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.
As many of you know, we had a home flood about 3 weeks ago, destroying lots and causing us to make makeshift bedrooms in other parts of our home. We live in a small home with 4 adults, 2 cats and an 85 pound dog whom I have lovingly nicknamed TRex. There really is stuff everywhere and we are walking on bare cement floors in the back part of our home for another 2 weeks until the flooring is in. Pre al anon I would have been looking ultra serene ( controlled) on the outside with an anxiety level over the moon on the inside. I was mismatched with me.
Last night, as I was letting TRex outside, I had a moment of grace that snuck up on me, telling me how content I felt. I went hmmm, yes, I feel content. And, what is really great is I still feel content this morning despite cat paws walking on my pillow as I tried to sleep....they are still scared of TRex. I am feeling content as I am living the serenity prayer, and having no expectations that this contentedness will continue another minute...yet, I hope it does
Thanks PP for showing me how it is done in the midst of chaos! I too find and cherish those moments of calm in the storm and with al-anon they come more and more and stay longer each time. I am so grateful for you here walking beside me on this journey!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
Paula: To recognize yourself as content is the midst of very trying circumstances certainly is the Serenity Prayer in practice and in results to me. Sorry the cats can't learn it with you.
BF, it is an honor we get to do this together. Catherine, any tricks for teaching those impish cats? Not only do they walk on my pillow, their paws are dirty from trekking around the cement floor
No tips on training. My cats pretty much do want they want to do, too. Let me rephrase that. My cats do what they want to do. They would both walk on my pillows, walk on my face and if I missed the fact they'd both been walking in concrete dust, they'd show me their front paws and then rub my cheek with at least one dust covered paw to make sure I got their question: "Okay! Now, who is going to clean up that mess? It won't be us, let me tell you."
Paula Loved this share and your awareness of how, in the midst of chaos, we can feel peace. It sound as if your insides are now matching your outsides and that is powerful.
Alanon reading today restates the fact that it does not matter what happens to us in life- It matters how we respond. Using alanon tools daily insures that we respond with sanity, courage and wisdom Your program is showing big time
(as far as kitty paws on pillows) That is really cute
Paula, you have reached a level of serenity that I am still striving for. You are living in the minute without allowing negative projections to interfere with your peace. God bless you. I pray to my HP that one day I can achieve this.
You are definitely working your program, and it's definitely working for you.
I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for sharing such a positive and encouraging post.
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Look for the rainbow after the storm, and I'm sending you a double dose of HOPE. H-hold O-on P-pain E-ends
Catherine, not only do they walk on my pillows, they puke on a beach towel that is now a runner from the bed to the door. Geesh. Betty, it does feel good to be more matchy matchy with the insides and outsides. Cloudyskies, you will get there...using the term working my program doesn't even seem to fit anymore. It is just there for me to access, effortlessly. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too and to all of you
Last night, as I was letting TRex outside, I had a moment of grace that snuck up on me, telling me how content I felt. I went hmmm, yes, I feel content. And, what is really great is I still feel content this morning despite cat paws walking on my pillow as I tried to sleep....they are still scared of TRex. I am feeling content as I am living the serenity prayer, and having no expectations that this contentedness will continue another minute...yet, I hope it does
((((((((((((((((((((((Paula))))))))))))))))) I am in awe of the way you are dealing with this......WOW....alanon looks GREAT on you
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Live and let live and do it with peace and goodwill to all!!!!
Gracious reminder PP and the phrase "moment of grace" is so spiritually inspiring. I love giving that idea away as much as I love receiving it like right now. Mahalo.
Thank you for your inspiring post. Serenity in a storm- awesome program work. I'm so sorry to learn about the flood and how it's causing so much inconvenience. As for T-rex, better to mark them with paw prints than in other ways
(((((hugs)))))).
