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 C2C reading discusses self-destructive thinking and how it blocks us in daily life and recovery. Most of us have spent way too much time feeling badly about who we are and what we have done. We may have been harshly criticized by others or we may have simply lost perspective and become overly hard on ourselves. The Al-Anon program gives us the opportunity to feel good about ourselves and who we truly are.
It takes time for doubts to fade and wounds to heal, but it happens in recovery. Our self-confidence slowly returns and grows with practice. Asset lists help us see our goodness and negative self-perceptions can be replaced with positive ones. The reading suggests that for every defect we identify, we should try to name an asset. We are asked to consider 5 or 10 things about our day that we have a right to feel good about before we go to sleep.
Practice, practice and ... more practice helps us learn how to treat ourelves with gentleness and compassion. We all have admirable qualities and we owe it to ourselves to let them shine through.
Today's Reminder ---- Today I will make an effort to remember that I am a terrific human being.
Today's Quote ---- "Ever'thing there is but lovin' leaves a rust on yo' soul." by Langston Hughes
For my recovery, I had to consciously change the way I thought about almost everything. I often walked into a room, gathering, event, etc. and immediately noticed what was 'wrong' - as simple as a crooked table cover to a drunk person half naked. My brain was wired this way, which makes me an awesome proof-reader and process person in business. Through practice, I now walk into a room, and see these same things, but follow it up immediately with what is working - great floral arrangements, pretty dress, etc.
It is a daily effort for me to stop and consider what is working in my life and then to find gratitude in those small miracles. Before recovery, I was so blocked with negativity that I could not see ANY good, which was part of my insanity/disease.
Asset lists help me see that I am worthy and I add value. The program helps me know that I am an imperfect person and one among others, and we are all doing the best we can with what we have. I no longer have to feel less than or better than and can stand with ALL my fellow persons, grateful for what each of them brings into my life. This includes my qualifiers, as without what we've experienced together, I would not be who I am today.
One Day at a Time, with this program and my extended program family, I feel better and better about me, my assets and my lot in life.
(((Hugs))) to all - TGIF - 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
HI IAH Great reminder and share. I too can rememebr the negative coping tools that I used prior to program and cringe at the fat that I rarely saw or acknowledged any positive or enriching event without first seeing the negative. I was afraid to look within (as the 4 th steps asks) because I was afraid that all I would find was the negative, anger, resentment self pity and fear. My sponsor suggested that these were simply negative coping tools that I developed as the result of living with the disease of alcholism and they did not represent my true self . In order to uncover the "real" me i needed to let go of these tools and acknowledge my gratitude and assets. Daily lists helped in that process. Thanks for your service and enjoy this great day.
I like the fact that the reading says that I am a terrific human being. We make mistakes that's why there are erasers on pencils. And while I am on here. I just want to say that after a week long battle w sleep I am finally coming around
Kathleen - so glad you are getting a handle on your sleep......for me, adequate rest truly helps me see reality vs. what the disease creates in my mind!!
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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
