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.
C2C reading for September 18 speaks about the Al-Anon program taking time and that it is progress not perfection that we seek. Time offers evidence that teh Al-Anon program works because we can see the growth in our lives and the lives of other members .
When we take the time to reflect, we will see the reinforcement which will provide strong support in times of doubt and will help to boost our courage in times of fear.
We must remember when we feel unable to move or when we are filled with fear that a wonderful gift is available to us-- the gift of memory. Too often our memory has given us sadness and brings back past hurts, but now we can use our memory to see the progress we've made, and to know the joy and gratitude that practicing the program.can bring . My own experiences are teaching me to trust this wonderful recovery process. all we have to do is pay attention.
The quote is from James Barrie; "God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December."
I love this reading. I know that when I looked back on my program memories, I am filled with faith and courage Prior to program I drew on my saddest memory to rehash my sadness or regrets. Today I look back on my memories and see my recovery and I'm grateful. By keeping the focus on myself
I have the ability to see how I have changed and grown and be grateful for HP's help.
Good morning Betty and thank you for your service, the daily and your ESH. For some reason today, when I read the reading, I began to consider how I did not take the time before recovery to reflect honestly on the past. Instead, my reflections similar to my outlook were filled with negativity, fear and sadness. I could have gotten roses in December and missed the beautiful flower, the smell, the colors and the gift!
Working the program with the reflection on me and my growth is such a gift....hard to put into words how blessed I feel compared to before recovery. While walking this morning, I was thinking about how blessed my life is and how many gifts I have been given just by showing up and being willing. I am headed out the door in a few for a meeting and we've got another lovely sunshine filled morning. What a great way to start the day!
The Chiefs and the Royals play mid day so I'll be doing some channel flipping! We finished 2nd in our tourney yesterday and it was a fun day. Softball tonight and so excited there is no rain in the forecast. My life is really good and I feel so blessed that I was able to let go of my old ways and learn new ways.
Make it a great day - prayers sent to NY for healing...
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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
Great page, Betty, thank you both for sharing your ESH. I always want change to happen at bullet train, but I get it at continental plate; the change is so gradual that I don't feel it happening in the moment. It is only when I compare my behavior and thoughts today with those of months or years ago that I can observe and feel healthy improvement.
The gratitude I have for the changes I observe motivates me to keep taking little steps in the 'right' direction: meetings, reading, meditation. It is these little steps that lead to fundamental shifts in my thinking and behavior over time. One day at a time...
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
