Good morning everyone-

Todays reading is about being aware of the balance in our lives. The writer describes thinking of recovery as a triangle: Higher Power at the top, Al-anon tools such as steps, meetings, service next, the individuals physical, emotional and spiritual health next, and job, family, friends and outside interests at the base.  Keeping HP (God as we understand Him) as the sole focus gives an elevated focus to our lives. In this model we are provided strength, wisdom and guidance. This is a way to practice our slogans: principles above personalities and first things first. 
When our focus becomes distorted and something else is put above HP, our lives can become unmanageable.  When we give something or someone else the importance of our HP, we stop nurturing the other areas of our lives. 

As I was reading today I thought about the times my life has felt most chaotic. Without exception I can trace these times to when I was trying to control and over-control events in my life (and worse- other peoples lives). In these instances, whether I understood it or not, I stopped paying attention to a HP and thought of myself as the one who could do all of the steering. On a related note, I know that my alarm bells go off when I sense a lack of humility in others because it feels like the importance of HP is negated. Similarly, when I try to assert control and move perception of self above HP, I am demonstrating a lack of humility as well. I dont think I have prioritized HP, alanon tools, self and family in the triangle model as the writer did.  I think more about what my role is in my life.  I cant manage every aspect of everything all of the time; so I gratefully turn things over to my HP.

Our Thought for the Day: How balanced is my life today?

I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful Sunday:)

Mary