The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Welp... The Family Believes I'm Crazy... (Something different in my Alcoholic addicted World)...lol
I Enjoy Photography, of many Kinds, My Favorite is Outdoors, and I'm Not much of a Fan of People Pics... I'd Much Rather do Critters and Such... BUT... I was Researching my Family at a Local Cemetery and while online I Found out that there is this place on most Cemetery Sights that has a "Request Photos" Link... Well I Was Curious so I Persuade it and Found out it is a Place when People that Can not Make it to Cemetery to pay their Respects due to either age, distance, Country ETC... and Maybe have Never SEEN their Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa's Stone they Request Photos of there relatives stone...
WELL... Recently My Only Son Has Graduated High School and Is Heading to College this Fall, and I was/am a Mess about how I Would EVER Fill the time I spent with him without going Loony, with things I Enjoy, and this just Popped up on one of My "Down Pity Pot Day"
So, I have Embraced this little Volunteer adventure, and I have to Say... I LOVE IT... I have Always Felt Safe, and Comfortable in a Cemetery, My Mom raised me to Visit as Often as I Need because even if they are Not there and are In the Heavens I Can still Find Peace at there resting place... So... So Far.. (Just Started) I have spent about 3 hours in the evenings just wondering around these stones, Learning about people, and taking pics of them for their Loved Ones... WHAT SERENITY.... Like REALLY...
I Take My List, and So Far I have Tracked Down 11 people, and of those I have Had Many Thanks and Gratitude for My Efforts, but the Part I Love the Best is I'm Getting Exercise (Something I tend to Neglect), I'm Outdoors with my Camera, I have NO ONE telling me How to do it, I can Pace Myself One Hill at a Time ;) and I Feel I'm Giving Back to People that Otherwise May Never get there Chance to see the Resting place of their Loved ones...
I Told my Husband he was Welcome to Join Me if He Wanted too... His Response... "I'll Be there Soon Enough!" :P It was Almost a Relief he said NO WAY :D
I Know that this is Not Al-Anon Related but to Me It is... Because I would Have Never Gifted Myself the time to do something like this when I was still Wrapped around Everyone Elses Crazy... It Just Feels Good to Do Something LITTLE For a Stranger that Makes them Feel Good ;) So Grateful HP Hooks me Up when I'm "Available & Willing" for Changes... Even Little Ones :)
What lovely reflection, Jozie! SO happy for you that you found this kind of peace and service!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Jozie What a great use of your considerable talents for photography. Getting exercise and helping others out in such a positive fashion is certainly a rewarding activity . Good work
Jozie - How perfectly lovely.......It seems to me that this has Step 12 all over it as you are practicing our principles of service in 'all our affairs'. And, how cool that you get to do what you love (photos) while doing some self-care (exercise).
I think it sounds so cool and I too see HP all over this. I had a bit of grumpy in me when I woke up as I stayed out/up later than usual. I did my thing (prayer, meditation, dailies) and headed out for my Layla's walk. Well - I was more grumpy as I was a bit sore from playing ball last night. So, when I am outa sorts, service work always seems to right-size me.
I happened to be out a bit later than normal so there were more cars trying to get to work. Well - pedestrians always have the right away and most here are compliant. However, I chose to stop at each intersection and allow the cars to go first - they had some where to be and I did not.
It worked - just a little bit of service for another tends to help me remember what's important - the next right thing.
Enjoy your project and know you are making a difference!! (((Hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
