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 MIP - happy Friday to one and all. So grateful we live one day at a time - my favorite NFL team LOST last night by 1 point! Truly --- I am over it.
Today's reading talks about being present and practicing staying in the 'today'. The author discusses how, as a child, they would spend time and energy on hands and knees watching a caterpillar crawl/move around. Patiently watching, seeing it not go to far, find simple pleasure in just watching this creature was joyful.
Before Al-Anon, many of us spent years ignoring life's beauty as we were too busy trying to get the alcoholic to stop drinking or into recovery. So many hours waiting to solve a problem or be freed from a character defect has been lost. Al-Anon instead suggests that Just for today, we learn to make room in our lives for the wonders life has to offer.
Today's Reminder --- "I am learning to choose where to focus my attention. Appreciating life's simple gifts may take some practice, but as I become more aware of the beauty that is all around me, it gets easier to appreciate the beauty within."
Today's Quote --- from Just for Today --- "Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful."
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Before recovery, I was a mess. That is the fastest way to describe 'me'. I was perpetually worrying about my As and I was always trying to find the 'fix' that would make everything better, resulting in me being happy. Yet, when I came to recovery and reflected on previous moments of 'success' (when I got my way), I discovered that I honestly was not happy. That underlying, perpetual negative attitude, thinking and worry were there even when "I got my way."
Recovery has taught me to practice focusing on this day, just today. Learn from the past, hope for the future. Nothing more and nothing less. When worry comes, and it does often, it is suggested we find a tool - any tool, and instead redirect our focus and energy on what is important to us. Miraculously, when I can stay in today, most fears, worries and 'other' baggage from the disease is kept in a shut drawer out of sight/mind. It is truly a gift!
We are given choices each moment of each day. We can be present or we can reside in the past/future. Neither of the latter has ever brought me joy or contentment so Just For Today, I choose this moment.
Happy Friday to one and all - off to the store in a bit and allowing my day to unfold as needed. 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
Goon Morng I I love this reading and attempt to practice the suggestions each day. In the beginning of my alanon journey , I used the slogans to help me stay in the moment and in the day however after so many years today, I simply recite the serenity prayer, remind myself to stay where my feet are and then look around at the beauty that surround me.. I find tht serenity is ever present when I do this and fear does not have a chance to settle in.
Off to discover the beauty of fall and have picnic in the woods.
Thanks for your service and have a great day
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I pray that I may keep my eyes trained above the horizon of myself: I pray that I may see infinite possibilities for spiritual growth.
