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 author remembered reading a magazine article stating that the correct use of the mind leads to wisdom and the incorrect use of the mind mind leads to insanity. When coming into Al-Anon, the author realized that the core of the program was based on the right use of the mind as well as the heart.
The author has come to believe that it's their own choice whether the power of their mind and heart is going to help or harm. Focusing on a higher power provides guidance. The author says that in Step Three, "will" refers to our thoughts and feelings, while "lives" refers to our actions. Prayer and meditation, as suggested in Step Eleven, is asking what thoughts and feelings the higher power wants us to have and praying for the power to translate them into action. The higher power's thoughts and feelings may be quite different from our own. By focusing on a higher power, the author sets their mind and heart on the right path.
Thought for the Day: Are my mind and heart focused on my recovery, or do they linger somewhere else that does me less good?
Quote from Having Had a Spiritual Awakening: "Only God knows what I need."
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Before program, my mind certainly was going in an insane direction. My heart -- my intention -- was good, but I was using the wrong mental tools to try to get to the goal my heart wanted -- a feeling of safety and serenity. But those were the only tools I had at the time.
Once I got in touch with higher powers -- which to me is the wisdom and experience of those who have already traveled this path -- I was able to move beyond my own limited mind and expand it to see the solutions I had previously not been aware of. I needed to get some thoughts and feelings that were different from what I had been using. My thoughts really are different these days, which means my actions are different and better -- and I actually have that safety and serenity I had been desperately looking for.
I also want to give a shout-out to the Hope for Today reader. I understand it's written by people who grew up in alcoholic homes, and although that is not my story, I often find relatable pages in this book. This page is certainly relevant for me.
Thank you Freetime for your service. What a wonderful share!
I truly believe in the need for a third party to "review" my thoughts and actions. Many times when we are in the "thick" of things, it is hard to look at the situation objectively. That is where my sponsor really helps me!
I anticipate a stressful Friday for me, as my workplace has had an employee exposed to a family member with COVID-19. She was sent home yesterday and is getting tested, with a quarantine orders for 14 days. We still need to work, keeping vigilant tabs on any symptoms that might arise. Since I do some limited care-giving to my elderly parents (both who have co-morbidities), I am worried I may have exposed them - as transmission can occur 48 hrs before onset of first symptoms. I will need to work out my fears with my sponsor, and just be hyper-vigilant about all precautions. I told my 'rents last night that I couldn't help with some things for 14 days - just to be safe - but I think I can still grocery shop for them, as I can wipe everything down with an alcohol wipe, and leave them on their porch. If my co-worker tests negative, then we are all in the clear... I am praying for a "rapid test" and a negative result.
Despite this, I wish everyone a happy Friday!!! I need a vacation! LOL!!
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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
Thank you for your service and share FT. I too was in a state of mental unbalance prior to program and have a much improved mind as a result of everything alanon has to offer, including my reliance on HP for direction and guidance. I find program to offer tools for living and I needed them after being exposed to addiction/alcoholism all of my adult life. I also needed a major attitude adjustment which alanon as helped me find.
I too am not a child of alcoholism, but I grew up with a raging brother and parents who did not protect me. The household was unpredictable and frightening to me. I fit right in with the ACOA's. I identify as being as adult child of anger!
Happy Friday MIP! I am also a member of the BR (Before Recovery) club - the one where my heart/mind wondered aimlessly, often in directions beyond unhealthy. I am grateful for the many tools of recovery that help me stay present, focused on recovery, joy, balance, etc. As I ponder the shares and the daily, I realize how grateful I am for the opportunity to change me and shift up my focus, priorities, etc.
Prayers for a positive outcome PnP...when I was caring for my Covid positive parents, I took every precaution I could think of. Either I got 'it' and was asymptomatic, or the efforts served me well. I do believe, in my situation, it was the added actions that kept my fear at bay.
Thank you Freetime for the daily and your service. Thanks to all for the ESH and shares. It is unheard of, but an absolute gift that we've got highs in the 70s in July in my area! I'll take it. We are very soggy as we've had a ton of rain so no golf, but the trade off has been lovely! Love and light all...
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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 read the reading and response three or four hours ago- early morning- and let it gel.
So- in Alanon we have partners or ex.'s of, parents of, and children of... ...with a few others. And how do we get to feel like a united group?
Hope for Today is a great book- and the readings and shoes here have bought me back to it. Heart, mind, and soul... whatever that means. As soon as I began reading adult books I was on the trail- and am still on the journey.
It is Saturday morning here- a sultry day.
I get the weekend mornings to myself, mostly- since my SO is an owl and I am a lark.
I have been sleeping really well lately- and dreaming up a storm. Makes me feel healthy and optimistic...
...sometimes I just like to join the crew- and contribute to a topic. Every single one of you I know reasonably well.
This, in itself gives me a sense of belonging... thanks...
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Thanks Freetime, and Y'all...
thanks...