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 January 21 speaks about being able to identify what is our business and what is not our business. It points out that prior to program we thought it was our business to help fix everything and everybody around.
Al-Anon helps me to listen and learn from my own body, soul and HP. How do I do that? I try to check in with myself on a regular basis.I ask myself if I am hungry, angry lonely or tired. If so, I make a point of stopping what I'm doing long enough to attend to my needs. When I pay attention to the messages I am being given, I have a better chance of detaching from other people and situations. This is the foundation of serenity.
The quote is from Mahatma Gandhi; " don't listen to friends when the friend inside you says do this."
Thank you for your share on this, Betty. One of the greatest gifts of this program for me has been becoming aware of when I am not paying attention to my own business, and instead am embroiled in someone else's! That's a whole lotta energy spent in areas outside of my control!
I have noticed that my instinct to jump into things that are not my business is waning, and I know that working a program is such a huge part of that.
Good morning all - thanks Betty for your service, ESH and the daily. I am also grateful for the gift of awareness. At times, I still struggle with self-awareness, but I am aware of small things in me that change when I am discontent, uncomfortable and/or uneasy. When I feel that way, if I pause and work to understand why, I can use a tool from this program to seek answers.
I really like the quote today as it reminds me again that I am growing, changing and more reliable - and can depend upon that which is in me, speaking to me. After living with the chaos and insanity this disease brings, I was full of self-doubt and self-loathing when I arrived. I don't feel that way any more and can trust my instincts, which I believe come from my HP. It's not always easy to trust me, but it is possible now - thanks to this program.
Grateful for you all and grateful to be here!
__________________
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
That was timely and that is how HP works with me...I will get it because HP brings it. I am ready for work and it is raining outside...so I take a few minutes to enter the MIP atmosphere while noticing my wife is quietly reading her C2C. I open up the site and there the C2C report from Betty is waiting for consideration...I am listening to the friend inside...(meditation) and Its all good. ((((hugs)))
Great share and posts. I too trust myself much
More. I really can step back now and think, that
is none Of my business. Let them figure it out
For themselves. Its very freeing thinking, let
Go let God.
I am still learning how to hear that still small voice within. Prayer comes easy for me, but meditation and quieting myself so that I can get direction and listen has been a harder part of the process for me. Thanks for sharing, Betty.
__________________
Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
One of my mentors told me a story about a man talking to his ventriloquist dummy. and of course the assumotion is there is no need to talk to the dummy because it is his own mind, and his own thoughts. But the man reveals that the conversations with the dummy surprise him and are illuminating in many ways. My mentor used this as a way to ilkustrate to us the need for reflection.
Thank you for this reminder, of that nice anecdote and a reminder of that nurturing relarionship I had with my mentor.
My friend inside myself is often quiet, shy, afraid. I am working on loving her, and creating safe spaces for her to speak up. Talking to myself in the car, or sitting quietly while I knit. For so long I was taught and truly believed it was good to be unnoticed, and good to suffer in silence - these maladaptive habits have quieted my inner voice, but could never extinguish it. I see myself as tremendously strong for enduring all that I have and still having a sense of self, and even the tiniest inner voice. I love her and I am nurturing her back to health
