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 about the effects of negative thinking. The writer describes falling into the habit of negative thoughts when feeling tired, bored or stressed. The tendency is to focus on what is wrong, and that type of thinking can take over. Through al anon, the writer learned to combat this habit by focusing on something to feel grateful about. In the writers case, there was a focus on gratitude for things in nature: the warmth of the sun or seeing a deer, quiet rain or a vibrant bird. He/she would write about these moments of gratitude in a calendar and by the end of the year had a volume of positive affirmations.
In my earliest correspondence with my sponsor there was a focus on gratitude. I was also asked to write down something I was grateful for each day. It could be something as small as a hot cup of coffee or big as the presence of my kids in my life; every small and big positive contributed to the comfort of a good life. This practice reminds me of the feeling we get when we give of ourselves: our time, helping others, a meal, a gift. We are giving ourselves a gift when we take the time to note all that is good around us.
The Thought for the Day gives us: I can start my day over at any time. Finding a reason to feel grateful is a great way to do it.
Good Afternoon. Thank you for your service/ESH. I definitely agree that gratitude is one of the most important lessons. Al-Anon steps/ESH bypassed my head and spoke to my heart. This has opened my mind to a new way of living that sustains hope by being mindful of the blessings in my life...one day at a time. I am most grateful for developing a personal relationship with my HP. When I stay focused on my HP, negativity is replaced with optimism, serenity and joy. Have a wonderful Sunday.
