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.
Our shortest slogan, "Think," can be very helpful. However, as with most tools, I need to use it with care and reason. As I've heard it said around the Al-Anon rooms, my best thinking is what got me here. For me, thinking too much or in a negative way is almost as dangerous as not thinking at all. Obsessive thinking can be my symptom of this family disease as much as obsessive drinking is the alcoholic's. It has even occurred to me that I might be better off if I could get licensed to think safely! Al-Anon meetings are the closest place I've found to safe thinking training grounds.
This slogan is intended to help me "Think" before I act, making sure my actions are well thought out, not impulsive, compulsive, or reactive. I need to remember, tough, that the slogan is not "Think, think, think, think!" Along the lines of "Easy Does It" (but do it), I sometimes need to expand the scope of this slogan: "Think" (in moderation), "Think" (and pray), "Think" (out loud with a sponsor), or "Think" (and feel).
Thought for the Day
"Think" is an invitation for clarity, not endless rumination. God, help me to think, but not too much!
"I have a program that helps me to make sense of my mixed-up thinking and feeling." Alateen--a day at a time, p.14
This reading is so very important. Gaining the ability to sort out the difference in the slogan" THINK" and obsessing is so important. I can justify anything if I try.
Seeing the concept spelled out is huge and finding the difference between . "Thinking" and endless rumination so very important. I like to remind myself that to "Think" asks me to "Not React" but to pause, breathe, listen to the still small voice within and then respond. If I need to talk it over with an alanon friend then so be it but I am not to use my old destructive tool of obsessing to solve issues. Obsessing only keeps me stuck in the problem and never leads me to look at a constructive solution.
The C2C Today was also very important in understanding another of al anon principles. It states:
There is no magic words that will make anyone ready for al anon
" Let me not dilute the effectiveness of the help I can give by letting it take the form of giving advise. I know I will never have enough insight into another's life to tell that person what is best to do.
Great reminder to keep the "Focus on myself "as I love to believe I know what everyone should do.
I do love to start the day with the Wisdom of these powerful readers
This was a great reading which I could have heeded better after my f2f meeting this afternoon as I spoke without thinking and had to make another amends. I have it when that happens. But, I made my apology and will try to do better in the future.
__________________
~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
hate it, I meant I hate it when that happens. Gotta love auto correct.
__________________
~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
I think too much too.
My sponsor has me work on the acronym " think" when I am going to open my mouth to speak. Hopefully to slow down my reaction time.
Is it Thoughtful
Helpful
Intelligent
Necessary
Kind
I am really trying to work on having positive thoughts and speaking kinder and gentle. I usually just seem to be angry about everything that is going on and figuring out a healthy way to release a huge ball of anger inside on me. I think too much and get myself upset in the process. I think this is a bad habit I am trying to change.
Hope
__________________
I have hope that my next minute will be better and to learn from my last minute.
