Good morning MIP Family.  Today's reading talks about THINK.  So often, we can get bogged down with dissatisfaction, and lack the ability to see where we are or where we are going.  If we take time and THINK, we can realize that negativity keeps our lives at a standstill.

Recovery in Al-Anon helps us discover that while it's good to acknowledge how we feel, we have choices about where to focus our attention.  We are challenged in recovery to find positive qualities of self, our circumstances and others.  As we attend meetings, make gratitude lists and talk with other members, these attributes become more apparent - if we are willing to see them.

The reading discusses being a beautiful spirit created for a purpose.  People and situations encountered each day also have beauty and purpose.  We can try to look for the positive in everything we do and see.  By doing so, we are shown that some of the most difficult times have produced the most change.

Today's Reminder ---  It may be difficult to break a long-established pattern of depression, doom-saying, and complaining, but it's worth the effort.  I'll replace a negative attribute with a positive one today.

Today's Quote  ---  "Sometimes I go about pitying myself And all the while I am being carried across the sky By beautiful clouds."  Ojibway Indian saying

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I arrived at Al-Anon with a long-standing habit of focusing on everything that was wrong....in my life, with me, my marriage, my children, my job, my parents, etc.  Each trail I looked upon from my point of reference was broken, bleak and dismal.  I wanted members to tell me how to fix all these broken areas of my life so I could 'be happy'.

What I came to accept is let it begin with me.  Happiness comes from the inside, not outside.  Expecting my life to be complete by another was an injustice to self and my higher power.  We are created to be happy, healthy and whole as individuals, and when we share our life with another in any capacity, it's to enhance not complete.

Small things like asset lists, gratitude lists and finding positives to see instead of negatives helped me.  Simple changes - when I felt wronged by another, consider instead why I love them instead of why I feel wronged.  Looking for small miracles around me also helped - the beauty of a butterfly, a flower, a leaf.....looking for what is working in my life instead of what needs repair made me 'see' and 'feel' that overall - life is great, with a few speed bumps.

I am grateful for THINK as it helps me process my feelings and consider what is mine to affect.  Changed attitudes and thinking has changed me/my outlook, and I'm in a much better place today even though all else outside of 'me' has not changed much.

Happy Thursday all - we were to golf, but it's too wet outside.  My little people spent the night and were lovely to wake up to.  The youngest has his 2 year old birthday tomorrow - what a joy to watch them grow....make your day great!!