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 page from One Day at a Time in AlAnon draws inspiration from the slogan Easy Does It: We can not, nor should not, try to work on too many recovery concepts at once lest we become overwhelmed and discouraged.
We are encouraged to take a single AlAnon recovery concept we read or hear, meditate on it and look for ways to apply it in all aspects of our life during the day. In this way, we give it our full focus and are more likely to see and feel benefits of spiritual growth. "If I learn nothing more in AlAnon than to keep hands off what is not truly my business, this alone will lighten and brighten my life." - Unknown ------------------------------------ When I found AlAnon, I knew quickly that I had stumbled upon gold; the ideas and concepts were foreign yet rang true at a deep level that would eventually fuel a (somewhat reluctant, grudging) spiritual awakening. I wanted to all of the ideas and concepts transfused immediately, results and changes just as quick...I wanted serenity.
Looking back, and even still today, my most memorable and impactful growth rises from deep contemplation, meditation and focus on one concept at a time. When I do this, it helps me get deeper into the core of my why's and see more ways I can apply it.
This has really helped change the program from a dizzying blur of 'shoulds' and shouldn'ts into meaningful concepts that affect many areas of my life.
I am very grateful for the wisdom and guidance of the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for your service and share. I love the slogan Easy Does It because for all the reasons stated above, it just makes sense. Piling on too much for oneself is not a good plan. So just for today I will try and practice Easy Does It.
Lately, I am finding it hard to really sit with, and meditate about Al-Anon concepts. My time is literally consumed with trying to pay down the marital debt I got stuck with. Before COVID, I was interspersing this work "ethic" with fun time with my friends. Now I just work. Even my time in the yard seems like work, instead of Joy.
I come on here before I start my day as part of my "meditation." I believe it is helping me to stay centered... at least trying.
I think I need to think harder on 'Rome was not built in a day,' and Easy Does It. Thank you for the reminder!
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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 Tuesday MIP...thank you Paul for your service and the daily. Thank you all for your shares and ESH. I could write novels about wanting what I want when I want it, my lack of patience, and my practice of extreme piling of actions/solutions - but why? Easy Does It and all it entails is a learned behavior for me, not natural. I have to truly just stop my mind in the morning as it wants to churn and when it begins the churn, it's all about the daily plan, time management, tasks, etc. I do not know where I acquired 'this' yet it's a hard habit for me to change/improve.
I have been battling a cold for almost a week now. I am hopeful it's only a cold - have had a Covid test just in case. I haven't been exposed to the virus, so waiting patiently for the results. Needless to say, I've been forcing myself to take it easy, rest often and just be aware that healing is what matters right now. When I don't feel well, my mind can truly turn ant hills into mountains and staying centered is a big challenge. So, I'm just trying to take it easy, rest when I feel I need to and heal. I'll let you know how that goes - it's a one day at a time situation for sure.
Make it a good day all - I am off to find some lunch/brunch and then a nap.
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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
Mornings are also my time for meditation, the quiet stillness of mornings dawn is one of my favorite times of the day. It helps me calibrate for the day, offers a strong and healthy reference for serenity's potential.
It is a good reminder that I am not the only one who can let that serenity slip through my fingers if I do not hold onto it; the alternative is much less enjoyable, but thanks to AlAnon I spend much, much less time there. Even when I find myself there, I know the tools and how to use them to return to a place of piece...that is an incredible gift from the program.
Hang in there PnP, IAH rest up and best recovery. Hard to do with 40 degree swings and return of ice and snow!
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
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