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 about just for today and staying in the present moment. The writer shares about being a small child, watchful on hands/knees perhaps with a bug or caterpillar. Curiosity and the anticipation of movement or change kept our interest as we marveled over the creature, the colors, the movement or other!
Living with or being affected by the disease of alcoholism can make us question how many special moments have passed us by? Gone by, unnoticed because we are so focused on other things. The writer suggests that before Al-Anon, they spent years ignoring life's beauty because they were too busy trying to get their alcoholics to stop drinking. Even in recovery the writer feels time has been wasted waiting for defects to change or problems resolved. Just for today and staying present better allows us to tune into the wonders of our lives and see/enjoy what life has to offer.
The reminder suggests we learn to choose where to focus our attention. Focus on becoming aware of the beauty around us, being grateful for the simple gifts present. As we practice these concepts, it gets easier to appreciate the beauty within.
From Just for Today, the quote ---- "Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful..."
Great reading for me today. I am visiting a friend with cancer and am excited to see her. Yet, I am a bit concerned I will not have the words to comfort her. I do know that Just For Today, if I am open and willing, the words will come and my HP, God will guide us to have a lovely day.
I know for me I did waste so much time focused so often on people, places and things well beyond my control. Working one day at a time to accept things as they are freed up my mind a bit and allowed me to learn to pause and appreciate that which is good. Before recovery, my thinking always went to that which is not good.
Grateful for recovery, Al-Anon, MIP, all of you and this beautiful day filled with wonders for me to yet see and enjoy if I am willing. (((Hugs)))
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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, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on today's important reading. Using alanon tools to stay in the moment and in the day has promoted my recovery beyond my imagination.
Instead of projecting into the future with worry and imagined outcomes, I force myself to let go of furturizing by reciting a slogan over and over in my head until my obsession lifts. I then prevent myself from ruminating about past hurts by reminding myself of what I have to be grateful for and my assets. This keeps my mind so busy that I am able to appreciate the beauty around me and respond to situations in the present moment.
I have read, that true change can only occur in the present moment, so that I work diligently to be in the moment.
Positive thoughts going with you today IAH I know you will find the words to support your friend.
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 01:24:19 PM
(((Betty))) - thanks so much - I'll be around tomorrow if I'm not back today! I play ball back here tonight....going to be a long day, so grateful I am able to be me - just for today!!
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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
