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.
Today's reading talks about the willingness to let go of our need to do 'it' by ourselves, and instead listen to ESH and our higher power. The reading opens by reflecting on being so busy staring at the problem(s) that we miss the guidance available. We can and do become better able to move beyond our problems and instead start solving them - we just need to practice being open to help!
When we accept that help often comes in unexpected forms, we can release our hold on a problem and become willing to receive help.
Reminder: I must do many things for myself, but I am not wholly self-sufficient. I need the help, support and guidance I receive from my Higher Power and my Al-Anon friends. When I catch myself struggling with a problem today, I will let go of it long enough to reach out for help.
Thought: From This is Al-Anon "Once we learn to let go of the problem . . . the loving concern and help of the other members will provide strong support to help us understand what the Al-Anon program can do for us."
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I came to Al-Anon thinking and needing I was in control of many, many things that were not even close to my hula-hoop! I thought 'love' included controlling, managing, judging, coaching, directing, guiding, etc. other people and without malicious intent, really, really wanted to change them to 'suit me'.
By practicing this program as best I can one day at a time, I am much healthier in my thoughts, efforts, actions and feelings. When I am troubled, I truly need to pause and determine if what I am experiencing is a real problem or a manufactured one in my thinking. I know today that alcoholism affects most of us in how we think and process, and a healthier mind can better determine real vs. perceived issues.
I know today that the God of my understanding has my back and is more than willing to guide and lead me where I should go when I remain open and humble to help from others. I believe that this same power greater than I speaks and directs me in many ways, including those I encounter daily. I am comfortable turning my will and life over each morning and full of hope and excitement for lessons and learning. My entire attitude and approach on life, relationships, love, etc. has been transformed by being willing to let go and practice this program. An attitude of gratitude helps me and I am grateful for recovery, MIP and the growth I have encountered/experienced.
Last night, I helped another softball team and subbed for a game in another part of town. We've had continuous rain off/on all week, and I was really surprised they did not cancel the games for the night. As I left the field, it began to sprinkle. As I headed south to my home, the skies opened and much like the reading, it was difficult to see. It's so strange, as my experience is similar to the daily - I was getting ready to pull over and ride the rain out when I realized that I could follow the tail-lights in front of me, and continue slowly towards my home.
In spite of wet field conditions, it was a lovely night to play ball. Because it was raining here and not there, my guys were surprised that I wasn't sopping wet and that we actually played (and won) the game. I am always amazed at the many miracles I encounter daily and am constantly surprised by the God of my understanding.
Happy Thursday all - no golf again today but softball tonight! 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 I am so pleased that I found alanon and learned that reaching out, asking for help is an intelligent way to live life.
In my Foo asking for help left me wide open to and unwanted and un- needed judgment and advise giving. Alanon principles of not giving advise and only offering alanon tools is an excellent manner of helping. Thanks for your service
I too, once thought that I had all the answers, and that my way was the BEST way. Oh, I wasn't opposed to other's opinions, I just didn't take much credence in them and tried to fight accepting them.
I am grateful today that I do things differently now. I have found that act alone is giving me more happiness in my life. Imagine that? LOL!
Enjoy your game tonight, Iamhere... hope you win!
__________________
"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
Good morning, everyone -- and thank you, IAH, for sharing this amazing topic.
I love the idea that help comes in unexpected forms. That has been so true in my experience.
When I was living with alcoholism and before Al-Anon, my stress level became so great that I could not tolerate even the slightest change in routine or any imperfections in my environment. All I hoped for was "no surprises," because all my recent surprises had been traumatic.
A gift of the program for me is that now I am open to the unexpected -- and that a "surprise" can sometimes be a good thing -- and that if I plant the seeds of being open to help, the help will come, even if I don't know exactly what it will look like.
Thank you IAH for today's message and for the other shares!
I still need to remind myself on a daily basis to send it up to my HP. I automatically go into "I can fix it mode" and almost forget.....other than doing my part....it is up to HP.
Like PnP, it wasn't that I didn't listen to others' opinions.....I was only half-listening because I knew that I knew better! Such arrogance! LOL
It is a relief to reach out for help and answers....a relief.
Have a wonderful rest of Thursday. Cool, misty and damp here. Gives me a reason to stay inside and work on some chores and leisure time. Once the weather is sunny and warm(ish) I will want to be out in it all the time.
What is my joy today? I am not alone and I don't have to figure anything out alone other than when I will open the door to my MIP family and just listen. Just imagine being deaf and hearing it all thru my eyes and having it all clearly again by returning. Mahalo Akua my HP...Mahalo plenty. (((((hugs)))))
