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

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

Follow in IAH's footsteps--June Joy?

PosiesandPuppies · ~*Service Worker*~

Great idea, Lyne!
June 1st - Deep joy upon waking up and realizing I got to sleep in 2 whole hours! Woot!

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

Splendid idea Lyne! My joy today comes from another sunshine filled day, a long walk with the God of my understanding and my pup, a great meeting this morning, and a well-earned, much-enjoyed nap. I am grateful that today, one day at a time, I can be authentic, keep things simple and just do the next right thing. Our meeting this morning was about willingness to go to any lengths to 'get recovery'...We talked about practicing suggestions from others, and the whole room broke out in laughter when one gentleman shared that his sponsor told him to look in the mirror each morning, tell yourself I love you, and then spend 30 seconds laughing - deeply from the belly - which he imitated! It was so darn funny yet very profound at the same time!

(((Hugs))) MIP - keey your joy and make your weekend great!

JerryF · ~*Service Worker*~

Picture this. At our morning meeting at the shoreline a rainbow with strong color definition made it`s way within a quarter mile of our group and remained there for most of the meeting. I saw a female who I've seen before who always appeared somber, sad and serious having a beautiful smile. When I left I thanked her for it. June Joy!! (((hugs))) biggrin

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

I took a walk outside with my dogs and in passing a small body of water we heard a bull frog! Truly amazing and joyful. Lyne

PosiesandPuppies · ~*Service Worker*~

Mahalo, Jerry, for that vivid mind picture! Love it!!

Today's joy came from watching the birds I feed... saw 2 baby Lesser Goldfinches begging from their parents, as they were patiently trying to teach them how to eat for themselves at the feeder! Their faces were so cute and obviously babyish!
I also saw a pair of Banded Pigeons (this species was once endangered), and a pair of Mourning Doves. I recognized the one dove as one of the babies from last year's group, so I am joyful that I am providing a haven for these birds!

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

I too really got the visual Jerry - thanks for sharing! Lyne - you reminded me that when we are golfing and are around water, the bullfrogs are very loud - it almost sounds like they are tiger size!!! There are so many things to hear and see when out in nature - and I genuinely find a ton of inner peace there.

My joy tonight is coming from some 'old-school' action - my microwave has passed on, and a new one is ready for pick-up. I just have to get it after golf as it won't fit in my car with my softball and golf gear. So - tonight was all 'old-school' - no fast heating in the modern tool - oven and stove-top all the way. I made a couple quiches and bacon and a huge salad with dressing from scratch....I really find joy in cooking! I am 'done for the day' and headed for a horizontal position shortly. Golfing early tomorrow!! Keep your joy MIP!

JerryF · ~*Service Worker*~

June Joy...My HP is here with me keeping me aware that I am not alone in any way shape or form. I greeted my wife for the morning and helped to prepare her morning; coffee, supplements and her Al-Anon literature and then I have gone outside to feed the birds; gifts from my Higher Power also; all shapes and sizes and colors from golden finches to scarlet cardinals and Javas, sparrows and doves. I am a bird person and birds have supported my recovery and I theirs. What a joy to stand out there among them.

I am going to set and do my coffee and readings and prayers with meditation. Love and prayers for you all and your concerns. (((hugs))) smile

El · ~*Service Worker*~

Yes! Lets keep It going! Its very sunny with blue skies today. Its a windy one, but seeing the greenery and its different shades swaying is a beautiful sight. I find joy in my eyesight and pausing long enough to enjoy it all.

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

I have joy that today, I 'won' with the grace, patience and love of my HP! In reflection, I am humored by my day yet when it was 'present', I was far from humored! I feel like a character from that book series "Series of Unfortunate Events" - just one strange thing after another - all feeling like attempts to diminish my serenity.

Instead, I paused and considered a healthy response vs. the reaction I 'wanted' and each time, I opted to take the high road. We had a lovely weather day and golf was tons of fun. I played with others who enjoy nature, fellowship and laid back about bad shots/scores! Some people take golf/life way too seriously!

I am really excited for a play-date tomorrow with my two little people! There is something about little humans and puppies that just make my heart smile and lift me up. I agree that keeping this joy journal going is an awesome idea - for me, changing my attitude and outlook makes everything just more pleasant. Happy Monday MIP Family!!

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

My joy is coming soon when I take my dogs out for our walk in absolutely beautiful weather today, and I will listen for the bullfrog again. He might be saying hello to me!

JerryF · ~*Service Worker*~

I find it joyful to celebrate with Andromeda and her soon to be forever home...Yay!!! aww

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

My joy comes today from being a productive gal planning for my parents' visit! I am getting excited and while I have much more to do, I put a huge dent in some much needed spring cleaning around my home. I find it therapeutic to weed through items, prepare some for donation, some for my kids or grand-kids and some for storage! We've had great weather for it and I also spent some quality time with the little people this morning.

