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 speaks about the slogan "Easy Does It." When we first come to Al-Anon, we often come with the philosophy that if something works, it will work even better and faster if we try harder. (emphasis mine).But Al-Anon involves a long-term process of growth and change. Our efforts to speed up this process are more likely to interfere with it, leaving us frustrated and depressed. We learn, "Easy Does It." The work often gets done when we stop pushing. The author goes on to say when they first came to Al-Anon they learned to entrust their lives and their future to a Power Greater than Ourselves, we must do our part as well. With their usual fervor they threw themselves into doing "footwork." They made at least 10 Al-Anon calls every day and began a frantic effort to practice all Twelve Steps at once! They were soon exhausted and overwhelmed.Today the author says, "I know that I can plant a seed in the soil and don't have to tug at it's roots to see it grow." A fitting analogy I would think.
Today Reminder:
I take my commitment to recovery seriously, but I can't expect to recover overnight. When I approach my life with an "Easy Does It" attitude, I treat myself and the world around me gently and lovingly.
I was raised with the belief that if I worked hard enough, I could attain anything. As I got to be a teenager, I realized some things were just unattainable, regardless of how much work you put in. I also began to hear, "Don't work harder, work smarter." So I morphed these two into my way of working harder AND smarter. I will not lie, this has served me well in many aspects of my life. I have attained much of what I desired with this philosophy.
But it never stood a chance with dealing with Addiction. First and foremost, I had to learn that no amount of my hard work would ever change another human being. This was a tough nut to crack!! Second, you just can't outsmart the brand of Krazy that the Addiction monster is doling out!! There is no reasoning with it. Period.
I love today's reminder that when approached with an Easy Does It attitude, we are treating ourselves and OTHERS gently and with love.
Hope everyone's Saturday is going well, and that everyone enjoys good health!
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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
Happy Saturday PnP! Thank you for your service, the daily and your share/ESH! I can relate to all you wrote - very similar upbringing, beliefs, efforts, etc. The older I get, the more I chill or practice 'Easy Does It'. I am not too certain where my former urgency went, and I am OK - really don't miss it. What I do know is that as I've embraced and worked hard in my life to advance, I've come to a place today where I just really like to keep all things as simple as possible. Easy Does It reminds me to stay in today, don't over-commit, do the next right thing and have fun...
I can enjoy myself when I keep my attitude in check. I can stay more present when I treat myself and others gently and I can certainly mind my own business and stay on my side of the street when it's not my circus or my monkeys. I did not realize how much energy I invested in worry/concern/etc. for others until I got into recovery and slowed long enough to see it.
My Saturday is grand ... Started with early golf as we're having excessive heat warnings in the afternoons. It's hopefully ending with tomorrow evening! After golf, I picked up my grocery order, then cooked brunch, then took a nap! My idea of a perfect weekend day...Tomorrow will be a repeat of today - probably different brunch food - ha.ha.ha.
I hope your day has been awesome - love and light! (((Hugs))) too!
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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
Going through middle age I began to work to task- and not to time. To finish things by the end of the day, for a fresh start in the morning. Times of relaxed enjoyable work in between.
I like to keep ahead of my tasks because I hate doing catch-ups. Those are there if i have a flu, or a holiday break.
Hmmm... another regular topic... ...thanks again. ...
((((((((((PnP)))))))))))))))) Oh can I relate to this BIG time...........yea, "if I try harder, if I work harder, FORCE that outcome" all I did was beat my head against the wall....
accepting what IS ---NOW---what is the reality NOW??? AND if I have to work So hard, is it really right for me??? is it forcing my will over HP??? Like this job, I did "try harder" and it did not work......Easy does it is my favorite slogan, along with keep it simple and keep focus on me....those 3 I use all the time.......
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Thanks P. and hi Iam... 