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 reading for Monday, 8/30, talks about how ones attitude dictates the way we experience the world. This came about through the members sponsor asking them to use a grievance list, and then gratitude lists when feeling low, unhappy about family, and/or when feeling fine. The member was surprised to see that the grievance list was very similar to the gratitude listsame people, same house, same life. The member realized the only change was how they felt about them. The member also realized attitude is powerful. Not everyday will be good, but we have a choice about our perception of things.
Quote: Change your thoughts and you change your world.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I will never forget a trained addiction counselor telling me that I could change how I felt. That instead of being dragged around by my A, I had a choice. I thought this guy was nuts. If I could just change the way I felt I wouldnt need therapy or alanon or any help at all. But of course how to achieve this goal was no easy task. It took meetings and a sponsor, working the steps, using slogans and program friends, but, eventually I could get a grip and change my attitude, which then could make lemonade from lemons. To this day I practice going over my choices, and which tools or people I need help from, and yes, my attitude changes my experience. This is absolutely one of the best gifts of this program. Need I say Im a grateful member? !
An Attitude of Gratitude is what I am learning to live by today! I have found that it helps me stay out of the negative head-space that can be my default if I let it!
Debbie - I am sorry to hear that you are battling some health issues. The Light of my Being, and the strength of my HP I am sending to you! I hope that you can get back to those walks (even if they may be less in miles).
__________________
"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
You all are truly my "other" family with the program wisdom that immediately puts me and keeps me in the recovery attitude I so needed to have and practice. I cannot read the ESH offered here without thinking what it was like before I surrendered to my HP and our program.
Amazing how very close to death I came and then rose from the floor into the light of recovery. Truly a miracle!! Mahalo for your loving service and loyal care. I've got another chance no matter what else is happening. ((((hugs))))
MIP friends, thank you all for sharing about attitudes. I clearly remember the night I was in one of my first Al-Anon meetings and heard them read the line "changed attitudes aid recovery." That's when I began to understand what the program could do for me and what I could do for myself. Changed attitudes! Looking at things a different way. And getting help from others to do that.
I used to ride public transportation to work. There was this one train operator who, when we got to the downtown station where most of us passengers got off the train, he would announce over the loudspeaker "XYZ Station. Choose to have a great day." I used to laugh at how goofy that was. Now I know it was wise.
So, at the risk of being goofy -- Choose to Have a Great Day.
Happy Monday MIP. I did not even realize how negative my outlook & attitude were BR (Before Recovery). I had become conditioned to expect the worst, look for the bad, focus on what's broken, etc. I too recall when I read the line 'changed attitudes aid recovery'. At first glance, I thought it sounded trite and silly. Yet, with time, a bit of sanity restored, a good sponsor and practicing what's suggested in this program, I now see that I truly do have a choice in how I embrace a day, a moment, a situation, etc.
While I have absolutely no idea what the future will bring to me, I do have the ability to trust this program, my HP and my progress to do what is sound and rational vs. emotional and irrational. I will slip - I offered to call the rehab center and rip on a nurse for my father who's frustrated with little information flowing - which we jointly decided wasn't necessary now.
I am grateful that I choose joy each day. In spite of the many emotions I am experiencing of late, I make sure I do something for me each day that brings me joy or peace. I continue to work out, golf, talk to my recovery support, sponsor, etc. I am trying to make no changes for 'me' yet be of service to my parents. It worked when they battled Covid so hopeful it works again.
Love and light all - for the record, masked always, I still choose to smile at complete strangers as I go about my day. I believe a smile shows in the eyes as well as the lips. (((Hugs)))
__________________
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
