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.
I got this today and thought it might help others as it did me.
The past has flown away. The coming month and year do not exist; ours only is the present's tiny point. --Shabestari
We are tempted to look back and to look ahead. But what we most need to do is be present in this moment, with ourselves, with our loved ones and friends, and with our experience right here and right now. When we were lost and asleep in our using days and codependency, we could not be emotionally present. Our thoughts were taken up with how we would get our next drink, our next big gambling win, or with how to handle the latest crisis. To be emotionally present and live in the moment; this takes time, and it's a frame of mind that develops as we grow in recovery.
One way we become more present in the moment is to practice gratitude. We can always name a few things we feel grateful for -- small and big things, funny and serious things. Looking through the lens of gratitude brings us into the immediate moment.
Today I will look at my day through the lens of gratitude.
It goes along well with something I read today too:
If there is a day you have eaten until you were full; if there is a time of joy you can recall; if you have escaped even once the clutches of death; if you can remember all those who love you, if you can remember a time when God answered your prayers; if you can remember a child's love, if you can remember you never walk life's journey alone, if you can remember one or all of the above, then you have something to be grateful for.
Coming to this board is a reminder to me that I am not walking this path on life's journey alone, and for that I am so grateful!
Thanks Sandie.... a great post, and wonderful reminder....
As for looking at the past, I loved the saying that summed it up best, so that we can learn from our experiences, but not get stuck and obsessed with it....
"it is okay to look at the past, just don't stare"
Tom
__________________
"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
This is a great post. My alcoholic daughter and I just shared this same thing tonight over dinner. Living in the moment is so important. Thank you for the reminder. cdb :)
