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.
Good morning all - happy Friday....it seems my body is still on AZ time!
Today's reading discusses how we are asked to keep an open mind in Al-Anon. Many of us have tried to make stricter rules for our behavior to avoid repeating mistakes. This shows that we do learn from the experience, however the flaw in this thinking is we can not plan for every situation that may happen in the future.
When we try to, we limit our options. When we get lost in this limited thinking, recovery can be stifled and we're reminded to "keep an open mind". The program does not want us to consider every possible outcome. Instead, we are constantly changing and continually needing to let go of old ideas when they no longer work for us. We can adapt to change with less stress and strain when we don't get too attached to one way of approaching life.
When we practice keeping an open mind, we often cross paths with others who have flexible thinking and we help each other to see more clearly. A great quote to ponder - "We don't see the world as it is....We see the world as we are."
Today's Reminder --- As I grow, I continue to learn and to unlearn, replacing old ideas with new ones and reclaiming others that had been cast aside. Today I welcome the flow of information that will nourish and replenish me as I become more fully myself.
Today's Quote from Helen Keller --- "To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable."
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Before recovery, I was very rigid in my ideas, thoughts and convictions. I had black/white thinking and really felt as if all would be well if others changed how they were. I was anxious, uptight, controlling and wanting to control or manage everything..
When I was asked to keep an open mind, it was hard. I heard this before my first meeting, and dismissed it as quickly as I heard it - unintentionally. My habits included shutting out the ideas of others if/when they vastly differed from my own. This was not with malice - it was just a part of how I processed.
I can be a stubborn person - ego and fear hold me back at times. I had to have more chaos, insanity and pain before I returned to the program, and really tried to keep an open mind. My experience is when I am willing to try something and let go of the results, my HP gives me exactly what I need - always. There are no exceptions to this. It may not be what I want, but it is what I need.
I am grateful that I have the tools to remind me how recovery works - open mind, ESH, steps, meetings, literature - to help me change me. I'm grateful you all are here too! Make it a great Friday!!
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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
And besides for the things you listed above, fear has kept me at times from having an open mind. Fear can be paralyzing, especially of the unknown changes. No matter how bad it's been, its familiar. I know that's faulty thinking however, and so learning to let go and let God becomes very important to change. Will HP really be there for me? Faith is tricky-you can't see it or feel it, but once it hits you, it works. Both my brothers and one X-boyfriend think having faith in God is being delusional. But for me to have alanon work, HP gives an amazing dimension to my life and my recovery. Keep it Simple, right? This is another slogan that is actually very complicated and I have to remind myself to stay in the day and try. Thank you for your post, Lyne
Thanks for the daily IAH,thank you for your service and always being here.
I'm slowly but surely replacing old behaviors with new behaviors,
I'm greatful that I'm more aware of my old thinking habits,
My old behaviors no longer work ,never did work,
As I replace each one ,I begin to see so much clearly ,it's amazing at how the tools have helped me in my life sit,
Coming here to post also is a huge help.........hugs,have a great day,,,,,,lu
"We don't see the world as it is....We see the world as we are."
I love this quote .. it's awesome :)
It is so true though .. BFR it was one way or the other .. after recovery .. I can see things a little differently, able to accept better that not everyone thinks like I do and that's ok. It helps me take the blinders off.
Thanks for your service good to see you back :)
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Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you've got all the answers, then don't call what you do "faith". - Brene Brown
"Whatever truth you own doesn't own you" - Gary John Bishop
Great shares all - thank you for your ESH....it's great to be back - yet I miss my parents and have been a bit sad. They are both in good health physically, yet they are showing some signs of dementia - one worse than they other. I've been praying for guidance on what comes next.
I am so grateful for the program as I can pray away my worry!! My favorite aunt always said, "If you are worrying, you are not praying." I thought this ridiculous when I was younger and now, as with many other things, I find it to be so, so true.
Today marks 30 days clean for my youngest son! God and recovery are very good to me! Thanks to all for being here!
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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
Thanks LU! I I am hopeful for him, one day at a time!
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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
