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 went to a wonderful meeting last night, the topic was about the upcoming holidays and how we were planning to stay spiritually fit to handle all the ways we could possibly lose our serenity and our connection to our Higher Power. The holidays have been much better for me since I found al-anon, now I have survival tools. But this meeting also had me consider a "protection plan," I had never looked at it that way before.
I will probably continue to do what is working well for me lately; meditation twice daily, 3-4 meetings a week, reading from my dailies, phoning my sponsor... And as for the parties, I will take the suggestions of attending (despite loathing the party behavior changes in the past,) I will practice love and tolerance to the best of my ability, and I will plan on not staying long, if that's what is necessary. My emotional sobriety still comes first, but I hadn't considered that if I stay spiritually fit, I will be able to handle whatever happens, and bring something to the party I had never considered before... real Spirit. Who knows what could be accomplished on my HP's behalf...?!
I had never considered a holiday protection plan, do you have one?
-- Edited by glad lee on Thursday 9th of December 2010 11:36:53 AM
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The prayer isn't for Higher Power to change our lives, but rather to change us.
I've been thinking about mine. Mostly has to do with keeping my wits about me. Trying to stay in the present, ask myself if I'm happy with the situation at this very moment and doing what's best for me.
My action plan will most likely involve taking the dog for a walk if things get out of hand!
I do not have a holiday plan at all frankly. Our A is our son who is currently in jail and not sure will be out for the holiday....he may get an 8 hour pass as he is in the work release program. Our daughter has distanced herself from us because I had my own melt down a few yrs ago and she saw a mother she didn't know anymore. Although I have since come out of it for the most part and rejoined the human race she doesn't trust my recovery, can't say as I blame her. I think we only have one party to go to so thats not a big deal But thru all this I don't feel like I can make any concrete plans as my brother who is 700 miles from me is dying and seems to be fading fast so all plans could change in an instant. So I guess I will just take it one moment at a time and not project what the holidays will bring. Blessings
My last holiday plan got shot down because I was ill. Nevertheless I managed to take care of myself. I think having a plan is a good idea. I don't go out of my way to put myself in stressful situations. Before I was trying to control them now I have limits and lots of them!
Any time we go in to a situation where we feel a little unsure of ourselves - if I meet someone new or have something to say - I like to align myself with my HP and ask that god speak through me and be with me. When I share in a meeting, I align myself then too, asking for god to guide my words and thoughts - when I do this, the situations seem easier to handle and negotiate.
I am still practising for constant conscious contact... when I am in that place of letting go and being in the flow. This year my plan is to not expect anything at all. I want to be in as peaceful of a place as I can be, right now. I think through non-resistence I will have much more fun and it will be easier to accept people with loving kindness.
I try to dive into my kid self and allow that to come alive as much as I can for the Holidays~ seems like it's the only appropriate time for adults to really enjoy doing that and discover the wonder, that which is within us. So, I will try to be as true to myself as possible and express that as purely and joyfully as I can. I will remind myself to detach and take people's comments personally. If they are mean or hurting or insensitive ~ I will recognize that it is their problem and honor them (& me) by letting them keep their own issue silently and peacefully. I think this may bring me the most strength of all - only how to harness it with my big mouth lol.
I grew up with a mom that felt it was very important that everyone be a little kid and get to have wonder and "magic" ( - or - possibilities). She sure expressed it in her love, her kindness (which she puts into her food! lol I swear u can taste it!), excitement for decorating and giving/receiving - and most of all, she always wanted me to know that it means a lot more then commercialism and society tells us. That when you have your own reasons for honoring something, that in itself is enough - that dignity and intention mean something.
I also am very aware of how difficult a time it is for us all, the holidays can be stressful and exaggerated by our roles, scripts and patterns. No matter what happens, I hope everyone will remember to lean on their HP, bc HP is always willing to love and forgive us.
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Light, Love, Peace, Blessings & Healing to Us All. God's Will Be Done. Amen.
