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.
I'm reminded to practice the Serenity Prayer today and especially in the days and weeks ahead. Being mindful of what is and isn't within my reach will be important. Serenity is always with in my reach as is my higher power who is only a prayer away.
God
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Amen
I'm asking myself what self care recovery actions I can take today? Here are a few things I plan to do today and especially in the weeks ahead until we all know more.
I can pray. Result: Connection with my higher power, trust, gratitude, working Step 3, endless possibilities :)
I can read my Alanon conference approved literature. Result: Hope and the empowering reminder to live one day at a time
I can reach out to others by phone and online . Result: Less feelings isolation in myself and perhaps for others too
I can limit watching,reading and discussion of news updates to once a day. Result: Maintaining serenity and sanity
I can take care of some business - work related, home chores, bill paying, health and well-being. Result: A little less worry, a sense of accomplishment, pride in taking responsibility for myself and home one day at a time
I can do something I enjoy - read a good book, cook something different, play music, sing and dance, watch a nice movie or a comedian I enjoy, create something with my hands, spend time with a pet or others in my home, play a game. Result: Enjoyment, a healthy distraction from worry, a lighter heart :)
I can open the windows. Result: Feeling the sun, hearing and watching the birds outdoors, being reminded of what's beautiful
I can go for a walk in a quiet area. Result: Gratitude to my higher power for my health and all the beauty I'll witness
I can offer volunteer service during this time as long as I choose self care first. Result: Feeling a sense of purpose, giving back, lightening the load for others and gratitude
I can pray for the sick and suffering, for decision makers and those with skills and expertise to help. Result: Letting go and trusting others minds, will and hearts are being guiding by an effective, just, loving higher power
I can ask for my hp's will for me and the ability to carry it out. Result: Willingness and acceptance to act vs react to current circumstances
Uncertainty, the unknown is hard. What are you doing during this time? Please share.
I hope everyone has a good day today. (((hugs)) TT
__________________
Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
Hey TT - great, great thread. Because I live with a high risk person and have a trip planned to visit my parents (my high-risk people), I am choosing social distancing. Instead of F2F meetings yesterday and today, a group of us did one informally using modern technology. Of my small group, one has a sick parent (they live together) and one is sick herself. We are all trying to smartly distance ourselves to hopefully contribute to limited spread. We have 8 cases in our county, 1 death.
I have a great distraction, just for today and/or one day at a time - mourning my dog's passing. Today is also my youngest son's birthday. We've opted to not celebrate in a formal, public way just to be safe. Our area has closed down all the schools, including colleges. Many churches are closed and all sporting events and social gatherings have been cancelled or postponed.
I am not really doing anything different for my recovery yet - I am just doing what's been suggested by those who know way more than me. I have offered to run errands for some I know who are afraid to go out/about. I plan to just do my part in staying calm, trusting our leaders/my HP and doing 'this' one day at a time.
Love and light all - we will get through this!
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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
TT, what a wonderful list!! It reminds me of courage to do the things I can.
I can be grateful that during this crisis I have the ability to stay home and to not be worried about having enough food, supplies, human contact, health, etc.
As you said, I can offer volunteer service during this time as long as I choose self care first. -- Today I stepped back from a service commitment, so that I can stay more serene and unhurried, and offered to reschedule my service to a later date.
I think of the slogan YAHOO = You Always Have Other Options. If I cannot go to an exercise class, I can use exercise videos. If I cannot go to a F2F meeting, there are online options.
I have plenty of options, as long as I quiet my mind long enough to recognize them.
Cool, T-T... I reach out to my networks- in this community and beyond... with a focus on those closest and nearest... ...I can recognise denial... after all these years, and can see a lot of it around me. I hold dear to the saying" "This too shall pass-"... not without some anxiety, and pain, I am sure- but, actually nothing compared to some other phases of my life... ...
...fingertip to fingertip contact- essential... with online contact being the safest, from the medical point of view. ...
"It is an ill wind that does not do somebody some good-" said by my mum and nana... long ago...
I am reminded staying at my friends us only a few more very very short weeks
Last night was freezing cold and he refused to put on the heat
I have to focus on getting through the next few weeks. I have some money squirted away and it will last me but work had got very slow.
I am tired of keeping on keeping on
But I do it anyway. My one big worry when I was having to move out because of this rennovation was my dog. He us happy at my friends house. I am not. I knew that was a given. I now have to work realky ling hours to save some money.
It has been hard times for me since January. They have been made harder by the economy. I am in a different place than when I left the ex A. I had nothing then but I am not still scrambling
I just have to keeo moving
Maresie
My home group is currently conducting a group conscience via email to see if we want to be open. I'm on the fence about it, because I know at times like these we really need a meeting, but we also don't want to put anyone at risk, either. It'll be interesting to see what the consensus ends up being. There were also suggestions to have a conference call or perhaps web video calling to substitute.
I'm reminding myself "This, too, shall pass". That is helpful for one.
I know the events lately have been making my old character defects try to claw their way to the surface.
I was honestly spooked when I went to take care of my usual grocery shopping on Friday to find the store nearly emptied out. I thankfully was able to find what I needed with some substituting. I also have a fairly decently-stocked pantry, but that'll only last so long. I was telling my sponsor it's not the illness that has me concerned, it's people's panicking, hoarding, selfish behaviors.
So, I've been doing a lot of praying myself. I've actually decided to do what is called a Metta meditation for Loving Kindness multiple times through the day. While the meditation has a specific religious foundation, I feel it can very easily be adapted by anyone, religious or not. But what it accomplishes for me is to remember to be kind and pray for others, because I could certainly slip down that rabbit-hole of selfish fear myself.
I want to keep things right-sized where this is concerned. I keep having that saying "Trust in God, but tie your camel to a tree." repeat in my head. Meaning God is there to support me, but I still have my own footwork to do.
I liked your list, TT. Reminding me that I can still enjoy life while taking care of myself.
This is a good topic. In 2 hours well be under order to shelter in place for 3 weeks. I tried shopping today, but the queue to get in the door was 3 long blocks long. I ran through the serenity prayer while driving and looking for parking. I accepted and drove home. We will get through this. I think this prayer is brilliant.
Everything Aloha said, so resonates. I have not heard the saying about tying your donkey to a tree but I like it, it makes sense. Real sorry to read about the panic fear manifestations our mip members are experiencing with stripped out shelves. I had no idea things were so bad in US no wonder folks are gloomy.
Cool, T-T... I reach out to my networks- in this community 
...
no wonder folks are gloomy.