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've been venting alot of negative stuff lately and I thank all of you for your patience with me. I feel I have legitimate reasons to be unhappy and despite things I can do to "distract myself" (because that's all they really are, there's nothing that's truly going to bring lasting happiness to me) I am aware that I ignore positives in my life and focus exclusively on the negative. So here goes. I am grateful for: 1. A good, secure job with good benefits (that's big these days I know). 2. The best 9 year old daughter in the world. 3. My cute little black dog who is teaching me the meaning of unconditional love. 4. Some interests in life that I enjoy: (reading, sports, music). 5. Having done something about my weight before it was too late. 6. A very good best friend and a brother who's like a best friend. Not to mention some other friends in life who've stuck by me. 7. That my wife, as difficult as she is, is not a drug or alcohol abuser, nor physically abusive toward my daughter (she can be emotionally abusive but I'm able to fix some of that and support my daughter, such that she doesn't take it to much to heart and understand that "mommy gets cranky and it's not my fault". 8. My overall health is good, some physical complaints - I'm 50 afterall - but generally very good. 9. A second job, that although I'd rather be home those nights, is non stressful. 10. A nice neighborhood and a town away from "urban" life...sort of country-ish. 11. A female therapist who is giving me hope that there actually are caring, empathetic females out there, who's fun to talk to, and most importantly is good at her job. 12. Anti depressant medication that actually seems to be working some with no side effects. 13. Parents, who despite their neurosis and alcohol, are actually loving and accepting of me. They were never abusive in any way...a little emotionally neglectful, but even today I know they really care. I guess this is a good start....I should probably read this list over and over everyday. Thanks for listening.
Nice! Great to hear all of these wonderful things. I am grateful for: 1. A job (I know its not full time, and its not a lot per hour but it is good) 2. My two sons ( they save my life) 3. A car that runs 4. My grandma that I am staying with til I can get my apartment 5. The bad marriage is OVER! 6. I found alanon! 7. My photography 8. Love....and time
Nice job there! When I was depressed and new to alanon, I was told to make a gratitude list so I could appreaciate whatver I could. It really helped, by focusing each day on the positives, instead of the negatives - well, life gets easier when you are not combatting and resisting at every turn. I was always in such a rush before, now I watch life unfold and am peaceful.
It can be realy hard at first to get to some good places, when the pink glow wears off and we are facing real changes within -but- when u do learn how to calm you down in the hard times, then u will know how to do it always. Our emotional intelligence affects the rest of our whole entire lives.
I think us codependent enalbers are some of the most loving people to a fault, we just have to learn to stop neglecting ourselves. I felt emotionally neglected by my mom at times - she could never help me with my feelings, she just encouraged me to share them, which was extremely painful and frustrating for us both.
When I got serious about putting me first and not compromising me anymore, that is when life really changed. I set boundaries and "friends" began to fall away. It was ok, I didnt want friends that would use me any longer in my life.
Nice to see your posts, keep it up, they get it off ur chest and it is liberating. kcb, TC!
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Light, Love, Peace, Blessings & Healing to Us All. God's Will Be Done. Amen.
I love this post! It helps to remember the good things - because there are ALWAYS good things. It's very easy for me to get trapped in a negative cycle - and my negativity breeds more negativity until all I can see is the bad stuff.
To help me out, I keep a gratitude journal where I list 5 things I'm grateful for every single night. Sometimes, one of my entries is, "I'm grateful that this day is over!" That's okay, too - whatever works!
1. An amazing husband who sees me thru thick and thin 2. Beautiful summer days ( winter in Utah is so long and brutal) 3. 2 amazing children... 1 going to school for a teaching degree the other an A but who, i love unconditionally 4. A roof over my head and food on the table 5. 3 dogs who love me no matter what mood I am in 6. The wonderful, amazing love and support of my alanon family 7. The great friends I have met in alanon who keep me on track 8. Living next to an Air Force base and watching the jets fly over knowing they are the ones I can count on to keep our country safe
I am sure i can think of many more but HP has truly blessed me
