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.
The writer speaks about hearing, at the end of an Al-Anon meeting, "let there be no gossip or criticism of one another" -- and then on the way home, judging all the other drivers on the road and getting angry about how they are driving. It is a reminder of how challenging yet important it is to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Today's reminder: I can't keep thoughts from coming into my head, but I have a choice about whether or not to entertain those thoughts for the next hour. Am I making the choices I want to make, or is habit making my choices for me? A change of attitude means a change in my thinking. I will look at the principles I am practicing today.
Quote: "We must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is impossible to live one way and pray another." - William Law
In the past, I was judgmental, even though I didn't think I was. I honestly thought that if everyone would just do things my way, the world would be a better place. A problem with this is, even though I may have had some good ideas, being judgmental closes the door to other good, or maybe even better, ideas. Being open to changing my thinking has been very powerful in my recovery.
Thank you Freetime.
Todays reminder hits home for me. My mom is visiting and my aunt will be over today too. In the midst of it all I found myself reacting to some criticism the other day vs just letting it roll off my back. I did catch it and make a conscious choice not to let it happen again. As I went through the thoughts it was pretty silly and I noticed it was out of fear. Old fears. To stop and use QTIP (quit taking it personally) and realize that many people are just set in their ways and it is what it is. Live and let live. The "do I really think I can reap the benefits of the program by practicing unconditional love for a single hour or two or three times a week being a start really spoke to me. I can choose to show love and live and let live. I don't have to react and in this situation I really don't even have to respond to the voices or defensive thoughts in my head. Today I can have a great day and enjoy those I love around me. The old tapes can be put on pause or shut off altogether.
Such great shares above!! Thank you for being a part of my journey.
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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
Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily. I too can relate to how it used to be and how different things are now. I really love the, "I can't keep thoughts from coming into my head, but I have a choice about whether or not to entertain those thoughts for the next hour." This is what the program has given to me - the ability to pause long enough to consider the validity or insanity of my thought(s), and to make different choices. Freedom - from the past, the future and from how others act, talk, think, etc.
I am free to be me with the grace of my HP and even better, I've found the freedom to let others be them. So grateful - great reading...
Happy Friday all - played a little golf, considering a little nap and life is great....we're having lovely cool weather which is such a gift after the horrid heat we just recently endured! (((Hugs))) to all!
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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
