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 HFT opens with the first five words of the serenity prayer, then goes on to consider what the word 'serenity' means. For the writer, serenity is thinking of self and others with honor, respect, reverence due as a child of God. One of my most common 'steps backward' is when I start feeling that I may be able to control any other person or situation other than myself. That is when I pray the serenity prayer-- for me serenity is the relaid in knowing that my HP is in charge and has a plan. It is being able to let go of things I really can do nothing about anyway. Many of us in alanon have lived or are currently living in situations that can be anxiety-producing. I know for me I had become so accustomed to thay anxious feeling that the absence of it is still foreign. Sometimes I find myself praying- 'oh please let me hold on to this feeling (contentment; serenity) just a little bit longer!'
I know now that I can have a more consistently serene life as I practice the program tools and accept things I cannot change, change things if I can, and having the wisdom to know the difference.
Good morning and thanks for the daily and the ESH!
When I consider the first 5 words of the Serenity Prayer, it quickly reminds me of the spiritual part of this program. I believe that chasing serenity without a belief in a higher power is much harder than having mine on my side. If I do what I can each day to align my thoughts, actions and deeds to a spiritual path, I am far more likely to keep my serenity and manage what I can with grace. For me, serenity means inner peace - calm, tranquil inner feelings that reflect outwards in my life.
The program, tools, steps, etc. of Al-Anon have helped me be a lot less anxious about so many things. I agree with you that it is when I try to control things I can't change is when I feel those inklings of anxiety begin. I can regroup by using the program and tools at any time - what a gift.
I'm so grateful I found the program and that it's had a hugely profound affect on my life!
Make it a great day!
__________________
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
Hi Mary, great topic!!! The serenity prayer and serenity itself truly are remarkable gifts of this program.
I can so identify with being surprised at the powerful feeling of "serenity.",when I first experienced it. I was always in constant fear , and anxiety so that the first feeling of serenity was fleeting and it startled me. I can remember saying""Oh my what is that?" My inner voice reminded me that that is " serenity", and I was amazed. What a gift it is! To face life coming from the inner feelings of peace , love and compassion, without the added adrenaline high of anger and resentment, self-pity and fear really makes a big difference in all my affairs. Serenity is now my inner feeling at all times and when i feel unsettled, I immediately take the action and tools to regain it.
Thanks Betty :). I figured it was time to join the 21st century and figure out how to add a picture! I'm a musician so sometimes I forget I'm not actually LIVING in beethoven's time ;)
mirandac- i wanted to respond to your post about insomnia. I went through some awful nights that turned out to be a time of great transition for me. It was helpful not to fight it: I would get up, read, or try meditation and definitely used the serenity prayer as a mantra. Not a program tool but sometimes it was helpful for me to count backward- I speak some Italian so it was even more helpful to count backward from one hundred down in another language. Mostly I hope you can rest easy knowing that your HP is watching over you w your plan :)
Thank you yanksfan i know this transition will not be easy
So very grateful for alanon and feeling the strength of a
Loving God to keep guiding and helping me along with
The Loving supportive people in my life :)
Oh ... I knew there was something I forgot - Mary....your avatar photo is GREAT!!! You appear to be the 'picture' of serenity!!!
__________________
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
Aloha Mary and Mahalo for the share from the HFT....I've yet to read my "pages" for the day and will after I get the preview from the board. Thanks for your help. I agree about your Avatar....God does good work. (((((hugs)))))
I had no problem letting go and letting my HP, but I felt so lazy and then I felt so guilty for being lazy. I had to understand that it wasn't being lazy. I love letting my HP handle things (and it is done so well.)
