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.
Todays reading is about the different ways we may be able to work step 12. The writer describes a situation in which she helps an elderly person with a project; the connection with the older person and the hug they exchanged when it was completed meant so much to both of them. When I first came to Alanon and began working the steps, I thought I saw people all around me that needed to do what I was doing! I was really not practicing Live and Let Live at all yet. When I think about that now I remember being overwhelmed with my own situations, and getting myself into others business was the perfect way to avoid working on my own :)
What I have been trying to focus on more recently is putting out positive and taking in positive- thoughts, actions, behaviors, words. Im thinking its like a two way sieve and I keep working on sifting out the negative. Im also learning to mind my own business and understand that I dont have the answers for everyone around me!
Good morning Mary and MIP! Thank you Mary for your service, the daily and your ESH. My thoughts, ideas and actions about Step 12 have evolved over time as well. Just like with the many tools we learn in recovery, I practice, practice, practice always to be a positive spark one day at a time. I find that we get what we give, so when I am full of gratitude and joy, more comes my way to be grateful for and joyful about. When I work to replace my attitudes of gloom/doom and remain positive, that's what comes back. When I am of service to others - in or out of this program - I am rewarded 10 fold in many, many ways.
For me, I believe the best way I can carry the message is to be an example. I always stand ready to help when anyone, anywhere reaches out. I'm grateful to just be me, and moved to service when called upon.
Happy Sunday all - my parents left yesterday and are at my brother's house a few hours away. Tomorrow, they will begin their journey back to home - 18 hours of driving. We had a lovely visit, with my AH asking yesterday, "Were they here longer this time or am I imagining things?" I just laughed and responded, "Be grateful they don't live with us ... yet." :)
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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 MIP, and thank you Mary for your service!
I find that I am not yet matured enough in Al-Anon to really work that 12th step. Or at least I think so. I am not truly healed or ready to be an example.
BUT...
I was majorly moved by Iamhere's share, "I find that we get what we give, so when I am full of gratitude and joy, more comes my way to be grateful for and joyful about. When I work to replace my attitudes of gloom/doom and remain positive, that's what comes back. When I am of service to others - in or out of this program - I am rewarded 10 fold in many, many ways."
So for now, I am trying to live the above, One Day at a Time! Thank you all for your shares!
It is a bright sunny day here in SoCal!!! My plan is to do some needed grocery shopping, and then I need to lay down some weed cloth in my yard. Unfortunately, the bees are still here, so no running around barefoot today - I am finding expired bees EVERYWHERE in the grass surrounding my house!! I love bees, and understand their significance to our lives, but boy will I be glad when they move on, or the bee man removes them!!!
Have a peaceful Sunday y'all!
-- Edited by PosiesandPuppies on Sunday 23rd of June 2019 12:17:20 PM
-- Edited by PosiesandPuppies on Sunday 23rd of June 2019 12:17:54 PM
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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
I had been racing in to follow the speaker- so I didn't have to remember all the names! Fact is, over time, we do get to know each other well. Well, weller than most other people get to do! A privilege and a treat. Compensation for all the hurts and setback life has chucked at us!
Revenge, even... grrrr... why not! Revenge in the illness! ...
Mary, I pulled out the book and read the whole reading. The whole narrative. I am not ready to expound on Step 12. Early on in Alanon I would 'stick to the topic'. But, really the meetings are here, for all of us- and for the moments we are in when we arrive at the door!
It's the old flip-flop between caring for others, and turning around and taking care of ourselves! I find that achieving that balance is a daily practise. I might have said "chore". But, nah... it has to be pleasant and relaxing...
...getting into someone's personal space- takes tact... ...boundaries... but also an element of fun and spontaneity. Impulse, emotion...even a little bit of risk taking. A great story here... and signs of emotional growth!
thanks Mary, and Y'all...
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