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.
The reading for Monday, 11/18, talks about step 2 and being restored to sanity. The writer says that a sane way of life includes functioning responsibly and realistically, but also having the willingness to play, to take breaks, to have hobbies, and include humor. Dwelling on troubles allows them to be controlling. It is important to know when to let go, to play, to laugh, and to enjoy. HP then can take care of the rest.
The reminder says: A good chuckle or an engrossing activity can lift my spirits and cleanse my mind. I will refresh myself by adding some lightness to this day.
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I have learned that the things I think about determine the way I feel. Logically then, if I am focused on anxious or depressive thoughts, fear, my As behavior, etc., I am going to feel anxious, depressed, fearful, and/or out of control. But if I follow todays reminder, I can see the beauty in the moment or the humor in situation. I can enjoy my day even if things arent perfect, which of course, they will never be. Lyne
The line "It is important to know when to let go" stands out to me specifically today. The teen I mentor turned 18 over the weekend, and seems to have decided to move out of her parent's house. It feels to me that her parents, grandparents, teachers, and I all want her to complete high school, get her driver's license, and have a positive start into adulthood more than she wants that for herself, which is a sign that it is time to let go. A good reading for today for me, reminding me that letting go gently and with loving detachment is possible, and that I don't have to make her drama my own. I can decide today instead to ask my HP to care for her, and spend my time on thoughts and actions that are good for me, things that make me laugh, things that I enjoy.
I'm so grateful to AlAnon, the readings, and this community for the reminders that I get to decide how I live my life, how I spend my time and attention, and that the only one who can decide that I will be content, happy, serene is myself.
-- Edited by Skorpi on Monday 18th of November 2019 08:19:33 AM
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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 Lyne I appeciTE THIS important reminder . Step 2 IS INDEED A POWERfUL tool that rescues me from insanity every day. Thanks for your service
Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. And what a good one it is!
I happen to like dark humor, so I would laugh even in the face of all that was troubling me... perhaps my HP's way of keeping me sane and treading water. Now, I take this to mean for me to allow myself to release this laser focus I have on getting out of debt... it's OK to spend a little money on others, or even myself if it will increase my JOY in life. It's OK to Let Go a little (or a lot!).
Saturday I went with 2 friends to the Moonlight Forest in the LA County Arboretum. Almost the entire place had illuminated art installations (lantern like). We walked, laughed, discussed the beauty of the different installations, ate, watched Chinese acrobats... all in all a wonderful night, unplagued by worry. I had run that place as a child (my parent's favorite "cheap" family outing back in the day), and so it was super fun to be there at night when it is usually closed!
I am recharged and ready for a new work week... I hope all my friends here are too! Make it a great Monday!
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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
Good morning MIP....Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. Thank you all for your shares and ESH. The word BALANCE comes to mind, and I readily admit I still struggle when I consider that word. What I've come to love about recovery is instead of worrying about what needs to be done or what did not get done, I can look at each day as a new day and a new start to try again or practice, practice, practice.
I was not 'good' at having fun, making time for fun events, things, etc. I spent so many years doing 'work' and adulting as well as taking care of others. It's refreshing to switch that up as best I can and take care of me first. I am a much better friend, wife, mother, daughter, etc. when I practice good self-care, which now includes fun!
I've been to the store to get birthday 'things' and a bit of other, cleaned the kitchen, done some laundry as this is a full/busy/great day! I am heading to golf shortly, followed by gal pal taco birthday celebration and ending my day with Monday Night Football.....a lovely day with the sun coming out and a lot to be grateful for!
Find and keep your joy MIP! (((Hugs)))
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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
