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.
Todays reading is a focus on gratitude. The writer describes gratitude as a gift received through being part of the alanon program. Before the program the writer thought of gratitude as happiness when life happened based on (the writers) wants and needs. Over time, through meetings, conversations with sponsor, personal inventories, readings, the writer started to feel gratitude as the source of serenity. The writer felt grateful for everything: HP who loves unconditionally, sponsor, fellow alanon members, even the disease that brought the writer to the program.
Dwelling in gratitude is such a powerful force. I know that it is all too easy for me to worry over and perseverate on all problems big and small. What I have noticed is that when I am able to make one of my lists as it relates to gratitude, that foundation in positivity helps the day get started in a feeling of calm and serenity. Today I am starting with gratitude for a warm house with peacefully sleeping children and cat. Im grateful for this space and fellowship that helped me find my way to shore several years ago. Im grateful for the possibility that today holds. This idea of one moment feeding the next is summed up nicely in the Thought for the Day: This moment gives birth to the next. If I fill this moment with gratitude, the next moment cant help but bring blessings.
Good morning, Mary, and I'm grateful for your share about gratitude! Gratitude has certainly been a key for me in turning my day, or my moment, around and putting a limit on worries.
It reminds me of a program business meeting I used to attend, where at the end we would go around the room to share "happies and crappies." Each person was to share either a "happy" (something going well, something grateful for) or a "crappy" (something not going well). And the rule was that if you shared a "crappy" you also had to share two "happies."
I think that is a good rule for me. Whenever my thoughts turn crappy, I need to remember at least two happies.
The words have brought me a sense of peace today... the last couple of days have been hard. My area was hit with tremendous gale-force winds. Lots of damage, & scary nights with little sleep. To top that off, my MIL (who I love very much, but I guess is an "EX" now) had to be admitted to hospital for a blocked gall bladder. The type of care that we have all come to rely on in hospital (as patients and family) is just not there due to COVID surge. So I have allowed FEAR to enter my headspace.
I have routinely employed a Gratitude List on the suggestion of Betty. Now it is a daily thing. And even though I practice it, I never thought of it as "Dwelling in gratitude." But I don't know why... b/c it IS a powerful force! I really want to embrace the Thought of the Day: that one moment of gratitude just flows into the next & can continue for as long as you practice.
I am grateful that myself, my kid, and my parents are healthy. Although there was much damage surrounding us, we didn't sustain any to our homes/property. I am thankful that I am healthy and strong to do the post-wind clean up for my parents. Even though the hospital situation is not the best (to put it mildly), I am thankful my EX-MIL is near doctors who have the knowledge and capability to help her get well. I pray that she doesn't have to be alone in there for a long time.
I am always thankful for the MIP Family!
__________________
"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
Happy Sunday MIP. Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Gratitude is a good way for me to start my days. I begin with being thankful I am alive, awake and 'ready' vs. 'dready'. Before Al-Anon, I went to bed with negative energy, attitude and dread and woke the same way most days.
So, I have practiced doing different and am grateful that what is suggested in this program works for me when I am open, willing and working. I also make gratitude lists each day which help me focus my prayers and meditation.
It's a good football kind of day here! I was supposed to golf but stepped out because it was a bit colder than desired. We golfed yesterday and it was so awesome to get outside and play. Find and keep your joy family - you are worth it!!
__________________
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