I do like my small part of the world clean and orderly and much of it is! I agree with Jerry - Yay for Andromeda and her soon to be home! That made my heart smile large last evening and carried through until this morning.

Happy Tuesday all - keep your joy!!

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

My joy today is going upstate to my condo for my half a week with my son and his family. My 8 yr old granddaughter and I have many laughs.

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

Enjoy Lyne, enjoy - I am full of joy today as the sun is shining, I am going to hang with the grand-puppy and am just enjoying being! I am grateful to be comfortable in my own skin....it's a relaxing feeling that brings me calm and serenity!

El · ~*Service Worker*~

Joy today because I will be having dinner with 3 of my childhood girlfriends. We have know each other since we were toddlers! Two of the "girls" lived out of state and in several states over the years, but we have all been local for almost 10 years now and "do dinner" 2X a year. We all live in different towns and will meet in the city for dinner, drinks, updates, pictures, laughter, support and love. Being with my earliest BFFs brings joy to me that lasts for days!

Ellen

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

I feel joy today because yesterday I had a lot of pain with my A. My A and I texted and finally spoke last night like two mature adults. Today I feel calm. That's a gift of this program and I guess my working hard at it. In the past, around alcohol issues, quite honestly I never felt calm. I felt miserable for years. I have my serenity back after one day of upset. JOY!

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

I was to play golf this morning, but we had rain so the gals bailed! I was good either way as I have tons to do for my parents' visit and a funeral tomorrow....so - after the rain this morning, I opened all the windows and turned on the attic fan to get some window weather action! We have quite a few rose bushes in our backyard, and they are all very healthy and full of buds/blooms this year and the front room filled with the scent of roses + the small of pure rain + a little cut grass. I love when a pleasant scent can stir peace, serenity and/or pure joy! Lifted me up from a busy, busy cleaning gal to a smiling and grateful gal - the miracle of believing in a power greater than ourselves. I am reminded that I always get exactly what I need when I need it!!!

El · ~*Service Worker*~

I was finally able to get out in our small enclosed porch today and make it ready for the season! Between the rain, gloom and cold temperatures, there wasnt any incentive. Its sunny and breezy today which was perfect for opening it up, airing it out and getting the furnishings in order. As long as it isnt too hot, this porch is my space of refuge and contentment. I can read, knit, use my iPad or take a nap listening to birds and summer noises. Love it! It brings me joy!

JerryF · ~*Service Worker*~

I did a morning meeting and allowed myself to be directed into listening with an open mind and then...only then; sharing my appreciation for being allowed to be there and to participate in the ESH which was being shared by the fellowship who are genuine in their recovery. Thank you HP for the unconditional love and care. ((((hugs)))) yawn yawn

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

We played softball tonight and while we lost both games, it was good to be out in nature, visiting with softball friends and just being alive! My parents arrive Sunday (I thought it was Tuesday) so there is that too! Your meeting sounds lovely brother and Ellen - your porch sounds splendid! I must admit that I also find joy in each post here - it's so refreshing to hear what brings others joy! (((Hugs)))

a4l · ~*Service Worker*~

Joy is the end of semester today which has been an horrific one! Two back to back exams which I have been harassed by for weeks are finally over today and I seriously wish to skip down the road chortling "free at last!" My joy today comes from releif of pressure. I never want to do this to myself again with a way too heavy course load and no study plan meaning the last two months have been miserable. I suppose I'm also really grateful to have learned that now to be better next semester.

a4l · ~*Service Worker*~

Oooh and I've been eyeing this thread since it started thinking, gee I wish I could find some joy to join in with the joy parade! Lol And today I could. Pretty happy to be part of our collective in this respect, some Glee!

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

Yay for the glee A4l - yay for another semester/term of school over for you! That brought a smile to my face and my heart as I do remember trying to do school (Undergrad & Masters) with a FT job + 2 kids and an AH. It's not an easy task at all - kudos to you!

I have joy today as I got to spend time with the grand-puppy again as well as my aunt! I offered her a ride to the funeral we were attending, and she graciously agreed. She still drives but she's 80 and has Parkinson's and lives a few blocks away so we had a lovely time driving to/from and chatting all the way.

I believe my joy for today comes from just doing the next right thing. (((Hugs))) to all! Keep your joy MIP family!

PosiesandPuppies · ~*Service Worker*~

My Joy for today will be getting out and working the soil with the plants I purchased last weekend. There is actually some sun this morning, so I better get to it before it gets too hot!!

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

Joy for me today is being at peace with my Ano anger, no games, no alcohol (as far as I can tell). This is a huge relief after months and months of stress.

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

I have joy today as my parents have arrived safely! The beginning of our visit is here - YAY! As they are 83, we never know when they will be called home so grateful to have them still and full of joy that they are here, at my home, visiting!! Both of my boys have already been seen, which is a miracle of my recovery. There have been times my parents have been here for 2 weeks, and not gotten to see either of them. My heart is full and just for today, I choose to keep my joy!!!

