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 the choices made available to us in a alanon. Many of us came here because we knew we wanted a different way of life and as we remained open and consistent in our program, have found it. The reading specifically mentions how difficult holidays were growing up in an alcoholic family. I think there's truth to that in my case but also that every situation may be distorted, uncomfortable, anxiety- producing if alcoholic drinking and behavior is its foundation.
What I take from this reading is that we have the right to happiness in our lives- in daily life, at big events, and everything in between. The sentence I am keeping with me today is : 'I can let go of the parts of my life that are not under my control and I can take charge of the parts that are.'
on a personal note- I have been told that my ex is planning to remarry- a woman he has been dating for five months. It is difficult and my kids are having a tough time of it as well. I will look at the sentence I quoted above today and try to focus on what is possible for me to take charge of and what parts of my life are not under my control. Hope everyone feels the strength of the program with them today.
Good morning Mary, thanks for sharing your thoughts on today's reading in Hope for today. When I entered Al-Anon I did not realize that I had such black-and-white thinking and would not see my choices. I could see them but I did not want them because I only wanted it " my way " or nothing. I tried desperately to force my will, without success.
Finally surrendering and accepting that I was in need of help, I am so pleased that I found Al-Anon and the tools provided. The steps, the slogans sponsor all pointed me in the direction of change.When I was living with my old attitudes, I did not have choices so that by implementing alanon tools many of my negative attitudes were lifted and I could finally see and accept the choices that I had. I needed to let go of many expectations in order to get there. I'm so grateful to Al-Anon for giving me the tools to to live life on life's terms and find joy and happiness once again
I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family and know that HP will guide you all in this Holiday Season to making new joyful memories. Letting go of the past is not easy. Thanks for your service.
Good morning Mary and thank you for your service and the daily. Thanks to you and Betty for your ESH. I love the sentence you brought forth here - it just hammers home for me and my recovery that no matter what I think, using the program tools can help me get through it. I tend to get into anxiety over the holidays as they've just not always been lovely. What I need to hold onto is they are never as bad as my mind projects and I need to focus on the good.
I too am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for all. Make it a great day!
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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
