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 reading for Monday asks us to take a few minutes to reflect upon the progress we've made during this past year, and to thank those that helped, including HP. The questions the author asked themself included: What did I do to contribute to my success, have I reached out to others in the fellowship, did I get involved in service, have I understood any of the Steps better, and do I see that I play an important part in my own well-being?
Reminder: I'm grateful for the Alanon program and all that my Higher Power has given me. I look forward to an even brighter new year.
Quote: I'm learning to treat myself as if I am valuable. I find that when I practice long enough, I begin to believe it.
I found this reading so encouraging and positive! I thought through many of the questions the author listed and I can see that I am growing and changing.
ohhh YESSS!!!! Lyne, thank you.....sometimes I am griping and moaning that I'm stagnating, et al, if there isn't a growth spirt one can drive a SUV thru, well...I am treading water, LOL
but I looked at 2018, coming to a close and
I have HOPE for 2019 being better because I am better
I treat me better
I accept progress over perfection and I don't have to do a "perfect job" at something as long as I did my best
I am doing pretty good with detachment/ non resistence when I have no control
keepin it simple AND when I need to??
easy does it for me...if I am tired?? I rest..Hungry?? I eat...angry?? Breathe and decide what boundary to set...feeling the lonely blues??? call or reach out fac2fac with someone I love...(reminds me, I owe a call to my cuzin dearest)
AND the biggie...I am LIKING myself better ...weeeeoooooo that, i never thought I could even get close to, but I am
Thanks for your service, Lyne, and thank you both for ESH. I love the quote, and I kind of begin to see how that works with me too. Its wonderful and amazing, to think how I've lived for so long, beating myself up for everything, and now getting to actually take care of myself for a while and it does feel like my minimum of self-care has grown quite a bit. Rose, so good to read of your progress, liking yourself, way to go!
Thank you Lyne. One of the many gifts that I have received from this wonderful program is the fact that today, i no longer discount myself and have learned how to check with my own feelings and express them in a constructive manner.
Thank you for your service. and make it a Happy New Year MIP
Just like Aline, I too, loved the quote! I never realized just how much I discount myself... even berate myself! So I am practicing valuing myself!
I have 2 invites tonight... but I have chosen to stay in and just take care of me this year! This might involve journaling, definitely a movie, and maybe a hot bath. I may even go off my eating plan and have a slice of cheesecake! YUM! LOL!
Thank you Lyne for this: "I am not perfect, but I am excellent!"
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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 Lyne for your service and the daily....this is a good one. It reminds me that no matter where we are or where we'e been, there is hope always. I did not know that or feel that when I arrived - I was filled with despair, fear, guilt, etc. As I learned more about this disease, how it affects us, and how to 'treat it' with daily program effort/renewals, I found small pockets of relief.
I still find it strange at times that my life has improved by putting me first. Yet, I do understand that the miracle of recovery happens when we actually accept our powerlessness or surrender to what we can not control, change, fix, etc. For me, working Step One and fully believing it gave me even more relief and a bit of freedom to feel I was headed in the right direction.
Today, I believe that I have an HP who loves me unconditionally. I believe he wants me to accept and love others unconditionally. He doesn't want it complicated, painful, confusing, etc. - it's my imperfect humanism that brings all that to the equation. When I can pause long enough to pray before proceeding, even the more frightening decisions/events feel less so. I no longer believe or feel that I am walking this journey alone, and what a great gift. Again - still foreign to my brain that 'let it begin with me' really means - let it begin with me.
Add to the priceless gift of serenity this program offers all of the lovely members of the world-wide program and what a lovely bonus! I wish everyone genuine love and light today and each day of 2019. It does work when we work it!!!
I started my morning bright and early with my 'little people'. We had a blast and after 8 hours, I needed relief! I will be one person who will certainly not make midnight and may not even make it to 10pm! They are lovely, fun and full of life but they wear this grandma out. (((Hugs))) to my MIP family!
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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
