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, 10/5, reminds us that to Think gives us the choice about where to put our attention. At times our thoughts may be on depression, doom sayings, and/or complaining, but its much more productive to look for positive qualities in ourselves, our circumstances, and in other human beings. The author says they believe they have a beautiful spirit that has been created for some purpose, and those around also have beauty and purpose. Even the most difficult times have produced wonderful changes.
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This writing reminds me that if I can focus on myself instead of others, and if I can look for assets, gratitude, and blessings, that I can be serene, content, and/or fulfilled. Im not saying that I can do this every minute of every day, but with practice I am able to turn my thoughts to positive endeavors. I spent years thinking about fear, negativity, and what I cannot control. Now I want to spend my time and energy on the tools that alanon has given me. It really does work when I work it.
Thank you Lyne for your service, and your wise share!
For years I lived with the belief that if I prepared myself for the worst scenario, I would a) be ready if it happened, and b) be delighted if it didn't. However, all that really gave me was unrest and the habit of negative thinking... which would bring me down emotionally. Many times I would still be ambushed by the feelings that came with the scenario... so not truly effective, huh?
Al-Anon has taught me to think and look at things in a different light... a more positive light. When I do so, I am happier and more content. Are some days a real chore do make my mental Gratitude List? Yes. But even on the worst days, I find that this simple tool really can work for me!!
Hope everyone here enjoys the first day of the week! &
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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
Happy Monday MIP! Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your shares & ESH. A part of me feels relieved to practice thinking about what's good in my life, all that I have to be grateful for and focus on uplifting things vs. the opposite. I guess that relief comes from spending more than half my life focused well beyond myself, to include so many, many things I could not control. I also was so full of fear, that my life felt like a gloom/doom cloud - rare moments of genuine joy and tons of anxiety.
I am a better person, daughter, friend, mother, etc. when I can just stay present, focused on what I can do/affect change and practice gratitude. There are areas of my life that are still sad, broken, uncertain, chaotic, etc. (sons) yet that's not the 'all of me'. I have learned through recovery that I can be happy, serene and sane no matter what another is/is not doing. I just have to lean into my program, trust my HP and do the next right thing.
I'm grateful for a different way to live, think and be as well as for all the many tools/teachings in recovery. I often wonder where I'd be without it and then decide I am in a better place and that's what matters. (((Hugs))) to 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
Good on me for coming tonight and sitting back and reading the ESH you three have to share. It again gives me an opportunity to see the picture from different angles which is on inventory method taught to me by my former sponsor Don.T. I use to think I always had the answer to a problem and could self sponsor while still having the problem later. One evening after going thru this same process with him he asked me to hand him a picture that was sitting nearby. I looked at it and told him what I saw and then he canted the picture to a different angle and asked, "How do you see it now"? I got his point, So often when I think I got it I may have the wrong angle. The picture is the same, my sight is off. He left me with a question to remember, "Could you be wrong"?
I am in re-inventory again and looking at the question why do I do what I do. I am taking my time not jumping at answers and after apparently finding one or two asking the question, "Could I be wrong"?
I have found that even without true intention I can do and say things that can hurt others. I am not looking for perfection but wanting a more favorable, supportive, behavior for others. ((((Hugs))))
-- Edited by JerryF on Monday 5th of October 2020 08:31:59 PM
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