Sunday, April 19, 2009

Great roundup


Every time I go to these roundups, I come away with such a feeling of inspiration that it's hard to describe. I guess it's a comfortable feeling of being around people who seem to also be inspired.

I went to this roundup two years ago. At that time, I hadn't heard any "circuit" speakers. I remember writing at that time that it was hard to listen to the stories being told. I remember when I found it difficult to laugh at anything related to alcohol. I can now laugh at the stories told. And I also tear up over the damage done by alcoholism.

The Al-Anon speaker Debi C. from Alabama talked about so many things that I had experienced. If you ever get a chance to hear her or get a tape by her, do it. She covered the gamut of emotions of a person out of control due to the effects of alcoholism. I could identify with the rages she felt about the alcoholic, the feeling of emptiness, the thoughts of suicide, and the miracle of finding others who had felt the same way in Al-Anon.

After such a beautiful day filled with sunshine, fresh air, and inspiration, I thought that I'd share these gratitudes:
  • An awareness of shared experiences and feelings that never cease to amaze me
  • That I get what I need to do even if I'm not able to do it all the time
  • Forgiving myself for being human
  • Knowing that I don't have to suffer from delusions or illusions unless I choose to do so
  • That I feel a lot of love for those around me without expecting anything in return

18 comments:

  1. Seems that old adage 'acceptance is the key' really is true.

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  2. I have missed your posts due to my own absence of time and find every time i return the most beautiful gentle reminders of the damage I did to those i love the most. Thank you. J.

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  3. A speaker a few years ago offered me a different perspective...

    "...I used to think that going to a conference of convention prepared me to return to 'real life' - instead what happens at a conference is 'real life' that prepares me for the place that I spend most of the time..."

    Blessings and aloha...

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  4. Thinking of you and your heart dog, Syd.

    Much love.

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  5. Oh yes...the roundups are great! I had my first opportunity to attend one recently and highly recommend it! I was so inspired and met the friendliest, happy people I've ever encountered in life! What a wonderful bunch of "real" people who can laugh at life's absurdity and problems. Love your photo in today's entry Syd! Blessings to you and the Mrs! Lisa

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  6. I look forward to attending one of those.

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  7. Wonderful post hon! To be able to love and not expect anything in return is an attribute I've come to love about myself as well.

    That picture is ethereal, breathtaking. (Hugs)Indigo

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  8. I hope to get to a roundup one day. It sounds awesome and I'm so glad you had a chance to recharge and enjoy.

    Namaste

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  9. I haven't attended a roundup since leaving California. It truly is a magical experience.

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  10. Glad you enjoyed the round up. That photo is beautiful.

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  11. i love recovery round ups so much they just charge me up with recovery, sounds like you got a great dose of it yourself.

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  12. you're as breezy as a summers day. this roundup did you good.

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  13. That is one great gratitude list--anyone would be envious of it. Sharing experiences, doing what you need to live (even if its not always what you want), forgiving (most especially yourself), a good grasp of the meaning of choice and how that dictates the life we live, and love. It simply doesn't get any better than that.

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  14. That is one great gratitude list--anyone would be envious of it. Sharing experiences, doing what you need to live (even if its not always what you want), forgiving (most especially yourself), a good grasp of the meaning of choice and how that dictates the life we live, and love. It simply doesn't get any better than that.

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  15. Syd amazing photo and even better post - as always you bring me there.

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  16. when I listen to speakers, I hold my breath afraid that if I exhale, it will unravel my own thoughts...which are pretty right on with their thoughts/stories.

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.