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 from C2C reminds us that no problem lasts forever.
No matter how large or central a problem may seem, like other experiences in our ever-changing life, it is sure to pass. Each experience can help us grow because difficult situations bring out qualities that might not have been apparent, like courage, faith, and a need for community. Patience is sometimes required because some wounds cannot heal quickly. As we wait for healing, we can focus on the new capabilities we are developing and share our journeys with each other.
Today's Reminder: Remembering that this too shall pass can make it easier to get through a difficult day. I will be very gentle with myself during this time. Some extra loving care and attention to myself can make everything a little easier.
Today's Quote: . . . I am equal to what life presents, when I use the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the slogans, literature, sponsorship, conventions, and most importantly, meetings. . . . In All Our Affairs
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I remember when I first started attending Al-Anon meetings and posting on this board, it seemed to me that my problems had no end and I was hopeless that anything would change. It was that desperation that drove me to meetings and kept me coming back at first. Looking back at my journey now, I can see how things were changing along the way, little by little. I can see myself as healthier and happier, with qualities that I strengthened through exercising them.
Last night was a prime example. I decided that I would meet a friend for an outdoor walk when I'm in town to drop a sample off at the vet clinic. AW does not like this friend, but the feeling is one-sided. I think she really just doesn't like that I have a friend. Anyway, in the past, she's reacted negatively to such information, and I've changed my plans because of it. This keeps me isolated and unhappy. Last night, I told her of my plan, and said I was just letting her know what my decision was. Then I moved on to a different topic. She let go of her response and I did not open myself up to a discussion where I might be tempted to change my plans in exchange for a bit of peace. THat's where I'm seeing the program work today.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thanks Skorpi for your service and great ESH. I actually learned how important this concept was when dealing with people in pain in my former field of mental health. If we can learn to wait a day, and hour, or whatever manageable piece of time we can get through, the next minute or hour or day can be completely different, and possibly better. When I have been suffering emotionally, I try to remind myself that this too shall pass. Im not saying its easy, but its a very important tool to have in our toolbox.
Happy Wednesday, happy Hump Day & Happy St. Patrick's Day to one and all. Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily. Thank you all for your shares and ESH. 'This too shall pass' has been a lovely tool -- it reminds me to just breathe and know that change is coming!
As with most slogans, I found it quaint and silly when I arrived. Also, as with the other slogans, I have found great strength & comfort in picking them up and using them. Each day, I am reminded that being teachable (humble) is a gift that I can accept or decline. I try to accept and keep growing, changing and learning.
I have changed up who I go to when I am in pain. I've grown used to leaning on my gal pals vs. my AH, simply because the latter can be very much like the 'going to the hardware store for bread'. Long story short, we are quasi-estranged from our oldest/family. We had some tornado(s) Monday evening, so I reached out to check on them. He did not respond, so I followed up almost 24 hours later (via text, both). I then got a super nasty text message with baggage & his version of past events. The last statement was to not contact him again.
Needless to say, not expected but truly not surprised. I am constantly reminded how very damaging this disease is and how far it reaches. I shared with my AH, who defended my son and an argument followed. He was able to spew his thoughts and then he vacated to the man cave. This is the point, for me, where I typically leave things sit, talk to another, pray, etc. I made a decision to do differently this time.
I went to the man-cave, calmly stated my position and suggested I deserved to be heard. In the past, this has never, ever, ever gone 'well'...much to my surprise, for whatever reason, he actually listened and responded rationally instead of reacted. Trust me when I say I will NOT assume this to be a new normal nor will I expect 'it' again. All I know is that for that moment last night, for a reason only HP knows, my AH heard me and I am truly grateful.
My corned beef is in the crock-pot - smells heavenly. My taters, carrots, cabbage are ready to join when it's time. I am excited for my favorite meal today -- and am choosing to have a good day, no matter what else happens around me. Love and light MIP, (((hugs))) too!!
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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
This too shall pass- is not an officially recognised slogan- as far as I can see. [Ah, I seat is quoted in C2C!] But I scoffed at it. I was loaded up with grief and anger and fear. One time my HP was being fairy prosaic. And told me to take the stressors out of my life- one by one. Trying to pass them all at once was not going to work, really.
I had a range of psychosomatic conditions, which I had learned to take for granted. From my toes to my ears- and all in between. Stinking thinking was just one of them.
I gave this last item a more elegant name:- The Paralysis of Analysis.
The tool and instrument i used was the Serenity Prayer. Also -awareness, acceptance, action.
The acceptance-using my thinking ability- came from the core of the prayer itself.
I think I am reviewing stuff more now- more reflective. More active too, actually- but on my own behalf a lot more.
Thanks Skorpi and Y'all!
At my son's home- with partner and daughter. Had a really good couple of days- fruitful.
In the spiritual sense- but with actual fruit too. Still late harvest here... .
This too shall pass- is not an officially recognised slogan- as far as I can see. [Ah, I seat is quoted in C2C!] But I scoffed at it. I was loaded up with grief and anger and fear. One time my HP was being fairy prosaic. And told me to take the stressors out of my life- one by one. Trying to pass them all at once was not going to work, really.