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.
The ODA T reading for April 9 talks about being in a crisis that lasts for what seems like an eternity. When we are involved with these difficult experiences, we can find no escape and the problem occupies our thoughts continually. This is the time that we must remind ourselves that we need to recall a simple phrase, slogan or principle of Al-Anon and say it over and over in our minds until we replace the tormenting thoughts It could be the serenity prayer or any simple slogan. The reading points out that there is some good even the darkest troubles and if we attempt to acquire the knack of searching out the good and concentrating on this we will find release. Much depends on meeting our problems head-on , refusing to exaggerate them and then eliminate them with inspiring thoughts
The quote is:"Painful experiences come from the thorns that wound us. They make us forget they have roses. We cannot expect to enjoy life's color, beauty and fragrances without accepting the thorny challenges and learning how to deal with them as we do in Al-Anon .
Learning how to accept life on life's terms, not to react and to develop healthy constructive tools to live by were some of the greatest gifts I received from working this program . Program works when we I work it
Thank you Betty, for today's message. So timely for me, as it's been an ugly couple of days for me dealing with some family stuff that is and is not related to my qualifiers.
I have been trying to lean into my program, but sometimes it feels like I'm leaning into a brick wall. I know that means I need to try something different in that moment.
I need to stop exaggerating the situation, which leads to projecting, etc., etc.
Pretty morning here in western NY. I am going to concentrate on finding the good in today.
Love your new avatar, Betty! Pretty!
Ellen
-- Edited by El on Sunday 9th of April 2017 07:14:45 AM
Great page, thank you for your wisdom and service Betty, and both for your ESH.
Looking back at my tendencies before recovery, I realize that my attempts to 'be prepared' for every contingency, pointing out to myself and others what had or might yet go wrong, created a cloud of negativity around me. Rare were the times I was grateful or allowed myself to feel at peace, for I was too fearful to relax my vigilance.
Over time I have seen a real change as the program tools have begun to shape my responses into more of just today, connected to gratitude, and letting go of outcomes that I neither control nor am able to predict. The increase in peace that I feel as a result is a real blessing from the program...so grateful
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Betty for the daily and your service - great photo in your avatar!!! Love seeing that smiling face when I click through a post from you.....brightens my day!
Thanks also for the ESH in the shares above me. I've spoken in another thread about my recent experience directly with the active part of the disease again. I've applied Over Time Effort to keep my sanity in check and my serenity close by. There have been ups and downs but I do know that this too shall pass and I am not alone - God's got me and my son in his sights. There is a master plan, and it's not mine!
I am very grateful for the gift of recovery, MIP and my faith in a higher power. While this is not my first rodeo ride with the disease, it is different as I do know I am ready for whatever comes next, including the worse case scenario. Ready in the aspect of believing that what is is exactly as it should be.
Happy Sunday to one and all - off to a meeting in a bit, then some planting today and if the weather cooperates, Softball tonight. I am truly blessed!!!
__________________
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 Ellen, Iam and Paul for sharing your wisdom and experience regarding this important concept. I appreciate sharing the journey here with each of you and all my MIP family.
I change my Avatar often because I get bored seeing the same one. Thanks for noticing
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 11:54:04 AM
Thank you Betty for Today's Reminder and for your service. This is my favorite ODAT page as I can always relate. I love flowers, especially roses but I'm highly allergic to the scent of Roses so I can only enjoy them when they remain planted outside. To me you can approach the rose much like life. Provide proper care and you will have beautiful blooms, fail to take precaution when maintaining and you will feel pain. I would love to smell one up close and I can do that but the consequences would be a severe reaction. I choose to love the rose from a distance and gather many other beautiful flowers to bring inside that won't set me off. To me this reminder signifies the 3A's...Awareness, Acceptance and Action.too.
Thank you Netty for this great reminder,
With all crises big or small,that eventually passes,as in this to shall pass,is a great tool I've used many times..
Grateful member of Alanon,Lu
