcoholism, a family disease.
4. Do be honest with yourself and others.
5. Do use your talents in ways that interest you.
6. Do develop a sensible attitude about
alcoholism.
7. Do remember that not only the alcoholic, but all the members of the
family are emotionally involved with
the disease.
8. Do find someone other than a relative that you can confide in.
9. Do learn to forgive yourself and others—you only hurt yourself by holding grudges.
10.Do keep your trust in your higher
power.
11.Do take your own inventory and admit your faults to one person.
12.Do pass on your knowledge of
Alateen to others.
An Alateen sloganLet Go And Let God– You can't fix everything
that‘s wrong with the world, and with your
family and friends. Let it go! God can‘t do his
work if we‘re standing in the way.
Don‘ts
————————
1. Don’t make it easy for the alcoholic by
covering up for him ad taking on his responsibility.
2. Don’t try to make the alcoholic stop drinking—you can’t. Only he can.
3. Don’t argue with an active alcoholic.
4. Don’t hide or throw out his liquor; he will
only buy more.
5. Don’t take it personally when the alcoholic
blames you for his drinking—he’ll use any
excuse.
6. Don’t use drugs or alcohol a a means of
escaping the family situation.
7. Don’t condemn, judge, or criticize—
remember that alcoholism is a disease.
8. Don’t make your parent’s problem that
number one thing in your life.
9. Don’t expect things to get better overnight.
10. Don’t expect to change anyone but
yourself.
11. Don’t allow self-pity to grow inside of you.
It will destroy you.
12. Don’t ever-react to the alcoholic’s problem.
Another couple slogansFirst Things First– Do first what‘ s most important
—-you‘ll get more done.. It's a great way to organize
your time and energy.
Think– Hold back that harsh word or thoughtless
action. THINK about ways to improve yourself.
THINK before you make decisions.
Alateen Group SponsorsAn Alateen Group sponsor is an adult member of Al-Anon
who attends Al-Anon meetings and is currently certified as an AlAnon Member Involved in Alateen Service through their Area‘s
Alateen process.
Paragraph 1—Page 84-Service Manual
6
ARCHIVES
Can you imagine?
From this phone to
smart phones.
Immediate contact
with the friends in
fellowship. They could
never have imagined in
1950…..
~ Article on Alcoholism earns praise–
By Dr. Peter Gott.
Dear Dr. Gott: I am writing in regards
to your article that appeared in my
newspaper on June 26, 2010. A counselor wrote to you about her husband’s
habitual drinking
habits. You response to her was extremely accurate.
Your description of the disease and its
profound effects on a family was one
of the best descriptions I have read
outside of the literature that the AlAnon Family Groups publish. It is truly
wonderful to read such a straightforward, honest answer about alcoholism
and its effects on the family in our local newspaper.
Unfortunately, the public is uneducated about alcoholism and relates to
the disease, much like this writer, as
shameful behaviors that can be
changed ―if he loved me enough.‖
When family members don’t
understand the nature of alcoholism, they
are prone to go to great lengths to get
the alcoholic to stop drinking, as your
response suggests. That is when the
family members become sick, too.
From attempting to battle a disease
over which they have no control.
I am also encouraged by your solution to try Al-Anon. There is a solution
for family members, and Al-Anon can
provide a ray of hope to anyone who
walks through the doors of a meeting.
In addition to the education about alcoholism and the effect on family members, there are practical solutions to deal
with the problems that come with the
disease. As a member, I have seen the
miracles happen within the program,.
I have witnessed members transform
their lives, live happy, fulfilled lives,
whether the
alcoholic is still drinking
or not.
Thank you for your response, to the
counselor. The power of an article can be
far-reaching. I hope to see a family
member who is still suffering from the
effects of alcoholism show up at one of
my Al-Anon meeting. Thank you.
Dear Reader: thank you for the kind
remarks. As am sure you know ,
alcoholism is a serious problem. An
addiction to alcohol, certain behaviors,
smoking, narcotics, illicit drugs, even
gambling can have devastating consequences, not only to the user but also to
the user’s family and friends.
I don’t believe that the public s
uneducated about alcoholism, simply
undereducated. You are correct that
there is a certain level of shame that
goes along with addiction, and this goes,
along with addiction, and this shame
often leads those who care to go to
extreme lengths to cope with and even
hide the problem, which only serves to
complicate and worsen the situation.
There s no same in having an addiction.
It truly is a disease; however, it’s one
that cannot be cured with pills and
exercise. Treatment requires willpower
and a desire to get better.
This column was posted on the board at the
502 club Al-Anon room for a long time. I felt
it appropriate to put in the archive page as
this was one of the first ways we got publicity
for new members!. A great message. Enjoy!
7
Quotes—Sought Through Prayer and Meditation
“When
you look at your relationship to things—and
the energy they contain—ask yourself if they
promote joy, beauty and usefulness, or are they
burdensome?”— Oprah
CTC– Dec. 2nd, pg 337
― Peace of mind depends on recognizing our own shortcomings. An honest personal inventory helps us recognize
the faults that so often increase confusion and despair.‖
This Is Al-Anon
Don't speed through life so fast that someone
has to throw a brick at you to get your
attention. Slow down and be present.
Don’t try to understand
Everything because sometimes
It is not meant to be
Understood, but to be
Accepted.
"Our prayers should be for
blessings in general, for
God knows best what is
good for us." ~Socrates
True nostalgia is an
ephemeral composition of
disjointed memories."
FREE YOUR MIND and THINK
It matters not who you love, where
You love, why you love, when you love,
Or how you love, it matters only that you
love
John Lennon
Florence King
CTC– Today’s Reminder
Just for today I will look for ways to enjoy
life——stop by a garden, try a new hobby, or call
a good friend. I can look for humor. I can savor
love. I can explore something new, Maybe just
for today, I’ll try standing on my head to see if
I like the view.
