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.
ODAT reading for today describes my initial approach to working the alanon program. It points out that many times we are anxious to put the program to work and get instant results, so we run around asking for everybody's opinion and thinking that the more opinions we get, the better we will be.
Today's reminder states a single one of the 12 steps, a single slogan or the serenity prayer, used constantly can clear my thinking and help me to solve my problems in a way that is right for me.
The quote is:Let not my thinking become confused by listening to too many opinions, but let me consider each one individually to see if it will help me."
My sponsor continued to assure me that the answers for my life were within and although I can talk things over and reason things out with others , I must then go inward and listen to the still small voice within for the guidance of my own life.
I could not accomplish this in the beginning of my Al-Anon journey because of all the automatic negative thoughts that were floating around within my mind and heart. The serenity prayer, the steps, slogans, worked wonders and I am truly grateful
It's funny how we seem to go though such similar stages along the journey.
I remember having a lightbulb moment some time ago when I realised I was using al-anon as a place to put my decisions up to the vote before being comfortable with them. Then if people didn't agree with me I would be angry or feel misunderstood and take no action.
It's lovely to know now that I can and do make good decisions and they don't need to be vetoed by others before they are valid. The opinions shared by others enhance my ability to make decisions now, they don't constitute permission.
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If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)
I know when I am in crisis or confusion, I do turn to the program - steps, readings, slogans, sponsor, meeting...It's become the most natural response instead of the old habit of, "Now what am I going to do?"
Any or all will help me focus to truly determine a best next step vs. a reaction - and I am so grateful.
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
