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 is about the after effects of Letting Go. Once we begin focusing on ourselves and let go of the obsession & worry for others, the author found that there was a whole lot of free time that took some time to adjust to. The author states, "We knew how to live in a state of crisis, but it often took a bit of adjustment to become comfortable with stillness." One behavior that had baffled the author, was despite becoming more and more serene as a result of working the program, they were still surprised to find themselves grabbing for old fears, as If they wanted to remain in that crisis! With practice, the author knows that the sanity and serenity of today are the gifts they have received for their efforts and their faith.With practice, they are learning to trust the peace.
Today's Reminder: Today I will relish my serenity. I know that it is safe to enjoy it,
I know that I felt incredibly uncomfortable at first. I had grown to live amidst the chaos. But that wasn't my "normal," and my body knew it! So many stressors came out physically through my body... it was amazing the things that cleared up when I became more serene and able to handle the chaotic times through my actions guided by Al-Anon.
I hope everyone enjoys their holiday weekend. I posted early since the electric company is "threatening" power outages in my area tomorrow and Sunday due to the excessive heat... so I can at least be proactive about that! Tomorrow is supposed to be near 111 degrees! I sure hope the power stays on!
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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
In trying to be proactive and post the night before I am supposed to, I ended up posting the C2C for Sept 4th!!!
So please forgive, as this wonderful share has already been posted by Freetime.
Let's try this again, shall we??
Today's Reminder: When I take the Seventh Step, I pray that whatever interferes with my Higher Power's will for me may be removed. I don't have to have all the answers. I need only be willing. (emphasis by me)
Today's C2C share talks about the 7th Step: "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."
The author speaks of their list of shortcomings including a whole catalogue of feelings. They looked forward to the day when they would never have to experience the feelings of anger, fear, and guilt. Of course, they found that day never arrived. Instead, through Al-Anon, they have come to realize that feelings are NOT shortcomings. The true nature of the author's problem as they saw it was the stubborn refusal to acknowledge feelings, to accept them, and to let them go. They made a note that they have very little power of when and how feelings arise, but what they choose to do about them is their responsibility.
So I am feeling all sorts of embarrassment, and a little anger at myself for making this mistake ( I hate to waste my time, or others' time). But you know what? These are feelings that are out of proportion to the thing they are relating to... I am only human. And last night, a very tired human! LOL! I work on my issues with personal perfection almost on a daily basis. So this was my HP's way of telling me, "See! It is OK to make a mistake. What you need to work on, P&P are the feelings you direct towards yourself. Be gentle towards yourself."
Each day as I commute to work, I do a 7th Step. I ask my HP to help me to be more patient, more kind, and to not let frustration show in my voice... b/c the frustration is usually towards myself, but it comes off as towards others. I know that these are my shortcomings, and I humbly ask for positive guidance each morning. I do think it helps me to be in a better state of mind for the day ahead.
I am melting here!! I hope that wherever you are reading this, that your day is cooler... maybe with a summer shower!!
&
__________________
"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, thanks for your service and great shares. Perhaps about two months ago, I also posted the wrong date. And you are correct, we are only human and will never get everything exactly right. And thats OK. Progress not perfection helps me let go of things I could criticize myself for, but I have already done enough self-criticism for my entire life. Laughing is good!
I also do a 7th Step each morning along with my talk I have with HP. Its kind of my prayer time but I also just talk to God. And I feel more than ready and willing to have all my defects of character removed. READY!
LOL, thanks Lyne. I don't even remember when you did the same thing, so thanks for making me feel better!
I agree with what you said about criticism... I have done enough to myself to last two lifetimes... ENOUGH ALREADY!
Ready as well, &
__________________
"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
Lately I have been flicking through the steps- and wondering if I missed anything out. I was a blue funk when I did them- several times. I focus on the first word a lot= humbly.
I don't think I was humble when I started out. I was broken and desperate. Deep down, I realise now I was arrogant. But there were so many parts of my personality that had not developed. No chance to.
I called "my poisionality" at the time which was a pretty fair description.
So it's a kind of a mish-mash of thing that spring to mind with this reading.... Just being in a group and having a lot of the rough edges knocked off- or whittled down is a great asset.
I do have step 10- to do stuff that springs to mind.
Or when I am in the same orbit as someone- there may be an opportunity to say or do something- towards an amends.
'It's a journey" is a darned cliche.
But sometimes it does fit the picture.
I always say that recovery is not a product- it's a process.
There is always more stuff to do- when the opportunity presents... and I can always get a lot more function into my life, in the mean time. ...
Happy Sunday MIP family! Speaking only for myself, I have no doubt that doing 'this' would have caused me some significant 'self-berating' before recovery. What a gift to be able to just say, OOPS, it happens, I am human and all is well? This for me perfectly aligns with Step 7 - when we ask for help and we remain ready, small changes happen and life just feels better. I do still believe that it is through recovery efforts that I am comfortable in my own skin most of the time.
There are times still where I have self-doubt and feel 'less than'....what is different is I have tools to help me find my truth and continue to move forward. I 100% believe that the grace of a power greater than I has helped with my shortcomings and also gives me opportunities every day to grow, change, heal and continue forward.
Thank you PnP for your service and the daily. Thank you all for your shares & ESH. I hope everyone is having a great weekend...
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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 sure hope the power stays on! 
& 
Thanks P. and Lyne...
Thanks for y'all reflections and shares...