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 discuss the unlimited love and grace we get by trusting in a power greater than self. The reader discusses a beach setting where they are sitting, relaxing and looking at the many others enjoying the sun/sand. The writer realizes that no matter how crowded the beach is, there is enough sun/sand for all to enjoy. She aligns this with her spiritual efforts and journey and also realizes that no matter how many are asking for help from HP, there is more than enough to go around.
The writer also realizes growth and awareness as she considers where she was before recovery - a mindset of never enough time, money, love, or anything else - to a new mindset that she has exactly what she needs, even if it is different than what she wants.
Today's reminder --- I may not have everything I want, but today I have everything I need. I will look for evidence of abundance and let it remind me that my Higher Power's love is broad enough to touch all who have the courage to place themselves in its presence.
Today's quote --- from One Day at a Time in Al-Anon --- "I can learn to avail myself of the immense, inexhaustible power of God, if I am willing to be continually conscious of God's nearness.
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Before recovery, I truly believed that adulting and maturity suggested I should be able to solve the problems that cropped up in my life. I was a poster child for self-will running riot and truly only called upon the God of my youth when I was in deep doo-doo....
I learned in recovery that trusting in a HP was vastly different than my outlook. I was taught instead to align with a power greater than myself at all moments possible and to trust that what is is what is supposed to be, in the moment. Working the steps with a sponsor helped me to realize I am loved, I am cherished and I am treasured. I also learned that the same applies to each and every person around me and I was never appointed judge, jury and jailer thus setting myself and them free from the grasp of old unhealthy thinking.
Progress not perfection and practice, practice, practice are essential to my daily program efforts. I was asked in the beginning to begin my day with my HP in prayer/meditation and to end my day in much the same way. Without intent or effort, I came to realize my belief and reliance on a HP was much more automatic than before, and extended beyond the AM and PM.
Grateful for a power greater than myself and a program that allows me to be free and set others free too. Grateful for the tools to set aside the past and future and live just for today, in this day and trust that all will be ok! Grateful for all of you and MIP - make it a great Friday family. (((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
Thank you for your service and your share I am here.
This is one of my favourite readings in courage to change. I grew up in a family that did the best they could but there was a very clear attitude that some people were in and some people were out depending on what they did (or didn't do) to earn the love and approval of their family. My Grandmother was the matriarch and the decider of such things. I know now that this came out of so much fear she had of her life being torn apart (single mom in the 40s and 50s trying to raise 4 girls who were rebelling she lived in constant fear of losing her girls). I whole heartedly believe that she wanted to love everyone but she felt she had to be hard with people to survive and keep control of her family. Without understanding these dynamics as a child I grew up with a very clear feeling of the opposite. My mother had the same attitude towards love and approval and the idea of unconditional love and there being enough love for everyone was very foreign to me. I felt very competitive towards people for love and approval. I was a people pleaser but I also felt jealousy and anger when someone else got love, attention, or recognition "over me". I never had a concept of a higher power until I came into these rooms so I never felt that way about my HPs love. I've learned from Al anon that there is an abundance of love and guidance available to me at any time. The first time I read this entry I just felt a sense of peace. It's taken me time but I can report that I don't feel jealous very often when other people get those things I felt I had to compete for. I realize it's not a competition. There is enough sun for everyone. I actually feel happy when others get what they need. I've learned how to be a cheerleader for friends instead of secretly resenting them for the good things that happen in their lives. I now see that if good things are happening on their lives maybe good things can happen for me. If I do at times feel a twinge of jealousy or resentment I can now look at that feeling and try to figure out what it is telling me. It's a good lesson. Maybe there is something I want more of that I feel I'm not getting. That's great now I can seek it out more in my life. I am so grateful for Al Anon for opening up my heart to allow the sun to shine into it just a little more each day. Have a great weekend everyone.
Good Morning IAH and KT Thank you for posting your thoughts on this inspiring reading. I am ever grateful to alanon for allowing me to experience a true spiritual awakening(through the Steps). Being able to find the power of my HP, appreciate it, call on it has enriched my life immeasurably.
Thanks for your service.
Thank you for your share IAH . Although I had a spiritual awakening about 26-7 years ago, it has been enhanced by my program. I feel a comfort having a relationship with HP. I do not always understand why there is so much pain and violence in the world, and lately I ask Him to shine His light on our entire planet. I find myself thanking HP and talking to Him all day long, and He is someone I can turn to 24/7. Program has helped me appreciate what I do have, including reliance on my program people and HP. Lyne
I certainly never believed I would feel grateful or happy to be alive. These days I cherish my life, I go to the doctor, I am proactive about my health.
I grew up in a family where competition for basic needs is rampant.
I am far less generous than I was in the past. I basically gave myself away because I felt guilty for whatever I had. I also felt I was unworthy.
These days getting my needs met is a challenge but it is not an exercise in creativity. Before it was an exercise in enduring.
I no longer feel I have to "fix" anyone. When I talk to people I can see and hear some of the issues they are dealing with (without making sure they are aware of my superiority)
I can have compassion for those issues but I don't need to step in and make certain they are onboard with whatever I believe they need to do.
These days my focus is on my life and I certainly have big problems. I don't invite more problems in my life.
I feel like I am "enough" rather than less than.
I know what my needs are today. Some of them are unmet but they are not gnawing at me rather they are present.
My life is far from perfect but it is a progress issue rather than an unfailing failure.
When I could not sure the now ex A (of so many issues I am dizzy just thinking of them) I felt like a failure. I did not take into account he might not want to be helped. Indeed he didn't.
Coming to terms with some people do not want to be helped has been one of the hardest concepts I have had to grasp.
Lovely ESH all - thank you for your honesty, inspiration and shares. I love when I stop by here to check in and find myself 'nodding' my head in agreement/understanding! (((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