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

I have joy today as it's a glorious day to be alive and just be me! We are having lovely window weather days, which I love! For our high temperatures to be in the 70's with low humidity in June is almost unheard of - I consider it a great gift from the God of my understanding. I really enjoy waking to the sounds of birds singing, a cool breeze and fresh air! I feel blessed to be present, with my aging parents, in a lovely place, just for today!

I am off to golf 9 holes shortly with a sponsee! I believe it's extremely important in recovery to learn how to work hard and play hard. I struggle(d) big time with balance and so often we arrive at recovery wanting things 'fixed' as fast as possible. We learn instead it's a life-long journey, with the focus on progress and not perfection.

Make it a great day MIP - keep your joy!!

Skorpi · ~*Service Worker*~

I love that we are continuing the joy journal!
Today, I was out walking my 3rd dog a bit later (because of a cat mess I found earlier), but that meant that I was able to see the sun as it started to rise this morning, something I usually miss out on, but something that brings me a ton of joy.

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

Joy today is having my chiropractor appt., which relieves my physical pain for awhile, and then having my F2F meeting tonight . The sun is starting to come out, and I will walk my dogs after things dry out a bit. All good and all make me grateful for this day ahead of me.

Aloha · ~*Service Worker*~

Spreading a little joy and gratitude this morning. Swung by the grocery store and they had roses on sale so I bought some for my desk and shared several with my co-workers. It's so fun seeing people come in and having their heart skip a little beat when they see a rose placed at their desk. :)

I'm grateful I have the finances to do such things and that God put the inspired idea in my head to do it. I'm grateful I'm full of love and feel able to spread it in random, surprising ways.

El · ~*Service Worker*~

Joy- the smell of a book. The actual turn of a page. I dont enjoy reading a novel on my tablet. The smell and feel of the pages bring a satisfying joy into my life. The same for browsing books in the library. The touch, feel, weight, design in my hand.

JerryF · ~*Service Worker*~

Whats joyful for me is that there is always a solution to any problem that wants to attach itself to me and my peace of mind and serenity if I will keep myself wrapped in the embrace of my HP and our program and commit myself to humility. (((hugs))) wink

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

I am joyful that we all can gather today, and while it's far, far, far from perfect, it's much improved over the past! My oldest sat and had a lovely conversation with my parents while his baby momma and the kids and I hung out in the kitchen. Only one hiccup in the evening with my youngest, and perhaps Al-Anon has rubbed off me and onto others as nobody reacted to the insanity of the moment and the moment passed.

I feel deep profound joy that for my mom's last visit home, things are going well and I am able to be present, of service and at peace. I have a friend who passed today from cancer (not my HS friend who's still fighting) and while I am sad at the loss, I am moved by the obvious plan the God of my understanding has. Hospice was just called in this morning, and he passed peacefully this afternoon. I am grateful that he's no longer suffering and is now in a better place without cancer, pain, treatment, etc.

Keep your joy MIP family!

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

Joy today is being up at my condo with my dogs, near my son and his family.

IamLynn · Veteran Member

Joy for me was looking up from mowing the lawn and seeing Gaillardias and hibiscus smiling at me. Thanks for the reminder from everyone here to see joy.

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

My joy today comes from being one with nature! I played 18 holes of golf, played with the new grand-puppy and am headed out shortly for softball....I am so grateful that I am healthy and able to participate in the greatest gift of beauty I get to experience and be a part of each day - our world and all it's beauty! Keep your joy MIP family!!

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

This morning I walked my dogs earlier than usual and we didn't see another person nor car. That was joy-just us and nature, wind, and a beautiful sky.

Iamhere · ~*Service Worker*~

I headed out this morning early to golf and love, love, love being in nature! We had some light rain but not enough to stop our game! We played on in the rain, and it was joyful as we had the golf course all to ourselves! What a gift to have a lovely championship level course to play at our pace, without waiting or hurrying - peaceful and fun!

We also have a cherry tree in our backyard that my AH planted a few years ago and has tended to. Each year, the fruit has been 'iffy' in quantity and the birds and squirrels have scored big time! This year, on the same day, we both noticed tons and tons and tons of cherries! I suggested he pick a few for us to eat, and 10 lbs. later, we're still getting cherries.

I've given away tons of them and made Cherry Crisp twice and we've still got more than we can use/eat! This tree is absolutely stunning with the green leaves and the many cherries! It's also a lovely shaped tree so it brings me joy - again I marvel at the glory of all that is created by my maker!

Find and keep your joy MIP family! (((Hugs)))

Lyne · ~*Service Worker*~

I bought a beautiful sunflower plant already in bloom. This afternoon Im putting it in a large pot and see if it can keep growing on my deck so I can see it at all times. They make me smile.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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