“ Just for today I will find a little time to
relax and to realize what life is and can be;
time to think about God and get a better
perspective on myself.”
Too much we underestimate the
power of a touch, a smile, a kind
word, a listening ear, an honest
compliment, or the smallest act
of caring, all of which have the
potential to turn a life around.
If there ever comes a day when we can't be
together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there
forever. - ……..Winnie the Pooh
8
Quotes and Writings
"Rebellion is the only thing that keeps you
alive!"
Marianne Faithful
"An excess of arrogance is a deficiency of
self-esteem.
A favorite——
“Recipe for Happiness”
Take 2 heaping cups of patience
1 heartfelt of love
2 handfuls of generosity
Dash of laughter
1 heedful of understanding
Sprinkle generously with kindness
Add plenty of faith and mix well.
Spread over a period of a lifetime
And serve everybody you meet.
A State of Mind
If you think you are Beaten, You are.
If you think you Dare Not, You don’t.
If you’d like to Win, but You Can’t, It’s
almost a cinch You Won’t.
If you think You’ll Lose, You’ve Lost.
For out of the World You find Success
Begins with A Fellow’s Will—
It’s all in the State of Mind.
―He that respects himself is safe from others;
he wears a coat of mail that none can pierce.‖
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The great secret that all old people share is that
you really haven't changed in seventy or eighty
years. Your body changes, but you don't change
at all. And that, of course, causes great
confusion."
Doris Lessing
Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened.
The mere brute pleasure of reading - the
sort of pleasure a cow must have in
grazing.
~Lord Chesterfield
Did you know, friends, that it's perfectly
OK, even highly ideal, to claim all is well
amongst doubt and confusion? To be happy
in spite of challenges? To laugh at problems? Dance without a partner? Sing without a rhyme? Talk to inanimate objects?
Oddly, most don't.
You know you‘ve read a great book when you
turn the last page and feel a little as if you have
lot a friend.‖!
Paul Sweeney
(Al-Anon literature is like that 4 me! Kg)
True success is overcoming the fear of being
unsuccessfulPaul S.
We will open the book. Its pages are
Blank. We are going to put words on
them ourselves. The book is called
Opportunity and its first chapter is
New Year’s Day.”
Edith Lovejoy Pierce
9
A MEETING IN PROGRESS
This meeting topic: Favorite Daily reader page!
CTC-pg 332– Nov. 27– Submitted my Emily M.
ODAT-Pg 217, August 4th-Submitted by Carolu
I can be proud of the fact that I am a survivor. I
have been through many struggles in order to be
exactly where I am today. Today I know that I am
more than my troubles. I am a human being with
dignity. I have a wealth of experience that I can put
to use by sharing it with those who are going
through similar difficulties. I needn‘t fear the
challenges of the future, because I know that today,
with the guidance of my Higher power and with the
strength and knowledge I have gained from
Al
-Anon, I am capable of facing anything life brings
me.
One source of frustration we seldom recognize
is in expecting too much of others, or expecting
too specifically what we feel they ought to be,
say, give or do.
If I expect another person to react in a
certain way to a given situation, and he or she
fails to meet my expectation, have I the right to
be disappointed?
Every human being has his own individual
drives and motivations, beyond my
understanding and control. I may say: “But he
knew what I expected,” not realizing that it may
have been precisely for this reason that he
rebelled and acted otherwise.
My search for peace of mind will bear fruit
much more readily if I stop expecting and relax
into acceptance.
Though I once viewed my life as a tragedy, I now
have a different perspective on those experiences. I
know that I am a stronger person as a result of what
‗I've been through.
Today's reminder
If I so choose, I can regard everything that happens
in my life as a gift from which I can learn and grow.
Today I will find something positive within a difficult
situation and allow myself to be grateful. I may be
surprised at how much a little gratitude can help.
―When it gets dark enough, you can see the stars.‖
Charles. A. Beard
Al-Anon Declaration
When anyone reaches out for help
Let the hand of Al-Anon/Alateen always be there………
And
let it begin with me!!!
Today’s reminderI will not set a pattern based on my own
experience and wishes—and expect someone
else to live up to it, this is interference of a
subtle and damaging kind; it damages my piece
of mind and dignity, and those I am smothering
with my expectations.
“ I, too, often fail to live up to the expectations
of others.”
Forget the lottery...bet on
yourself instead!
Opened at random– Hope 4 Today– Mar. 8th, pg 68
Thought for the day
Detaching myself from a person with the flu protects
me from catching the illness. Emotionally detaching
from alcoholism increases the likelihood that I won’t
catch an overabundance of anger and anxiety.
10
A MEETING IN PROGRESS
CTC– Page 85-March 25-Submitted by
Liz E.
I came to Al-Anon confused about what
was and was not my responsibility. Today, after lots of step work, I believe I
am responsible for the following: to be
loyal to my values; to please myself
first; to keep an open mind; to detach
with love; to rid myself of anger and resentment; to express my ideas and feelings instead of stuffing them; to attend
Al-Anon meetings and keep in touch
with friends in the fellowship; to be realistic in my
expectations; to make
healthy choices; and to be grateful for
my blessings.
I also have certain responsibilities to
others:to extend a welcome to newcomers; to be of service; to recognize that
others have a right to live their own
lives; to listen, not just with my ears,
but also with my heart; and to share my
joy as well as my sorrow.
I am not responsible for my alcoholic
loves one‘s drinking, sobriety. Job.
Cleanliness, diet, dental hygiene, or
other choices. It is my responsibility to
treat this person with courtesy gentleness and love. In this way we both can
grow.
