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Forgive / "Just for Today" / Not for Today



One of the first pieces of literature I took from a meeting was the blue & white Alanon book-mark, “Just for Today”. Packed with good suggestions, in an easy to read format, this bookmark has helped me through many tough days, and the St Francis prayer at the bottom became one of my favorites.

 Despite this tiny powerful bookmark, there were times in my life that felt so dark, I had a hard time picking it up. “Not for Today”, I would think to myself, at times I momentarily forgot my program and all the tools that recovery offers. 

As I continue to grow in my Alanon program, I have slips and days of falling off my “wagon of recovery”. Sometimes, when negative feelings surface so strongly, I resort to isolation and despair. These are coping mechanisms I learned long before coming into program. I momentarily forget about the Spiritual power of the Fellowship.

The Do’s & Don’ts tell us “Not to wallow in Self-Pity”, yet sometimes I find that If I engage in a “Pity Party” of one for a few hours, or one day at the most, I am easier able to gain a new perspective a few hours later. Sometimes it’s the next day at most, but giving myself the ‘mental break”, and forgiving myself for not being perfect is the remedy for me. As our program reminds us, it’s “Progress, not Perfection”.

Utilizing the tools of the program; meetings, outreach, sponsorship, and the literature is important. The tool of service is key for me at times like this, as it keeps me connected to the meetings. Service also reminds me I play an important role in the program. 

“Just for Today”, I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me”.     __”Just For Today” bookmark.


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