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.
Todays reading is about breaking the big picture into smaller steps, especially as it applies to making changes in our lives. The writer uses a metaphor about having old and out of date wallpaper up in the kitchen. Rather than replace it, the writer begins to accept it so that he/she doesnt have to begin the task of removal, cleaning and replacement. After some time he/she decides to take the paper away a little bit at a time, and approaches all parts of this task in small steps. Similarly, the writer starts to see the possibility of life changes on a big scale by making small changes and using the help of the tools in alanon. The thought for the day includes the concept that our HP may be inviting us to a new journey by giving us the desire to change.
I know I have written about this several times, but when I am feeling overwhelmed by change or intimidated in any way, I think of the smallest daily chores and check them off of a mental list: today I will do the laundry, later I will plan a lesson, then I will make a meal. Sometimes the list has to be pretty mundane- I will brush my teeth, I will write a grocery list. These things give comfort in some way, but what I have noticed is that more meaningful things have begun making the list- I will do a reflection on a reading today, I will work on a new piece of music, etc. The situations in our lives can feel quite daunting at times- hasnt this year shown that so clearly! Looking at the small pieces that make up the bigger picture is a manageable way to make changes in our lives.
Thank you Mary for your diligent service
I.an grateful for the program of Al anon
Breaking things down is so essential. As you all know I have struggled tremendousky this year. I am looking forward to rain (next week).
I have set some goals for myself that are doable. One of my.goals is to set aside time for myself, reduce debt. A major goal.next year is my health. Improving ny health is paramount. The build up to next year's goal is starting now if I want to make a tangibje difference
Earlier this yesr I ran into a lot of difficulty when I had to move out of my apartment. One of the core issues was i stopped doing the core issues, eating right, sleeping right, restung, findings things to enjoy every day
This week I out aside a lot of time to enjoy the mundane. One of them was to be in nature
Another issue was to keeo up with certain goals I have set myself. Debt reduction is a key part of that. In the last recession I was iverwhelned with debt. I could not find a way out of it. The repercussions were enormous.
I appreciate the opportunity to explore what I can do in these very trying times.
I appreciate having the opportunity to be grateful. I also appreciate the opportunity to focus solely on myself. One of my core defects is looking for help in all the wrong places. Then of course I.stick around just in case a few little crumbs of helo will energe
Thank you again for bringibg up this essential topic
Maresie
Thanks Mary for your service. I've learned to make a breakdown of ODAT to one hour at a time and sometimes one minute at a time. Program has taught me to put things into manageable pieces, and I find this extremely helpful.
Happy Sunday MIP. Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your shares and ESH. I do know that for me, it's easy to get overwhelmed when I DON'T break things down into manageable chunks. My mind can handle tasks and forward steps; my mind gets overwhelmed when I just see the 'destination', far away and possibly out of reach.
For me, small changes, one day at a time, have resulted in big changes over time. I am a much better version of me today, more authentic and more serene. What I choose to do today affects today and beyond. The biggest change that was simple to practice was an attitude of gratitude. I now know that even when things in my life are hard, fear-producing, sad, etc. I can still be grateful for all that is good, working right and brings me joy.
Make it a great day all - my football game for the day has been postponed; my plan B is working with 2 sponsees on some step work. I am grateful that Al-Anon suggests we always have a Plan B - it works really well for me. (((Hugs)))
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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
