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 is about trust, and turning things over to our HP. The writer speaks to the idea behind the phrase 'came to believe' from Step 2, and it made me think of the decision we make to trust and have faith. I always believed, but making the decision to believe and to trust that my HP has a plan is different, and I feel stronger because of it.
Just like the writer, I started small when it came to turning things over to my HP; I started by recognizing things or situations that I have no control over. For example, the reaction or behavior of another person: pre-program, I would get bugged by someone else's whatever, then do my best to change it. Of course not only was this futile, but I was getting all up in someone else's business, where I had no place. These days I can accept that I don't get to control what other people do or say, and find myself thinking 'ok, this one is for you [HP]' and let it go.
I would add that all of the above, for me, has to do with humility. I feel the strength in being humble, and in recognizing when something is out of my control. Like a few others here, I am in the process of putting my house on the market. To say that this task is daunting is an understatement and I would be lying if I said that I did not feel overwhelmed at times! That said, I know that there are some things I can't control (when it sells, how much it sells for, if the timing will be just right for another house) and some things Ican (cleaning out the junk--dumpster in my driveway as I write!!, packing up what I can), and look for the wisdom to know the difference.
Great message, thanks for sharing. I forget to turn things over but the drinker in my life is an excellent reminder for me that I dont got this, I am powerless, isnt it funny that you can begin to see alcoholism and its effects as a gift in many ways. Well maybe thats a bit too far but you know what I mean. lol
Great shares, i love this program for giving me the
Courage to be willing to trust and be humble enough
To be ready to trust.
I pretty much can now stay out of peoples stuff, i ask is this
Any of my business or concern, if the answer is no i let
It go. When it is my concern or business i try to tread
Carefully. My disease is still present along with my triggers.
Selling your house is huge i only had to dejunk my stuff from
The house and move. It was a challenge though i had major
Junk and stuff. Many dump runs and some to thrift shops, I
Did not have the time to be too fussy.
Thank you Mary for your service, the daily and your ESH! I am sending you prayers and positive energy for your house sale and hope all goes as well as can be expected. In my experience, nothing does - thank goodness we have a program to accept that which is beyond our control.
I too had to take baby steps in trusting a power greater than me. I always tried to control, fix, change, etc. things around me so when the program suggested I do different, it was almost like 'sitting on my hands' at times. With practice and encouragement from others in program, it became easier to do and the better I felt, the more it began to make sense in my mind.
My first thought/instinct still often is fear, which can make me consider acting beyond my hula hoop. Using the lovely gift of PAUSE and the tools of this program, I am more often than not able to consider what is my part and what is not and pray for wisdom to do what is necessary for my portion.
Great shares everyone - grateful you are part of my journey!!
__________________
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