Today’s Reminder
Today, if I am tempted to interfere with
something that is none of my business, I
can turn my attention instead to some
way in which I can take care of myself.
“ I have a primary responsibility to myself: to make myself into the best person I can possibly be. Then, and only
CTC– Pg 153– June 1st
A long time members says, “ an
expectation is premeditated resentment.” I take this statement to suggest
that when I have a resentment I can
look to my expectations for a probable
source.
Here’s an example: I have a brother
who is less attentive to being prompt
than I am .When I make a plan with him
that involves meeting at a certain time,
I am cooperating in establishing
conditions that encourage me to nurse
a resentment. On the other hand, when
I make a plan with my brother that is
based on no expectation of promptness,
I feel no resentment.
Christine C. loves this part belowToday’s reminder
I have the right t choose my own
standards of conduct, but I do not have
the right or the power to impose those
standards on others.
“ I have accepted myself and I’m beginning to accept other people the way
they are each day. Now I have fewer
resentments.”
Living with Sobriety
Books had instant reply long before televised
sports!
Bern Williams
Page 21-August 11th– Kathy G. submission
I am not at the mercy of a cruel and capricious fate,
for I have the power to determine what my life will be.
I am not alone. I have the confidence and faith of all
Al-Anon to support my effort, as it is expressed by the
loving concern and help of the friends of my group. I am
not alone, because God is with me whenever I make
myself aware of him.
: To be without hope is to deny the wonderful
possibilities of the future.‖
11
A MEETING IN PROGRESS
CTC– Pg 358– Dec. 23rd. Submitted by Judie P.
I went to my first Al– Anon meeting because
I wanted to show my support for a close
friend who was a member. To my surprise, I
found myself identifying with almost everyone who shared. I couldn't understand it—I
was positive that I didn't even know any alcoholics! For weeks I kept remembering what
I had heard in that meeting, and finally,
timidly, I returned, and I stayed.
But I felt like an impostor every time I heard
the Third Tradition, which stated, ― The only
requirement for membership is that there be
a problem of alcoholism in a relative or
friend.‖ This guilt made it almost impossible
for me to share in meetings. But I kept
coming back, and slowly I began to feel
better.
It took me over a year to realize that I was
an adult child of alcoholic parents. I am so
grateful that I was given the time and the
support to come to this awareness when I
was ready.
Today’s reminder One of the signs that I have
been affected by alcoholism is that I think I
know what everyone else should do. As AlAnon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve traditions explains, Traditions three speaks directly to
those of us ―who mistakenly feel a newcomer should be rejected when, actually, he
or she does meet the condition for membership.‖ I must decide for myself whether I fit
the requirement for Al-Anon membership. I
will extend the same courtesy to others.
We could never learn to be brave and patient,
if there were only joy in the world.
Helen Keller
"Maybe it's easier to like
someone
else's life, and live vicariously
through it, than take some responsibility to change our lives into lives we
might like."
Tish Grier
CTC– Page 13, Jan. 13th-contributed by Carolu
Al-Anon gives me great spiritual freedom because
it encourages me to find a personal understanding
of God, and to allow others the same freedom.
Until could think of God in terms that were
meaningful to me, I was not able to truly turn my
live over to a Higher Power.
My concept of God evolves. I changes and grows
as I continue to change and grow. How wonderful
it is, for I now sense a Higher power that is as
alive as I am! Never in my life did I dream of
finding such a source of serenity, courage, and
wisdom.
There is a sense of unique purpose to my journey
through life. I am the only one who can live it, and
I need the help of the God of my understanding in
order to live it fully. Grounded in faith, I can
hold tight to my course and meet the future with
confidence.
Today’s Reminder
Once upon time I was afraid to live life for myself. This was because I did not know how to do it
and thought that there was no one to show me.
Now I have a resource deep within me to guide me
along life’s many roads. I am not alone on my
journey.
― In the midst of winter, I finally learned that
there was in me an invincible summer.‖
One thing we know for sure is to remember that
every day is a fresh new start. Start your day
by looking in the mirror ..
Look in the mirror and say:
I am enough and I am worthy .
12
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
God made all the creatures and gave them our love
our fear,….To give sign, we
and they are His
children, one family here.
and
Robert Browning
Once you get a routine going…....It
becomes 2nd nature..
Submitted by Patricia B.
"It's so curious: one can resist tears and
'behave' very well in the hardest hours of
grief. But then someone makes you a
friendly sign behind a window, or one
notices that a flower that was in bud only
yesterday has suddenly blossomed, or a
letter slips from a drawer... and everything
collapses."
From Many Voices-One Journey-pg 39
For discussion:
In their first letter to the family groups, Lois
and Anne listed “cooperation and understanding of the A.A. at home” as the first of
three Thank you for letting me share-RG
―Twenty years from now you will be more
disappointed by the things that you didn’t
do than by the ones you did do. So throw
off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe
harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
………..Explore…...Dream….Discover….
Mark Twain
“ Big sisters are the crab grass in
the lawn of life!”
There is no such things as a perfect relationship. Its
how two people deal with their imperfections that
make it perfect!
—-This is a case for the power of love—The opposite of love is not hate, it’s
indifference. The opposite of art is not
ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of
faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the
opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.‖
"Anyone who has spent a few
nights in a tent during a storm
can tell you: The world doesn't
care all that much if you live or
die. "
!!We do!!
―I wasn't really asleep I was just meditating on
unconsciousness.‖
13
Prayer and Meditation
Good morning, rise and shine! Another day,
another opportunity to brighten someone's day!
Xo XoXo
What you can do with your life,
has little to do with what's
going on in the world.
