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 December 16 is a very powerful. It points out that we often think we have to "take care "of everybody and everything because we have no choice.
The reading goes on to explain that although we do have responsibilities that we must act upon , we must know that there are many things that we do not have to do.
They include the fact that:
We don't have to understand everything.
We don't have to be reluctant to show our feelings when we are happy and when I'm not happy, I can turn it over to my Al-Anon friends.
I don't have to feel threatened by the future, as I have learned to take life one day at a time
I don't have to feel guilty about the past with the help of the steps, I can make amends and learn the lessons
I don't have to feel alone as I can go to a meeting or pick up the phone.
I don't have to take responsibility for other people's choices they have their own Higher Power.
I don't have to give up on my hopes and dreams my HP is limitless.
I do love this reading every year because it reinforces Al-Anon principles on a very basic level. I find it's just as important to know what I did not have to do as well is to it helps me to balance my life.
I love the last statement :
I do not have to give up on my hopes and dreams as HP is not limited by my lack of imagination
Love that last message too, as well as the freedom from all of those tiresome responsibilities...feeling sad and worried about everything all the time.
What a great unburdening this program is, in oh so many ways
__________________
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)
Thank you Betty. This is such a powerful message. It may make others laugh but I know my fellow Alanoners will understand: today I am working on letting go as my ex will be picking the children up from school, making sure homework gets done, feeding them and getting my daughter to her concert in time, as I have an extra commitment at my school. I have to accept that all of the above is possible WITHOUT me! Letting go of feeling I have to control every situation, big and small, is very freeing indeed.
I liked this too. I just wish I could remember everything I read. I was never good at reading comprehension. I will have to read again when I get home.
Today's reading was / is Awesome! I agree it's a reminder of what the Al-Anon principals are all about...
I have been so busy preparing for my parents visit that I've been off my structured schedule a bit. I am getting really excited for their visit and that's such a difference - as I am usually very anxious. Not this time - just excited!
My brother is coming in also. So that will be fun as well. He's only here for 2 days so we'll get to stay up late after the parents go down.
I can honestly say that the basic tenets of the program are what carry me to and through each day. I am beyond grateful for both Al-Anon and for all of you at MIP!
Thanks Betty for the daily and your ESH!!
__________________
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
