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 journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." from Lao-tse --- The quote of the day
"No one can make me change. No one can stop me from changing. No one really knows how I must change, not even I. Not until I start. I will remember that it only takes a slight shift in direction to begin to change my life." --- The reminder of the day
Today's reading talks about moving forward - in a positive direction. We are reminded that we can't change the past, but can learn to stop repeating it. The writer shares that they believe life is built upon layers of little everyday accomplishments. With this way of thinking, taking small risks and setting goals becomes nothing more than a daily effort to make life better.
Taking some tiny action each day can be much more effective than weeks and months of inactivity followed by a frenzied attempt to make radical changes overnight. The writer suggests that when we are faced with a new challenge, we just take our beginning wherever it may be and start from there.
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The quote and reminder speak to me in this reading. I can also deeply relate to the 'frenzied attempt to make radical changes overnight.' That has never worked for me, and I have the evidence to suggest my life, my attitude, my outlook and me are all more serene when I take the time each day to practice this program as suggested.
This imperfect human has time and time again stopped doing what helped when I felt better....this sounds so crazy when I write it out, simply because it's the perfect definition of my insanity. It is still so easy for me to drop me lower on my priority list, esp. when life gets crazy or busy. Practicing this program each day, reminding myself where I've been, where I am, where I hope to go keeps me better grounded.
I am grateful we have so many tools/ways to practice our program. Whether it's a meeting, reading, slogans, phone a friend, etc. each can lift me up if/when I am in need. The closer I stay to the middle of the boat - the better!!
Happy Thursday MIP family - make it a great day!!
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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 Good reminder. The first step to recovery for me was when I was given the courage to walk through the doors of alanon and stay,
Once in the rooms, I discovered the tools of the 12 Steps and reluctantly began with the First step -- Admitting my powerlessness. It has been quite a journey, one day at a time and the principles that I now live by serve me well
Thanks or your service.
Thank you for your service, Iamhere.
Like you, I tend to put myself lower on the totem pole when I am feeling really good. The very first time I came through the doors of Al-Anon, I quite coming after less than a year in, b/c my spouse had begun rehab/recovery and at the time, I thought it was all about him! I thought to myself, "I don't really need this now." Oh, how wrong I was!!!
I like this: "I will remember that it only takes a slight shift in direction to begin to change my life."
I also identify with Betty's share as well... sometimes it is hard to admit my powerlesness! I am getting better each day at that, though!
Peace to all today!
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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
Thanks IAH for the daily. Alanon opened my eyes to the fact that I am capable of making changes for me. And because I choose to work this program, over time I can see that overall I am moving forward. I can also accept that I can't have life my way, and things will never be all fixed. But ODAT I can go in any direction I want, I with the support of all of my alanon family, I try to make positive choices, Lyne
So true for me. I have stopped doing what helped in many areas of my life when I feel better. I liken it to turning off the oxygen tank till I can't breathe, then wonder why I am struggling so hard lol.
As I see the changes occurring in me, I am less and less inclined to turn the oxygen off in my life. I need it , I want it and it helps A LOT.
Hey Lyne. I , too, see that I cannot always have life my way LOL. That was a bit hard to swallow but I also know that I can choose to go in any direction I want as well. I may be powerless Over a lot of things but I am not powerless over my choices. I have seen a lot of moving on in the right direction as far as myself goes and its exciting to know that I can even do better and feel better and be better as time goes bye because I have softened enough for the program to sink into my once hard mental soil
