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Post Info TOPIC: Courage to Change September 16


~*Service Worker*~

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Courage to Change September 16


In today's reading from courage to change, the author reflects on how, in the face of seemingly impossible problems, it is easy to believe that our most negative thoughts indicate reality. Worst-case-scenarios are plead in a convincing way, and a positive outcome seems impossible. However, the loudest voices are not necessarily the truest. No matter how overwhelming or enduring a feeling might be, a feeling is just a feeling. It is not a prophecy. A good outcome is just as likely as a bad outcome. We are powerless over the results of our actions, so all we can do is make good choices today, and let tomorrow take care of itself. 

Today's Reminder: Today I will place the future in my Higher power's hands. I trust that by turning it over, it can be used for my good.  

Today's Quote: "This time, Like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it." Ralph Waldo Emerson 

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Some days, I open C2C, and the reading seems to be shouting at me. Today is one of those days. I've been worrying about the reaction of my former renters to a reduction in their security deposit due to the dirty state of the apartment when they left. A deep cleaning was needed, because the state of things nearly caused the new renter to break the lease, and did cause me to spend 17 hours over 2 days scrubbing. To say the least, it was gross. I know the time I spent working, I know the costs of the cleaning products are correct, I know that what I purchased was needed and necessary. So, why the stress over their reaction? And yet, every time, stress and anxiety rear their heads. "pleaing a worst-case scenario" that can immobilize. I've found that in such times, waiting is the key. It gives me time to calm down, to go through the emotions, and to be able to think more logically about things. 

And I think that in this, I see the beauty of the Al-Anon program. I arrived because of an alcoholic, but I stay because of me, because I find applications for the program in every aspect of my life. I find the tools of the program useful in my everyday experiences, even when an alcoholic isn't involved. 



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Skorpi

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu



~*Service Worker*~

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Thank you Skorpi for your service, the daily and your ESH. Oh my --- I recall a time when my son was evicted from an apartment. I went over there and scrubbed for almost a week - it was utterly disgusting and clearly had been lived in by an addict who 'entertained'. Long story short, they kept the entire deposit after asking if I wanted a job cleaning apartments when folks moved out. My sons and similar in their age group don't even expect their deposits returned - it's shocking/news to me.

I do all that I can each day to stay present in this day. I can still easily go to the future and worry or the past when sad and neither does me good. With this pandemic, I've taken some extra time talking with God each day as it's presented new challenges for everyone and I've never been a super patient soul. I'm practicing, one day at a time, being part of the solution and the best way I know to do that is to just keep my head/heart over where my feet are planted.

Happy hump day all - went to do my volunteer gig this morning, and was not needed....I love, love, love the gift of time - 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

 

 



~*Service Worker*~

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Thank you Skorpi for your service and for both truly great shares. I can relate to what both of you wrote and the reading of course. I'm in a situation with my son and have the choice of worrying about he feels and what he will do, or I can focus on myself, do what's best for me, and trust my HP to have my back at all times. I did what others needed me to do for most of my life. Program has taught me I'm allowed to be me and I need to trust that things will come out as they should. It's a huge leap of faith, but I don't like the options. I can come first, and I will never be perfect. Growth is not for sissies.

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Lyne



~*Service Worker*~

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I have had as you all know a pretty hard year. I could not.ever have imagined the events that have unravelled this year The good news is that I am now in therapy. One of the things I am working on is viewing the future as a time of joy rather than diom. Many years ago I was moving to an aoartment. During the move I was absolutely saturated with a feeling of impending doom. I put that down to unreasonable feelimgs. A few minths thereafter my life fell apart largely from issues out of my.control. So these days I like to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. In some waus that is good thing. I will be first in line for the flu vaccine when it comes out next week. I an working long hours so I can pay off a big debt. I have already paid off half of it. I do not know where the other half will come from. I try to be grounded in what I can exoect and how I can work to vetter care for myself. One of the good things this year is I am wollimg to take 100% responsibility fir my happiness. Obe of my core issues in a relationship is that I wanted the other persin to make me happy. I assigned then that role without consulting with them. Then I resented that they were not living uo to that assigned role! Maresie

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