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.
Alcoholism causes physical, emotional and spiritual damage. By our association with the alcoholic, we can also suffer harm in these areas. In AlAnon's tradition of keeping the focus on ourselves, today's reading asks us to examine our self care.
Do we take good care of our physical needs: eating, sleeping, exercise, medical checkups? Emotional needs: reach out to a sponsor or friend during difficult times, allow time for enjoyment, trade negative thoughts for gratitude?
Spiritual needs: have we a relationship with a higher power? If we don't, could we? Make time for meditation and prayer? Ask for help when we need it? Regularly attend AlAnon meetings and read AFG publications, work the steps and use the tools?
Reminder: Taking inventory of the state of our self care allows us to see where we can improve.
"Better keep yourself clean and bright: you are the window through which you must see the world." - George Bernard Shaw ***************
After looking outward, toward others for so long when I wanted a change, it has taken a lot of time and effort to turn the focus more consistently to myself. I always looked out for myself physically, but in AlAnon I was helped to see how I let the mental and spiritual needs untended.
When I am troubled by people, places, or things, I can take inventory and trace it back to sliding in those two areas. Meditation, readings and meetings, and reconnection with my higher power never fail to bring me peace and restore my serenity.
Taking better care of me is the best thing I can do for myself and those I interact with, for I am delivering the healthiest version of me. I am so grateful for the guidance
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Great reading, I love Decembers and January's readings, for some reason they just have more meaning for me, and I need them more at this time of year. How simple, look after yourself, easy as that. Thanks
Good morning Paul thank you for sharing your thoughts on this very important topic of self-care. I know prior to program I did not take proper care of myself, made myself and my needs invisible so that I could please others. Like yourself, it was difficult to put the focus back on myself and begin to care for myself as well as I cared for others.
Thank goodness it is a process and it is progress not perfection that we seek because I sometimes see that I slip back into old behaviors forget to be eat right, make doctors appointments etc.
I do make sure that I exercise, pray , meditate and get enough sleep each day and I do believe that that's progress. I'm working on the rest.
Thank you both for your shares. I agree, elcee, something about this time of year; it is a time of reflection: impending end and pending beginnings...
Progress, not perfection, indeed! Awareness is a start, progress with consistency, and perfection is something only my higher power knows. One day at a time is about all I care to manage right now
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul and all for your shares....thank you Paul for your service and the daily! I am a bit off-schedule as my parents are here and I'm not in my room, or my bed, at times - not even in my mind....so it feels a bit.
I'm certainly keeping close to the basics and working to align with God as much as possible, all day - every day. I feel as if I could write a column each day on the insanity which is my life with my parents. I am so very grateful for the gift of humor, pause and grace - dealing with aging parents who can not remember 5 minutes ago is a true test of my ego, patience, tolerance and sanity.
The good news - much of my perfectionism that I have/had was a by-product of FOO. As my FOO is aging and very forgetful, that has lost a ton of it's focus/importance. I love recovery for giving me the ability to love my aging parents in spite of all the isms that are here, in my face, each day. They've gone out to dinner and I am grateful for the break!
Hugs to all - happy holidays too!
__________________
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
Oh my goodness, I cannot imagine...That must be extremely difficult, but great testament to your work in the program and the program's guidance. I would say I am sorry for what you are experiencing, but I know you cherish the opportunity to see your parents, show them love, and witness your own growth and the power of the program...things are just what they should be...
I know, however, how disorienting it can be to have your schedule and routine thrown off. That in itself is very challenging! I am grateful you are blessed with a few sanity breaks here and there, always a blessing to have you here
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul - I woke up today with a sore throat, head ache and cold - it's about time to just go 'yay'....not really! Had a lovely long talk with my sponsor and a long nap while my parents did a day trip. Rest is so very helpful for me in so many ways!
9 days remaining - I can do this....I feel like the little train, "I Think I Can..."
__________________
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
