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 c2c reminds us that no matter what we are experiencing, it will eventually pass. We don't always have control over what we experience, and we sometimes have to be patient, but in the midst of all of that, we experience valuable emotions and growth, even if they are painful, frustrating or distressing. The reading reminds us to appreciate the new capabilities we develop while we are enduring what seems like a bad time, instead of merely hating the experience and wishing it away.
It's topical reading for me today (isn't it always?) as we are currently quarantined (daughter is sick). No matter how frustrating it might be to be housebound again, it's also family time where a lot of love and care is being shown and we are all developing a further capacity for patience. I don't know that any of us felt we needed any more patience at this stage, but I am sure it will come in handy for all of us at some time in the future lol! I am not feeling the need to fill my days up with projects to try to mitigate the "wasted time" but instead I am just viewing it as an opportunity to do nothing and it's an interesting battle to make myself accept that it's OK to be unproductive and just be for a while. All I did today was order groceries, play chess online and sit in the last of the summer sun with teenagers and animals and that's absolutely fine. This too shall pass and with it some much-needed down-time and family bonding.
It reminds me to look back on some of the worst times in my life too because those truly were when the growing happened and I am so grateful for them, even if they felt unbearable at the time.
I hope everyone is well and enjoying the change of season
-- Edited by Youknowme on Thursday 17th of March 2022 04:33:10 AM
Thanks YKM for your service and for all above ESH. I love the phrase "This too shall pass" because when challenging things are going on, I can remind myself that what is happening is temporary. It's a relief in itself to remind myself of that. What's actually going on, or how I'm feeling, can change in an hour or a day. Change is definite.
It sounds to me like family time, ordering groceries, doing an activity that brings us pleasure, is as important as everything else. I used to feel guilty when I was not doing "important" things. Now I give myself a break and time to do relaxing and enjoyable things, along with all the chores and other work. Thank you alanon!
