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 ODA T reading for October 19 speaks about the story of Don Quixote. This is a classic story of a "fictional hero", who goes about the world trying to right all the world's wrongs..
As he is going about his adventures, he comes across windmills that he thinks are mighty Giants. He then undertakes the job to fight them with his sword until he falls exhausted..
The moral of the story is that we often wear ourselves out fighting windmills which are really only minor annoyances..
The reading goes on to ask us to change our attitudes so we can look at how we are spending our time. We should ask ourselves if we fighting situations that are not real, or worth our effort. . We must practice taking the time to see the situation clearly.so as to give it only the attention it deserves. This is the sanity to which the Second Step suggests.
Quote is "God grant me the sense of proportion to judge the difference between an incident and a crisis."
Great reminder I know I fought "Windmills" all my life with little success. What a waste of my time and life!!! All of my efforts left me empty, angry and were to no avail.
Thanks to alanon I now spend my time, focused on myself and growing in a healthy manner while leaving everyone else to do the same.
It's easy for me to admit that before the program, I saw everything as a windmill and battled to the point of extreme exhaustion. The tools of this program have given me more wisdom to stop or pause and truly look at the situation before me and look for my part. I am also a work in progress so when my view gets distorted, and the ant hills begin to look like mountains, I can seek assistance from the program tools or program fellowship or my sponsor.
Changing my attitude is not difficult today as I truly believe my HP wants me to be happy, healthy and whole. He's got my back and I am grateful.
Every morning when I stop by MIP, a part of me still wonders where I would be without this program or you all - my extended family. I have no answer but know it wouldn't be good!
(((Hugs))) to all and hope you have a great Monday!
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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
Thank you Betty for todays ODAT - changing my attitudes about the things that get my goat and are of no consequence, those situations that really take up alot of time and energy, but are of no value, when I get down to brass taxes. Once I recognize what the situations are .... then it is high time to change me. Very grateful for MIP and Al-anon for my progress and growth. Happy Monday to you and IAM!! {{HUGS}}
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 12:58:38 PM
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
