Good morning MIP!  Today's reading discusses worry.  The author suggests that when we succumb to worry, we open a Pandora's box of terrifying pictures, paranoid voices and relentless self-criticism.  When we give substance to this worry, we lose touch with reality, and typically nothing useful can be accomplished.

The reading suggests the best way to combat an uprising of worry is to stay present, in this moment.  We can turn away from destructive thoughts and instead concentrate on the sights and sounds around us.  Focusing on what's around us currently help to rescue us from the 'what-ifs' and the 'should have' thoughts.  Many tools exist to help use - Prayer, Meditation, Slogans, Phone Calls, etc can all help return the here and now.  As we shut out the noise, we are more receptive to our HP's will for us and more able to work our way through difficult times.

Reminder:  This day is all I have to work with, and it is all I need.  If I am tempted to worry about tomorrow's concerns, I will gently bring my mind back to today.

Quote:  "The past has flown away.  The coming month and year do not exist.  Ours only is the present's tiny point."  from Mahmud Shabistari

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When I arrived, I was never present.  My mind and emotions were stuck in the past or projecting the future.  Unfortunately, most of what was swirling in my head was negative - I could not see the positive; it was deeply blocked by how this disease had affected me, my family and my soul.

As I practiced recovery, at any point my mind wondered past or future, I used this program to bring me back to the here and now.  I recall calling my sponsor, frantic about many things, and she gently reminded me that on this day @ this time, all is well - I am upright, on the phone, working through fears with my program.  In time, I was able to 'get here' using prayer & meditation.

I know for me, I had to find my courage to have a leap of faith to trust the program, my sponsor and my higher power.  I am grateful today for the ability to look at life differently, and to manage life in a healthier manner.

Enjoy the day all - I have errands to run, lunch plans with golf gal pals and a full day of 'stuff' to do!  We are to have weather starting tomorrow, through at least Saturday.  (((Hugs)))

Thanks for the daily reading iamhere. This is something I am always working on. I would like more serenity and less worry about the future. I've heard it said by those in our program "If you're going to worry, why pray?"  "If you're going to pray, why worry." Clearly, I need to work more on trusting that a power greater than myself is taking care of me and those I love and will continue to do so. Too much thinking and I become overwhelmed and fearful. 

I especially like the reading suggestion about doing what I can to stay present, in the moment, in today. The suggestions on our Just for Today bookmark can help. I especially like this one..

Just for Today                                                                                                                                                                                               I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

I like this because it reminds me that although I may feel fear, I can "act as if" I'm not by making a conscious choice to let go of worry. I can take time to treat myself well. No matter what is happening in my life, it's a one day at a time program and things continue to happen in my higher power's time not mine. With that said, I can break from worrying by continuing to do what's in front of me and letting go and letting god. My higher power guide me if or when necessary. A physical walk sometimes in nature opens my mind and heart and strengthen my communication with the god of my understanding.

The second half of this Just for Today quote reminds me that putting good energy into the world, I will receive the same. I don't take this literally. Lets face it, things are not always fair, just or wonderful. I won't always receive the outcome that I would want from people,places or things. With that said, I still can adjust my attitude to a hopeful and positive one by just "acting as if" as a way to trust that things will be for the best. I practice this for the sake of my own sanity. Thankfully, Alanon offers so many tools for lifting my spirits. Self pity is such a time suck. Sharing here definitely helps me to feel less alone, release hurt and find solutions that have worked for others. I can see my issue maybe from a new perspective and try a solution that has worked for another Alanon, call a trusted sponsor and make a meeting to "put my problem in it's true perspective".

I also like to pray the 3rd Step Prayer when I'm worried. It's a good reminder not go flying headlong into the future without my hp's guidance. Reciting it reminds me wait for answers so that any action I take is a response and not a reaction. It also calms my mind when I recite 3rd Step Prayer much in the same way the Serenity Prayer does. 

Thanks so much (((iamhere)) for posting and sharing!  Hope you have a great rest of the day!  TT

Great service IAH...I am blessed with the memories of the old timers bringing the program forward always as you and Betty and TT have.  That is soooo important to the new comers, those who come after and I am reminded how and when the lessons and tool where always there for me especially to this subject.  They taught me and still teach me the Let Go and Let God and I Am Powerless reminders so that today I don't worry cause as you cite there is no value in it.   ((((hugs))))