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.
In today's reading from Courage to Change, the author reflects on the way they have made choices throughout their life. Upon reflection, the author realized that most of their choices had been made as a reaction to fear. (An appropriate topic for those of us celebrating Halloween!) Something changes in the author's world - someone seeks sobriety, they take on a new task, or the store runs out of something on the shopping list. The author descends into fear and anxiety. They are tormented by thoughts of disaster, then, the author acts rashly, trying to put a bandaid on the situation. Fear can become a power greater than ourself if we let it. Today, the author can rely on a higher power stronger than fear, and face their fear with the help of their HP. Fear no longer dominates and controls the author's life.
Today's Reminder: Al-Anon is a program in which we find spiritual solutions to the things we are powerless to change. Today, instead of seeking relief from fear by trying to do battle with it, I will turn to my Higher Power.
Today's Quote: "That the birds of worry and care fly above your head, this you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent." Chinese proverb
------------
I love today's quote! It is a great reminder to me that I must accept some things, but that I still have choice in my response to them.
And, like the author, I've sometimes made choices (or not made choices) out of fear. This is certainly something I can see improvement in through my time in Al-Anon. I am still working on this, because I find myself being rather unflexible because I fear the consequences (or fall-out) of making changes to plans, especially plans that involve other people and schedules! But I'm noticing this inflexibility and working on it little by little.
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
Thank you Skorpi for your service! I get two great shares for the "price" of one today! LOL!
I made many decisions based on Fear. I also failed to make important decisions because of my fear.
I am happy today b/c Al-Anon has helped me to be strong... to know that I don't have to cave-in to the Fear... to understand that I have the power over the Fear within me!
I love that Chinese proverb btw!
&
__________________
"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 Skorpi for your service and for both above shares which describe me as I used to be. Fear was my dominant personality feature from childhood into adulthood. As a childhood raised by a FOO where abuse was frequent and protection absent, there wasn't any other way to exist.
With many therapists over the years I did make progress, but nothing compares to the leaps and bounds I have found in program, helping me to decrease my level of fear. I have even chosen to have a relationship (on my terms) with my older brother, the main abuser in my life for so long.
Because I have the strength and power now to control many things in my own life that pertain to me, I am less afraid to try new things no matter what the outcome may be. I'm allowed to be wrong and make mistakes, and I will no longer tolerate ridicule or shaming from others. It's a new life, Lyne
& 