If you were able to look back at your most brilliant
successes, stunning comebacks, amazing catches,
and smokin' ideas, and you were to find that
virtually all of them seemed to materialize out of
thin air, when you least expected them, and that
they had exceeded even your greatest expectations
at the time, how excited would you be about the
new year and whatever else I've got up my sleeve?
Hubba, hubba - The Universe
Sometimes the first step towards rearranging present circumstances is to stop dwelling upon present circumstances.
Mike Dooley
So, have you ever seen a complete stranger
across a room, street, or hallway, and sent
them a silent, "I love you," just for the good it
might do? I have.
Lord, teach me patience, and remind me that it
is hard work, but well worth my labor. Guide me
in all I do to remember that waiting is the answer
to some of my prayers, and that when I need
You,
In prayer or meditation, you can use
anything to occupy your thoughts and
to think about. It can be a word, or it
can be a phrase. It can be a wish or a
dream or something you need to let go
of. All the quotes in these pages are
meant as something to meditation on
or to ponder over. Like our daily readers thoughts for today, these are quotes
that are meaningful.
Just remember, to take what you like,
You will be there to help me.
xoxo
14
O.D.A.T.
ODAT– Pg 54– February 23rd-Submitted by
Patricia b.
ODAT– Pg 333, November 28th-Submitted by
Karen P.
“Detach!” we are told in Al-Anon. This does not
mean detaching ourselves, and our love and
compassion, from the alcoholic. Detachment, in
the Al-Anon sense, means to realize we are
individuals. We are not bound morally to
shoulder the alcoholic’s responsibilities.
We hear in Al-Anon that no situation is
hopeless. At first we find this hard to believe.
Hope and despair are human emotional attitudes; it is we who are hopeless, and not the
condition of our lives. In a desperate
situation, we give up hope because we are
unable, as yet, to believe in the possibility of a
change for the better.
Detachment from the problems caused by
compulsive drinking shows us the futility of
covering up for the alcoholic, keeping up a
brave front, being ashamed or apologetic for
situations not of our making. Once we can hold
back from such involvement, we will have a
new sense of freedom and strength.
Today’s Reminder
I will not permit myself to become emotionally
involved in matters that should not be my
concern. I will not interfere with the working
out of another's difficulties, however dear and
close we may be to each other.
Detachment is essential to any healthy relationship
between people. Each of us is a free individual,
with neither one in control of the other.
“For what knowest, O wide,…..Whether thou
shalt save thy husband?......Or how knowest
thou, O man, whether….thou shalt save they
wife?..As the lord hath called every one, so let
him walk.” (1st Corinthians)
ODAT– Pg334– Today’s Reminder
As I see the progress I have made, it becomes clear to
me that may of my earlier habitual reactions needed to
be transformed into normal mature
behavior. The
only possible way to improve the conditions of one‘s
life is to improve one‘s emotional condition.
Today’s Reminder
If I have been relying on my judgment alone,
and have tried to correct what is wrong by
using the wrong tools, I have reason for
despair. I will learn, in Al-Anon , to recognize
my errors, to see the roadblocks of self-will
and self-righteousness I have been putting in
my way. Then I will no longer insist that a
thing is impossible because I have been
unable to accomplish it. Others have, and
many of them had far greater problems than
mine. Once I use the Al-Anon program and
let myself be guided by God’s will instead of
my own, my
distorted outlook will be
replaced by order and peace of mind.
“…………..if thou canst believe; all things are
possible to him that believeth.” (Mark)
ODAT-Page July 5th
“ If I were unfortunate enough to be an
alcoholic, how would I hope to be treated by
the person I live with? The Golden Rule is a
useful tool in all our personal relationships.‖
―Most of the things I did, in anger and frustration,
only made matters worse. Now I am learning to let
go.‖
15
Shop
Rose’s Corner– Prayers
My dearest , You are no longer a child,
stuck in childish ways.. It is time to operate
as an adult...I have always been with you ,
allowing you to grow and move and have
your being, in your own way and pace. Now
you are ready for grasping the reason for
which I have grasped you...Stand up.. Be
ready...All shall be revealed now...Those to
accompany you will come to you
now...Your direction will be clearly shown
to you.
All is before you now Take one step as I
take one thousand.. Do not fear the giants..
Take the land that has been prepared for
you.. I am restoring what the locust
(alcoholism) has eaten..... I love
you, God
If I wake with a busy head. If I am having the same
old argument or same meaningful conversation in
my head, I am probably operating in resentment ,
contempt or fear.. ‗
If I am in a meeting and disliking people, judging,
or complaining then I probably am not paying attention to the readings, yet they are my lifeline as I
am drowning in unhealthy thinking over and over
and expecting healthy recovery....This is insanity..
Where is my higher power? Am I spending time
with God...TIME TIME TIME..... Did I make a
decision to turn my life and will over to God TODAY.... If I did not then I am operating in self will
today...EGO is in the drivers seat...
If I did, then then my life is not in my hands. My
behavior is not to be justified..I asked God to do as
He wills. He wants healthy behavior and a peaceful mind. He wants a healthy body and a pure
heart, free from resentment and fears...He wants my
old hurts healed..
I must be awake, alert, surrendered and ready to be
of service, the rest is up to God... Now, am I being
of service? Is it costing me something like time
and effort...How can I be of service if my mind is
on my past or future? Being of service is being in
the present.. Only a surrendered heart can be free
and available. Only a surrendered heart can offer
love and service... Mother Theresa said "Go out
into the street and find a man who thinks he is alone
and convince him that he is not" THIS IS SER-
My dearest , I want the best for you. Your ego
says "I know what to do myself" "Your ego
says " I have learned" Your ego says
" I'm beyond that" Your ego says "I can handle
that. Don't need to call a sponsor" I want the
best for you...Continue to go to meetings regularly...If you only go
occasionally , you are
not working it...You will be weak..Dont just
talk about program, LIVE IT.
