Yesterday morning, right after I read the reading from ODAAT, I reached into my god-box and pulled out the word Gratitude. I remember reading somewhere, in one of the fellowships I am in, that gratitude is not about having everything I want, but wanting everything I have. Coincidentally, my wife and I were getting ready to attend what we call the Midwinter Roundup. It's an AA/Alanon conference thing with lots of meetings, fellowship, eating, dancing, the whole deal. I've been attending this particular one every year since 1998, and we've been going together every year since 1999. Well, every year except last year. They didn't have one, for some reason. I did a lot of complaining about that, and then finally I got over it. Pretty much. This year, we were all geared up to go have a blast. That's when I found out that the choir that usually sings on Sunday morning, disbanded at some point during the past 2 years, so they won't be there. And then, we found out that the First Nations drummers and dancers who do the opening ceremony, well they haven't been invited this year, so that was disappointing. And, you know I have to work twelve hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, so I guess I won't get everything I want this time, but I figured I'd try focusing on wanting everything I was getting, and so far it's going very well.
-- Edited by Wolfie55 on Saturday 24th of February 2018 07:12:28 PM
hotrod said
Feb 24, 2018
hi Wolfie I have made a gratitude list daily for h last 20 years as does all my sponsees. i believe this is one of the main tools of recovery. Glad you shared.
Lyne said
Feb 25, 2018
Wolfe-Great share and reminder to make lemonade from lemons. I was just talking to my sponsor about losing the career I had planned on due to a physical injury. And you know what, I had a very satisfying career in a totally different field. I recently told my granddaughter that "life isn't fair." At 7 years old she is learning to face disappointment. Thanks to program for teaching me a good coping set of skills. ODAT, Lyne
PosiesandPuppies said
Feb 25, 2018
Wolfie - Thanks for the reminder that if I concentrate on the good I have, I can be very happy! I latched onto Betty's suggestion of daily gratitude lists, and it really DOES help to keep oneself centered in all the good in one's life... instead of getting mired in the thoughts of all the negatives. Such a better way to live!
Iamhere said
Feb 25, 2018
I too am a gratitude list maker and aim for every day. As with me and things, I will restart my day if I forget or get distracted which is huge growth from feeling a failure instead for diversions in my 'plan'...
Staying in the gratitude frame of mind for me is a game-changer from how I was before. It used to be so easy to focus on all that was screwed up and today, it's much more fun and satisfying to accept imperfect and focus on what is!! (((Hugs))) - hope you had a lovely time at the conference in spite of the changes!!
AnnieFenk321 said
Feb 25, 2018
I made my first gratitude list this morning and I hope to make it a daily practice. I can already see it really helps shift my focus into the positive.
Wolfie55 said
Feb 25, 2018
Today was the last day of the Conference and we enjoyed it immensely. The gifts we were given this weekend far outweighed anything we thought we didn't receive. Nancy, my wife, sponsors a few newcomers and to watch one of those ladies attend her first conference, volunteer to greet and sell tickets, to take another newcomer under her wing and do it as an expression of her own gratitude, well it puts it all in perspective. I like the gratitude list idea. The last meeting I attended this morning was the Al-Anon Spiritual meeting and it gave me what I needed to get me through today. :)
Iamhere said
Feb 25, 2018
So, so glad it was an awesome experience! I did not go to ours - I'm a bit claustrophobic so I tend to go every few years...it's always beyond any expectations I can muster - a true miracle to see so much recovery in one place! Good for you all that it was great!
bud said
Feb 25, 2018
Thanks for sharing and it's inspiring to see how you work the program.
Yesterday morning, right after I read the reading from ODAAT, I reached into my god-box and pulled out the word Gratitude. I remember reading somewhere, in one of the fellowships I am in, that gratitude is not about having everything I want, but wanting everything I have. Coincidentally, my wife and I were getting ready to attend what we call the Midwinter Roundup. It's an AA/Alanon conference thing with lots of meetings, fellowship, eating, dancing, the whole deal. I've been attending this particular one every year since 1998, and we've been going together every year since 1999. Well, every year except last year. They didn't have one, for some reason. I did a lot of complaining about that, and then finally I got over it. Pretty much. This year, we were all geared up to go have a blast. That's when I found out that the choir that usually sings on Sunday morning, disbanded at some point during the past 2 years, so they won't be there. And then, we found out that the First Nations drummers and dancers who do the opening ceremony, well they haven't been invited this year, so that was disappointing. And, you know I have to work twelve hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, so I guess I won't get everything I want this time, but I figured I'd try focusing on wanting everything I was getting, and so far it's going very well.
-- Edited by Wolfie55 on Saturday 24th of February 2018 07:12:28 PM
Staying in the gratitude frame of mind for me is a game-changer from how I was before. It used to be so easy to focus on all that was screwed up and today, it's much more fun and satisfying to accept imperfect and focus on what is!! (((Hugs))) - hope you had a lovely time at the conference in spite of the changes!!