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.
Program Works! The reading for today speaks of the progress a person can make by continuing to work the program. The author says that you can gain awareness of what your own issues are, and sometimes looking back allows you to see your positive changes. Over time you will see growth in your life. By practicing these principles, your courage can be boosted in times of doubt and fear.
The reminder for today talks about using your memory to remember progress and feel the joy of gratitude. Our experience can teach us to trust the recovery process.
Quote by James M. Barrie: God gave us memories so that we might have roses in December.
I like this idea of roses in December and I think prior to program I wouldn't have ever thought this to be possible. During the last year my mom died, my spouse continued to drink and even drive, there have been problems with family members because of my A, my dog has cancer, and I didn't fall apart or sink into depression . I have continued with Alanon and am a better person for it. I can use memories to see progress instead of sadness and problems. Is everything perfect? Heck no! But I see that I can have roses whenever I need them, Lyne
Lovely share Lyne - thanks for your service, the daily and your ESH! There was a time before recovery that I really thought my life sucked and isolating and being stuck compounded that - creating a 'feeling' that my life was worse than any other. I truly was hopeless and full of negative thoughts which both created a dismal view of the day and any possible future days.
Recovery with all the tools and support truly does provide a 'Blueprint for Progress'. For me, this means I no longer shun or regret my past. It is what it was and I can live in the present with hope in my heart and peace in my mind. I can walk through 'life' and feel sad or mad or happy or glad yet not get bogged down with those old tapes that used to play continuously in my mind. My life is far from perfect too, yet I feel as if I can embrace it and keep moving forward and manage 'life' as it happens with trust that each event is for a purpose and continues to help me be a better version of me.
I am grateful that I have the support and tools this program provides so that 'life' doesn't stop me in my tracks any more. It may slow me for a bit yet I now have the tools I need to control that 'bit' instead of it controlling me. Have a lovely Monday to one and all!!
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 17th of September 2017 10:13:35 PM
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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
Hello Lyne and IAH Thanks for sharing your thoughts on thiss important reading. I love how the reading stresses the importance of" looking back" to note the progress that we have made as well as to remember the goodness we have experienced.
As IAH noted, I too only held on to and remembered the negative happenings in my life and discarded the good memories as not important. I am so pleased that alnon provided the tools to help me to learn how to live with constructive tools and enjoy the goodness in each day. The Steps, slogans and meeitngs were the key.
