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 starts with the example of taming a horse. The important thing is not to break the horse's spirit -- and the same with any creature that is full of joy in being alive.
When living with alcoholism had broken the author's spirit, the Al-Anon fellowship allowed that spirit to heal. One thing the author did was to replace the God of other people's understanding with a God that honored their spirit, and could restore the author's true self. Today, enjoying and celebrating life is their way to be in contact with God.
Today's Reminder: Let me make this day a celebration of the spirit. There is a part of me that retains a childlike sense of curiosity, wonder, enthusiasm, and delight. I may have lost touch with it, but I know it still exists. I will set my problems to the side for a little while and appreciate what it means to be vitally alive.
Quote from George Bernard Shaw: "Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."
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Broken spirit -- that describes me when alcoholism took away my sense of safety, love, and joy. And just like today's author, Al-Anon helped me get them back -- to recover them.
I like that phrase "God of other people's understanding". It shows me how pointless it is to base my joy or my self-respect on other people.
I am blessed today to be able to express my spirit whenever and however I want to. I am doing my best to prioritize self-care while also being of service to others, in ways that bring me joy. I can step outside into nature and be grateful for this day.
MIP friends, how will you get in touch with your joyful spirit today?
Yep Freetime- as I have a pony in my profile here I had to say something. And a dog too.
I come from a generation where kids were sometimes regularly beaten at school, and at home. "Spare the rod, and spoil the child."
Soo darned pleased this days are over... mum broke in her own horses. She was a bi too learner and the first attempts really had fostering, or brakes- which was a bit tough on us kids, especially near the highway.
But she would point to a horse which had been badly treated my a male- and yes, I could easily see the consequences of brutality. When we were very young she read from books a couple of times. Black Beaty was one- and if anything was a set-up for namby pampy liberalism Black Beauty was it.
Don't regret this in the least, but it set me at odds with the world- from time to time.
So ah guess ah knows what a broken spirit is all about.
I share this with people who care, and care a lot... and so this generates a strong bond and emotional warmth.
A great reward, and a source of hope and joy.
As a kid I would look at a rotten log and will it to bring forth twigs and leaves.
Well, yes maybe not the same twigs the tree grew out of. And again, from my mum- new life emerges out of sheep poo, horse poo- the whole lot. Makes the grass grow green and fresh looking.
And so do we grow- in the right conditions- yes... ...
FT thank you for your service and for both above shares. I know all about broken spirit--from childhood, loss of my chosen career, and relationships with many addicted persons. I didn't seem like I was supposed to have a self. I existed for others and it was a very painful life.
Alanon is helping me heal. I've discovered a person (me) I can love and respect. I've gotten a voice and make sure I'm heard. A great many things have changed for the better. And the person who has helped me find joy and play, is my granddaughter, now 10. We laugh and can act nutty. She's a blessing. She is helping me heal!
I appreciate your service, Freetime. Thank you to all who have shared their ESH with this topic!
David, you brought up some good childhood memories with mentioning the book, Black Beauty (one of my favorites)! As a kid, I remember reading every animal story in my elementary school library!! I was a voracious reader.
I am not sure how I will honor and celebrate my joyful spirit today... today is a work day... I have to be very precise and focused at work...but classical music playing in the background helps me focus and keeps my joy alive!
Perhaps I will focus on my vacation next week - I haven't had a true, actual vacation in 10 years!! Of course, because of Covid, It won't be where I wanted, or how I wanted (Oh! The plans I made!!), but I will make sure I encourage Joy each day of my "staycation!"
I am feeling the need to create some art, so perhaps that will come into play!
It's FINALLY FRIDAY, y'all!! Thank you for allowing me to reconnect to my program and stay grounded (through the Daily). I am beyond grateful to be waking up without pain, without COVID, and going to a job that I love doing! Thank you HP for blessing me!
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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
Thank you FT for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your shares & ESH. I did feel extremely broken when I arrived at Al-Anon. It took a while for me to realize that Al-Anon was a safe place where I could take what I like, leave the rest, embrace recovery and find support from others who truly understood.
The more I practice staying present and giving my troubles to the God of my understanding, the more I feel centered and at peace. It took me a long while to realize that life is messy, hard, joyful and blissful -- all at once sometimes. For me, living in the past or the future interrupts my choice to find/keep my joy. I am beyond words grateful for this program, the many tools and the ability to be in the here/now as that is the source of my serenity.
Happy Friday MIP family! I am chilling today, taking a break from golf. 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
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