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 is about worry -- how much time is wasted doing it, how it takes us away from reality, and how it can become a cycle of fear and self-criticism. The author breaks this cycle by focusing on the present moment -- the sights, sounds and sensations taking place here and now.
Worrying is noise that blocks out our higher power's voice, and by silencing the noise we can better hear the messages of how to work through any difficult times. Al-Anon tools like slogans, prayer/meditation, and phone calls to fellow members are sources of serenity that bring us back to the present moment.
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I have a great ability to imagine bad things that can happen in the future -- sometimes the very distant future. I've often thought that I come from a long line of worriers, but i'm just realizing that though my parents were fairly anxious, I don't recall my grandparents seeming to be worriers. Perhaps they had lived long enough to understand what is and isn't worth worrying about.
I appreciate today's reading. It seems like the essence of Al-Anon -- awareness and acceptance of the present reality so our actions can be the most useful to ourselves and others. The slogan "One Day at a Time" is my meditation and a tool that I can count on to bring me back to the present moment. The concept of "When I got busy I got better" is another one. Idle hands and mind allow the noise to interrupt my serenity, so I am grateful for all the tasks I have available for me to do.
Good morning MIP and happy Friday! Thank you Freetime for the daily, your service and ESH! I worried from sunrise to sunset, and probably while sleeping, just can't confirm. It was probably the one constant 'habit' I had for years and years and years. I tended to project worse case scenario, and then play it out in my mind. Some of my projection was pure fantasy and some of it was based on past experience. What I've learned in recovery is it really doesn't matter why I project or what might drive what I project, it's all pointless as the future has yet to arrive.
I 100% agree that worry, projection and the like blocks me from the sunlight of the spirit. For the majority of my life, I had an aunt who said often/always that if you are worrying, you're not praying. I found this statement to be dismissive and unhelpful for many, many years - until I got into recovery and began working on me using the steps! Alas, one day, it made perfect sense to me and I found it to be so, so true!
When my mind is filled with worry, anxiety, fear, etc. I struggle to practice praying. Over time, I've began to replace fear and worry as soon as I am aware with gratitude or prayer - simply to change my own attitude and outlook. My serenity and joy mean so much to me that I am willing to go to any length to hold them close to my heart/mind.
On a side note, I often wonder why I rarely project positive outcomes vs. bleakness. What I've began practicing is (what my brother Jerry always says - Why Not Me?) formally projecting a hopeful, positive end result when my mind wants to obsess over the alternative. It's interesting and still yet, as we learn, whatever I project rarely/never aligns with the master plan of the God of my understanding!
This has been a busy week and I am grateful for a day home. My friend has 'called me off' for the hospital visit I had planned as we've got weather rolling in. I am instead 'on call' for any situation where she may need a second set of ears! Works for me! Make it a great day all - (((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
Thanks FT for your service and for both great shares. I assume that many of us who have been exposed to dysfunctional family situations worried as a natural state of being. I didnt know any other way to exist other than worrying about the past and future. And it was all so painful that the present didnt really exist at all.
That has all dramatically changed since practicing program. My life is so much more enjoyable, living ODAT. Seeking HP and program contacts keep me grounded and centered. Using the steps and slogans help balance me. It works if I work it, Lyne
Thank you Freetime for your service and thoughts. Thank you also, IAH and Lyne!
Yes, we are professional worriers, aren't we? Or used to be? Or perhaps both?
Sometimes I am able to turn off the sound on my worry, projection and anxiety. Sometimes I know intellectually that I need to stay in the moment, but it is difficult. I find turning to my HP and saying the serenity prayer and/or Thy Will Be Done helps. I also utilize a notebook to write and draw. I will draw a picture of a chair.....and on the chair is whatever I am worried about. I add words around the chair and scenarios I am worried about. I then close the notebook and "watch myself" walk away and leave the worries on the chair in the notebook. Might sound silly.....but it works for me.....most of the time.
I was walking through an outdoor market on a pilgrimage to the house of my favorite artist. I discovered I had no money and no passport. I was in a country whose language I did not speak. Projection, panic etc for really under a minute.
Then I thought I need to find the next best step. (echoes of MIP) I still had my credit card and mobile phone, which had a photo of my passport on it. I charged tram fare so I could get to my country's consulate.
As I approached the building, a bomb went off. Temporary confusion between my ears - then a guard told those in queue that it was a prank done by the teens in the reform school across the street. (not a bomb Jill, just a big firecracker)
I had to have a photo taken, and I had not even combed my hair! The photo looks like I had just emerged from a swimming pool. Of course I remembered "how important is it?", and it wasn't.
Throughout the event, I recognized and thanked alanon for giving me grownup brain waves. "In all our affairs" for sure.
Love this reading. Since working the STeps I find I no longer worry but pray when frightened. IT IS SO MUCH MORE PRODUCFIVE because I connect with my HP and I receive the wisdom an courage to keep on keeping on.
Worrying about what will happen definitely uses up our present time and once that time is gone we missed out on what was happening!!! Needed to be reminded, thank you for your service and reading.
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
