Slogans and there Meanings
LET GO AND LET GOD
Every day there are decisions to be made and problems to be solved. When
you notice irritations growing into tensions, tensions into near- panic, and old
fears returning, this is the time to stop short and turn to God. You can do
nothing anyway, and you will find that if you supply the willingness He will
supply the power.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Many of our confusions and frustrations are due to our failure to deal with
tasks and problems in the order of their importance. It does take discipline to
put aside the things we'd rather do, and attend to those of first importance
FIRST. But the rewards are great: we get things done, we enjoy a sense of
accomplishment, and we learn to face issues with a real sense of value and
purpose.
LIVE AND LET LIVE
This is a reminder that most of us need-often. We need to make ourselves realize that we are nor equipped to judge or criticize others for what they are or do. Our only concern should be our own conduct, our own improvement, our own lives. Each of us is entitled to his own view of things, but we have no right to inflict it on anyone else. If there are differences of opinion in your group, try to treat them objectively.
EASY DOES IT
When we come into Al-Anon, burdened with problems and confusions, we are confronted with a bright light of hope. This may tempt us to try too hard to learn, too quickly, all there is to learn about the program.
"If we could only grasp the magic formula that is doing so much for the others," we think. But alas, it is not magic, but a philosophy of living, to be learned slowly and patiently, and absorbed into our hearts and minds. Easy does it.
If you approach each meeting, each problem, each step, in a relaxed frame of mind, what you need will come to you, and much more quickly than if you strained and hurried. Easy does it.
Readjusting your life and changing old habits takes time, and easy does it best.
BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD
It is well to remind ourselves, when we are resentful and embittered over an alcoholic's behavior, that it was not his choice to carry this burden of misery and despair. But for the Grace of God, we might have been afflicted by this sickness. Let us be thankful that we have the blessing of sobriety, and be willing to help the alcoholic find this blessing, too.
One of the early things that I learned to do in Al-Anon is play a game each night at bed time called the A. B. C. of Al-Anon Graditude. Just before you go to sleep start with the letter A and think of something that you are greatful for. (Example Al-Anon) and then go down the rest of the alphabet and name something that starts with that letter.......It will put you in a positive place and make you realize how much you have to be greatful for....After all these years we still play the game, God and I and it gives us a peaceful and serene sleep.......Hope you will try it and see how much fun it really is........Were never to old to play a game......
A Checklist for Evaluating our Maturity
Those who study the problems of the alcoholic are agreed that it is usually a person who "never grew up." The difficulties of coping with alcoholism in another are much more effectively met when we ourselves have mature attitudes.
these are some of the more important characteristics of the mature adult:
1. He does not automatically resent criticism because he realizes that it may contain a suggestions for improving himself.
2. He knows that self-pity is fragile and childish- a way of placing the blame for his disappointments on others.
3. He does not lose his temper readily, or allow himself to "fly off the handle" about trifles.
4. He keeps his head inn emergencies and deals with them in a logical, reasonable fashions.
5. He accepts responsibility for his acts and decisions and does not blame someone else when things go wrong.
6. He accepts reasonable delays with-out impatience, realizing that he must adjust himself to the convenience of others.
7. He is a good looser, accepting defeat and disappointments without complaint or ill temper.
8. He does not worry unduly about things he can't do anything about.
9. He doesn't boast or "show off," but when he is praised or complemented, he accepts with grace and appreciation, and without false modesty.
10. He applauds others' achievements with sincere good will.
11. He rejoices in the good fortune and success of others because he has outgrown petty jealousy and envy.
12. He listens courteously to the opinions of others and even when they hold opposing views, does not enter into hostile arguments.
13. He doesn't find fault with "every little thing" or criticize people who do things he might not approve of.
14. He makes reasonable plans for his activities and tries to carry them out in orderly fashion; he does not do things on the spur of the moment without due consideration.
15. He shows spiritual maturity by- accepting the fact that a Power greater than himself has an important place in his life.
realizing he is part of mankind as a whole; that his fellow- man has much to give him and that he as an obligation to share with others the gifts that have been bestowed upon him.
obeying the spirit of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
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