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 one of our tools - the support through fellowship when we are in need. The writing suggests that racing and crashing thoughts going through our minds - memories, broken promises, fears about the future, failed expectations of self & others - familiar chaos that we can now recognize. This is a signal that our lives have become a bit unmanageable.
Often, we discover that serenity is just a phone call away. When we acknowledge the chaos in our mind, it seems to diminish. When we can step back and step outside the madness of the racing mind, it tends to wash away to return to their proper places. We then can either leave them be or choose to confront, one at a time.
Reminder: If problems arise today, I will try to acknowledge them -- and then put a little spiritual space between my problems and myself. If I can share about them with another person, I will further diminish their power. Recognizing that my life is unmanageable is the first step toward managing it.
Quote: ". . . When we bring things out into the light, they lose their power over us." . . . from In All Our Affairs
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I heard long ago in the rooms of recovery that our secrets keep us sick. The best chance for having real joy and serenity is to work the steps, use the tools and find the courage to be brutally honest. For many of us, it takes time - time to first recognize feelings vs. numb (me), and then time to process the feelings. I had one speed before recovery - fast, forward, perfection -- fail, doubt, anger. Rinse and repeat.
What I know now is I don't have to take swift action ever. My life goes better when I make thoughtful decisions vs. emotionally charged ones. This applies from small to large things. I also know that the best way for me to process when my mind is battling for will back is to write about it, talk about it and pray about it.
I am grateful that reaching out for help is considered a cornerstone of our forward progress. When I arrived, it felt so silly and so weak, yet I tried. What I know now is when I reach out or another reaches out to me, we are both better for it. The gift of fellowship is one I cherish and use daily, esp. with the current pandemic and lack of face to face meetings.
Love and light MIP family. Off to golf this morning - 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
Thank you IAH for your service and great share. This reading is a great reminder that help is available, pausing is an acceptable reaction, program people can give support and comfort, and I don't have to suffer alone with my secrets. Today in fact I am reaching out to my sponsor with something that is bothering me. I will look forward to ESH that will come with this contact. It works when I work it. :)
Thank you both for such great shares,
I really like the reminders that "Pausing is an acceptable reaction."
Enjoy golfing, Iamhere!
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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
My inventory of late has been about bad decisions. Lots of bad decisions that cost me dearly
Latest one was to stay with the ex roommate for 4 months this year
It was mot neant to be 4 months.
So certainly I have ny fill of bad decisions.
Before I only.saw myself in victim mode in thst way. I never owned that thise decosions put ne in a double bind that was almost imposible to get out of.
Then there are more years of more bad decisions never being able to take responsibility for my part in it.
I have to work hard to.make better decisions. Seciding to stay with my former roommate was a disaster. Once i.commited to that decision there was no turning back
I spend s lot of time working on ways to make my life easier. I need a life that is kess stressful. Maybe that will be one good thing that comes out of this Covid crisis. I will have the opportunity to lead a less stressful life. Then my health can improve
I.am privileged to be at a place whete I can take inventory without being submerged in rage and grief. Instead I now have a more gentle attitude tiwards nyself. An attitude that moves towards positive change rather than denial or a reproach that is non negotiable
Maresie
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