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 discusses humor, expectations and right-sizing our life and recovery. It gives an example of a member anticipating speaking at a meeting. She envisions a large group of serious minded members, in a perfect location with a perfect format. She of course gives a marvelous share complete with daunting wise words.
Instead, she finds that all that could go wrong did. The group was small, the secretary was a substitute who could not find the opening/format and the group was huddled in a small temporary area. The speaker relaxed a bit, felt right at home and discovered a comfortable setting not too different from her norm.
When we project or anticipate, it can seem as if God has a sense of humor!!! The member realized that all groups, familiar or not, are somewhat the same - members in fellowship doing our best to muddle through and lend each other a helping hand.
Today's reminder --- I give thanks for the ways my Higher Power finds to cut my pretensions down to size. When I can laugh a little, I feel less afraid.
Today's quote - from One Day at a Time in Al-Anon --- "I want to remember, every time I'm tempted to take a heavy somber view of a happening, that it may not be so bad after all . . . I'll cultivate a knack for recognizing and enjoying humorous moments."
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When I got here, I felt alone and was so serious - got the wrinkles to prove my 'extensive deep thinking'. What I found at the beginning was others who had issues in their lives yet they had joy. This baffled me deeply, but gave me hope. I did not ever expect that I could also face the disease while finding peace and joy in my life.
Small suggestions - look for the good, make gratitude lists, make asset lists, stay in the moment - all gave me simple tools to use moment by moment, day by day. As I practiced, I felt less alone. As I began the steps, I felt less alone. As I progressed through the steps, I stopped feeling alone almost always.
I now know that God never left - I had stepped away from his preferred journey for me because of my deep fear of this disease and the possible outcomes. I now know that when I simplify my thinking, practice this program and trust the process and God - I will be OK no matter what happens next. I left home at 17 and believe I've enjoyed my life and laughed more in recovery than all the years prior.
Happy Friday to one and all - grateful for the gift of MIP, Al-Anon and all of you.
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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
Good morning IAH what a great reminder !! I never realized that I had lost my joy and sense of humor while living with this dreaded disease. Thanks to HP and this wonderful program, I was able to let go of my negative concepts and accept life on life's terms. I then learned to accept that I was human and not perfect and that I did not have to be perfect nor did the world.
Acceptance and joy are great gifts of this program. Thanks for your service
Another gray day here in New York City. I'm off to the movies to see the:"Zookeepers Wife.
Thank you for your perspective on this. That has been one of the hardest things about my recovery is trying to regain my previous sense of humor . By the time I arrived here I was a mess as most of us are and I was taking everything very very seriously and had lost all joy. I miss my old lightheartedness before addiction came knocking and I found myself in the fight of my life. I have gained a greater appreciation and connection for my higher power which I am thankful for.
Hey all - lovely shares! Serenity - my experience is that one day, I realized I had peace and laughed genuinely and 'real'. Keep working it - you're on the right path!
Betty - sun is still shining here....supposed to rain again on Sunday night! Enjoy your movie and have a great time! Softball in a few hours - will be much warmer tonight than last night. We played last night @ 8:30/9:30 and it was darn cold - not comfortable weather for ball at all!
(((Hugs))) to all!
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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
