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.
Today I went to the gym to work out. It wasn't too busy or full of the muscle heads building their biceps - sometimes it's eye candy, sometimes just ridiculous. Anyway, I started looking around and I noticed a few things. An old man on the treadmill, walking and reading a book with the pages held down with a huge clip. A fairly large boy on the elliptical, going at a good pace, wiping his forehead with a towel. An old lady taking off her shoes and socks and doing some floor excercises right in front of the 2 young muscle bound guys with not a glance at them. And a older man on the bike reading a decorating magazine. I just was so pleased to see them. All working on themselves, taking care of themselves even though they weren't 'typical gym people'. I just felt so happy to be in their company. And I realised that my HP was showing me that everyone has their own story. Everyone is doing the best with what they can. It sounds silly now but I almost felt proud of those people at the gym today. And even though I was sore from the exercise, I was smiling the whole time I was in there!
Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.- Maya Angelo
I really like your descriptions, and the awareness and gratitude in this post. Lots of acceptance and appreciation! This is one of those times I wish this board had "like" buttons :)
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful perspective of the world around you. Your eyes in observation were viewing the world with love not judgement or criticism. That is the way I want to hold the world in my heart each and every day. When I am able to do so, the actions or lack thereof from other people are less likely to disturb me.
Thanks for the kind messages everyone. On days when I don't feel as positive, I will definitely think about how I felt at the gym yesterday.
Today it is a beautiful sunny day here (although a bit windy) so I will try to get outside at some point and enjoy the sunshine and my HP's love. I'm working on my controlling issues so I will go outside and pray to my HP about giving my will over to Him. And I'll thank Him for the sunshine while I'm at it.
Higher power also works when "the others" are present. The result of me practicing the steps. Not from willing it because.... I just don't have that kind of power.... but from the willingness to work the steps... at some point, miracles happen. At some point, there were no plusses and minuses... only equals. I could never have discovered it on my own... that is why this has been the perfect path for me. Thanks for the share.
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The prayer isn't for Higher Power to change our lives, but rather to change us.
