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.
Coming from the fog of constant perceived crisis, today's page helps us apply proportion to events that depart from our expectation. Inconvenience, or major crisis?
Alanon suggests the question 'how important is it' is helpful to decide if I am exaggerating or anticipating future fears, rather than staying in the present moment.
This small adjustment at the beginning of a development can mean the difference between a day of self sponsored agony or consistently available serenity.
Reminder Today if I experience an upset, I will ask How important is it? before reacting. It may not be worth losing my serenity over.
"It is almost as important to know what is not serious as to know what is." - John Kenneth Gallbraith ---------------------- I plead guilty to the charge of exaggerating statements, issues, and events from minor differences into sometimes serious and ugly messes. None of those times did I ask myself today's question.
Every time, I could have just let it slide, address it after the dust had cleared, or if it was time sensitive, handled it more considerately. Instead of getting wound out, I could have handled it like my GPS when I make a wrong turn: 'Rerouting', and take one of many alternate routes.
Once again, it starts at the beginning, it's how I choose to frame it. When my intent is to find resolution and maintain my serenity, program approach and tools are the key.
Grateful for the reminders
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you Paul for your service and great ESH. Me too, guilty! But I do use the slogan, How important is it, and that little reminder often helps me refocus, and put things in perspective. This is how I can help change my attitude and hold onto serenity. Grateful member always.
