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.
Good morning all and sorry for the late post of a daily reading! I've had little people spend the night and it certainly changes up my morning routine. I've left my Courage to Change at my meeting so we have One Day at a Time in Al-Anon for today.
The reading discusses what stands between us and serenity - often the answer is DETERMINATION...We have a grim resolve that we can DO SOMETHING about everything. That feeling - if we just tighten up, gird ourselves for battle - defeats our purpose and search for serenity.
We learn over and over again in recovery that we must let go. Nothing constructive for us happens if we don't or fight it. No matter what our alcoholics do or day, we are not empowered to even up scores or make others 'pay' for what they did to us. We work to learn how to relax our stubborn grip on all the details of events and allow the solution to unfold as it will.
Today's Reminder -- I am only a small cog in the machinery of the universe; my trying to run things my own way is doomed to failure. A bright and serene success is at hand once I learn to let go. Then I'll have time to count my blessings, work on my own shortcomings, and enjoy each minute of every day.
Today's Quote -- "What hurt could it do thee if thou wouldst let is pass and make no account of it? Could it even so much as pluck one hair from they head?" from Thomas A'Kempts
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This sure speaks to me ... I have a big dose of persistence, determination and being right that has been a pattern for as long as I can remember. I did not believe others in recovery that suggested serenity is a by-product of letting go and letting God + doing the next right thing.
I was one who kept score, and certainly in the name of fairness wanted to make others pay for how they harmed me. I also felt I could only forgive when another asked for it and begged me. The program instead suggested I was powerless over others, but not me. I could work this program and through the steps, I could learn to love others unconditionally no matter how they were or who they showed me they were. I learned I could forgive no matter what others owned, deflected, asked/etc. I also learned that when I allow others to have their journey and look for the positive moments of our life intersections, all things seem to be calmer and better.
Serenity for me is my number one goal each day, one day at a time. When I stay close to what our program suggests and keep my focus on me, things work pretty darn well. Peace of mind is no longer a fleeting event - it's here to stay if I want it. Letting go and realizing I am just a cog in the machine is extremely powerful in my program. I am just an imperfect human living in an imperfect world with others and we're all doing the best we can with what we have!
Make it a great day MIP - I have the babies again tonight - so off to get some things done before they return from 'school'....(((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
Hi IAH Thanks for posting the Daily, even though you had the "Little people"visiting. i love this reminder because I tend to be so determiend in my approach ro many things. Letting Go and Letting God did take much practice for me and experiencing the wonderful results proved to be so worth it. Serenity is indeed a priceless gift.
Thanks for your service.
Thank you both so much for sharing this page and ESH, and IAH especially with the extra (lovable and blessed) challenges .Definitely some good points for me to spend some time with; determination and grim resolve were the lubricants for most of my efforts before I found the program.
Alcohol helped me learn that was not enough to get through everything, and AlAnon helped me appreciate that they weren't as effective for everything else as I once thought. Love the thought of 'looking for the positive moments of our lives' intersections'...I am grateful for the wisdom and guidance to points me to a better way...have a great day all
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good afternoon IAH, Betty and Paul and thank you for service and ESH. Although I am much better with Letting Go these days I still slip at times and lose my serenity. When I first started recovery I too felt hurt and entitled to an apology and no way was I ready to do any forgiving because "Of course I had done nothing wrong" In time I realized that others had been hurt and sometimes endured harder consequences due to my constant accusations, my meddling and Holier than thou attitude. Thanks to Al-anon I not only respect myself, I treat others with kindness and respect without expectation.
Thanks all for your shares and ESH....I readily admit that I don't read from ODAT that often simply because I've got the small book and the font is so small for my aging eyes!! I have the large print in Courage to Change so it's my go to.
Having said/shared this, this page was great to read/see/be reminded of today. I am leaving town next week and I'm 'determined' to have things great when I leave and great while I'm gone and .... I was almost instantly reminded that what will be will be and all will survive without me!
I so agree with your last sentence Stan1 - Thanks to Al-anon I not only respect myself, I treat others with kindness and respect without expectation.
I have added my youngest son to my evening so I'll have the little people and one medium people. They love Uncle Son so it should be fun! I had a nap and I'm gearing up for Night 2 of the invasion of the Little People!
(((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
.Definitely some good points for me to spend some time with; determination and grim resolve were the lubricants for most of my efforts before I found the program.