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 July 31 asks that we really think about and use the slogan:"Living one day at a time".
It points out that when we take one day, one moment, one task at a time and really concentrate on it a lot more gets done.
The reminder suggests that when we catch ourselves feeling overwhelmed or not able to get anything done that we stop for a moment and remind myself to take it one step, one day at a time.
The quote is from: This is Al-Anon; "remembering that we can only live one day at a time removes the burden of the past, keeps our attention on the present and keeps us from fearing the future".
I love this concept as it works perfectly: When I use it. Each chore I complete, every project that I can cross off my list makes my life more manageable. I don't have to become overwhelmed at the process.
That is exactly how I've been living my life for the past year or so and I have achieved more in that time than throughout my whole life! I love it, so simple but so powerful....one thing at a time!!
Good reminder for me right now too as I'm in the middle of a huge overwhelming task and have been letting it get to me and upset me. One thing at a time....I can do that! That's easy!
Thanks for the reminder
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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 too treasure this concept. I quit working when we moved last time. Mostly my time is my own. At that time I began to experience what I'm doing. No more auto-pilot. I enjoy my life now. I have an underlying peacefulness. I fall asleep very quickly at the end of MY day, and I wake up refreshed ready to dig into whatever the day has to offer. This is my best way to be. I can tell because I'm able to use our tools when challenges arise. Before, I was already spent. I couldn't handle any more, even though I thought oh bring it on. It's counter-intuitive shift that is profound.
So grateful for this daily and for the ESH! I agree - it works when I work it. I've got one who is more left of center than I prefer (A Son) and I've had a bit of fear creep back in this week. I know in my brain that it's because of 'fear of the unknown' and boy....when I start that thought, I can go fast and furious to a bad place.
I've been trying to stay in the day, in the moment, in the now consciously this week. It's been a struggle at times, but every time I bring it back to the here and now, I feel an almost immediate sense of calm/peace.
I am grateful for this program, you all - my program family and every tool we are offered. It's keeping my anxiety at a manageable level.
(((Hugs))) to all!
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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
Being new to Al Anon, "One Day at a Time" is something I really, really, really struggle with. I have anxiety to begin with, so "what if" thinking is my default. Combine that with the uncertainty of living with an AH and I get going on an endless loop of worrying about the future and regretting the past.
"What if I hadn't married him in the first place? What if I had married X person instead? What if he relapses? What if he never holds down a job? What if I never get to have children?" Etc, etc, etc, and on, and on, and on...
I do try to stop and repeat "One day at a time" in my head when I notice I am running this loop, but it only helps momentarily. I really need to work on it but I am not quite sure how.
One task at a time also works with chores. I am so good at starting something and not finishing it. I had to work on one thing and do it all the way through to the end. Sounds so easy, but it is so easy to get sidetracked by an alcoholic or anything else.
And when I get into the "what ifs" I go right to "it is what it is!" "What it is" is right now. It is not in the past. It is not in the future. It is right now.
