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.
The C2C reading for today, July 23 speaks about developing/ or reclaiming our sense of humor. It points out that when we first enter the rooms we have lost our ability to see the humor in life as we always seem to view it as chaotic and filled with tragedy and pain. The reading goes on to suggest that the more we attend meetings and learn to share and work the steps, the more we become able to view our lives in a more or less realistic way. We are no longer victims of self-pity and regret bent on attempting to control every aspect of life.
Today, because of Al-Anon tools we can take life less seriously and allow joy and laughter to be part of a difficult experience.
The quote is from; Ethel Barrymore; "you grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.".
I do believe that I must be careful with a few of Al-Anon's ideas and suggestions. This one, for example, as well as:" How Important is it", were the destructive tools that I used in order to not truly focus of my life and to pretend that all was well.
It is true being able to laugh at ourselves and to see the humor in many situations is a true gift of this program and I relish it. Attending meetings and being able to smile and laugh at situations that use to cause me such pain is a miracle--- however I must remember, that I can first look at the situation, with open eyes and heart, own, how I am truly feeling, the anger, sadness, resentment, and then find the humor within.
I can do the same with:"How important is it"- when I came to program I discovered that I had made nothing, including myself ,important. I needed to back up a bit reevaluate, redefine my principles and own what I felt was important-- from there. I could use that slogan with a great deal of success.
Betty, you got me thinking about humor and I looked to see if there was some
tasteful Al-Anon humor out there on the internet. You are so right that a
little humor can do a body good!! So here goes ..........
A juggler, driving to his next performance, is stopped by the police. "What are these matches and lighter fluid doing in your car?" asks the cop. "I'm a juggler and I juggle flaming torches in my act." "Oh yeah?" says the doubtful cop. "Lets see you do it." The juggler gets out and starts juggling the blazing torches masterfully. A couple driving by slows down to watch. "Wow," says the driver to his wife. "I'm glad I quit drinking. Look at the test they're giving now!"
{{HUGS}}
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
Debb - I laughed out-loud for that joke - cute one for sure!
I do remember my sense of humor had gone away by the time I arrived. My crazy brain did not find fun or humor in anything - just pain, drama and sadness.
I am grateful that the program helps me to reclaim myself, which includes humor! I try to stay light-hearted as best I can as it helps me see the glass half-full vs. half-empty! I think it all rolls together - the positive attitude, the humor in things, open to change, etc. and is a result of working the program and steps.
Thanks Betty for the daily and the lovely share!
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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
