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 first sentence of the reading for Monday, 3/23, says a lot: Alcoholism has contributed to many dashed hopes, broken dreams, and considerable pain in my life. The writer says that alanon enables them to feel the pain, mourn the loss, and then move on. The author goes on to say how important it is to treat themself with care and respect, and in that way they can become whole and at peace.
Reminder: They say that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. If I learn to accept that pain is part of life, I will be better able to endure the difficult times and then move on leaving the pain behind me.
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This reading means a lot to me today. I have been coping sort of well with my A, a health issue, and the tragic loss of my sponsor. The virus problem, on top of everything else, has put me over the top the last few days. After walking outside today with my dogs, and then watching a taped show I like, I believe HP was speaking to me. The news just gets more and more frightening to me and to stop my suffering, and move beyond, Im not going to watch much of it anymore. I can get the headlines, I get alerts on my phone, and in that way I dont have to keep suffering. Lyne
Lyne, thank you for today's reading. I can relate to what you said about the news, and I admire your decision to limit how much of it you watch. In this day of constant 24-hour news, I think it is a good time for personal boundaries that we choose for our own serenity, even though we have other boundaries imposed on us from outside.
I am reminded of a person I once met who had decided -- for her own mental safety -- to not listen to or watch news at all. She had an agreement with a friend, that if the friend heard some news that was absolutely essential, the friend would tell her about it.
My serenity is so important to me, that I am learning to say "no" to things that do not support it.
Thank you for your service Lyne. I love what you said about acceptance of pain as a healthy part of the process.
I believe it is fair to say that I had been a well-practiced sufferer. Before Alanon, I hadn't known it was an option. My focus would narrow and the more I tried to move on, the actions I took kept me looping instead.
With the COVID-19 in full swing where I live with the appropriate austere restrictions, I am in the process of letting go of a friendship I cherished but is no longer healthy to keep. It's difficult to accept that we're going in different directions and best to part ways. This is the first time I'm recognizing when something isn't able to be worked through - even though it seems to me that it would not be difficult with 2 willing people to work through it.
I am sad but I am blessed too - and - just for today it's ok to experience both of these things. I count my blessings and slow down to live the moments as they come.
Good morning MIP. Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. Thank you all above for your shares and ESH. These are challenging times, no doubt about it. I have also limited my 'exposure' to the news, social media, etc. as it can be consuming. I keep reminding myself that I really can deal with anything, one day at a time and try to just stay focused on today, this one day - it helps.
Ii have also been doing gratitude lists, and each day, at the top is I am grateful I have a recovery program. The 'me' of Before Recovery would have been absolutely freaked out, and unknowingly, cause stress, anxiety and more in all those I care about. I've just been doing my best to reach out to others in recovery and beyond, checking on them, offering to be of service, etc.
I am reminded each day how powerless I really am over people, places and things. Yet, even in these trying times, I feel less alone when I start my day connecting with the God of my understanding. We go on a 30 day stay @ home order starting tomorrow and a part of me 'wants' to go 'do' something today....not necessary - I truly have all that I need and can do my part to stay in and limit contact.
I am very grateful for MIP, Al-Anon and AA - keeps me centered, keeps me grounded and keeps me sane and serene. Make it a great day all! Love and Light!
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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
...I have begun to look backwards at my recovery- and working out what worked best. It seems like yesterday that I was starting out looking forwards with pain, shame, and 'the works'...
...I seem to be looking forward to getting revenge on my old life- by getting better. Getting well.
Closing ranks- and supporting those closest, including Alanon family... ...
Thank you Lyne. I can really identify with too much news... Things are changing so fast, it seems like every hour there is a worse update. I've decided to keep myself well by limiting my news watching, and focusing on what i can do to make my day enjoyable. I'm.working from home, enjoying time with my new fury office mates, and teaching myself a few new recipes. It's a great opportunity to practice taking things one day at a time.
Be well my friends!
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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
Thank Lyne and everyone for their shares. What I like about this reading is that it encourages me to accept feelings of pain and mourning, fully feel them and resolve my grief. I liked the part of the reading that said "...when they come knocking at the door of my awareness, I wish to open it and let them in." Thank goodness for 12 step programs that acknowledge and embrace sharing feelings of hurt and sadness. Also, to feel, deal, heal I share my pain with my hp by journalling. It's helped me process what I'm feeling and lift what at the time feels like a heavy emotional burden. I hope everyone is doing well today. ((hugs))) TT
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Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
I learned on this journey to re-attitude my life. I learned how to accept the things I could and not fight what I was powerless over.
Part of the physical journey has been the miracles handed to me by Higher Power while knowing that if I did not have them I would not be able to accept the things I could not change and would only return to reacting over and over again in ways that did not work.
This morning I again laid on the floor on my back and welcomed the expected pain I carry after past serious accidents. I know they are coming. I know how they come and what they have felt like over time including the presence of other associated aches and ouches which have become my life. Often I will greet it all with "Hello...how are you guys doing? Are we all ready to change our relationship"? I know them and they know me and we continue the relationship. They are part of me like and arm and leg and such and so it becomes easier to accept and change and change we do and I know that within a bit of time the pain gets something I am used to and will disappear not causing me to believe it will get worse and I will loose my serenity.
This has taken me practice, practice, practice as I have come to understand...I do my life with it and not without it and we continue to grow.
What has made the practice easier is by coming to the program...face to face, MIP, Literature, sponsor and obviously practice. I am forever grateful...Thanksgiving. (((((hugs)))))
I too am far better with the.meeting the day as it is
The job I have for now is chaos. Schedule changes all the time
I.did really badly in the last recession relying on unemployment. Unemployment never came or cane weeks late too late to pay the Bill's
So life is tough for me .
I can't even say it has been tougher
I got real sick twice when I was with the now ex A . He effectively abandoned me each time
I was barely surviving then
Holding on till i get back to my apartmen
Making long term plans
Hardly room to breathe at the moment with all this upheaval
Survival is what I know but I want to be beyond survival. I am tired if holding in by my finger tips
Timely share, Lyne and daily...
