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.
Today's reading is about turning our lives, and our situations, our worries over to the care of our HP. This is a great reminder for me that my will isn't the thing that knows best for me. I have come to learn that the things that have happened and are happening and will happen in my life are part of a plan and what I am doing is my best to pay attention to what that plan is. I was a devoted wife for over two decades; I was loyal and believed in the vows I took. I am now a single mother of three. This is a big reminder that there is a plan for me and I am trying to pay attention to it.
I like the Thought for the Day which compares worry to a rocking chair--gives us something to do but gets us nowhere. I am going to focus on that thought today, and think about it anytime I find myself trying to put my will in charge.
For me the power and beauty of the Serenity Prayer is sorting out those things we are able to change, and being aware of the ones we cannot. This is timely for me today, as I have learned of a situation that I have tried more than once to exert my will into. I have to believe that my HP is showing me something. I'm trying to keep my eyes open and learn.
I like the idea that my hp has a plan and there is no need to worry. I try to hold on to that idea because i can play out a whole disaster in my head with death and destruction if i let it run, right up to the news interview im giving.lol. insanity. That, im coming to recognise is the disease of alcoholism within me. It is so destructive, can ruin many hours of happiness. Alanon tives me tools to deal with this, i just need to pick them up and know that everything is right where it should be.
Thank you el-cee, for your response. I am constantly working on remembering my faith that there is something bigger that knows what my plan is. My sponsor once told me that when she felt anxious or not quite right, she realized it was because she was trying to insist with her will for a certain way of things. I am finding that to be true also.
Thank you for the post Mary! Good reminder today. To fully surrender to God will is such a peacful place to be. I like where it states in The Courage To Change Book- We're not powerful enough to ruin God's plan. That gives me some confidence when I start to doubt myself.
I can relate and devoted 15 years to making my exAH happy, which was not really possible when I discovered that he had to make himself happy. When I started making the changes within by working the steps, attending meetings, talking with my sponsor and coming here to MIP, I truly became happy, because it's an inside job. I lived far to long miserable trying to hold everything together instead of letting go and letting God. Life for me is now simpler when something bothers me I first ask is it something I can control and is it something I should try to control, usually not and I hand it over knowing I am doing the best I can on my journey to raise my children right and be the best me possible. I too love the rocking chair analogy and have discovered if I get out and do something I can get out of my head and the cycle of spinning around worries in my brain like in a washing machine spin cycle but not able to make a decision. Now I stop and clear my head and say the serenity prayer a few times if I have to. I like the readings today and thanks for being here! Sending you love and support on this journey!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
Good morning to you all as well! My prayers every morning are a very important part and start to my day, it at that time that I talk with my HP and therefore commune, so to speak, with him/her to give thanks for all that has been given to me and my family/friends. I like the rocking chair analogy!! xxx
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
I enjoyed reading these posts about the third step. This is pretty much where I'm at, learning what it truly means to turn my life over to the care of a higher power. It's a bit of a free-fall for me, as turning things over to a hp triggers the feeling that I'm being irresponsible, which I'm learning is a product of growing up in an alcoholic home. I too enjoyed the rocking chair metaphor. Thanks everyone for sharing.
to give thanks for all that has been given to me and my family/friends. I like the rocking chair analogy!! xxx