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 discusses our concept and slogan of "One Day at a Time". We are reminded in recovery that we can only deal with the here and now. When we can stay here and now, we are more realistic about what we can do to improve our situation. Being and staying present helps to get rid of the constant urgency.
Today, we can see that no problem lasts forever. We know now that everything passes eventually - good/bad, happy/sad. In recovery, we pause instead of reacting and ask ourselves, "What can I do about this right here, right now?" This question and others like it help us to better see what is our part and what is beyond our control.
Reasoning things out with an Al-Anon friend/sponsor or attending a meeting helps us to separate today's problems from those belonging to the past or the future. We can then do what we can, and let go of the rest.
Today's reminder --- I can cope more effectively with difficult situations when I am realistic about my responsibilities. I have the tools I need to face today's challenges. I will trust my Higher Power with tomorrow.
Today's quote --- from One Day at a Time in Al-Anon --- "Today is only a small manageable segment of time in which our difficulties need not overwhelm us. This lifts from our hearts and minds the heavy weight of both past and future."
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I spent many hours/days focused on the past and the future before recovery. When I arrived, and was asked to consider one day only, I am certain I eye-rolled!! I had always been a planner, organizer, problem solver, etc. What I did not realize until I worked the steps was these are assets that I do possess - however, I tended to exploit these for survival and selfish purposes.
Today, I still plan and problem solve. Yet, considering what matters today helps me work on me and not all around me. Staying present gives me peace of mind and the ability to be grateful for small steps in the right direction instead of focusing on what's not moving forward. I no longer wear the badge of dishonor when others do what they do - I allow them to learn/grow as they need to, and I pray for them and do my thing.
My life seems easier and more peaceful when I can focus on One Day at a Time. This slogan pops to the front of my brain often, especially if I am circling the thinking drain over all that 'was' in the past or what might be in the future. I really have no insight into what tomorrow may bring, so finding joy in the present seems more rational and healthy.
Happy Friday all - we're darn cold today and the coldest air of the season here so far. I am reminded of how much I really don't like the cold!!! Tonight is the last softball game of the year - will be miserable! Stay warm, safe and present, just for today! Make it a great one all - (((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
Great reminder Thanks IAH. I too lived in the past and projected to the future and had not a clue how to live in the present moment. Thanks to program I developed new tools to live by and now so appreciate the moments in each day and my life is enriched daily.I never truly saw the world and the beauty until I took the time to stay in eh moment, reflect on the flowers, birds and children. Thanks for your service. It is freezing here as well.
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 01:08:02 PM
One day at a time seemed like a terrible idea to me at first. After all, immediate gratification and spending money on whatever she wanted today, right now, had gotten my wife and me into a big mess. I had to expand my thinking a bit to include my goals and then a daily plan for how to get there. Focusing on today's plan and today's problems didn't mean ignoring future consequences of those decisions, but it did mean staying focused on what was going on today, and making good decisions for myself and my day so that I was able to reach my goals.
This approach lead to more peaceful days, and much less stress. Sometimes I find myself thinking and worrying about the future, and in those times, it is helpful to me to sit down and think about goals, break things into logical steps, and make sure that what I am doing today is helping those logical steps and not taking away from them.
Very chilly here today. I've switched to the "winter vehicle" officially. Brrrrrrrrr!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you IAH for sharing the daily, and hotrod and Skorpi for the ESH. This is such a big part of my serenity today, so grateful for this tool and pillar of the program.
When I sense a drop in serenity, it is often a sign that I am reaching to pull in concerns of tomorrow or regrets of yesterday...always that I am trying to control things I can not nor should not.
Good luck tonight, IAH, Layers!
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you, IAH for the daily. Thank you all for your ESH.
This spoke to me:
I spent many hours/days focused on the past and the future before recovery. When I arrived, and was asked to consider one day only, I am certain I eye-rolled!! I had always been a planner, organizer, problem solver, etc. What I did not realize until I worked the steps was these are assets that I do possess - however, I tended to exploit these for survival and selfish purposes.
Because that IS me!!! I too am learning that this great trait does not have to be used for EVIL! LOL!
I have been struggling lately with the ODAT, b/c of things that are happening that need planning... it's unavoidable. So I have to remind myself that I do not need to control!
Thank you for helping me find peace today...
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
Paul - I admit I was hoping (and using my will to pray) that the other team would forfeit - not so!!! Layers is the name of the game and I am grateful it's only 2 games...Good to see you my friend! Hope all is well!!
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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
