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 all about one of our slogans/principles - One Day at A Time. The reading discusses nature, and how spiritual it can be when we stop and consider that it exists one moment and/or one day at a time. Trees do not sit around and worry about forest fires. Pond water doesn't fret over turbulence it experienced a few miles upstream. No butterfly has ever engaged into the affairs of its fellows. Creation goes about the business of living, in the moment, and if we keep our eyes open, we too can do the same.
Today's reminder ----- A great deal can be learned as a result of painful circumstances, but they are not my only teachers. I live in a world full of wonders. Today I will pay attention to their gentle wisdom.
Today's quote ---- "I discovered the secret of the sea in meditation upon a dewdrop." from Kahlil Gibran
In my program, the concept of ODAT or One Day at A Time has literally saved my spirit and sanity time and time again. For me, it's so easy to assume the past represents the future and the future will be sad/painful/miserable, as the past was. The insanity of this thinking process and the projecting of gloom and doom because of this disease and my qualifiers held me hostage in a perpetual state of sadness, despair and anxiety.
Coming to Al-Anon and keeping my mind open to a different way wasn't easy, but so worth it. I no longer have to dwell on the past, even though I can learn from it. I no longer have to fear or anticipate what the future might bring, as I have faith restored in a higher power who will lead me where I am to be. I have been restored to sanity enough to realize I can choose to be present in the here/now or I can depart from that. I can chase drama or I can have serenity. I can be right or I can be happy.
When I am able to experience the reality of life and love in the moment, I have peace in my mind and heart. There is no perfect life, person, marriage, day but there are miracles all around me. I just need to be "present to win".
Happy Friday MIP family - make it a great day. My heart is very sad over the violence of the past few days. My prayers are with all of us as we (America) seek peace in our union.
(((Hugs)))
__________________
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 love the principle of living in the moment and in the day. It took some dedicaton and practice to be able to pull my attention from the past or the future and focus on the aday but I am so pleaed that I did, What a waste of a life to concentrate on the pains of the past or projecting future unhappiness when the present moment holds so much beauty and joy.
Thanks for your service. Enjoy the day
