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.
The C2C reading for October 9 speaks about our attitude toward God. It suggests that prior to program, many of us have had an adversarial relationship with God. We were engaged in the battle of wills and we didn't want God to win.
We refused to accept God was all powerful and many therefore hit a huge, emotional bottom. I know that this describes me and my former interactions and relations with HP.
The reading continues to more or less describes my attitude and states that we come to Al-Anon we are resistant to the idea of a Higher Power.
Although we know it is true that we failed to conquer alcoholism, we feel that it is too frightening to submit to God. Slowly but surely we learn to trust this Power. We finally realize that surrender does not mean submission it ,means we are willing to stop fighting reality and stop trying to force reality to our liking.
The reading suggests that we can gather flowers, marvel at nature's wonder and still not lose face. We can see that we cannot control nature so it is with everything in our life. The best way to invite serenity is to recognize the world as it is. By practicing gratitude, we can finally feel the warmth and love of a Higher Power whocares for eventhe smallest of creatures.
The quote is from One Day at a Time in Al-Anon; "the first step prepares us for a new life only by letting go of control, and by undertaking,one day at a time the monumental task of setting our world in order by a change in our own thinking."
I so appreciate how this program has given me the belief, trust and faith in a Power Greater than myself. I know that it is not my will but thine and that I will be given the courage and wisdom to face life on life's terms. Have a great day
Thanks Betty, I am reminded over and over again that when I relinquish control things seem to right themselves to everyone's benefit. I used to believe that "letting go" meant allowing things to fall apart but what a startling thing to realise that I was never holding everything together in the first place, and when I dig in my heels and try too hard to make everything go the way I think it should...that's when I get in the way and almost guarantee a bad outcome!
Thank you Betty for your service, your ESH and the daily.....I am one who came with an ill-conceived concept of a HP. My upbringing and teachings suggested God was a punishing God, and it was his way or you were forever damned to hell. Needless to say, as a double-winner, my thinking was - I am already damned - may as will make it worth my time/effort!
It took me a while in this program to change my perceptions about my HP - whom I call God. I now know that my will is what lead me sideways often. My will is what allowed me to judge others. My will is what pushed me to try and control others. My will is what caused me so much conflict, worry, anxiety and more.
When I am able to rely on God's will - I am much more at ease. I am much better prepared to face what each day brings. I also have a calmer spirit and a hugely improved attitude. I wake up excited for the day - and that's such a change from the dread that persisted prior to recovery.
I am grateful for those who came before me and showed me over and over and over again that when I turn my will and life over to the care of God, I am in good hands. I can find joy in little things and I now believe that God truly wants us all to be happy, joyous and free. We only need to do our best each day and leave the outcomes to him. My God has helped me change my outlook - before recovery, I felt I was always reactive and unhappy...serenity and joy were fleeting moments that passed too quickly. Today, it's the reverse - serenity and joy and the constant, with the fear, worry and chaos being the exception. Working this program as suggested has brought a renewed/change spirit deep within, and I can only give credit where credit is do - a loving God who loves me unconditionally.
I am off in a short while to play in a tournament! First game is 10am.....we will play all day (if we keep winning) with the Championship @ 4pm. I then may/may not get much of a break....before we have league tonight @ 6:30pm & 7:30pm. It's going to be a long, active, fun-filled day - grateful for my health and stamina - gonna need both as the day unfolds!
Will be out more than in today - 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
Thank you for those three nourishing shares, ladies. Just what the doctor ordered.
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You are young, my son, and, as the years go by, time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain therefore awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters. Plato
When I have trouble sleeping (which is often), I have begun to give God my "thinking" ... It seems that "Thinking" - actually ruminating over and over a problem - is my way of controlling. If I can give this "thinking" to God, I have begun to know what it is to give my will to God -- and get some sleep!
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"put yourself in the place where grace can flow to you." - robert lax