.Whether you have 5 minutes or 50 years, you
are still powerless over people, places, and
things, situations and life on life's terms...
If you veer away from the fact that that you are
powerless, you then you distort your reasoning.. Your serenity, your spiritual position,
and your health will suffer...All health problems have spiritual deficiencies..
When you are not in acceptance your antibodies and your deficient cells are unmanageable. Your spiritual sickness will then take
form...
I want the best for you. I love you as though
you were my only child...
Love, God
I think EVERY Newcomer should be
given the pamphlet 'Alcoholism, the
Family Disease' in every newcomer
packet. Just my thought! It is
absolutely my Favorite piece of paper
reading. It fits in my purse and it
covers Everything!!!
Paths to Recovery is another... I have
every color of highlighter in that book.
It would take hours to tell you what I
would like to share with you... =)Thanks,
Charlene A.
Grateful Member of the Worldwide
Fellowship of Al-Anon and Alateen
16
Rose’s page continued….
Have you ever heard the word ―synchronicity‖? It has
to do with all things being interconnected in the universe,
patterns of ―the flow‖, getting indirect
messages from God in odd ways, etc.
Everyone has experienced it, but some don‘t know
it. Many people call it ―coincidence‖, but while it can
appear that way to people who don‘t believe in such
things as the Universality of God, there is usually a lot
more to ―coincidences‖ than people realize. Some
examples are like talking or thinking about something, then a song comes on the radio that relates to it,
or a TV ad, new story, or a friend calls or drops by
and starts saying something directly related to it.
We‘ve even heard of books that someone needed to
read, falling off a shelf, or being seen on the top stack
of unrelated books on someone else‘s desk..
It‘s often like God, or angels trying to get a message
to us in their own way. And if we get it, we do, if we
don‘t, we don‘t. The higher your consciousness, the
more aware of synchronistic events you become.
Those whose consciousness is very high, realize that
every moment is synchronistic and are aware hundreds of such events every day—things that just blow
by other people.
I‘ve been in store or cafes, overhearing someone
else‘s conversation, when a song comes on the system
that is like a direct message to what they were discussing, yet they don't notice it!
By Edgar Cayce Inspirational Quotes
We serve.
We must serve before we can lead.
From– NEW EVERY MORNING?
My dearest Rose, I want the best for you.
Your ego says “ know what to do myself?
“Your go says” I have learned “. Your ego
says “I’m beyond that”. Your ego says “I
can handle tha. I don’t need to all a sponsr”.
Rose, I want the best for you..If you onl go
occasionally, you are not working it….you
will be weak..don’t just talk about program,
LIVE IT…
Whether you have 5 minutes or 50 yeas,
you are still powerless ovr people, places
and things., situations and life on lifes
terms…. If you veer away from the fact that
you are powerless, you then distort your
reasoning. Your serenit, your spiritual position, and your helath will suffer. All health
problems have spiritual deficiences.
When you are not in acceptance your antibodies and your deficient cells are umanageable. Your spiritual sickness will then
take form.
I want the best fr you. I love you as though
Do not allow
Yourself to become
Upset by people
Or things
They are powerless!
You reaction is their only power
By Thomas Barrett
you were my only child.
Love God.
Rose spends lots of time looking for interesting
reads and songs and quotes to share with us all.
We hope you enjoy seeing what she has contributed this issue. Never forget, you can share what
adds to your program in sharing, literature or like
items.
17
Rose’s page continued….
Writer: GOODRUM, RANDY
I cried a tear, you wiped it dry
I was confused, you cleared my mind
I sold my soul, you bought it back for me
And held me up and gave me dignity
Somehow you needed me
You gave me strength to stand alone again
To face the world out on my own again
You put me high upon a pedestal
So high that I could almost see eternity
You needed me, you needed me
And I can't believe it's you
I can't believe it's true
I needed you and you were there
And I'll never leave, why should I leave?
I'd be a fool 'cause I finally found someone
who really cares
You held my hand when it was cold
When I was lost you took me home
You gave me hope when I was at the end
And turned my lies back into truth again
You even called me "friend"
You gave me strength to stand alone again
To face the world out on my own again
You put me high upon a pedestal
So high that I could almost see eternity
You needed me, you needed me
You needed me, you needed me
To lie is to rob life of meaning. In my addiction I was a liar, not just by what I said
but by what I did, what I left unsaid and by
my manipulation with half-truths. All lies
shut out truth making us prisoners of fantasy and illusion. The world becomes what
we want it to be rather than what it is and
reality is lost. The liar is forced into the
prison of loneliness, despair and isolation
because nobody can know him, nobody
can understand him. His language and
communication are ego-centered. The liar
is not living in the real world. He is living in
his own world, with his own rules and definitions. The lies are the killing wounds,
and they are self-inflicted.
Today I prefer the pain of truth to the
passing satisfaction of the lie and the habit
of telling the truth is growing in me!
God of Truth, may You ever be
reflected in the life I seek to live
"I will create something that
pleases me today a quiet
moment, a cake, a song, a
dance whatever makes me
smile."
This is one of my favorite songs reminding
me of my connection with my higher power
and service.....Rose S.
LIES
..."Sin has many tools, but a lie is the
handle that fits them all."
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes
18
Roses CORNER continued….
