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.
That is what the daily is about. This simple slogan. The author recalls that after living in the chaos of an alcoholic relationship, it can be hard to know the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major crisis. This slogan helps many of us to regain some sense of proportion.
When plans fall through, when unexpected bills arrive, when I am disappointed in someone's response, I can ask "How important is it?" Most of the time what I might have viewed as a disaster is really insignificant. If I try to keep my attention on this day instead of worrying about future consequences, I can take my disappointment or irritation at face value and refuse to dramatize it.
Today's Reminder: Today, if I encounter an upsetting situation, I will ask myself, "How important is it?" before I react. I may find that it is not important enough to sacrifice my serenity.
When I was "in the thick of it," with my alcoholic spouse, everything was a big deal. I was always putting out some sort of fire... fixing the situation. I never knew how exhausted I was of this "self-appointed" position until I was out of the fire pan. Through Al-Anon, I have been able to learn how to utilize "How Important Is It?" in most situations that make me uncomfortable. Do I sometimes slip into old behaviors? Sure I do. If I may quote Iamhere... "I am perfectly imperfect." The difference now is that I can get right back on track, most times without skipping a beat!
I am grateful for this program and for MIP! Have a wonderful Saturday, MIP Family!
&
__________________
"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
Thanks PNP for your service and for both above shares. I have come to love this slogan because if I am able to ask myself this simple question, I can put things in perspective and that allows me to shift my attitude. In the past I had many emotional meltdowns because so many things felt like catastrophes. Now due to my attitude and choices, which program has taught me about, relatively few things are actually catastrophic.
My sister's house burned down. That's major. Sears is coming back to my house after two previous attempts to fix my washer. That's just an annoyance. Program enables me to have a more simple life: Keep it simple!
Thank you for sharing this page P&P, thanks all above for ES&H.
Questions can be quite powerful...how I answer this question defines how well I'm living my program and utilizing my tools in that moment.
When I feel that I am the Director who must orchestrate all things to have a desirable outcome, my list of 'important' things is far too long. Steps 1-3 help and remind me to reduce that dramatically, allowing me and those around me more serenity and peace.
Grateful for the wisdom of the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Happy Saturday MIP. Thank you PnP for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your ESH & Shares. I do believe that my distorted view of life, right/wrong, perfectionism and much more contributed to my mind magnifying almost all things to be big deals - BR - Before Recovery. As with so many of the slogans, I did not fully understand this one and thought it silly. Yet, like so many of the slogans, it's now a regular part of my world.
I do not know if I will ever reach a state of being where my first thought/reaction to life will be positive, mature, loving, judgement-free. What I do know is when I am spiritually fit, I can use my program and tools to pause long enough to actually determine a healthy response to life. I will continue to accept my perfectly imperfect self, and continue practicing the same for all others I encounter - just keeps things calmer within me and helps me be a part of a solution vs. a part of a problem.
At my current age & stage, I have really come to a place where most daily events and happenings are not big deals - they are just steps and turns in my journey. My goal is to just keep practicing recovery while being authentic, one day at a time.
Make it a great day all - been golfing already and am planning an afternoon nap during laundry. Love and light to all!
__________________
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
& 
Lovely share, P.