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 author of today's page had a belief that, even when facing difficult struggles in life, they had to push themselves to get things done, otherwise they would turn into a slug. Doing a Fourth Step revealed that by being so hard on themselves, they made their own life unmanageable -- and accomplished less. A gentle approach, as in the slogan "Easy Does It", encouraged them to slow down and realize that they were not really behind schedule -- they were right on time.
Today's reminder: "Easy does it" suggests not only that I learn to slow down, but also that I learn to lighten up. Today I will strive to take a more accepting attitude toward myself and to enjoy the day, regardless of what I achieve.
Quote from This Is Al-Anon: "Improving our own attitudes, and our own state of mind, takes time. Haste and impatience can only defeat our purposes."
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"Easy Does It" was never my favorite slogan. It is so simple, I didn't think it had any meaning. Today's reading has given me a new appreciation. I too can be hard on myself and have very high expectations of what I should do, should be, should feel. That can bring a lot of unnecessary self-imposed stress that damages my serenity.
I think I've achieved an Easy Does It attitude today with this daily posting. Usually I read, reflect, and write on the weekly Friday reading for MIP on Thursday night, and post it before going to bed. That is my expectation of myself. I want to be on time for my MIP friends, even though none of you told me that was your expectation.
Last night, my HP was hinting to me that I should call my dear friend who years ago carried the message to me about Al-Anon. So I did, and we had a lovely chat about how we both love it when life is boring and there is really no news to report to each other. She shared with me an easy nutritious recipe that has only two ingredients that she makes in her microwave -- now that is Easy Does It. That's what I did during the time I would normally work on the MIP posting -- talked with my friend. So, I will be easy on myself that this post is later than normal.
I am going to reflect more on how Easy Does It can lead to serenity. MIP friends, how do you take it easy on yourself?
-- Edited by Freetime on Friday 2nd of April 2021 01:04:41 PM
Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily. Easy Does It, like other slogans, to me felt trite and silly. Yet, as a former right-fighter, I literally made exhaustive lists of 'to-dos', overloading my days, commitments, etc. Most of this, I now realize, was in an attempt to be/look perfect, resist looking at me/my part and to distract me from what was truly important.
Slowing down is not a natural state for me. I walk fast, talk fast, prefer to be super busy, etc. Balance was a foreign concept to me and while I am and will remain a work in progress, the healthiest path for me to get closer to balance was literally embracing Easy Does It, (but do it). I have to add that second part or I can/will become a couch potato!!
My life is much easier today. I might do a list, I might not. What's most important to me each day is spending quality time on my recovery, attitude and spiritual condition. When I start & end my day as suggested - the program way - things truly seem to fall in place. Love and light all - find and keep your joy!
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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
Freetime. Thanks for your service and the slogan easy does it is one of my all-time favorites and today was a classic for applying this slogan that is helping me slow down and be mindful
I had a lot of chores to do today and I just made a mental list of OK what do I need to do first and then second and then third until I get tired and tomorrow is another day because I am not going to push myself and when I let that sink in for a minute, I got everything done going slow and easy does it no pressure, I got the wash done, I got the dogs bathed and their nails trimmed which I do myself and I also worked on their teeth and I have gotten all the tartar off of their teeth now so I can just brush and then I did my hair I trimmed it and I just went at a Eazy does It pace and I got everything done. No pressure--no racing around panicking because I am behind or pushing myself too much--it was actually a rather pleasant day. The easier I take on myself or I should say the less pressure I put on me, the better I feel and the more I get done and I do A better job because I am not putting pressure on me. But like you in the beginning its like I didnt really put much importance on this slogan, not knowing that this very slogan is the one that is helping me with my behavioral modification therapy in that I am practicing and re-training me to slow down, be mindful, pay attention, if I hit resistance, back off and come back later. I swear to God this program is a miracle for me. Thank you for your share
Thanks FT for your service and all ESH above. Ive come to love this slogan, Easy Does It, because it reminds me to stop taking myself and life so seriously. I have gotten better at my attitude adjustments, but sometimes the some doom and gloom, self-pressure, or a critical voice can return. Uh Oh to all of that. With keeping Easy Does It and Keep It Simple in mind, I can remind myself to CHILL OUT!
