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.
Wow--this reading hits home with me today. The writer describes a kitchen she has lived with for over 20 years. She doesn't like the pattern of the wallpaper, but has been worried about taking it down because she isn't sure what will be underneath. Ultimately she does decide to take it away, little pieces at a time, and does find challenges, like a refrigerator which is too big to move, but every step of the way she has tools to help her through it. The writer - and I ! Relate this to life in recovery. Some of us do not make changes because even if the familiar is uncomfortable at least it is what we know. I have been reminded lately- by my sponsor and by my wise beyond her years daughter, that sometimes change is necessary and difficult at the same time. Sometimes the change starts happening and the difficult presents itself.
I like what is said in the thought for the day: 'My Higher Power may be inviting me to walk further down my spiritual path by giving me a desire to change.' Taking those first steps toward something unfamiliar can be difficult- I am grateful for the strength and supports within the program that help through those times.
Thanks Mary for your daily reading,hit home for me also,reminds me of all the muk that covers me and peeling it off one layer at a time,so relieving to find ourselves .......hugs lu
Powerful reading and observations, Mary. Change is unsettling, however I found that when I accept the fact that although the change may frighten me, HP has given me the courage, and wisdom to face it and grow, I can move forward-one step, one day at a time.
I am so grateful for this program as it has taught me how to live life and to thrive even in challenging circumstances.
I like the wallpaper implication; what's underneath might be rough but the old has to come off if we're going to have a hope of replacing it with somethingbetter and having it stick
Thanks Mary
Thanks for sharing, Mary. I really like the wallpaper, too. Very visual.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Mary for your service, the daily and your ESH. I do recall vividly how much I disliked change before recovery. I was one that was willing to continue 'as is' because it was familiar - even if it was dysfunctional and/or growth-limiting. As I worked the steps and began to know me better, I realized I didn't dislike change - it scared the daylights out of me. Fear was deeply buried under so many of my emotions and reactions that it took a while to see how deeply it was embedded in my spirit.
Today, I still get a twinge of anxiety caused by fear when change is coming, starting or happening. Thanks to this program, I can actually pause, reach out to my HP and ask for direction and guidance to deal best with the change. When I reflect upon the changes in my life, it is easier to see most were actually good - I either grew, learned or changed in a good way as a result of feared changes in my life.
Happy Tuesday to one and all - make it a great one!!
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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
