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 begins with the reaction we have when something surprises us: Wow! The writer describes this as a response to the beauty of a brand new day. What strikes the writer is the understanding that the blue sky, fall foliage and beauty of the day was not because of anything he/she had done or said. The writer had no more control over this days weather than any other, and this realization led him/her to know that there were many things not within his/her control, and there was relief in that.
The writer goes on to say that taking the time to notice these wow moments is so important, including the appreciation that it was not a self made creation.
This reading made me think of how we work at acknowledging what is not within our control, but I admit that I often have associated that with things that are not so positive or uplifting as a perfect autumn morning. I have worked at understanding that I cant control someone elses behaviors and actions, but the same relief that comes front hat can be applied to knowing I did not influence the leaves on the trees or the blue in the sky. I can choose to appreciate those as gifts. As children were look to adults to guide us and control our worlds, but the truth is, the older I get, I realize how few things I have control over! The difference for me now is- I used to feel that being powerless over a situation was anxiety inducing; by and large now it is a relief that says: I am not in charge of this, but I can choose to appreciate it.
The thought for the day is a perfect start to my week: I take time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds me.
I hope everyone enjoys some beauty and peace on this Sunday:)
Now that I have made a conscience effort to start my day in Gratitude, I thank my HP every morning for the day presented to me... sometimes it is the crisp, sharp colors of that perfect Autumn day, sometimes it is cloudy, grey and cool. Yes, I even thanked her for those scorching hot summer days! For each season has it's colors. I am thankful to be able to see ans discern all of them!
As I was contemplating your share, it made me think of my life... as an extension of how many look at life in "age stages." When "you" are young, there comes a time when you realize that you are not in charge, and you have to follow your parent's rules, and cowtow to the powers that be outside of your family circle. Then sometime around the teenage years, humans develop autonomy, and start bending/breaking those conventions/rules.Some personal power comes from that. Humans begin to see that they are in charge of their lives... but many times that begins to transfer over to other things. There is a period in young adulthood (and for some it extends for many years), where "we" feel powerful, almost omnipotent. But as we age, acceptance that we are not all "That" begins to be realized. We have moved past the "Age of Self" and entered into the "Age of Enlightenment."
I feel this pathway is a circuitous route... full of pitfalls... and not always easy. I believe it is similar for humans, yet different for each person.
Just my thoughts... thanks for letting me share.
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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 Sunday MIP family. Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your ESH & shares. I have a cold and spent most of the night coughing....of course, in the middle of a pandemic, nobody wants to believe it's just a cold. I am reasonably confident that's all and I fully understand the concern. It just makes me giggle how, many loving folks with the best of intentions, want to tell me what to do about 'it'. Thank goodness I do have a program and try to line up with it each day as I can truly be my most unbearable person when I am HALT and I am tired today.
We woke up to some cloudy/gloomy skies. I was perfectly OK with that as I also woke up knowing I did not have to go any where or do anything today. I did some quiet things and self care and then took a pre-game nap. I'm now watching football and that's the extent of my plan, just for today.
I am as powerless over my cold as I am over others' concern for me as well as the kind of weather we are having. I love that recovery has helped me understand and accept that I the simple Serenity Prayer just speaks volumes to me. At any point in my day, if/when I take the time to truly consider the present, it is much clearer to me what is within my scope and what is not. I'm also very grateful that recovery has taught me to slow down, be in this moment as best I can and seek out or search for the miracles. When I remain open, I'm amazed at what I see, hear, smell, feel, etc.
Enjoy your day all - Joel was pretty darn good this morning too. For all the golf I've been playing lately, I did not realize how I miss my winter Sunday routine. It's all good in my world, grateful!
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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
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