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 reading for Monday, 9/14, talks about how the author decided it was best not to hope for anything. Life lessons were too painful, hopes became shattered, and despair set in. The writer says eventually they were completely shut down emotionally, and they refused to care or hope for anything.
But with the help of a Higher Power and the Steps, the author came to see that there is every reason to have hope. One cannot overcome the painful lessons of a lifetime overnight, but it is safe to feel, to hope, and even to dream.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
When I came to program I was used to being disappointed, disillusioned, and sick of broken promises. I was so sad that I could not risk being hopeful only to be hurt yet once again. The fall back down from hopeful to devastated was way too painful. I was unable to risk being hopeful.
But the great toolbox Ive been given with steps, slogans, and support from so many people, really have given me a different and better attitude. I decided that if I could feel happy or at peace for even a moment, Ill take it. Yes there will be problems, but there is also a good side to life if I will allow myself to see it and embrace it. Attitude and acceptance are key. Thank you alanon.
I do feel.more at oeace these days than I have for a long time
I know that i can achieve some of ny goals
I also think.i.am more at peace about letting go of certain rekationships. One being the former roommate who I have known for 20 years
I also feel hopeful about the future. That is despite considerable stressors, illness (surgery), separation (from my.dog), uncertainity and last but not least big bills to pay
I am not sure I would have got to the oeace part without al.anon. i.am very grateful.
Maresie
Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your shares & ESH. When I got hear, I felt so broken and defeated. Heck - hope was just another four-letter word and I really had none. Slowly, as sanity returned and the fog lifted, I found hope - seemingly in the shares, eyes and patience of others at meetings. I was dumbfounded that they could share their histories and experience with this disease and the diseased and yet, smile, laugh and find goodness in their lives and their days.
Borrowed hope fulfilled me until I found small bits of my own. When I can check my attitude at the door, find gratitude for what is working and all that I have instead of focusing on what I want life to be, I'm hopeful. I can still 'want' for more when life throws curve balls, but am better at picking up our tools and retooling me, my attitudes and outlooks. When I am at my best, I strongly believe that the best is yet to come. When I am left of center, I am satisfied with getting through a day. What I do know today is the Al-Anon way is far better for me than the 'my way' of before. I can be sad, I can be disappointed and I can be frustrated with people, places and things....that's real. I don't have to dwell or obsess or give my power away though - it's always a choice.
Happy Sunday all....golfed today for the first time in a few days as we've had some rain. Praying for PnP and all affected by the fires on the west coast. 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
