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.
In today's reading, the author shares that Al-Anon meeting opened their eyes to something they had not considered before: shouting and slamming doors might not be the best way to handle an already difficult situation. Loud and angry actions demonstrated the author's frustration and pushed away all hope for a peaceful resolution.
In considering their behavior, the author now asks themselves if their behavior is in line with how they want to behave, and if the behavior got the author what they wanted and encouraged them to feel good about themselves.
The slogan "easy does it" is one the author has found brings them back to a rational state.
Today's Reminder: I am seeking a saner approach to everything I encounter. The slogans can be valuable sources of sanity in chaotic situations. Today, if I am tempted to act out of anger or frustration, I will remember that "East Does It."
Today's Quote: "I will try to apply "Easy Does It." to every incident that might increase the tension and cause an explosion." One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
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The Al-Anon slogans help me to slow down, calm down, and THINK before I do anything. They have been a useful tool for me to move from reacting to responding, and I'm really grateful to have them!
Easy Does It wasn't a slogan that really spoke to me. I don't tend to act out physically when I am upset (walking around, slamming doors, etc.), so I needed to focus more on my verbal responses. The 2 slogans that help me the most are "Is it True, Is it Necessary, Is it kind?" and "Does it need to be said, Does it need to be said right now, Does it need to be said right now by me?" These 2 slogans slow me down, give me time to think, and give me time to decide how I want to respond to a situation. In effect, I think they get me the same reflection time about my behavior and the time to chose de-escalation in already stressful situations that Easy Does It does for today's author.
I hope you make today an easy does it kind of day!
__________________
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
Thank you Skorpi for your service/ESH. "...does it need to be said by me..." is pure gold. I do get physical when angry...I clean, exercise etc to use up the energy and am able to either let go or articulate my feelings in a calm(er) manner. DM2021, I hope you heal soon. Thanks for your ESH.
