Today’s reading is from November 23, page 328 of Courage to Change - One Day at a Time in Al-Anon II. You can find this book under the “Literature” tab.

I’d like to start today’s post by thanking each of you that have e-mailed me with such kind words.

I decided yesterday to create a new page, Loving An Alcoholic 2.0, to provide some background on the direction I would like to take this forum. Having the opportunity to post each day helps my soul and I hope provides encouragement and resources for those who also love an alcoholic. I would like to create a community where everyone benefits and has the opportunity to contribute. With a blog format, the tools available to create an inclusive exchange of ideas and the sense of community can be limiting. As I work on developing content for Loving An Alcoholic, I will also be working on developing the concept for Loving An Alcoholic 2.0. Please check out the 2.0 page for more information and updates as they become available.

Where all of this is leading me is to today’s reading. What I always find amazing about daily reading literature, such as Courage to Change, is the frequency that what I’m reading speaks directly to the thoughts I’m carrying around or highlights the areas that are holding me back.

Today’s reading reminds us to Keep it Simple. How many times have you attempted to go down a path but became too overwhelmed to see it to completion? Before even taking that first step forward, you were on step 10 in your mind and had already convinced yourself not to even try. How many great things have we missed out on by taking this approach? Today’s reading inspires me to be willing to put myself out there. To keep it simple, reflect on where I am and then decide if I should move forward. It allows me to trust in my Higher Power to guide me on my path regardless of what detours arrive.

When I read concepts like this, I ask myself how I would have applied this way of thinking while my wife was actively drinking. It reminds me that I could have lived in the moment instead of fretting about all of the what ifs that go along with this disease. I could have focused on my personal growth instead of focusing on my alcoholic. The thought of being healthy again wouldn’t have seemed like such an unobtainable goal had I kept it simple instead of dwelling on the thought of all of the steps and effort needed to get there.

As I will leave each post - If you, or someone you know, loves an alcoholic or addict, I would encourage you to find a local Al-Anon meeting to attend. This is your first step towards healing. Related Topics: