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.
Good morning MIP and Happy Valentine's Day to one and all. Today's reading talks about confusion and that it can be a gift from God. As we look back on times when we felt desperately in need of a fast solution, we can often see that we really weren't ready to act. When we become fully ready, the information needed was present for taking action.
The writer discusses how too much information about options can cause us to spin, which doesn't help. The writer suggests that when we feel confusion, we might try to consider it grace - a gift of knowing it's not yet time to act.
The reading compares confusion with the act of cooking - if the bread isn't done, we don't take it out of the oven and insist it is time to eat. We let it finish baking. If a clear solution to a problem hasn't shown itself yet, we can trust that it will appear when the time is right.
Reminder --- I will thank my Higher Power for whatever I experience today, even if I feel troubled or confused. I know that every experience can offer me a gift. All I have to do is be willing to look at my situation in the light of gratitude.
Quote --- Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. ~~~ Helen Keller
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For me, before recovery, I viewed confusion as a 'state of weakness'. After all, the best 'leaders' had all the answers when necessary, and weren't indecisive. As with many things before recovery, I came to accept and understand that what I thought was distorted and empathy, compassion and real serenity/joy come from aligning my mind and my heart as best I can and doing the next right thing - which includes taking time to make healthy decisions.
I do try to start each day with an attitude of gratitude. It helps me recenter when necessary as the day progresses. I have no concern today in pausing to pray before I proceed. I also prefer to be happy/serene over being right or getting the last word in. I do believe every single experience I have each day is a teachable moment when I remain open to learn/change.
I have always liked, "When in Doubt, Don't." It really reminds me to take the time I need to determine what really is the next right thing.
Enjoy your Thursday - this is our 2nd 'nice' day and then back to snow!!! I am patiently waiting for some springtime weather!
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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 and Happy Valentines's day to all
Before program I never allowed myself the luxury of being confused -- I ALWAYS HAD to act or REact to a situation.
Today I use my program tools, detach, let go and let god AND live ODAT . Trusting HP works.
Thanks for your service
I really liked the analogy of the baking bread... I think from now on, I am going to tell myself, "It still needs time to BAKE!" when faced with a decision I am not sure of! LOL!
"...we can often see that we really weren't ready to act. When we become fully ready, the information needed was present for taking action."
I highlighted this passage from above, b/c I can now see that this is totally true! There were many, many times I wanted things to change or to happen RIGHT NOW! And despite all my managing, finagleing (sp?), and/or fixing, things did not happen until they were "ready." As for my decisions, I could relate firsthand to feeling confused and overwhelmed at times... but just like the quote said, all at once I knew the correct decision and I moved forward without hesitation. Those other times when I wanted to push things along... it just wasn't TIME yet!!! Things did not become clear to me until they were READY to be clear! All in my HP's hands.
So this all reminds me to circle back to Acceptance, Letting Go of Control, and More Will Be Revealed.
Funny how that works, huh?
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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 for your service IAH. THis is a wonderful reading and all great shares. I couldn't tolerate waiting for answers or solutions in the past. It felt unbearable. With program I have become a much more patient person, and I know that HP is going to give me what I need in His time, not mine, Lyne
Was a time when I could not remember four names- my mind was so confused... ...I have a busy day ahead; but it is a Friday here now. Today i think- one time at a time, one moment at a time and one day at a time.
In the drinking days there was so much to be done. And so little was actually done. Sometimes nothing, it seemed. I have an 8 hour work day- a wage to be made. I have plans for a weekend off. A family outing on Saturday evening. I can cut my chores down to one or two.
I no longer feel like I have to do everything at once.
Hey Betty, I loved what you said about "having to act or REact to a situation..i still struggle with just getting quiet....use program and DETACH.....WALK AWAY....and to live ODAT as you say....there is something higher than me within me...Hoping that my commitment to getting "quiet /connected within me" I can see MY HP working in my favor...
"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
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