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.
Serenity-The writer says he/she once thought money could solve her problems. But money wouldn't solve any issues related to alcoholism. The writer realized what she really wants is to feel better, and the way to feeling better is to find the serenity to accept the things she cannot change. She also knows that with Alanon, serenity is available free of charge, as long as she works her program. That includes meetings, applying principles, and seeking HP's help.
Today's reminder: Serenity is always available to me, but it is my job to seek it where it can be found.
Quote from As We Understood: ...I now try to take my problems to my Higher Power, but I leave the solutions and the time table up to Him.
I must admit I used to have similar faulty thinking about money earlier in my life, and then if only my A would stop drinking. WRONG! Through this program I can find serenity and peace and contentment no matter what my A is doing. My goal in life is not to win the lottery nor my A be sober forever. It's for me to feel at peace, treat myself with respect as I deserve, and enjoy whatever parts of life I can no matter what else is going on. Alanon has given me a new perspective on life that is reality-based and it works! Lyne
Hi Lyne i agree Serenity is priceless , Before program I had never really experienced the wonder of this peace,. Working the Steps with a sponsor and using the slogans, the serenity of this program embraced my being. I was amazed by the feeling and determined that this prize was too precious to surrender to my anger, resentment self pity or fear and determined to detach and maintain my hard won serenity. Changed attitudes do help and that happened as I embraced the principles of living one day at a time, trusting HP, removing gossip and judgment from my tools.
Thanks for you service
Good morning, All! Lyne, thank you for your service.
I remember feeling that money was important at the beginning of my recovery as well. I was angry and resentful that my A was off in bars spending money, and meanwhile I couldn't pay the rent, or our power would get shut off. The gift of serenity is priceless, because with serenity, I can take the steps I need to take that are good for me. Leaving things up to my HP and taking care of myself has meant that I am not worrying about eviction or coming home to no electricity or an empty propane tank. It was easy for me to point to money and say that things would be better if I had it, but actually it wasn't the money I really needed. It was a sense of safety and security that I was after, and I can have those things when I ask my HP for them.
Snowing here today - First work day this year with snow! It looks just beautiful, and I am especially grateful for the commuting program I am in, because I only had to drive 5 minutes in it.
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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
Good morning everyone! Thanks Lyne for your service, the daily and your ESH. Thank you also Betty and Skorpi for your shares and ESH. I too had faulty thinking in regards to money/what brought/bought happiness. I also agree that Serenity is priceless. What I have found on my recovery journey is it really is available always - at any point in time - no matter the circumstances - if I am willing to do what's suggested as action.
I am so grateful that I have tools now that were not here before. I am also grateful that many things I used to worship in an unhealthy way are no longer where I spend my energy. Today, I can just be and find contentment most of the time, joy often.
Stay warm and safe all - we don't have any snow but the cooler weather certainly is here! Make it a great, day!
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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
