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 from C2C is about step 11 (Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying for the knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out.)
The author shares that, for them, doing God's will means that, at any give time, they may be doing exactly what is needed, whether that is washing the car, smelling a rose, or something else. The author also shares the belief that, when they learn to love themselves as their HP loves them, they believe that they are doing God's will.
Today's Reminder: What loving action can I take today? Maybe I will make some time for nothing more practical than simple pleasure - a movie, a good book, or a breath of fresh air. Or perhaps I'll deal with paper work that I've been avoiding. I could make a commitment to eat well and get the rest I need, or make amends for something that's been on my mind. A simple gesture can be the beginning of a lifelong habit of self-love.
Today's Quote: "God alone knows the secret plan
Of the things he will do for the world
Using my hand."
Toyohiko Kagawa
--------------------------------------
When I first came to AlAnon, I couldn't imagine self-care as a thing that would fit into my life, not on a daily basis, and not a few times a month. Now, I see self-care as an integral part of my daily life. Gradually, I've added more types of self-care (eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, making sure I have time to shower, walking the dogs and getting exercise first thing in the morning, attending AlAnon meetings, connecting with other Alanon members, reaching out to friends, forming new friendships, and taking time to give myself a break away from AW.) I'm focusing on lessening my isolation and broadening my circle of friends now, something I couldn't have imagined doing even a year ago. Each step toward self-care and toward my own well-being has had a huge ripple effect, and I can look back now at the first few steps I took toward my own recovery and I am so glad I started down the path!
It cooled down a bit this week, makig being outside much more bearable. I hope you make today a great day!
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Good Morning Skorpi when i entered program i thought that doing hp's will required massive effort and dedication. Lstening at meeting i redefined the "GOD" of my understanding and today i know that my HP wants me to be happy and enjoy the beauty in this world. After working the Steps, I set myself free from many negative behaviors and am now able to show up, take the next right action an know i am doing hPs' will
Thanks Scorpi for your service. I could have written your share today. I only knew how to take care of others and ignore my own needs. With program I have become my own best friend! Im taking really good care of me now. And I think that is what HP wants. As Betty said, Hp wants us to be happy and enjoy beauty. That starts with the focus on me, Lyne
Thank you Skorpi for your service. I truly appreciate everyone's ESH on this topic as well.
I have had a tumultuous relationship with "God." I was raised in the Catholic faith, broke from it in my late teens, and ended up feeling like I was forsaken in my married years. In my adult life, I have seen many atrocities performed with man's belief in their professed religion. But I guess I never lost faith in a "Higher Power."
Through Al-Anon, I have been able to understand that there is a greater meaning, a spiritual guiding hand if you will in my life if I am open to it's possibilities. I am redefining my Higher Power all the time. Lately, I am really enjoying trying to live each day as it's own. Like Skorpi shared, each thing that I am or will be doing, is part of the greater plan for my life. It does take mindful practice to get out of my mindset of trying to direct everything in my life... but I am finding that it is worth it!
Lately I have been asking myself, "Is it good for me?" Then I take it one step further... "Will my self-care hurt others?" I think that it all goes towards being a good human being.
It will again be triple digits here... thank goodness my work has great air conditioning!
__________________
"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
Howdy MIP family! Thanks Skorpi for your service and the daily! I love, love, love today's reading and I too put me last and thought prayer/meditation would be time-consuming and difficult....Similar to Betty, the program gave me the freedom to find a Believe in the God of my understanding and to practice prayer/meditation my way! I am grateful that others were willing to share with me that it was not only OK but healthy to put me first and practice self-care.
I also focus on my self-care with diet, exercise, water, nature, etc. Each morning, when I run, I listen to Christian music and spend the time with my spiritual adviser (my faithful dog) and God. I start my day the same way each day and it's been a lovely, lovely way to rethink my life. I desperately miss my routine if I have to travel for family/other and yet find other creative ways to get 'my fix' of self-care.
I have greatly expanded my friend group in all areas - sports, recovery, faith, etc. and don't see any reason to change that! I am grateful for the guidance I got from others who came before me, a lovely gentle sponsor and those working it in recovery as they showed me how to thrive instead of survive and how to expand my spiritual life. Today, I believe I am loved, loving and lovable and that my HP truly wants me happy, joyous and free!
Happy hump day all - hope it was a great and joyfilled day!
__________________
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
