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 talks about how it feels to physically hold tightly onto something. Eyes squeezed shut, with a death grip so hard that it turns your knuckles white. Soon your hands are exhausted... your exhausted, and you let go. There is another way possibly. To Trust in your Higher Power. When you trust your HP will give you what you need, the reading talks about being more open. You face forward, your hands are no longer clenched, but open to new, healthy possibilities. Our eyes are open to see all the opportunities - many that had been there all along!
Today's Reminder: How much can my Higher Power give me if I am not open to receive? When I hold on tightly to a problem, a fear, or a resentment, I shut myself off to the help that is available to me. I will loosen my grip today. I will Let Go and Let God (or HP - whatever You choose).
That is how I lived most of my married life. There were plenty of great times, but most of the time I felt as if I was holding on, steering the boat with those white-hot knuckles of pain! To be honest, I never wanted to give up my control, my power to my HP. I had no faith that I (and my kid) would survive and thrive. Going through Al-Anon twice helped me to accept that I am powerless over another or even things. I also learned that there were healthy actions I can take for myself to be healthy in mind and spirit, so that I could make the right decisions. My journey could never be rushed, I guess!
We have very strict "orders" to stay at home (I guess they are worried b/c of the fine weather this weekend, people will ignore social distancing). I understand their fear. I am seeing so many people not taking this seriously, despite the mandate here, and all the info (videos) coming out of Italy. I still have to work, but I feel have limited exposure, b/c I work in a lab. Still, I take all precautions, as I have to cross 3 city borders, all who now have CV within. I am not grocery shopping today for my parents... luckily, I stocked our pantries a month ago, and did some fresh stuff last weekend. I pray that you all stay safe and healthy.
To combat my growing despair over this, I am puttering around my yard/garden today... bare feet in touch with the ground... despite the chilly spring weather!
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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
Hey PnP - crazy, busy, spring day here for us yesterday! Thank you for your service, your ESH and the daily. I always find solace, peace and tons of comfort in digging in the dirt - I believe it's good for my soul.... I too walked all over the green, plush grass of our back yard yesterday barefoot....felt so, so nice!
I live my life as simply as I can. I work my program as simply as I can. I don't get all wound up over what I am/am not doing right/wrong/etc - I trust my HP enough to nudge me if/when I am in need of a change, action, etc. So - I do this thing called life, One Day at a Time. Each morning, I engage HP and hand over my day/life. Each evening, I turn my troubles over and do a 10th Step. If I have amends to make or unfinished business, I consider it in the AM as part of my to-do.
I truly believe my HP wants me happy, joyous and free. That only stays with me when I practice unconditional love and unconditional acceptance. This doesn't mean I don't get frustrated, angry, annoyed, etc. - I just no longer let these emotions take over my mind, my day or my own feelings/attitudes. I absolutely love that it's my choice each morning if I focus on what's good or what's broken. The former gives me tons more pleasure and peace so ... my daily choice is easy.
Spring is here and I'm grateful. This Spring is certainly different than others, primarily because of the virus but different isn't bad - it's just different. I am having a great time doing virtual meetings, reaching out to check on others in program, softball, golf, family, etc. I've gotten to some projects that I've put off for a long while. I am adjusting well and would not be so if I didn't have a program.
Love and light my friend! Be good to you - that's what HP wants for each of us...
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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
It is eerily quiet around my house! I seemed to have grounded myself with the bare feet in the ground thing yesterday. Which is good, b/c I broke down today with all the news of the people passing from this virus. I mean, I knew it would be coming, but it hit me hard! Because I did the "work" on me yesterday, I think I was able to pull myself together faster today.
Today, it was cold and gloomy. Which was good, b/c I had laundry to do!! The outdoors calls to me, and I end up spending way too much time puttering around! LOL!
I have begun Facetime-ing my family, as I miss being able to talk AND see their faces. It is working out better than I thought.
I am grateful for your thoughts, as I like the idea of working your program simply, one day at a time!
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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
PnP - I too am saddened as the news of those passing comes in. I've been limiting exposure to the news, as it does seem it will get better before it gets worse. In spite of being just one person on this huge earth, I find comfort in doing my part - even if that means just staying put @ home unless it's necessary to go out/about.
I have about 15-20 people that I text each morning to check on. While my parents are not local, I have other elder relatives who are, so checking in on them. There are also several I consider family from AA or Al-Anon that I check on, shop for, etc. Reaching out to others helps me feel a part of and closer. It's not the same as the typical contact, but it will suffice as I try to do my part.
One Day at a Time allows me just to be in the here/now, not fret about tomorrow or be disappointed by anything from the past. What really matters is today, this day only. It's mine to do as I wish - service, rest, work, play. No matter what I choose and how it goes, I do believe all will be OK. Hang in there - I have some friends who are alone and I have offered to send my AH over...they have, so far, gracefully declined! ha.ha.ha.ha...... (((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
Hey PnP, glad you could have a putter about the garden.....i am doing a "make ready" for my IF IT HAPPENS, roommate, got her bedroom and restroom all clean and tidy, cute towels, and TWO rolls of toilet paper, we still joke about my "home welcome"gift on a roll.....
I am praying this works out, in HP's hands now, but I sure could relate to your post, about steering the boat with white knuckles....isn't it great that we can fall back on the first 3 steps??? when I feel overwhelmed, I BACK OFF....pause and pray....turn over if I can't resolve it because HP can
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