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 self-care and self-love. The reading starts by suggesting the writer thought that being good to self meant eating whatever, buying whatever, sleeping less than average and avoiding unexciting activities. She/he realized that the consequences were very uncomfortable, and felt like a waste of time/life.
The writer comes to understand that being good to self in a healthy way is challenging but far more beneficial. She/he attends 2-3 Al-Anon meetings each week, reads literature daily and takes time to speak with God. Serenity became most important - more than any circumstance encountered.
This writer enjoys wholesome food, exercise in a fun way, manages money better and celebrates growth. Dancing, drawing and fellowship are included and more spontaneous living.
Today's reminder --- I deserve to make choices that let me feel good about myself. It may take a while to see results, but I am building a life that promotes my health and self-esteem. It's worth the wait.
Today's quote --- "The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice." by George Elliot
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I love this quote. I did not know that I had the power of choice before I worked on recovery. I really thought that controlling, suggesting, demanding, protecting, etc. were what adults do to 'love' others and be a good wife, mom, sister, etc.
What recovery has taught me for me is that this disease takes positive qualities in me and suggests I exploit them in an unhealthy manner. It's good to protect others, yet when I prevent them from learning and consequences, it's not healthy nor is it love. It's far more caring/loving to allow those around me to live their lives, complete with success and failure and support them from outside the hula-hoop.
I am grateful for the gift of choice. I can make decisions that work for me and protect my serenity. Through the steps of this program, I am continuously made aware of new ways to live and love life.
Happy Thursday to one and all - make it a great day! It's very cold here and is expected to be so all day.....stay safe and warm and for those on the West Coast, thoughts and Prayers.
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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 , I know when I first read this page and now after your in depth l summary, I am struck by the fact that my long held beliefs about what was good for me and what I needed to do to have a o good life were askew. Alanon stated that "changed attitudes aid recovery" and early on , upon reflection I found that my attitudes needed a complete over hauling .
I love how you pointed out that this disease takes our positive qualities and allows us to distorts them into negative, self serving destructive weapons. Thanks HP for the Steps, meetings and slogans . The more I attended meetings, listened to learn, looked inward to my mistaken principles, the more I embraced change and recovery followed.
Thanks for your service and have a great day
