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 shares about pain and suffering that results from this disease. For most of us, the disease has contributed to many dashed hopes, broken dreams and considerable pain. While we don't want to dwell on these events, we don't want to turn our back either. It is through the fellowship we learn that dealing with our pain is necessary for healing from the affects of the disease.
We are reminded to treat ourselves with the same kindness, love and respect that we would treat another in pain. The fellowship will help us feel/deal/heal from that which holds us tight to the past and free us up for a joyous future.
Today's reminder --- They say that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. If I learn to accept that pain is part of life, I will be better able to endure the difficult times and then move on, leaving the pain behind me.
Today's quote --- ".......When we long for life without . . . difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." ~~ Peter Marshall
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before recovery, I stuffed my pain, feelings and more. I felt if I pushed it down and left it there, I could continue with the facade of strength and 'normal'. However, I got to a point where the pain weighed so much deep within me, I was stuck in a time/place that was unbearable most days.
Coming to the program, I listened to others who gave freely of their ESH in the hopes I would gain something - anything to ease my pain. I felt broken, numb, and miserable. I heard others share of pain greater than my own, yet genuine joy and peace radiating as they spoke. I really, really wanted what they had - the ability to own their past/pain and grow/learn/prosper in spite of or because of it.
Today, I understand that stuffing things allows them to live, grow, fester and ooze. If instead I allow these feelings to surface, examine them, look for a lesson, discuss with another - it's almost like a purge. I believe today that in order to keep growing, I must make room by shedding myself of the pain of the past. While it will always be a part of me and my story, it no longer has to define my present or my future.
Thank you MIP and Al-Anon for being a part of my journey! (((Hugs))) to all!
__________________
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
Great reminder IAH Thank you. I was one of those people who thought I could control life to such an extent that I would not have to deal with difficult situations HP had other ideas
When all my tools failed and I walked through the doors of alanon, I was surprised to hear that Acceptance of life on life's terms was a must as was acknowledging my powerlessness. These were revolutionary attitude changes that I had to process and embrace.
I did not want to hear about "strong oaks" as I did not want to be a strong oak just pain free. Alanon's principles finally took hold. By using the tools presented to me, I finally learned how to be a grown up, move out of my denial and pretend world and live life with courage, serenity and a little wisdom. Learning how to treat myself and others with compassion, empathy and love has been another great unexpected gift of practicing the program
Thanks for your service and I hope you have a great day
Great share Betty - I hope your day is great too! I'll be doing some cleaning and child-proofing as the little guys are coming to sleep over....I have ball this evening so won't get to play with them until the morning....little people and fur-babies - great for my personal joy spot!!! (((Hugs)))
__________________
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
That's the plan!!!! We have had a slight cool spell here but it's supposed to warm up again today!!! Hope your weather is good in your world!
__________________
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
Thanks for the share Iamhere,
I use to dwell on the past events instead of accepting it and moving on. It really was only hurting myself by reliving things that I really could not change. It distorted my thinking. I noticed other children of alcoholics do the same thing and that helped me a lot to finally move on in a healthy manner. Thanks again!
just pain free. Alanon's principles finally took hold. By using the tools presented to me, I finally learned how to be a grown up, move out of my denial and pretend world and live life with courage, serenity and a little wisdom. Learning how to treat myself and others with compassion, empathy and love has been another great unexpected gift of practicing the program