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.
It's been nearly two months since my A cut off our (long distance) relationship to get his head in the program. At about the same time, I broke off ties with my (long distance) father (and he with me)....... but that's another story. In these past two months, I've spent a lot of time in introspection and program and trying to understand the "why's" of things (futile, but I still do it). I've been reading and writing and trying to pull myself up out of this hole. I've had some amazing recovery....but I know it's only the very beginning.
Last weekend, I turned on the television and discovered that it was stand-up comedy weekend on one of the cable networks. I spent a good bit of the weekend in sheer laughter. LAUGHTER! I ended up taping hours of it to watch later (I just couldn't justify an entire weekend in front of the TV). Anyway - I decided I needed to re-introduce laughter into my life. It is so healing. So I got in touch with several of my friends and told them that I would be hosting "Comedy Night" once a month at my house. We'd watch stand-up comedians and enjoy laughter together. I told them it was a comedy approach to group therapy. Every one of my friends is very excited about doing this and agreed that we need to laugh more. I feel better just having that on my calendar!
Then last night, I rode in a Mardi Gras parade. It was so much FUN! It lasted about three hours and it sure made me feel good. For three hours, I got to lose the constant hum that has been in my head these past couple of months. I got to see thousands of people, when the float stopped I got to actually have conversations with complete strangers, enjoyed some good music, laughter, and even got some nice compliments!! :)
I've realized that I lost touch with my fun side. My friends tell me that I have a good sense of humor and that I'm the fun one in the group. Where did that girl go? She's been holed up for the past two months - so lost in her head that it's depressing!
I think it's vital to laugh and have fun. I KNOW it is. As a matter of fact, the day after I organized my "Comedy Night" with my friends, I received an email from the YMCA (that I belong to), with the topic "Laughter is Contagious and Good For Your Health". It went on to explain the physiological reasons that laughter is very good for you. HA! I was on the right track!!!
I've decided that I'm stepping back into my life. Al-Anon is giving me the tools to make the changes I need to in my living, and along with that I'm going to re-introduce laughter and fun into my life. I'm ready to see myself get better!!!
My best friend's mother was a comedian and has spun that into Humor Seminars. She goes around to corporations all over the country and gives them workshops on how to bring humor into their life and workplace. She has written a couple of books on the healing effects of humor. I went to a workshop that she did at a church and she was so 12 step with alot of her stuff. I asked my best friend if her mom went to alanon. She had years and years ago but stopped going when the A left. Guess it stuck with her! I told her so and she was suprised, she wasn't conscious of working the 12 steps into her routien. It was so obvious to me!
What a GREAT idea to have a comedy night!! I want to try that when I get a bit stronger! That is awsome!
What a great idea R3, we get so wrapped up in this disease we lose ourselves sometimes. Thanks for the little reminder that it's okay to laugh, in spite of what else is going on in our lives.
Yes, I miss the laughter. You know, the kind that gets me chuckling down deep; the kind that can't stop cause whatever it is is soooo funny... if even just to me.
I want that back and so glad you posted the reminder. Good for you in seeking it out and making the time to have FUN.
You most definately are on the right track, and are an inspiration on this board.
Blessings, Lou
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Every new day begins with new possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. ~ Ronald Reagan~
Sometimes what you want to do has to fail, so you won't ~Marguerite Bro~
What fun!! I bet you'll notice more and more humor and laughter coming in to your life too! That is the intention you have put out and that is what you will notice coming back. Lots of people think the Law Of Attraction is bunk but it is a universal law that I have seen proven again and again. It's not coincidence (nor religion) at all, it just is. I'm glad to see it already manifestinging for you (even if you were unaware).
Laughter and fun are the best medicine. When we lose our senses of humor and our ability to laugh, especially at ourselves, we have lost everything. Thanks for your post. And Let the Good Times Roll!!!
Smiling,
Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Hahaha - no Debilyn, I wasn't dressed like a hotty! (Wish I WERE a hotty!) It was a pretty tame float. Alcohol free - but no lack of fun, I can assure you. The crowd, for the most part behaved themselves, but there were, of course, a few guys who had too much to drink and felt the need to tell us EXACTLY what they would do in order to get some beads from us. oh my.....
ANYWAY.. When I got home last night, I felt every muscle in my body. Gosh - I AM getting old. All I did was ride and toss beads! This is ridiculous!!