Courage to Change:
“Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics.” This is part of our Fifth Tradition, but how do we go about doing it? “By practicing the Twelve Steps.” We must learn to love ourselves before we can truly love others. When we tend to our own spiritual needs, we make it possible for others to see that special something in us that they may want for themselves. The best sermon is a good example.
The next part of this Tradition talks of “encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives.” We can all be more loving.Knowing that alcoholism is a disease can help us to respond with compassion rather than hostility.
Finally, “by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics,” we acknowledge that love centered only on ourselves and our small family circle leaves us isolated. We are rich in opportunities to love because we are part of the Al-Anon family.
Today’s Reminder:
Today I will practice compassion. First I will be kind and loving to myself, but I will not stop there. I will extend this compassion to others. I am one among my fellows. When I offer unconditional love, it eventually comes back to me multiplied.
“Love is patient and kind, Love is not jealous or boastful, it is not arrogant or rude, Love does not insist on its own way.”
– The Bible