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.
In today's reading, the author reflects on negativity. The author shares that sometimes, they can get so bogged down in negativity, they forget where they are or where they are going in life. Negativity, the author realizes, keeps their life at a standstill.
With Al-Anon, the author has realized that it is important to be honest about situations and feelings. However, the author has also noticed that they have control over where they look and what they focus on. They can chose to focus on gratitude and positive things. The author has started to look for the positive in every thing they see and everything they do. This perspective has helped the author to realize that some of the most difficult times in their own life created space for the most wonderful changes.
Today's Reminder: It may be difficult to break a long-established pattern of depression, doom-sayings, and complaining, but it's worth the effort. I'll replace a negative attitude with a positive one today.
Today's Quote:
"Sometimes I go about pitying myself
And all the while I can being carried across the sky
By beautiful clouds"
~ Anishinaabe (Ojibway Indian) saying
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Today's reading really spoke to me. I can get stuck in the poor me's, focusing on everything that isn't going well, focusing on what isn't going well in my life. In such times, going to a meeting, spending time with my program friends, or reading Al-Anon literature helps me to remember that I have a lot of good happening in my life, and I can choose to accept the things I don't like, and focus my energy on enjoying the positive things around me. Something I learned in a supervision course was that we tend to get more of what we pay attention to. While this was in the context of supervising the work of others, I've found it also applies to other parts of my life, such as negativity and positivity. When I focus on negative things, I tend to get more negative things, but when I choose to focus on the positive pieces, I get more positive things in my life.
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Skorpi for your service and insight. I agree that what you focus on grows. I've been trying to change my habit of constantly reporting negative encounters throughout my day. For example, when my husband asks how was the gym, I'd tell him about the members who refuse to wipe down machines after use, don't keep their distance, slam the weights...you get the idea. Now, I share about the members who are joyful, the neat programs. I also limit time spent watching/reading the news(local or global). I keep myself informed and look for the miracles in the midst of the turmoil. I am grateful for the reminders to choose positivity. It gives me energy and increases my creativity.
