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 page asks for our reflection to identify what really holds us back from turning things over to a higher power (HP) or God. It may not be an HP issue, or nature of the problems we hold on to. It likely is a growth opportunity to Let Go, Let God/HP.
There is a cost to putting faith in something greater: it takes away a perceived expectation of outcome; we are not in control. There are no guarantees in life even when we try to control everything, but by following the spiritual program of AlAnon and developing trust in a HP, we have the opportunity to change our lives for the better and find serenity.
"Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand." - Aurelius Augustinus ------------------- I struggled with the HP concept when I found AlAnon; I thought it was because I was an intentional atheist with issues about God. In fact, it was the issue of control that I was struggling with.
The Steps only asked that I believe that something, anything other than me, could restore me to sanity. That I turn my will and my life over to something/one bigger than me. I struggled...I didn't want to yield.
Today my blessings and peace are directly related to the degree I follow the steps and turn over my efforts to control over to an HP of my understanding. So grateful for the wisdom and benefits of AlAnon
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for your service and share. I did come to program with a spiritual belief system in place, but I was emotionally upside down and full of blame. I was also embarrassed about the deterioration of my marriage and just devastated about life in general.
Besides for learning to let go and let God, live and let live, the teachings in our Serenity Prayer, my very wise sponsor wanted me to practice having NO expectations. At first I thought that was an impossible task, but soon became dedicated to practicing this suggestion. With no expectations, blame can disappear, and it is easier to practice many other parts of alanon that are good for my health and well-being. Grateful member.
Thank you Paul for your service and great share about how you looked at this idea.
I struggled too. I am doing better since accepting that I want to control the outcome of everything! LOL! All joking aside, I am grateful for the wisdom as well.
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The area where I live is under an "Evacuation Watch" due to fire. In other words, be ready to go at a moments notice. I have packed the essentials and important paperwork. We are ready. I am praying to HP that the winds do not kick up today. If any of you could spare some prayers, I would be grateful. I will probably be offline for a day or two.
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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 Paul for your service and the daily....thanks to all for your shares & ESH. PnP - you have been in my prayers since these darn fires began - I too hope the winds stay calm for the day. Check in when you can!
I arrived with an upbringing of organized religious teachings. I had absolutely no faith in that faith as it had let me down over and over again - or so I thought. It took me a while to truly realize I could be my own worst enemy in the self-will area as well as the ego area. For a variety of unknown reasons, I've always wanted to be 'right' and be 'in charge'. Believing in a power greater than I was easier to grasp - accepting a power greater than I would truly lead me to sanity & a better way was really, really hard to swallow.
I am better today than I was when I arrived and better today than yesterday. I am grateful for a patient, graceful HP who realizes I am human, will make mistakes and will battle often with my ego and will. I catch myself often during that lovely pause we talk about and often redirect with the prayer that follows.
While I don't know much about much at all, I do know that I have more peace when I practice patience, unconditional love and unconditional acceptance of all others exactly as they are for this day only. I am convinced that 'my way' was clearly flawed or I would have been able to find peace and serenity without this program and a HP. I'm 100% fine with admitting I am one of many and am no lesser than or greater than anyone else. It feels peaceful to be authentically flawed today - letting go of control truly gave me tons of freedom.
I am off to do a new golf league - we play 5 different 9 holes for the next 5 weeks. It's colder here today and rain is in the forecast - could be quite the adventure. Love and light all....make it a great day!
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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
P&P, so sorry to hear, that is a scary situation. Thoughts and prayers with you; it is a tough year again out west, my family was forced to evacuate and fortunate to not suffer loss, but a difficult ordeal.
Lyne, I like your sponsor's recommendation. I find that when I allow myself to make exceptions in the program, I end up with too many...exceptions. I do much better when I stick to the script.
IAH, what a difference a day makes, eh? Hello Fall, hope you had fun!
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Intentional Atheist!! Yeppers I understand that one because it was part and parcel of Jerry F's rageful egotism. When I was pissed there was no other God but my anger and then came program where I learned more that then there was no other God at all. It took me a long time seemingly at sea in rolling stormy waves before the fellowship held me and caused me to find serenity and peace. I love it still though current conditions with illness and weather cause me to grit up, clench my teeth and muscles and chance outcomes to the program and its tools which of course work.
This is a thank you morning sooooo thank you all so much. (((((hugs)))))
I have had to resort to turning things over because life has been so out of contr
What s hard thing to do. What s necessary thing to fo. What sn impossibke thing to do
Life on my terms did nit work out too well.
Maresie
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