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, the author reflects on the importance, or rather lack of importance, of money. The author shares that they had previously thought that their troubles would end if they won the lottery. But, would the lottery winnings take away the impact of alcoholism on the family? Make the drinkers sober? guarantee happiness? Of course not. Upon further reflection, what the author really wanted was to feel better. Today. the author knows that the gift of serenity is free when they attend Al-Anon meetings and apply the AlAnon principles to their life. Money won't buy serenity. In fact, if the author won the lottery, they would likely have a whole host of new problems that come with new fortune. Today, the author feels like one of life's winner because they can rely on their HP to help with every problem that may come up.
Today's Reminder: Serenity is always available to me, but it is my job to seek it where it can be found.
Today's Quote: "...I now try to take my problems to my Higher Power, but I leave the solutions and the time table up to Him." As We Understood...
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Like today's author, I can fall into the belief that money will make everything better. At least, access to more money would make my current stress go away. But, there will always be different Stress, different problems, different issues to face. When one goes, another tends to pop up. The stress would be different, not gone, unless I chose to walk the path of serenity. If I chose to walk the path of serenity, then I can face problems and challenges, whatever they are, but they don't become the focus of my day.
Yesterday, I decided to accept what I could not change, and walk the path of serenity, and I had a great day because of that. The situation didn't change, but I didn't give it power over me. Times like that, I KNOW the program is working in my life.
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
I'm pretty sure I heard somewhere that the worst thing for an alcoholic is to be successful (meaning in the sense of business, fame, etc.)
I sometimes feel like that's the case with myself, too. This money description reminds me of looking outside of myself for things to make me happy. Trying to fill that God-shaped hole in me. Filling my life with material things, vacations, etc. won't do me any good if I'm unwilling to continue handing my problems over to the care of my higher power.
Sure, some things are divinely inspired. And we're human and it's natural to want to spend a week at the beach or attend a retreat or splurge on a gift here and there - but I've got to remember that God is my source and when I'm starting to feel restless, irritable, or discontent, its time to bring my focus back to my HP.
Thank you Skorpi for your service and for both great shares! What an interesting reading. Money is a very complicated topic. When I didnt have enough, it felt very oppressive. When I have enough, it does not take away the damage and problems from alcohol. And while reading above, I thought of how many rich, beautiful, and talented people, have died early because their problems did not get resolved through recovery. (Many of the famous people had addiction issues.)
So Skorpi and Aloha, well said. Money is a help but not a cure. Lyne
This is usually a heated topic for me... I find that the people who loudly claim that "Money will not buy you happiness" always have plenty of money! LOL! They rarely if ever have lived hand-to-mouth. So yes, I am biased. I DO believe that "having money" will allow the opportunity for a better, easier life!!!
But, like the wise posters above me have said, all the money in the world cannot fill the hole inside you!
For me, the ideal would be Program work AND lots of money! LOL!!
Although I must admit, I am finding lately that there are many, many little things in life that bring me JOY, and they don't cost a dime! It's all about how I am willing to look at it!
Skorpi - I loved reading how yesterday you actually SAW your program working through you! Huzzah, my friend!
You all know what day it is..... HUMP DUHAAAAAAY! Choose to make this day the best!
__________________
"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
having that dream of winning lotto sustains me sometimes- when I actually buy a ticket. It is not an addiction, and I rationalise it- thinking of the charities that benefit. And the chances are ever so slightly better than making a donation.
I looked at spiritual, physical and emotional well-being... which Alanon will give us over time. Economic well-being was also important for me. And it helps remove a stress- which blighted my childhood. But I think it was balanced out with the other three. I did not have to own a skyscraper somewhere. Just a nest-egg. ...
Thanks Skorpi... 
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