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 the basics of our program of recovery. We are helped by the program in times when we could not or can not do it on our own. We learn to lean on a Higher Power, live one day at a time and with faith and support, we find we can live and even grow through difficult times. Most of us find that the situation eventually changes or we learn to find peace with it.
Some of us still worry. We worry about the future and what it brings. We wonder if the program can/will help us if crisis comes again. We fret over other potential issues that could come up. This is where our program teaches us that the future is unknown, and the best we can do is stay present, focused on the here and now. That which we hope for is as likely as that which we dread, so why worry about what's not yet here?
We try to make the most of each day as it comes, and to trust our recovery, our tools and our Higher Power and realize our progress from where we were.
Today's reminder --- Today, I will take a few minutes to acknowledge my growth. I am not perfect, but I certainly have made progress.
Today's quote --- " ... we may not recognize our progress right away, but the effects of working the Al-Anon program are profound and lasting." --- ...In All Our Affairs
Before this program, I wanted perfection - in all I did, in all I thought and of course in my never-ending need to plan events, days, life, etc. When I first arrived, and felt so defeated because things clearly were far from planned, I first breathed deep just listening to the 3 Cs and the quote of progress not perfection. As I began to embrace the program, steps and tools, I realized for the first time that striving for perfection was not only tiring but just plain craziness that I did not need. I had to Pause often to realize that how things are is how they are supposed to be and pushing/pulling for my way was a warped perception of life.
I am grateful the program taught me that LTP = Less Than Perfect is grand enough. I have the most peace of mind and heart when I use the tools, steps and spiritual aspects of this program and I do today finally feel as if my HP will carry me through anything that happens.
The program has given me permission to be an imperfect human and an equal to all others. I am grateful to be a member among members and content to focus on improvement vs. perfection. Things and I have improved and I don't question it, I just embrace it.
Happy Friday to one and all - off to golf this AM - it's hotter than you know what here in KS today - back later on. Make it a great day!!
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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 for sharing your thoughts on today's reading IAH . I love the idea that "LTP" is good enough( Never heard that before).
Thanks to continually using program tools ,I automatically refuse to project to the future ,go to the past, but stay in the moment and in the day, trusting HP and focused on myself. It is amazing how powerful these tools are. When I review the happenings of my year in retrospect I am always amazed at how much has been accomplished without chaos and drama. Being an imperfect human is a great gift to give to myself.
My recovery process was slow & very painful until I started using the tools & steps of the program. The program brought me wisdom & knowledge that I sometimes needed to look deep into. I didn't get it until I surrendered & took the initial steps to change my whole life from the inside out. & yes I am only human & make mistakes often. I will never stop making mistakes & sometimes have to make amends. That is step 9. Progress not perfection. I am going forward these days & not backwards. Thank you all for your support & the reading IAM.
