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 MIP. Today's reading talks about how many of us tend to ignore our own feelings to survive the disease of alcoholism. We often have lost touch with ourselves without really knowing it. As the disease progresses, we often pointed an accusing finger at the A in our lives for deserting us in our time of need, yet were not good friends to self either. In the confusion and fear, we walked away from the small child within and from the many things we learn as a child when we lives simpler lives.
Recovery doesn't suggest we have to become a different person. Instead, we become or find our true selves again. Most of what we learn in Al-Anon we already know - we just to be reminded.
Today's reminder --- There is an innocence within me that already knows how to trust my Higher Power, to cherish life while holding it lightly, to live fully and simply in the present moment. I will allow that part of myself to come forward and nourish me as I continue on this journey.
Today's Quote --- "It takes one a long time to become young." from Pablo Picasso
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Without knowing it, I did allow this disease to rob me of my joy and my worth. As I worked to battle it, I lost bits of myself with each defeat and insane situation. As I went from battle mode to survival mode, I stepped far away from self, including my values, my esteem and my feelings. I questioned deep down if I was solely the issue, why I could not rise above and felt like a failure in so many ways.
When I came to Al-Anon, and found I was not unique or alone, I did find relief. As I worked on understanding the disease, recovery, and how it had affected me, I did find more relief and a desire to let go of my survival techniques. It was not easy to do, but my survival skills were deeply damaging to me if I wanted to find true joy, serenity and freedom from the disease.
I am grateful the program showed me that having fun and living simply were good things. I am grateful that I know today when I am irritable, restless or discontent, it's OK and I've got choices to make changes. I do believe that the innocent pure joy we see in small children is available to all of us if/when we can truly let go and let God.
Happy Thursday all - make it a super day!
-- Edited by Iamhere on Thursday 22nd of March 2018 09:23:03 AM
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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
Good Morning IAH , Great reminder. Although i have accepted that feeling are not facts, i have learned in program that feeling my feelings,is extremely important and that pretending and covering them up as if they do not exist is not how to handle them.
Alanon gave me tools to not react to my feelings but to take the time, go within , ask myself what is going on,so as to examine my motives and attempt to understand what the feelings are attempting to tell me, Feelings are important as warning signals of danger and as a way to see life with joy and happiness. By denying my feelings, I stopped being able o do either. Letting go of my defenses and the negative tools that i developed to protect myself, i was able to allow my true feelings to surface and became able to appreciate the goodness and beauty in life.
Thanks for your service and enjoy the day
