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 addresses the feeling that we have been in AlAnon long enough that we should not be experiencing as many problems as we are. We could be tempted to blame ourselves, or even the program.
It makes sense that we would feel we have more problems than before. Before AlAnon, we may have thought we had only one problem: our qualifier(s). We might have piled all the problems we had under the single umbrella of alcohol. If only they would stop drinking, then everything would be great!
With the help of the program, our worldview undergoes a change, and we become aware of our power to change our perspective, habits, and the way we interact with others. There is a lot of change going on as we try new things and curb others. It is a time for patience as we grow into our new life...
Reminder: AlAnon doesn't magically wipe away problems, but introduces us to the tools we can use to address them in more healthy ways. It's not about how long we have been a part of AlAnon, but how willing we are to use the tools consistently that matters.
"Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things." H.W. Beecher ************** AlAnon guided me to place my focus and efforts where they belonged: on myself and what I could control. If I just switch my focus away from my qualifier but keep the mindset that I can control everything, then I become overwhelmed with all my many, 'new' problems.
Steps 1-3 and the Serenity Prayer are reminders that help keep me properly focused and ready and willing to turn things over to my higher power. I am more aware of my role in things, but holding to these principles helps me when I'm feeling overwhelmed.
Just being around the program does not magically remove my problems. There have been stretches where I was not actively working my program as I could have. These times coincided with the times where I struggled the most. The program works for me when I work it, and I am grateful
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good Morning Paul, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important reading Before program I really believed that if I lived my life well, made all the "right" choices I could avoid all life's problems and be continually happy. This was one of the many attitudes that needed to be changed. I could never accept the truth that life was for growing and learning . Acceptance of this fact enabled me to embrace program and keep showing up.
Thank God for program and the ability to live life on Life's terms.
Good morning Paul - thank you for your service and the daily. Thanks to both you and Betty for your ESH. I can relate to the change in me when I set my program to the side - things that are not necessarily mine or even a big deal become issues and my old negative coping tools want to float to the surface. My days and spirit are so much better when I practice our program as best I can One Day at a Time!
I'm getting a little edgy over the holiday this week. Last year, I opted out and cooked here and wanted to do a repeat. It was just so calm and peaceful and drama-free! However, I am feeling pulled to attend the family event so did RSVP last night. I know it will be fine - it always is - I just get into the projecting mindset which I catch and redirect with our tools.
My issues of today truly are small deals in the grand scheme of life. When I arrived in recovery, my own magnifying mind projected everything as horrible, bad, broken, etc. Today, I still have things I would change if I could, but they no longer control me/my thoughts consistently. I too am grateful for our program and for all who work it actively. It's been a life-changing journey for me so far, and consistency for me keeps me far more grounded than any other effort I've tried in my life.
Make it a great day folks - Happy Monday!
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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
This is a great daily ,ty enigmatic for sharing it,I'm also finding that by working my steps ,step 7 now,using my tools and keeping on a keeping on ,one day at a time or min.however it takes however long it takes me to do the steps,almost a year so far,but I've enjoyed it to its fullest and still am enjoying working them,it is a journey indeed a wonderful journey at that.......hugs lu
Thank you so much for today's reading and your thoughts/experience. Staying as close to program as possible, makes tough moments bearable. Even if I feel at wits end.....in the back of my mind I know I will have tools, readings, slogans and my HP of course to soothe and get me back to a measure of serenity.
