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 in ODAT is told by a member who worked hard during their first year in Al-Anon to learn and practice the skills for being in a relationship with an alcoholic -- avoiding quarrels, not nagging or scolding, releasing resentments.
Their relationship improved, but still there was an undercurrent of irritability. This member had found so many kinds of recreation and hobbies to keep away from focusing on the alcoholic that other important things had been neglected -- other family members, food, care for the home.
Today's Reminder: "Suddenly I awoke to the fact that Al-Anon asks a lot more of us than just to cope with the problem of alcoholism. We need to apply it to all departments of living -- and in the order of their importance."
Quote: "I pray to remember to attend to first things first."
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When I was living with alcoholism, I was a champion at avoiding it as much as I possibly could, and I did a lot of "doing" -- work, exercise, school, volunteering -- anything that kept me out of the house or separate from the alcoholic, and kept my mind busy. Al-Anon gave me more things to focus on, as I dived into all the literature I could get my hands on. All of this was a form of self-care, but I appreciate how this reading shows that things can get unbalanced.
Today, I have so many choices of things to do, that sometimes I get befuddled and it's hard to choose what to do. I am running my own life, and sometimes I feel like I might not be prioritizing in the best way. But I find that if I pause for a moment -- maybe step outdoors for a mini-meditation -- the next right thing will become clear.
Today, I prioritized (1) getting my hair cut by my favorite stylist, and (2) doing some volunteer work that helps a non-profit I support, and also helps me because I am being of service. Self-care for me, and service to others that really is self-care for me as well.
Thanks FT for your service and ESH. I can get overwhelmed at times by things with people or activities that need to get done. This can be doctor's appts. or childcare with granddaughter or anything. A few slogans help me prioritize and stay calm: First things first, Easy does it, Keep it simple, etc. I find these slogans very useful in helping me to slow down, breathe, pause, and think. My life will be overwhelming if I let it. Our program offers great tools for living.
Thank you Freetime for your service and a great share.
Sometimes, with all that is asked of me, or all that I perceive I "have to" take care of, I can get lost in the amount and forget to prioritize. So for me, I have found Lists a big time saver. If it is important, it goes on the To Do List. For some reason, seeing it written down takes away the anxiety... like, since it is there in black and white, I know that I will eventually get to it. Crossing off each thing as it gets completed also gives me a rush of satisfaction!
TGIF!!
__________________
"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
Thanks Freetime for your service/ESH and all shares. The To Do List is mighty helpful. I have learned to make sure I don't push aside a task/plan that benefits me when I become overwhelmed. The pain I used to feel-of being betrayed/let down/neglected-has eased since it turns out I disappoint me more than others do. Thank you all for stressing the" Live" in Live and Let Live. TGIF...brought back memories of my dancing days...LOL