The Twelve Steps from "Creating Dreams"
by Rose S.
submitted
they told me
"do the steps, all 12 of them
than... you'll find your Friend"
they went on to say
"believe me it will get
a little better... day by day"
Step One... there was nothing I could do
quite depressed... feeling blue
Step Two... I sought a new belief
slowly... it provided some relief
Step Three... answers I began to find
it brought about some peace of mind
Step Four... I looked deep inside
no longer did I want to run or hide
Step Five... I put my trust in Him
and told another all my sins
Step Six... I saw all the defects based in shame
I'd throw away all those old games
Step Seven... I found a gift in humility
a new world I'd see
Step Eight... a list was made when I searched my
soul
years of abuse had took its toll
Step Nine... I began making amends
apologies was the only message I'd send
Step Ten... the truth was easy to see
an inventory would help keep me free
Step Eleven... my new Friendship was strong
with prayer and meditation days weren't so long
Step Twelve... I couldn't wait to share
and let others know we care
they spoke the truth
life did get better
I found peace within
which made the world
more peaceful and serene
"I Believe"
I believe for every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows,
I believe that somewhere in the darkest
night
A candle glows,
I believe for everyone who goes astray,
Someone will come to show the way,
I believe, I believe.
I believe above the storm a smallest
prayer
Will still be heard,
I believe that someone in the great
somewhere
Hears every word,
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry,
Or touch a leaf, or see the sky,
Then I know why,
I believe.
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry,
Or touch a leaf, or see the sky,
Then I know why,
I believe.
Meditation promotes coordination at three
levels: physically, we begin to relax; mentally, our busied thoughts become quiet and
focused; and spiritually, we get reenergized
and are able to deal more lovingly and effectively with the people and events around
us. By following a few simple steps, anyone
can learn to meditate; even beginners may
experience the calming effects of a few moments of purposeful silence. ..By Cayce
19
Serenity
The four agreements– Don Miguel’s Ruiz’s code
for life
Agreement 1
Be impeccable with your wordSpeak with integrity. Say only what you mean,
Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or
to gossip about others. Use the power of your word
in the direction of truth and love.
Agreement 2
Don’t take anything personally—
Nothing others do is because of you. What others
say and do is a projection of their own reality, their
own dream. When you are
immune to the
opinions of others, you won’t be the victim of
needless suffering.
Agreement 3
Don’t make assumptions—
Find the courage to ask questions and to express
what you really want. Communicate with others as
clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you
can completely transform your life.
Agreement 4
Always do your bestYour best is gong to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as
opposed to sick. Under any
circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment,
self-abuse and regret.
But I do know focusing on the exterior doesn't
make me happy. If I want peace and serenity,
it won't be reached by getting thinner or fat.
Elle Macpherson
Laura Hoff
4:30pm Jan 7
*Remember to Breathe* ......three words
that are very helpful to me throughout the
day. I was reminded of this lately in more
than one way. I was on a phone meeting a
few weeks ago, and the meeting topic was
from a story in How Al-Anon works, on pg.
263. It was about a woman who was a
Pueblo Indian and raised by her alcoholic
mother. She described how she would often get migraines, and how a lot of times
she would hold her breath, b/c as a child
she wanted to feel invisible and take up as
little room as possible on this planet. As I
was hearing this story, tears were rolling
down my face, because I could relate so
much to what she was saying....
Then a few weeks later, my mom told
me about the memorial in the newspaper
they put in for my friend, who had his life
taken last year at 30 years old. He was a
very inspirational/loving
person, and his
quote he would say all of the time to everyone was "Remember to Breathe". My
mom told me how that was included in the
newspaper in the article. I thought that
was so sweet.... Then a few days later, I
heard a share at the traditions study I go
to, and I heard a few times as she was
sharing how she kept talking about just
breathing". So all of these happenings just
really touched my heart, and I want to
pass on my friend, Chris's, quote of
*Remember to Breathe* and hope that
these three simple words work for all of
you, as much as they do for me daily. :)
Curiosity endows the people who have it with
a generosity in argument and a serenity in
their own mode of life which springs from
their cheerful willingness to let life take the
form it will.
Alistair Cooke
Thought for today from Hope For Today! Pg 268/269
My higher power is looking out for me even when I
can‘t. ― I believe that God‘s grace also means that God
is doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He
floods my life with His grace, doing thing sfor me and
through me that I could never do myself.‖
As we understood...pp. 97-98
Despair is the damp of hell, as joy is the
serenity of heaven.
Jon Donne
― In Al-Anon, I have come to know that I have a
resource within me and all around me that can guide
me through the most overwhelming fears and the most
challenging decisions—-a Higher Power
Great quotes to use in mediation
20
Slogans/Literature
Page 348– 3rd paragraph
Many Voices, One Journey
Alateen Slogans= circa 1973Easy Does It. Haste makes waste—of time
and effort. Relax—get rid of tension and rushing.
Listen and Learn- There is something of value to be
learned from everyone you meet. Look for it and use it.
Let Go and Let God– You can‘t fix everything that is
wrong with the world, and wit h your family and
friends. Let it go! Forget yesterday—and don‘t worry
about what might happen tomorrow.
From ―As We Understood‖– Pg 51
When our spiritual lives feel strained, we
needn‘t pound ourselves relentlessly. With
spiritual insight, we can find out where our
greatest strengths and weaknesses lie, and
can acknowledge our weaknesses as something good and meaningful. This gives us a
feeling of strength, belief, and open—
mindedness, a more fulfilling way of life,
and a greater sense of gratitude..
Anonymous
The Twelve Steps provide us with a framework
for recovery, making it possible for us to have
more satisfying personal relationships. The
Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service complement and augment the recovery we
can attain from the Steps with principles for
positive and productive interpersonal relationships. The Traditions and Concepts help people
live and work together harmoniously in our
groups, in Al-Anon service, and in our daily
lives.
When I share my experience, strength, and hope,
I'm
speaking to my opinion,…... I'm speaking
Some meetings
still use this piece
of literature by
group conscience.
