One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
We hear and read, over and over again, that we are powerless over alcohol, and that the alcoholic’s sobriety is not our business or our responsibility. It may seem paradoxical, then, to assert that we, the spouses, can have a tremendous influence in bringing about sobriety and helping the alcoholic to maintain it.
When we continue to nag and domineer, complain and criticize, we are assuming, in large measure, the responsibility for deferred sobriety, and for slips from sobriety.
Al-Anon shows us how to change these destructive attitudes. As we abandon the role of accuser, judge and manager, the home climate shows marked improvement.
A pleasant, cheerful environment, which we can create, often creates in the alcoholic a desire to get sober.
Today’s Reminder:
Being powerless over alcohol and the alcoholic simply means that it cannot be done by forcing issues. A change in our attitude, on the other hand, has limitless power to bring serenity and order into the home.
“I am not powerless over myself, and the way I act and react. This is, in itself, a power that can work miracles in changing the attitudes of others.”