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.
I was reading today's Courage to Change and it really hit home for me today. I too have discovered my sense of humor again... It truly has been wonderful. It feels great to bring forth a hoot of laughter from my lips. It has also been a great reminder to myself to not take myself or my life so seriously. Laughter does truly free my soul. Last night I went to my "therapy" with my sister (who lives out of time) and a good friend. My friend has a beautiful yard and as we sat in her gazebo (while it continued to rain 2 1/4 inches) it was truly a wonderful evening. We talked, laughed, and had a light supper. Spent about 3 hours there and it felt like moments. Our conversation varies... we speak of addictions, flowers, our lives and experiences. I do this on a weekly basis with two very good friends. I know they would never betray my trust and that I can be "frank" with what I say to them (just like an extra alanon meeting). I find that I am no longer a victim, full of self pity, and sadness. I still have my moments, but they are fewer and farther between. Life can be so good!
Quote of the day... "You grow up the day you have the first real laugh...at yourself." Ethel Barrymore
Great awareness and it sounds like a lovely evening with your friends.
I honestly did not know how much of my self I had discarded or lost while living with this disease.
I can remember accompaning my Hubby to open AA meetings and being furious at the laughter over painful incidents being shared. When I started my journey with alanon I again felt out of sorts with the laughter at "What I felt" were painful situations.
Today after using the tools, my attitude has changed and I too can laugh at myself and at many incidents I once felt were terrible. I did not have to work at getting a sense of humor, I had to work the steps and be willing to let go of my defects.
The most important ones being anger, resentment, self pity and blaming.' Once I made a slight dent in my defects, the old me had a chance to shine I am so grateful.
The quote on page 296 in the ODAT by Walt Whitman is so very true. It says: " I am larger, better than I thought I did not know I held such goodness.
Thank you alanon for restoring me. I know it is ODAT and so I keep coming back and doing what has worked.
-- Edited by hotrod on Saturday 24th of July 2010 08:12:59 AM
