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.
You're my sunshine after the rain you're the cure against my fear and my pain 'cause im losing my mind when you're not around it's all . . . it's all because of you
credit goes to 98 degrees
God is the sunshine after my rain . . .
This week's weather began with ominous clouds followed by three days of pouring rain which the earth so desperately needed in my neck of the woods ~ the irony is that the clouds and rain were mirroring the weight of the world I feel I have been carrying. Last week, my boss, whom I have grown to love and respect, gave her notice. She's been my mentor, the reason I decided to go back to school to get my degree. It's bittersweet because I am happy for her. She deserves this new job but I will miss her. With her departure comes a lot of "what ifs." It began last Thursday and culminated today.
I now have a party to plan for her which includes state elected officials, departments, boards, committees and commissions and oh yeah I have to begin working with her transitioning all of her responsibilities to either myself or some "yet to be determined" human being to which her boss said "we will be relying heavily on you."
On top of the uncertainty in my job was the building crescendo of my college courses to tonight's final exam. All of the homework, classwork, extra credit, studying, praying, praying, praying, letting go and letting God, doing the footwork, saying every Alanon slogan that came to mind all week.
Well I did all I can do. I studied for my final to the very best of my ability. At work, I had the courage to step up to the plate and tell my boss's boss that I felt confident to step into her shoes on the interim basis. They had some really good questions and concerns which I answered to the best of my ability. I told the "big boss" that if they chose me for the interim position, I'd be willing to delay my summer college course work so I could focus on the job at hand but if they did not plan to hire me for the interim (with additional compensation of course ) then I would continue to pursue my goal of higher education. So I left the ball in their court.
This particular college course has been a struggle and uphill battle from the beginning. A very rigid professor. But I took my final tonight and when I left there, I felt jubillant that it's over. The results of my final exam are in God's hands. The results of my temporary job promotion are in God's hands. WHAT A RELIEF!
I drove home and enjoyed the magnificient sunset after the rain. I enjoyed the warm weather driving with my windows open. I walked into my apartment and said "yes" I finally have time to clean you up a little bit (ha ha). I was able to do my Family Teens meeting without feeling a time pressure situation. And what a great meeting we had. Finally, Family Teens members are increasing. What a gift!
Without this program, everyone in my life's lives would have been riddled with tension, resentments, and stress. I am thankful to be a cog in this Alanon wheel. It doesn't matter how long I've been coming "pain is inevitable," but with Alanon for me now "suffering is optional." I chose each day not to suffer despite what's going on around me.
yours in recovery,
Maria
__________________
If I am not for me, who will be? If I am only for myself, then who am I? If not now, when?
Hi ((((((((((((Twin)))))))))))) <--Notice 12hugs, one for every step of your journey.
I am so proud and happy for you. You go girl!
Yes, the outcome is in HP's hands but posts like yours reflect courage and perseverance and serve to remind me that I just have to keep on keeping on. Life happens and sometimes it can seem like an eternal struggle but when you focus on the journey and not the destination it is so much more rewarding when you finally get there.
I try to remember that HP never gives me more than I can handle (not always convinced of it though lol)
I got out of bed this morning with a total "woe is me" attitude at facing this trying day. Your post is the first thing I read and you've already changed my day. HPs sure working thru you my friend. You are so honest, courageous, and just plain inspriring. Thanks for sharing your world with all of us. You've certainly given me a new attitude to put on to face this transitional period for me.
Yeah!!!!!! I'm so proud of you, you're a shining example of how this program works! Yes, the pain is inevitable, but, letting go and letting hp come in and take away all the worries releases that anxiety that causes us to suffer.
I personally think you deserve a new pair of shoes for all that footwork you've done! Awesome job!
Great job stepping up to the plate and asking for the job, way to go. I am positive you are ready to do it and your metor has groomed you to do so.
I too have a mentor and it will be evry difficult if he should decide to leave, I feel your pain as you spread your wings.
planning a party for so many, that is quite a challenge. When my collegue retired in April I was on the comitte to plan the party. 2 things I did that were well receieved: I sent an email to people asking them these questions:
What I remember most about ann is _ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP_____________
>
>A wonderful thing ann did for me is __SHE BECAME MY FRIEND______
>
>The most embarrassing moment with ann was _SNORING AT GAYLE'S
>HOUSE________
>
>The funniest moment with ann_TOO MANY TO REPEAT THEM
>ALL____________________
>
>Something ann did to change my life_ SHE BECAME MY
>FRIEND_______________________
Then I made a powerpoint presntation out of them and had it running continously as a slide show during the luncheon.
I also had a marble at each place seeting and a vase at the retiree's desk. All were asked to return the marbles to her. This was fun and gave an interaction with the person. We also had a poster made which attendeees signed, just some idas.
Congratulations on school. You have quite a busy schedule and you are making it all work, good job! My co-worker graduates in a few weeks after 3 years of intense night school. he is the first in his family to ever graduate college.
I love the suffering is optional line :)
__________________
Megan
If you want things you never had you need to do things you have never done
I just wanted to thank you ((((((((my friends))))))))) from the bottom of my heart. I value each and every one of you. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and respond. I feel as though you were sitting right next to me (and most of you I can picture your face ) sharing like I do in a meeting.
Megan, great ideas, thank you. I am going to "Meganize" my boss' party (tee hee). I never would have thought of that.
Filled with much love for you all (y'all in Texas) in friendship in recovery. I am proud to be your friends.
Maria
__________________
If I am not for me, who will be? If I am only for myself, then who am I? If not now, when?
Suffering is optional So glad you are through the school year...i know you did great Way to turn it over...you are such an inspiration...love a sunset after a storm.....nature is awesome
You're always telling me what an inspiration I am to you, yet I wonder if you realize what an inspiration you are to me?? In my life's journey you are one of my many friends that provide me with the many trout slaps that I need to keep me grounded in program. Love you very much, congratulations my lovely Maria. SenoraBob
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Higher Power doesn't always wrap presents in pretty paper.
) then I would continue to pursue my goal of higher education. So I left the ball in their court.
x Maria x
Way to turn it over...you are such an inspiration...love a sunset after a storm.....nature is awesome
