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 talks about Step 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." The reading includes a simplified version -- "First I came, then I 'came to', then I came to believe."
For many, the journey towards a Higher Power and a spiritual life is a gradual process. Often, we are not aware of change as it's gradual - as in....no burst of light, no burning bush - just a gradual clearing of the fog that we lived in before finding recovery. There is a force that has always been present that can give us the means to make our lives joyous and productive. All we need to do is ask for assistance and keep an open mind.
Today's Reminder --- The arrival of faith in my life has been a gradual process. This process continues and grows each day I keep myself open to it. Perhaps acknowledging this process will help me when I am impatient with the twists and turns of life.
Today's Quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes -- "I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving."
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The spiritual journey for me has been slow. Surrendering to this program and a higher power was not easy as I was one who thought I needed to control most things - including people. Taking that leap of faith to trust in a power greater than me was awkward yet rewarding. I do today believe that I am not alone, I can trust a power greater than I and when I keep my own will at bay, I have ultimate joy of heart and peace of mind.
When I reflect on where I was compared to where I am now, I am grateful. I went to bed with anxiety and dread and woke up with the same. Today, that's no longer my reality. I go to bed grateful for the day that's finishing and wake up with hope for a new day. Rinse. Repeat. These were very simple yet powerful suggestions that I have practiced since arriving and I've not been disappointed yet.
There are so many things in this life I do not understand. In Al-Anon recovery, I learned I don't have to understand or even try - I just need to trust that what is is as it should be.
Happy Thursday to one and all. Wednesday softball wrapped up last night for the year! It was super, super foggy - really strange to play ball when you can't see others well. I leave tomorrow for my girl's weekend and am running errands and packing today. Make it a lovely day MIP family!!!
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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
Good Morning IAH great topic and reading I love the fact that the Step indicates that "WE came to believe" I took that to mean after attending meetings, using the slogans and sharing we would eventually "come to believe".Actually that is what happened for me after i "came to" At first my HP became the rooms and principles of the program and then slowly i found a true sense of my GOD , deep within and am oh so grateful for "the ability to come to believe "
Thanks for your service.
Thank you for your service, IAH, and both your ESH. I am still learning to trust that a power greater than myself has "got this". Recently I have been imagining the actual hula hoop around myself to remember what is mine to control. I have been trying to hold the reins for so long with an iron grip it's not easy letting go. An image comes to mind - me holding those reigns for years, only the horse was never there, lol :D Trying to control something completely beyond my grasp. Still trying, but a great deal less, which is progress!