Prior to the 2004 World
Service Conference, the
policy Committee met and
affirmed that Al-Anon
would have only one
“Welcome.” Due to the
consensus that the
“Newcomers Welcome”
was directive “(telling newcomers how they felt and
what they needed to do),
the Group Services Department removed the
“Newcomer Welcome”
from the Group Binders.”
A day came when the alcoholic created his own
crisis, and I was able to step back and let him handle
it as he saw fit. I was no longer in charge of the outcome because I had my own life. I took out my never
ending list and added something new—gratitude for
the people in my life who live with the disease of
alcoholism.—Discovering choices– Page 61
From Discovering choices——
Page 93– an excerpt-:
It seemed to some of us that meetings are for people
who are comfortable talking with others, enjoy meeting
people, and are socially confident. That’s why attending
and Al-Anon meeting is the very last thing many of us
wanted to do. It’s not unusual to find Al-Anon members who say they finally wetn to a meeting because it
was the last thing for them—-they were at a dead end
and could see no other alternatives.
Paradoxically. Al-Anon meetings are for people who
don’t like meetings and who may even be fearful of
interacting with people. An Al– Anon meeting is a safe
place where healing and recovery can begin. No one
judges us at an Al-Anon meeting. Our social status or
career accomplishments are irrelevant there. No one
criticizes us or our mistakes. If we don’ feel comfortable enough to share, we can simply say, “I pass.”
21
Steps/Traditions
This was written by Buddy T, and submitted by
Rose S.
Probably the most difficult of all the steps to
take, Step 5 is also the one that provides the
greatest opportunity for growth.
What an order! Admitting wrongs to God and
to ourselves is one thing, but to actually tell
someone else the exact nature of or wrongs
can be a frightening task indeed. After years of
“keeping secrets” and hiding faults and shortcomings, openly admitting them—and out loud
to another human being— this is a drastic
turnaround.
But just as the 12 steps themselves are in a
specific order for a reason, the process
outlined within Step 5 is likewise. There Is a
reason that the first admission of wrongs is to
God as we understand him. It prepares us for
the rest of the step. No, admitting to God the
nature of our wrongs is not informing him of
anything that He doesn't already know. But by
having that conversation with a personal
higher power in a spirit of prayer, the things
that need to be changed are revealed to us!
The exact nature of our wrongs have bee discovered along with the ways that they need to
be changed.
Once we have had the integrity to become
honest with God, then become honest with
ourselves and another human being becomes
much easier. Perhaps more than any other step
in the process, Step 5 provides the chance to
begin ‘growing up” spiritually and gives us the
opportunity to unload the burdens of our past.
ODAT-Pg 320– Nov 15th
It never fails– If all else fails—-go back to Step 1We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and our
lives had become unmanageable.
PrefaceFrom “As we Understood”
What gives hope to Al-Anon
members? Many have experience
situations that others would find
unbearable, yet they develop
strength and hope for the future. “ I
looked around me at group meetings
and saw a few people as hurt and
bitter and angry as I was,” said one
member, “but most were facing life
as it came. They were able to accept
what I thought were outrageous
situations, And I wanted to learn
how they did it.”
Hope For Today-Pf 80- Step 9
Thought For Today
A statue looks different depending on the angle
from which I view it. If I change the angle from
which I view my family member, they might
look different , too.
Yep- Steps
are 1-12
Great message!
If i am suffering from bitterness against the alcoholic, I
will cling to the thought that my growth and serenity
depend on overcoming my animosity. Unless I free
myself from it, I may carry it over into my relations with
other people, even those who, in Al-Anon, are trying to
help me
Wishing and hoping are Not
steps 13 & 14.
Submitted by Liz I.
22
VIV‘s CORNER ….
My way
I remember sitting and praying for a job I really wanted to work I prayed everyday
―God bless me with a job‖ what I fail to pray for
Was the patients to wait for that job this is a example of be careful you pray for you
just might get it ―well‖ god blessed me with that job it seems as if I was on the my
way. After getting that job and having it for a week having to deal with people who
don‘t have a program I realize that I am in the wrong place I saw so many things
about myself I did not like I also realize that god had been trying to get my attention
for something he wants me to do. I am a people person and there are certain people
he want me to work with I had this job for only few weeks I begin august 28, 2011
and ended it September 10,2011 since I had been on the job I have
experience
anger unmanageability, misunderstanding,
Miscommunication, no patients anxiety sleepless nights frustrations that is just
some of what I did not plan for when I prayed for a job I know now that I
Had been doing it my way for a long time. I forgot that god has a way of doing
things too what I mention are not or nowhere near the fruits of the spirit that god
wants too bless me with I saw where I had made many mistakes not waiting on god
is the first one. I had done such a bad job with my life I would only hire god when I
wanted him to do his job. Something I fail to look at was that god was there all the
time allowing me to do it my way when god finally took the job he did such a amazing job of blessing me with peace, serenity, patients, willingness, humility understanding to be able to accept whatever and whenever circumstances come up in my
life those are the fruit of the spirit I am now striven to have in my life now. when I
gave my two week notice at that job I notice at that I started the process of going to
get my certificate for drug and alcohol counselor at mount san antonio college now
I have so much peace about my decision god has wanted me to do it his way and not
mine for many years in this area of my life.
Now I know that his work will be done on the job he blesses me with. from what
I see making decisions I know that god need to be first I am so at awe about that I
don‘t worry about being taken care of finically and any other situation at all there is
a peace that goes along with my decisions from now on most of decisions I wikk
make sure that god confirms that I will make the right decision for him, then for me
who ever reads this letter I really just want to say never give up on any dreams or
vision god has place in my heart believe faith and trust I will be starting school in
February 2012 for drug and alcohol counselor.
