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 starts with a suggestion that many of us who have lived with alcoholism truly begin to grow up for the first time when we arrive at Al-Anon. We learn to deal with our feelings and we learn to share honestly about our experience. We also learn about ourselves and nurture our spiritual growth as well as learn about self-care - we become responsible adults.
Al-Anon helps us recognize our need to have fun! Taking a trip, flying a kite, going to a concert - making noise, laughing - just having fun and finding our joy can help us put problems into perspective. We are reminded there is more to life than the problem/issues at hand.
Taking ourselves too seriously does not help or speed up the problem solving process. Taking a break may actually help more - think of how Jello needs some alone time to form/gel. A good laugh may be the best tool available to help let go and when we return to the task - we are refreshed.
Today's Reminder -- A well-developed sense of humor helps me detach from my personal struggles and triumphs. I will avoid taking myself too seriously today.
Quote for Today -- "One inch of joy surmounts of grief a span, Because to laugh is proper to the man." ~~ Francois Abelais
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I can recall being a child and finding pure joy in simple things. As I aged, I did not see the need/importance of just having pure 'fun'. I took myself and all situations way too seriously. Enter this disease in those I love - my joy was gone and I was in perpetual over-thinking, over-analyzing mode. This continued for as long as I allowed my will to try and control the disease and those around me.
I'm so grateful that those who came before me showed me there is peace in finding joy and humor. It doesn't have to be a 'big deal' - I can find joy and humor in all things when I keep my attitude and outlook aligned with the program suggestions. When I take myself too seriously, I am not fun to be around and get wrapped up in what's wrong instead of finding gratitude for what's right.
Happy Friday to one and 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
I was always a very serious child. "too serious" a few of my teachers included on report cards and voiced in conferences. Having fun, enjoying a moment, that is something I learned to do as an adult. Seeing this disease at work in my wife brought the "too serious" back with a vengeance. Thanks to Alanon, I am finally re-learning to let go of the stress and enjoy myself. For me, it helps to plan it into my day. Making an appointment with myself helps me to be sure to take that time for myself, and then enjoying moments throughout the day as they happen becomes easier.
Have some fun today, everyone!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you iamhere for your service and happy Friday to you too. Before Al-Anon found me I was all business and all daily tasks were a means to an end. Today I live simply, I laugh and smile until my cheeks hurt, I don't take that voice in my head too seriously and I sing and dance while doing my daily tasks. Through working my program I can experience true joy each and every day. Cheers to having fun today!
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- Carrie
Stress is caused by being 'here' but wanting to be 'there'. Eckhart Tolle
Fun. Something i am learning to have. This morning my daughter dropped her croissant on the way to preschool. The damned thing leaped out of her gorgeous little hand and bounced on to the footpath before rolling into the gutter. We'd deviated specially to the bakery to buy it before catching our tram. She was heartbroken. Luckily,she'd shared some with her sister who shared some back, but the disappointment was tangible.
Wishing to break the spell of regret, i said, oh dear that croissant is just like the gingerbread man, jumping out of your hand and rolling away.
No mummy, don't be silly, the gingerbread man didnt roll, he ran.
Roll roll roll as fast as you can, you can't catch me, im the croissant, im the man!.
We giggled all the way to the tram, just being silly.
Fun is sometimes spontaneous escape from seriousness. Kid's need it and adults too. Alanon has helped me to not take myself and the stuff that happens as the be all and end all of all that is. Whatever it is shall pass, fun is not always or by neccesity irresponsible. It is definitely needed to get by. And definitely something acoas need to and can pass on and share with their kids! Thanks alanon. my family were funny but at each others expense most times. Not today!
Good morning IAH thank you for sharing thoughts on today's powerful reading. I love how it points out that many of us begin to grow up when we enter the rooms of Al-Anon. I know I did I learned to face the world life on life's terms and to take responsibility for my actions as well as deal with my feelings When I first discovered Al-Anon I never thought that this would be the journey that I would take.
I know that I too was extremely serious and never had time for fun. Work was most important, and finishing the task extremely urgent. Laughing and joking while in the process was something that escaped me. Love what A 41 shared about her day and the croissant, like the gingerbread man rolling away. I smiled at the telling.
Today I know how to have fun. When I walk. I'm observen nature, little children, can read an entertaining book or enjoy a conversation. Living One day at a time, focused on the present moment certainly allows me to experience the world in a more light hearted manner.
Great shares all - thanks to each of you for your ESH.....I am sitting here at 5:20pm so very grateful that we have a bye week for softball - I'm so exhausted from hanging with the little guys all night and all day! They are fun to be with, fun to observe and truly bring up that 'belly laugh' we all have - something about the pure joy from children lightens my heart - yet I am so, so tired!!!
I love that we are all learning how to 'cut loose' in our adult lives and recovery! There is something special about reflecting on my day at the end of it and being able to recall the joy, laughter and fun - silly, planned, spontaneous, other....gives me deep peace and gives my gratitude!
Make it a great evening - I'm chilling....
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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
