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.
Today's reading discusses the marvelous tool that is CAL (Conference Approved Literature) and what a benefit it has been to the writer's life.
It points out that although opening up to others took time and multiple meetings, she was able to engage with the program from the very beginning by reading the literature and learning to replace tired, negative thinking patterns with new, positive attitudes to wards living and loving.
The writer notes that at first they only turned to the literature when they felt in pain but they now use it to start every day with a positive attitude.
They make an interesting suggestion- that each day they contemplate what they have read, write it on a little card and carry it with them for that day and that countless times it has helped turn a negative situation into a positive, or offered a fresh approach to a new project or conversation.
The reminder tells us that we have a wealth of literature at our disposal and ought make it a part of our routines.
The quote is from This Is Al-anon. "Daily reading of al-anon books and pamphlets opens our minds to the certainty of a better, more rewarding way of life".
***
So pondering today's reading has led me to ponder the benefits of reading the dail readings, lol
It's true though and I especially like reading and having a quick share each day about the daily because it takes my head out of whatever I am trying to obsess over and into a completely different, program based place. For me, that can mean the difference between a dreadful day where it all goes wrong, and a positive day where any mishaps are opportunities, and positive events can be enjoyed in proportion and without a sense of "Oh no, what will happen to ruin this?"
Reading over the just for Today card and picking one to keep in mind for the day is another habit of mine.
Does anyone else have any literature based routines they find helpful?
__________________
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)
HI Ms.M. Thanks for this powerful reminder regarding he Literature. I love all the literature, my favorites being; the Merry-Go-Round Named Denial, the Courage to Change and Alcoholism The Family Disease. These small pieces of literature have sustained my life during extremely difficult times.
The serenity prayer and the Just for Today pamphlet( that you mentioned) are my daily standby "goto" when I am in trouble.
Thanks for your service . I agree that posting the daily reading and reflecting on it does help to start my day in the right direction.
Thanks MissMel for the daily, your ESH and your service.
I too am a heavy literature user. I try to read/meditate/consider each day something from our literature and my favorite is the Courage to Change. I do agree that relying on it helps me with my attitude each and every day....
(((Hugs))) to all - make it a great day!
__________________
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
And sometimes, reading what someone else has shared guides me through the day. MissMel, your comment about "a positive day where any mishaps are opportunities, and positive events can be enjoyed in proportion and without a sense of "Oh no, what will happen to ruin this?" is so powerful. I will carry it with me today. Thank you.
I'm very glad, Rosemeyer, and thanks for saying so
I hope it's a great day!
__________________
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)
