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.
C2C reading for today stress the importance of changing our attitudes and viewing ourselves and our actions in a positive light It points out that as a result of living with the disease of alcoholism we become disappointed by our inability to fix the situation and our self esteem and self worth suffers.
Program teaches us that we are powerless over the disease and that any positive action we can take will improve out lives.
The reading stresses the importance of" willingness" and suggests that each meeting attended, each alanon tool used is a mark of success.
The quote is from Grenville Kleiser: "Every good thought you think ,is contributing its share to the results of your life"
This is indeed a powerful reason for me to continue to pray, use slogans, attend meetings, stop judging, blaming, critiquing and instead treat everyone with courtesy and respect.
I attend a meeting where a program friend ends his share always with, 'it's all about the gratitude.' This is so true - if I work this program and stay willing to grow, I am able to have, keep, find and maintain an attitude of gratitude. In the reading, I love the line that suggests, 'In spite of difficult circumstances, we now have the opportunity to change long-held behaviors and beliefs.
For so long, before program, I had wanted drastic change. I had not given a lot of thought to changing me - my behaviors, my attitudes, my reactions and my path. Now, that's were I place my willingness, on that which I can change.
The reminder is also great for me - it's all about that willingness! Willingness each day to look for the good in everyone and to trust my HP to guide me for that day. Without all the Al-Anon program tools, I would still be that 'old me' - grateful for my life today!
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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
Thank you Betty. This is a great reminder for me as well. As I posted earlier this week I had the experience of seeing almost my entire (huge, Italian) family this weekend and was grateful for tools the whole way
I think I needed this reminder for myself today. (Well, every day, if I am to be honest about it. I might just laminate today's reading and post it on my bathroom mirror, lol!)
When I look back to February, I can say that I am in a totally different place now, and dealing with life in a much better and honest way. And, I am still impatient with myself and quick to criticize myself for not responding to a situation in a more thoughtful way. It is important for me to remember to see my actions in a positive light and rejoice in the positive changes in my actions and responses instead of becoming frustrated that I didn't handle things in a better way.
I think if I were to get another tattoo, it would have to be "Practice, not Perfection"!
So, for today I am going to be patient with myself and remember to take 5 deep breaths before I make any decision or respond to anything. Give myself time to think and process, and decide how I want to respond.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
