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 compassion and how patience is a necessary part of that. The writer describes choosing compassion toward self and others once patience has been tested to the limits. There are certain people in our lives that require more effort in compassion. The sentence that resonates today is in reference to compassion: It means letting go of resentment resulting from unrealistic expectations. I remember the first time I really understood that disappointments and resentments could be regulated to some extent by me! If I am careful with expectations (or attempting to control the outcome of situations), Im better able to manage resentment. The writer describes the sudden loss of a friend as an event that put into perspective spending any more time on small annoyances and situations. The writer no longer wanted to waste a moment on anything like that. Another resonating sentence: Life is both priceless and unpredictable; I dont know how long it will last. This revelation helped the writer leave behind the string of regrets and disappointment, rather than get mired down with them.
It is helpful for me to see that some of the compassion we practice needs to be extended toward ourselves. I can get very stuck in old scenarios decades old. I have found myself feeling the same emotions of old scenes, just thinking of them. Some of the same strategies that help (me) with calming anxiety (my beloved lists, cleaning out a drawer or closet) are helpful in bringing myself out of old resentments as well. I can work on letting go of old resentments at the same time I understand that I am a work in progress. The thought for the day begins with the reminder that:Patience in my recovery will lead me to compassion. How can I practice patience in my life today?
I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful and compassionate Sunday:)
Thank you Mary for your service and much needed insight. The weather put a wrench in my plans to spruce up the deck which meant being stuck inside. The movie being watched assaults my spirit (too many F-bombs, violence), which forced me to amuse myself organizing closets. (lol) So, compassion topic led me to emphasize being non judgmental and accepting that another's idea of entertainment/escape differs from mine. ggrr... " Patience begets compassion " blocked my negative murmurs. Thank you. Then I remembered baseball is on at 1:00 p.m. which we both enjoy (bonus: no cussing). Just so I am not disappointed, I googled the weather in Dunedin, FL ...sunny and warm...yay! Have a great day.
Thank you for your service Mary and thanks to everyone for their shares.
I've been irritable as of late. Even though there has been cause for this, I find myself stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of rehashing hurt. When this happens, it's because the focus is on someone else and their words. I know I take things to heart, and I suspect there are many times the other person's words may not be a reflection of how they feel after the moment has passed.
I'm grateful for the reminder for patience and compassion.
