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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Alanon Readings 9-10
Post Info TOPIC: Alanon Readings 9-10
hotrod


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Alanon Readings 9-10
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 ODAT reading for today, September 10, asked the question," What am I  doing with the gifts that I have?"
 
 It is a powerful question and one that the reading goes on to discuss.

It reminded me that if I am gifted with a good memory and  am using it to just dig's  up past hurts, or disappointments. I am misusing my God-given talents and gifts.

My gift of memory can be used to recall the positive, constructive, interesting happenings in my life so that I can have a different perspective on the problems I am  now encountering. We can also use the gift of memory to be in the present moment,  and make new positive memories that will help in the future.

The quote is "let not thy thoughts dwell upon the days of thy sorrow  but  rather on those which that  brought thee brightness and peace."

I must say that I did have black-and-white thinking prior to program and I thought that if I remembered the goodness in my life, I would be living in denial and not acknowledging the pain in my life. The C2C reading for September 10 speaks about Denial.  It points out that  many of us have developed this destructive tool, unconsciously  because we had no other way of coping with the dreaded disease of alcoholism.

The reading goes on to say that Al-Anon has shown us that our view of the situation is only the truth as seen from my tiny corner of the Universe. I cannot undo the past .by blaming the alcoholic who has affected both our lives or by  insisting that I now know the truth. 

Today's reminder states that when we stop worrying about how others see things and focus on ourselves, we gain more serenity than we have ever known.
 
By working the fourth and fifth step, and focusing on my entire life , the joy , sorrow , the disappointments and resentments, I was able to truly see how my very subtle denial kept me on the merry-go-round of alcoholism as I blamed others for my problems and refused to look inward at my own behavior. I was also able to appreciate the goodness in my life and to see HP's hand as it unfolded.
 
I love the quote Soren Kierkegaard  : 

:

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."

   I have experienced that due to the recovery steps of this powerful program .  I can readily see HP's guidance in my life, even when I was not in program.   It works if we work it 

 

 


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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

Talmud
Iamhere


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Thanks Betty for the daily and your service.

Love, love, love that quote. And, boy it is so so true. I recall vividly when the drama/chaos here first began, I could not look at photos of my boys as little guys. It just made me either really sad or really mad as how they were seemed 'lost forever' and replaced with evil.

It took me a long while in the program to change up and focus on what can be and not what is not. It's an attitude change that came about as a result of working this program. I have to make a conscience effort to look at what's right with this moment, day, situation vs. what's wrong with it.

For me, the perpetual tug of war in my brain and the always present debate about being a parent and being an enabler has diminished greatly. I've come to understand by reflecting on the past and doing my step work that my boys are on loan to me and their journey is theirs to walk. What a revelation and game changer...

The reminder is also spot on for me. It is amazing how staying on my side of the street has given me a peace I did not know was possible.

Have a super Thursday!!

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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

 

 
Jill


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Thank you both for your insights. What an important concept! I am recently focusing on forgiveness (because of its sharp edges that HURT me). This is another specific technique I can incorporate toward living the life I want.

I noticed since changing my surroundings (quit last job & moved to new place where another language is spoken), I am paying attention to the here and now. I noticed after a short time here that I go to bed with peace and wake up with joyful expectation of what I'll do today. None of that would have been "enough" in my rat-race, merry-go-round days. I would have scoffed at someone so easily pleased. Easy for whom? It takes work and purposeful attention to my wants and necessities. This is the life! So grateful.

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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Alanon Readings 9-10