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.
Greeting Family! Todays reading talks about the recovery concept of One Day at a Time; that we can only deal with one day at a time, the "here and now". Accepting this allows us to be freed from the constant sense of urgency and to be realistic about what is available to us in the present moment. No problem lasts forever although we may feel that it will if we lack an immediate solution to a problem. However, nothing is permanent and eveything passes, both the happy and the sad.
"Today I can ask myself, What can I do about this right here, right now?This question helps me to identify my responsibility more realistically and shows me what part of the situation is beyond my power to control. Reasoning things out with an Al Anon friend or attending a meeting often helps me to separate today's problems from those belonging to the past or future. Then I do what I can and turn over the rest".
Today's reminder is: "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 is:"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 loved the simplicity of the writing in todays C2C. I have been one who always finds it difficult to stay in the here and now; I tend to spend a lot of time in the future. Slowing down and keeping it simple by doing one small thing today always eases my mind: it is progress and not perfection which is indeed acheivable when I take it One Day at a Time.
Good morning a4l and thank you for your service, the daily and your ESH. I love the slogan and concept of One Day at a Time. When I first heard it, I really thought it was silly as part of 'adulting' is to plan and manage time wisely - which means more planning, scheduling, lists, etc.
My sponsor helped me put the breaks on....I had been practicing planning big-time with huge expectations and projected outcomes. These two things - expectations and projected outcomes were the largest source of my discomfort, sadness, anxiety, etc. It took me a while to 'see' that much of what was unhealthy about me originated within me.
Slowing my mind, and practicing the 'here/now' really helped me find comfort, peace and joy in the present moment. Accepting that I am designed to be imperfect as are all others in my life helps me accept what is vs. what I thought 'it' should be. Focusing on this day and what is happening today helps me stay closer to keeping it simple, letting go and letting God, etc. This slogan and principle, for me, is the foundation for how to start each day in recovery.
My niece and her husband are flying into town early afternoon, staying through Monday! I'm excited for the visit and looking forward to spending some time with them. I do have to laugh - they are coming from AZ (desert) and we had record low temperatures here (KS) this morning. I do believe that God has a wicked sense of humor at times. I am fighting a heckova head cold/something so easy does it for me, just for today! I was planning to cook a big dinner and I do believe that ordering pizza is a much better plan!! Make it a great day 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
Good Morning A41 This basic principle o the Alanon program is one that I have attempted to live by since i discovered how importantt it truly is. For years I spent my time in the past-- rehashing old arguments or in the future planning what I was going to say or do I so missed the present moment -- No longer With gratitude lists and asset lists I find I am grounded in the day and appreciate all that goes on.
Thanks for your service
Thanks a4l and all above shares. I also thought ODAT was silly and actually most of the slogans. The longer I spent in program, the understanding of the ideas sunk in and became a part of my alanon tool box. I used to live by lists and demands I put on myself, always in the future and the past. ODAT helps me cope with just the one day I have. It is a tremendous help to my life, Lyne
This is a good read for me because I must remind myself to live one day at a time. My clothes washer broke down and is nearly kaput so I decided to go to Lowes and low and behold they were doing black Friday sales already had started so I got a good GE washer for under $500, delivered and set up with new hoses
My instinct was to become Fearful about this expense I do not need at this time, but I had to tell myself that one day at a time I will Pay this down, it is something I need to have, a dryer I could wait on but a washer, I cannot with all the washing I do with pets in the house. I just refused to let myself forecast a fearful financial future. I am working right now, I am bringing in income now, and now is all I have and I am refusing to project and worry about the future. I do not pay interest on the credit card that I used, so I went and purchased this item that I really need. I can cut back on eating out and buying things that I do not need, I tell myself today that I am OK and as long as I put in good energy for today I will be OK tomorrow if I have a tomorrow. Half of my anxiety, I am sure, is projecting a bad future. The future isnt even here yet so I am Doing more self talk and more deep breathing and more keeping myself in the present and it does help. I had a headache earlier and instead of taking a Tylenol I did some meditations and letting go and breathing deep and it is now gone. Thank you for this share
