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 our slogan - Keep it Simple. The writer suggests that nothing was simple about life before recovery. Difficult job, short on time and obsessing about the qualifier left little time/energy for 'other'...
The early days of Al-Anon lifted the denial, and then the writer realized the strain and exhaustion...Awareness of the real issues helped propel this person in their recovery from the affects of alcoholism. While removing all stress and commitments was not possible, giving up some social commitments helped make time/energy for the work suggested in recovery.
Today's reminder --- If I am overwhelmed, I may be trying to do too much. Today I will try to "Keep it Simple."
Today's Quote --- "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." from Hans Hofmann
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I can so relate to the stress and complexity of my life before recovery. I woke up stressed and went to bed stressed, always wishing I had done more, had more time, etc. When I arrived at Al-Anon, and heard the suggestions to work on me, focus on me and practice self-care - I felt this was incredibly counter-productive!
Being sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, I listened with an open mind and tried what was suggested. As I began to stop and check my motives and actions, I realized the majority of my time/days/mind were completely outside of me. As I began to step back, keep my ears open and my mind shut, I also realized how my ego tried really hard before recovery to control other people, places and things.
Keep it Simple reminds me that my God wants me to be happy, joyous and free always. If I am disturbed, it's perfectly fine if I take a break and have a discussion with my HP. If I struggle with other people, places and things, it's OK to forget about cleaning and talk with a program friend. My number one goal today is peace of mind and serenity - all the chores, jobs, obsessions do not lead to this. Yet, if I find my sane/serene place, I then can find joy in any task/effort.
I have a choice upon awakening to enjoy my day or stress about it. Life happens all around me - Keep it Simple helps me know I am not alone and anything I do with my program in mind is a good choice.
Cold here today - prayers for all affected by the weather we're having around the country. 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
Thank you for the inspiring share IAH. Before program, I too complicated my life with projections and worry. The "What if, If onlys and what might have been" haunted my decision making.
Entering alanon and learning how to "Keep it simple " was such a gift. When I decided to stop projecting, live in the moment and in the day. pray on a subject, trust HP and not react, I found the solutions to unbelievable problems and they were quite "simple. "
Now having the courage to act was not so "simple" but by using all my tools, I can say I was given the courage, serenity and wisdom to move forward.
Keep it simple is now my go to slogan.
We are having a huge snow storm in the City right now I do hope I can get out later. Thanks for your service. Have a lovely day
I come to this site to get through the day sometimes even the moment. Thank you for posting this today. I was feeling overwhelmed obsessing about my situation. As I read this I felt a peace come over me. That is what I am going to do today...focus on keeping it simple. I'm not going to worry about anything else today. Thanks for this encouragement!
I agree with Betty - keep up the good work Dlove! I can relate to your share - I am often able to 'right size' my brain by coming here to MIP and/or reading from our literature.
Betty - I've seen what they are showing for your area....if you go out/about - be safe! It looks like a huge storm!!!
(((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
