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.
Here it is the last day of July! As I read in ODAAT in Al-Anon for July 31, it suggests that we look back over the month to see what progress we have made in our program and what changes have taken place in our life. I wonder if this is like doing a 10th step or an al-anon group doing an inventory conscience? Well, I'll have a go at it...
Let me see... "Are my family relationships more serene and happy than they were a month ago?" ... I have made a HUGE decision to file for divorce this month, that should lend itself to making my life more serene and happy! I found out that my mother (who lives with me) has moderate alzheimer's dementia. That is going to stretch my practicing of One Day at a Time to the ninth degree! I fell and broke my arm three weeks ago and have learned that my family can pull together and meet each other's needs without me doing it all for them. My daughter came home with a case of lice from who knows where, talk about something that will test your serenity! Picking out those nits is a bugger! lol
"Have I renewed a strained friendship.." Yes, I worked on re-establishing a friendship with a good friend of mine that I had a disagreement with several years back. We are both dealing with the disease of alzheimer's in our parents, so we have some common ground to talk about now. I hope it helps to smooth over old wounds and heal them.
"This will be my day of review and preparation for the coming month..." I will be preparing for the transition from married to single by attending a Divorce Care group at my church. I will be seeking out support systems for the care of my mother as her alzheimer's progresses and I need more emotional and financial support. School will be starting this next month and I will need to get the school supplies necessary for my daughter to begin the 7th grade.
"If I cannot see any improvement in the month which is ending today, I will not be discouraged..." I do not see ALL improvements in the month that is ending today. I have had some slips. I have listened one too many times to my husband on the phone. I have lost my temper with my mother and my daughter on seperate occasions. I have judged another too harshly. But I am not perfect and I have to accept myself the way I am, warts and all (as the saying goes). It's progress not perfection in this program and I am greatful for that.
This has been a good exercise for me today. To occasionally review where we're at emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally is a good practice. I believe this to be true if it is individually or as a group conscience. It shows me (or a group) from where I've come and points me to where I am going and if I'm on the right course to get there.
Love in Recovery, Overcome
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I can Overcome all things through my HP who strengthens me.
" Are my family relationships more serene and happy than they were a month ago? "
Wow, I can say yes to that. Why? Well, I have CHANGED my attitude toward the lack of, or the bad and indifferent or criticial response I might receive from them. I expect nothing even though I still give.
" Have I renewed a strained friendship? "
YES, though I have CHANGED my position from being carer to friend that has a life of her own to get on with. Stupid I know but I HAD PLACED MYSELF INTO THE POSITION OF CARER by taking on responsibilities that were NOT MINE to take on. Phew, and that is progress indeed for me.
" This will be my day of review and preparation for the coming month. "
OKAY, your post has made me look at were I stand right this minute. I think I like it better and I am happy with the changes I have made. So, more of the same, and practice practice practice.
" If I cannot see any improvement in the month which is ending today, I will not be discouraged. "
Lucky me that I can, however there have been many times that I have seen no improvement, and I am prepared now that in the future if no improvement is present I will not beat myself up. What is more important to ask at that time is, "Is there a degeneration and if so why for if you can find that you will be able to work on it to the better."
My two pennith!
Thank you OC. Have a great day, you certainly have added to the quality of my day ahead.
Suzannah
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Out of the ruin of my past I have found the fortress of myself and I know how to defend it.
Strive for WISDOM; Seek SERENITY; NEVER compromise your INTEGRITY.
I'm so sorry you broke your arm. Are you getting enough calcium. Some people have low bone density and it is treatable!
I cannot imagine the amount of stress you are going through. I know these days I make transitions very consciously. I had to make them all the time with the ex A and I got tired of chaos so the less chaos the better for me.