May god bless you and keep you Love ….Love, Gloria
23
Forgiveness- (from our Daily Readers)
Before Al-Anon, forgiveness meant power to me. I
could judge the offender—the person who wasn't
Thank you to Agnes D, for her submitting the topic
of forgiveness!
doing what I wanted and then exercise my power
by showing that I could rise above the offense and
magnanimously bestow forgiveness. But I would
never forget what had been done.
Today I know that forgiveness has nothing to do
with power. It does not give me control. Forgiveness is simply a reminder that i am on equal footing with every other child of God. We all do good
and noble things at times; on other occasions we
may offend. I have no right to judge, punish, or
absolve anyone. When I behave self-righteously, I’
m the one who suffers—separate myself from my
fellow human beings, focus on others, and keep
busy with hateful and negative thoughts. By taking
this attitude I will tell myself that i am a victim.
The most forgiving thing I can do is to remember
that my job is not to judge others, but to think
and behave in a way that lets me feel good.
Today’s reminder
I don’t know the motives or circumstances that
cause another’s behavior. I do know that when I
hold onto resentment and blame, I occupy my
spirit with bitterness. Today I will find a more
nurturing way to fill myself up.
“You can’t hold down a man down without staying
down with him.”
Booker T. Washington
Resenting hurts the one who resents
Forgiveness can be just a change
of attitude. I came to Al-Anon full of
bitterness toward the alcoholic in my
life. When I realize that my bitterness
hurts me more than anyone else, I
began to search for another way to
view my situation.
In time, I came to believe that my
alcoholic loved one might be the
messenger my Higher Power used to
let me know that I needed to get
help. It is not fair to shackle her with
credit or blame for the amount of
time it took for me to pay attention
to that message. I choose to
tolerate a great deal of unacceptable
behavior because I was unwilling to
admit that I needed help. I did the
best I could with the tools and
knowledge I had at hand, and I
believe that she did too. Eventually
the message got through. I made it
to the rooms of Al-Anon, and my life
changed in miraculous ways. I don’t
deny that hurtful things are said and
done along the way, but I refuse to
carry the burden of bitterness any
further. Instead, I am grateful for
what I have learned.
Today's reminder
I will not allow old resentments to
drag me down any longer. I am
building a better and more loving life
today.
―Forgiving is not forgetting, it's
letting go of the hurt.‖
Mary McLeod Bethune
24
Newsletter Summary
In issue, the focus is on three things. One
has been on literature , We felt the new
year is a time to take stock of our programs
and our needs for the future. Starting with
our own literature, we can begin the
discovery of another layer of ourselves.
Prayer and forgiveness and lastly
mediation are our primary focus. On this
page we cover a few more things about
meditation.
We also look forward to the new boards
three years of service. Not all the positions
are filled, but they will hopefully be at the
January District board meeting. Rick B,
Al-Anon’s Executive Director in the WSO
office says that there are always just the
right amount of people in service. Positions
will be filled in time.
Lastly....the Alathon planning meetings are
beginning and I hope you will be a part of!
The date will most likely be in June, but
possibly early July. I will be scanning to
make sure no other events in Al-Anon are
on that day!
District 33 has rocked since I was D.R. and
Sandie E. before that! Irene has set the
stage after me with all meetings having
G.R’s, so lets all make Roses’ term rock too!
LIS, Kathy g.
We kept the submissions simple for
this issue. We just asked for peoples
favorite page in their daily readers. I
got a number of responses and probably a 5% return rate. I then sent out a
final email and had one person from
outside our district respond. Hers is
one this page.
I look forward to helping Vivian get
submissions. I expect the year to
keep us busy, so here is to celebrating
you and your program! We have lots
of topics for meditating.
Good luck!
Submission from Charlene– CTC May 18th-Pg 139
When I face adversity and deal with my problems or
express my feelings, things have a chance to improve.
Even if they don‘t, I release some of the pressure I feel.
————————I feel better when realize that I have finally begun living
life on life‘s terms.
————————
Looking back, I see how much I‘ve grown. I‗ve grown. I
wouldn‘t have chosen any of the crises in my life, but
since coming to Al-Anon, I‘ve learned that every problem can help me to change for the better, deepen my
faith, and add to my self-esteem.
————————
CTC– Oct. 19th– pg 293
Today‘s reminder
What I can‘t do, my Higher Power can. When I ―Let go
and let God,‖ I am free to take risks and to make
mistakes. I Know that I am powerless over many
things. Today I can take comfort in knowing that I
don‘t have the power to ruin God‘s plans.
―Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience
for the small ones; and when you have laboriously
accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.
God is awake.‖
Victor Hugo
In simplest terms, meditation is the practice of
quieting our physical bodies and our minds, and
focusing our attention inward instead of upon
the world around us. As you begin to practice
meditation daily, it will become easier. You
might also notice that the sense of peace inside
you during meditation will begin to carry over
into the different parts of your day. Although
some schools of thought suggest that the mind
should be blank when you are meditating.
Edgar Cayce
25
NEW BUSINESS-Alathon 2012
Alathon 2012
planning time is here!
The first planning meeting
January 23rd
at the 502 Club-630 pm.
Next!!! The Alathon committee is still being put together.
What would you like to do??
I have the privilege of Judy P. fist standing up for entertainment
with a delightful idea. She will need performers, but Irene C. has
stepped up to be her Co-chair . , so all they need are the willing! I will
help however i can too !!
Treasurer– Tina-All monies and Carolu-7th tradition
Lunch –Carolyn F.
Decorations– Agnes
Archives– The District board member
Host or Hostess.
Set up/Clean up
.Literature (Will have district person in this position).
Raffles
Breakfast.
Snack
Publicity.
Signs and Graphics....
I have had many people say NO. Please step up and say yes! The
Alathon is a we event!
I will ask people and see who wants to be of service, but reminding all that this is a District event
and many of the board can be on the committee
26