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.
I related to the topic in Hope For Today on THINK. It describes my thinking when I first came in--negative and obsessive. And how "our best thinking got us here "(or into this mess). How we learn in Al-anon how to think constructively , how to detach from our own negative thinking. I have also heard think is to pause & ask urself: Is this Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary & Kind before we do or say something.
I especially like the part where it expands the scope to:
---Think (in moderation) so that might mean writing it down & putting thought in my God box or allowing a set time limit to think on a topic(my sponsor sets timer for 10-15 minutes & allows a rant of feeling/thinking/dwelling) and then commit to shelf it for the next few hrs or a day or a so.
---Think (& pray) CB basically telling HP my thoughts on something and asking for guidance and strength, perspective & peace with it.
---Think (out loud or with a sponsor) for me journaling is sort of like thinking out loud and my HP often gives me great insights in my writing. Sharing on the board or with a sponsor/friend in Al-anon is also a great way for me to reason things out and gain perspective.
---Think (& feel) that was a good reminder too, because my obsessive thinking was such a drug for me--an escape from the feelings underneath the thoughts. It took so long for me to see that was what my obsessive thoughts did for me--like a distraction from my grief. The Alc is a drinking disease & I have a thinking disease. All the tools above as well as deeper prayer/meditation have helped me so much with this.
Alateen quote "I have a program that helps me make sense of my mixed up thinking & feeling"
Just sending thoughts on a great page for what it is worth--I was without this book for 2 weeks and appreciated when anyone shared about the page of the day, so I am just giving back a little. Happy Super Bowl Sunday to all who partake!
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Wishing all the best on your recovery journey, Luv
Thank you luv for the reminder to pause and think,i love this slogan.
I'm not a football fan,but I do love the commercials ,so I may wAtch it...........hugs lu
Thanks luv for the great share - I was all about the game - just because! My team was not in it, so not too concerned about who won but enjoyed the experience. I have to laugh at me - I am one who usually gets up and runs around during commercials....this is the one game each year where I have to remind myself NOT TO DO SO!!! ha.ha.ha....
Which brings me back to THINK - I rarely paused for any reason before recovery. I felt often as if it was ME against the world and I had to react for self-protection. What I learned in recovery is if I stop long enough (Pause) and THINK about it, I'm usually able to respond rather than react and this tool is about self-preservation. I've got God to protect me - I just need to preserve my sanity, my grace and he's got the rest of it!!
Thanks for your service and post!!!
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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
