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 talks about taking risks, changing our old ways of thinking and accepting what is. The reading suggests that life involves one risk after another and that some pain is unavoidable.
Old ways of thinking before Al-Anon included avoiding risk, playing things safe and trying to run away from problem times. We learn in the program to look at the source of distress, which helps us help ourselves resulting is the pain passing faster than being in denial. By using the program and tools, we find that we can gain freedom from our fears, and courage to deal with other pain, risk and uncertainty.
When we avoid taking risks, we allow fear to rule our lives. As we work the program and recover, we go through it and come out on the other side. We no longer have to keep a constant watch for potential dangers - we can instead occupy ourselves with living.
The reminder suggests that wonderful things can happen today because we welcome the thrill of participating in our lives.
From Helen Keller, today's quote -- "Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
Before working this program, I let fear run my mind, thoughts, actions and days. I used to assume that the past was what would drive the future, and that I could forecast when the other shoe would drop, because - by God - it will drop!!
I am so grateful that the program helped me change my thinking, attitudes and outlooks. I do believe each day is a new day and where there is breathe there is hope. My past, complete with all my pain, anxiety and fear does not and will not dictate my future. I can take risks, love freely and focus on my life and what can I do today to make my small area of the world a better place.
I left the chains of old thinking and assuming I knew or could predict how anyone else would act or react in the past. The program has given me the support and tools to accept life when it goes different than planned. And, I know now that I have a loving HP that is watching out for me and all who has a master plan greater than any I could put together.
This reading described for me exactly how powerful change can be from working this program. I am grateful today for Al-Anon, MIP and all those who work to teach me how to be better, do better and seek peace in all my affairs.
Happy Thursday to one and all - (((Hugs)))
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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
Thanks IAH!!
I can't even count the things that have changed for me now that fear and uncertainty don't run my life and cause me to avoid living it. Knowing I can learn from mistakes means I am far less afraid to make them.
Tonight I participated in a discussion group...with a room full of women I do not know. Some of them are parents at my daughter's school. In the past I would have felt very intimidated and said as little as possible (and probably stared at my phone for comfort). Instead, I really noticed the difference in myself...I just talk now, without agonising over and analysing every word and then being to afraid to speak. I'm not afraid now that if i make a sound, people will instantly realise how stupid I am. I wonder why I ever thought that? Sometimes my comments don't hit the mark and guess what? The world actually doesn't end and no-one really cares!! Gasp!! lol. Conversations are much more fun now that i'm not terrified of joining into them.
Come to think of it, I drove myself to the venue too, which is a whole other exercise in not being ruled by fear.
Before al-anon i knew that i lived in fear and it was crippling me but, i had absolutely no idea of how to even begin to overcome it. I was resigned to it.
I like this way much better
And Happy Thursday back at ya, and TFYS!!
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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)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts regarding today's important reading IAH and Ms. M. I do believe that prior to program, I did attempt to play it safe and not take risks. I never realized that "underlying Fear" prevented me from participating in many activities unless I felt I could win or shine . Never wanted to be a beginner . Thanks to the simple tools of living one day at a time, trusting HP, placing principles above personalities, I can live life with courage and free of fear . This is truly a powerful gift.
My sponsor always reminded me that"Courage is fear that has said it's prayers" I always thought that courage was the absence of fear ( another erroneous concept to be discarded.
'Twas IAH who shared the reading Betty.
And I too like that slogan- 'Courage is fear that has said it's prayers" very much
__________________
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)
MissMel - yay, yay, yay for you! You've become such a 'driver' now - you almost missed that mini miracle - ha.ha.ha.ha. Thanks for your share - powerful and I love growth! In me, in us - all around. It just feeds my hope and gratitude!
Miss Betty - great share - I love what your sponsor shared with you and what you've passed along here! That's a keeper, for sure!
(((Hugs))) ladies - make it a great day (or night....sorry MissMel)!!
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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
