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Hello everyone! Today's page in One Day At A Time in Al-Anon talks about banishing fear by accepting the protection and guidance of a Higher Power. "What happened yesterday need not trouble me today." I have the power to make today a good one just by the way I think about it.
From Today's Reminder: "If I live just this one day at a time, I will not so readily entertain fears of what might happen tomorrow... I will fill every minute of this day with something good... Then when the day is ended, I can look back on it with satisfaction and serenity."
Quote: "I recall the words of an old ditty that said: 'never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.'
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This was such a timely reminder for me. This Thanksgiving, it was proven to me once again that What happened yesterday need not trouble me today. In years past, Thanksgivings were often uncomfortable and even traumatic. Nowadays, my life is truly wonderful but I can still let the past creep in.
I started my day with a face-to-face meeting. Then I headed to the Thanksgiving meal hosted by my lovely daughter and her husband. I was elated that my son had driven three hours to join us. I only had one worry -- that I would be asked to help prepare a dish that triggered bad memories for me. Is it possible to be afraid of stuffed celery? Yes, it is. I had a discussion with another member in my meeting, who tried to help me figure out how I would respond if asked to do this task. Her recommendation was direct honesty and never mind how anyone else feels. I was inclined to just do the task, or else find an indirect way to avoid it.
So what happened? There was no celery. It was not on the menu. My Higher Power had already taken care of me. I cannot think of a better example of the pointlessness of fearing things that have not happened.
Good Morning Freetime Great topic . FEAR was once my "guiding light" and without my knowledge. I responded to ttiis painful emotion in various way. I avoided situations, or I called on anger, to get me through situations. Enter alanon , and finding my HP I heard that "Courage was simply fear that had said it s prayers so I began to pray before difficult situations. I found that showing up with the guidance of my HP made all the difference . I could express myself, in constructive manner and honor my needs without dishonoring anyone else.
Thanks for your service
Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your ESH and shares. I also allowed FEAR to rule my life, without an inkling that it was so present and powerful. Anger was my go to emotion for almost everything. Today, I do all that I can to lean into my HP when I feel fear entering my body. When I can pause long enough to consider what is, so very often, I am projecting (again).
I dream of a day where I don't project 'negatively' as my first response. This for me is one long-lasting effect of this disease. When I pause and pray before I proceed, I can often change it up and project a positive or grand outcome - I figure why not? Just as your example Freetime, the best can happen and we deserve the positive outcome/experience.
I had a lovely Thanksgiving and was winding down for the day. My son had an absolutely insane meltdown...I ended my day with tons of tears, and extreme sadness. My heart hurts when those I love are living with so much pain. It took some one on one time with God for me to return closer to the center of my boat. I did go to sleep hating this disease yet loving my son.
I am grateful that I was refreshed through the night. I did not sleep well but I did not wake with the old dominating feelings of fear, sadness, etc. I am really grateful for our program and the many tools that can get me to a place of peace, in spite of what's going on.
Make it a great day all - I am staying close to home, shopping online, to avoid the crazy shoppers out there!
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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
in the old , sick days, I avoided doing stuff with anger, passive aggressive "oh I forgot" or other dishonest unhealthy means of not wanting to do something
Now I can honestly say that I am sincere, open, honest about my needs, my fears, etc., and being open, upfront about something always works best for me...
I love the "never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you." fearing what hasn't even happened yet, or "awfulizing" a situation way out of proportion, or projecting negative when situation hasn't even arrived yet......
thanks for the reminder that probably most of my anxiety comes from fearing the future.....
