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.
Thanks for sharing this, Debb. Starting out in AlAnon, I turned consistently to the Serenity Prayer because it covered so much and was easy to recall. I have found great utility in this slogan lately, for the reasons you mention. Recalling it when I sense things starting to spiral up or down, starting to reach into the future or trying to determine motives brings me back to the basics of the program, like Steps 1-3.
There is no end to the literature available on the topics of recovery, alcohol, and self improvement, some of which may be very helpful in our particular situation. But sometimes this mountain of material can be overwhelming, too. AlAnon can be trimmed down to the 12 steps and pack all of the concepts of recovery into a customizable framework. Keeping it simple is a great reminder...thanks!
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
I love this slogan as my brain tends to want to complicate everything. I don't know why - just believe it's wired a bit different. As Paul eludes to, when I am left of center of my program, I start drifting in my plan/day/actions and find myself examining the past, considering the future, wondering about motives, etc. I can just overthink EVERYTHING.....if not reminded that simple is good and simple is all I need.
I love the slogans as well as the serenity prayers. These short, easy or simple to remember tools are one of the best ways to keep me from reacting and/or freaking out in times of chaos/drama. What I love is when my brain begins to over-process or over-think, the slogans and tools tend to float in without a conscious effort on my part. For me, that's my HP protecting and guiding me.
I struggle to keep still and meditate so all the slogans and simple prayers we have help me with my relationship with HP. He knows I have the attention span of a newborn puppy, so sends messages to me through you all, the program tools and these lovely slogans.
(((Hugs))) to all - thanks Debb for your service and these daily posts!!
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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
Great and timely share - thank you. I never realized how fear has been paralyzingly me and my reactions and attitudes until I started examining my motives through the program. I tend to make mountains out of mole hills, (and all this does is complicate my life) so this slogan is something for me to memorize and write everywhere!
