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.
Thanks LC -- Great reminder. I know in the beginning of my journey I had to learn how to "choose happiness" because my negative feelings of anger, resentment, self-pity and fear were very deeply embedded in my being. I honestly did not think I was able to "Choose happiness"or if I did it was fleeting.
Picking up the simple tools of living one day at a time, staying in the moment, in the day, not projecting, making asset and gratitude lists and praying, all helped me to achieve the impossible(for me).
Awesome thread & awesome topic and a great reminder!!!
I agree with Betty - in the beginning, it was so difficult to even consider happiness as I was worried, angry, stressed, resentful and so much more. It was a conscience effort to consider happiness let alone choose it.
I am watching Joel Osteen as I type and he's talking about the powers of the flesh. It's an interesting 'watch' and makes so much sense. He talks about a toddler who doesn't get what he wants and throws a tantrum in a store. He says that it is the desire of the 'flesh' that we are born with that drives us to want what we want when we want it.
He discusses habits, emotions, etc. ad says when we give in the flesh, there is pleasure - loves to have it's way. His 'message' is called Who is the Boss if anyone is interested.
He says no matter how mature we are we have to manage ourselves spiritually to not live superficially.
Summary:
The people that reach their highest potential in life are those that are good at saying no to their flesh.
Every day, there is a battle that takes place inside all of us. Its the battle between the flesh and the spirit. The flesh is our natural, carnal desires that we were born with. It includes things like pride, selfishness, impatience, compromise, and operating in life by the way we feel.
But Galatians 6:8 tells us, He who sows to the flesh will reap ruin, decay and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will reap life and life eternal.
If you want to step into new levels, walk in Gods favor, and become everything God has created you to be, then its time to choose discipline and self-control today! Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your life each day. Let this message teach you how to do just that!
How cool is that? Sorry if this is off-topic and/or 'not approved' of our literature, but it just aligned so well with this topic!!
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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
How is it that we have somehow become convinced that so many things that are our choice are instead because of our feelings?? Our choice to be happy is one of them. Our choice to love someone is another. Both of them are somehow seen as feelings and when those feelings go away, we can't love or be happy, and now we are stuck with whatever crummy feelings we have left.
Choosing happiness is work, that is for sure. many of the Al Anon tools are in place so we can do the work to get back to happiness when it is disturbed by outside circumstances. I am so grateful that people before me have figured out these things!
Yes good thread! I for one am ready to feel normal,
Carry joy and be happy again and feel centered.
Recovery is not easy or quick. I need to feel my feelings
And face my emotions before i can reach the other side
And come out of the tunnel. My misery is not intentional
Or purposeful it is just what it is!
I try not to wallow in my pain and hurt but it seems to
Consume me. It will feel so good not to have emotional
Turmoil in my life. One day at a time!
