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 know in the 1+ year I've been around this site, there have been several topics under which people have posted some of their favorite inspirational/al anon sayings.
I have really been struggling with the program lately, and in an effort to do a better job working the program, I'm creating a journal. I'd like to be able to devote the first few pages to sayings that help me stay focused on the program.
There are a lot of great alanon slogans. One that's been particularly useful for me lately is "how important is it?" Saying this to myself has helped me avoid quarrels when I felt I was on the verge of being sucked into one. It also quickly lets me refocus on things that really matter most, which leads me to gratitude instead of anger or self pity.
New here so I am looking forward to reading others replies.
But last night I went with my ABF to an open AA meeting. It was only us and 3 others. And the topic of discussion was the 3rd step. The third step prayer from the Big Book was brought up and being new to AA and Al-Anon I had never heard it. When an older gentlemen recited the prayer after telling his story, it almost brought tears to my eyes. Hearing his struggle and how he applied this to his life was very inspirational to me. This is definitely a prayer I need to apply to my life right now as I struggle with this.
God, I offer myself to Thee- To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!
-- Edited by CamaroGirl on Wednesday 30th of November 2011 01:00:03 PM
My favourite one is let go let God. I am a terrible control freak want to control the world, Al anon has learnt me that I put so many demand on myself it is not my job but my brain forgets so when I am frustrated with things that I can not change I chant LET GO LET GOD and i get my humility back I carnt he can so I got to get out of the way and let him, he knows bests.
As I say ad infinitum, the most useful for me has been "My choices, my results." I think this is because, before I understood better, I thought I was the victim of all-powerful external circumstances. I didn't see that I had any choices. "But I have to stay with him because..." "But I have to say X because he said Y..." "But I have to pour out the alcohol because..." "But I have to feel bad because..." I can't say I always make the best choices even now, but it feels better knowing that if things aren't working for me, I can start to make different choices at any point. And I'm not just the helpless punching-bag of the universe.
"Today I will save myself from two pests; hurry and indecision".... I seem to need this one a lot! I couldn't believe when I read it, that others have this problem with their thinking too. Such a weight was lifted off my shoulders!
Like nyc, one of the sayings I often repeat to myself is ¨How important is it?¨ It makes me stop and think about situations where I would once be ready to argue about but now just don't seem that important. Another one that really hits home with me is ¨Don't react¨- Because most of the time it's just not worth it. And one that I rely on a lot is ¨One day at at a time¨- which often becomes one hour (or minute) depending on what I can handle at the time.
One day at a time It is what it is This too shall pass These calm me down (sometimes)
How important is it What other people think of me is none of my business (turned into a question for me.. Is it any of my business?, or.. its none of my business) These help me to prioritise
If you google the entire "Just For Today" prayer it is great (The hurry and indecision phrase is there) There is an Al-Anon bookmark with the entire thing on it that I keep in my wallet. One part of it always makes me laugh because it says something like, "Just for today I will look presentable" haha.
On that same note there is a reading in Hope for Today that says something like, "If you practice Just for Today for months on end, you are essentially just accepting unacceptable behavior" which also helps me when I feel my boundaries are being pushed.
Live and Let Live has helped me through many a crisis! When I am scared for my AH or mad at his choices...this one helps me calm down or turn my focus onto my own needs and serenity.
I find inspiration in strange places. In Empire Strikes Back there is a scene where Yoda is trying to train Luke and he is explaining the ways of the Force, which is a very spiritual notion in many ways. Luke says, "I don't believe" and Yoda says, "And that is why you fail."
My absolute favourite saying is in my sig line. The whole quote wouldn't fit (too many characters I guess?) so here it is:
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
For me it sort of combines the essence of both "one day at a time" and "let go and let God".
My other favourite is my personal variation of "don't react" which is "Do Not Engage" and I always picture a bright orange neon warning sign, like you would see on a piece of machinery. That's my reminder to stay out of arguments, because I can be a tad argumentative at times!
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Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could... Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. - Emerson
