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 writer shares that when they have racing thoughts and feel they are in chaos, sometimes serenity is just a phone call away. Having someone else acknowledge what is happening, immediately diminishes its effect. The mind becomes more orderly, and the writer is able to decide to set their troubles aside, or decide to deal with them one at a time.
Today's Reminder: If problems arise today, I will try to acknowledge them -- and then put a little spiritual space between my problems and myself. If I can share about them with another person, I will further diminish their power. Recognizing that my life is unmanageable is the first step toward managing it.
Quote from In All Our Affairs: "...when we bring things out into the light, they lose their power over us."
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What jumped out at me from today's page was the mention of a phone call. Throughout my Al-Anon journey, it has happened a number of times that I felt overwhelmed, confused, upset about something that was happening -- and when I reached out or became open with a trusted person (not the person I was upset about) -- I found solutions and relief beyond my wildest dreams. Beyond just acknowledging the issue, I had to actually reach out and reason it out with someone trustworthy. And I am not someone who likes reaching out. I can get anxious about calling people on the phone.
When I shared my truth, I didn't always like the answer I got back -- not right away. One friend explained to me that my husband had an illness, and that I could change my reaction by knowing that. That was not what I wanted to hear. Eventually I came to understand the truth she had shared. I had another friend who, while she couldn't totally relate to my experience with alcoholism, knew I was suffering and offered me a place to take a restorative break. And sponsors -- OMG, I have had two wonderful sponsors, as well as another long-time member I have reached out to. They have helped me see my problems in a new perspective, and offered wisdom I never would have thought of.
Being able to call someone when my "hair is on fire" and to get relief when they help me quench the flames -- that is a miracle that I am always grateful for. I think a higher power has been watching out for me, because I always seemed to reach out to the right person, the one I needed at the time.
MIP friends, what is your experience with reaching out?
Thank you FT for your service and ESH. Yes reaching out is not my strong point, but I am trying to give myself what I need. I do feel I deserve help and peace of mind. This morning I was obsessing about an issue with my son and saying the Serenity Prayer helped. I did my daily text to my alanon friend, and yesterday I had my monthly meeting with a counselor. She gave me an affirmation page to read outloud 21 days in a row. I'm trying that. I know I can take advantage of all the supports from program, siblings, and friends. I will work on gratitude as well.
Good morning sisters and thanks for the spiritual thoughts and experiences. One of the very most important guides I have within my program is the suggestion, "If you keep and open mind...you will find help" and that works and has always worked for me. It was gifted to me by my former sponsor who I am sure was gifted with it by his sponsor and every other person/member he helped and was helped by in our program of recovery. I eliminate the "If" and practice, practice, practice the keeping part. Believing is a reality for me. I no longer mess with keeping or not keeping the experiences that are given to me. My sponsor use to use the idea and thought that if it worked for another member it will work for me if I "Duplicate" the experience in my own life. Mahalo HP for the gift and miracle of this program....
