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.
Good morning MIP! Today's reading is about decision-making. I really like the quote:
"When I used to make specific requests (of God), I was so busy waiting for them to be granted that I didn't realize the answers were staring me in the face."
The reminder is: With the help of a Higher Power, decision-making can be one of life's great adventures. Each cross road brings a new challenge, and I am capable of dealing with whatever comes my way.
Today's reading reminds us that we are not alone in our decision-making. When we lean into Al-Anon, we are given tools and a spiritual solution that gives us help and support when we seek it. We can turn to God and ask for help. This help may take many different forms - a meeting topic, a tug at the gut, a 'coincidence'...and of course, sometimes God speaks through others. ESH is very useful as we consider our own options.
We come to understand also that no single decision is ever really that important. We are not in control of the results - they are instead in the hands of a power greater than us.
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I had great difficulty with decisions before recovery. Part of this was because I was constantly in the past or the future, and obsessed with finding the perfect solution/answer. I did a bunch of, if this happens, then .... or Last time, this happened, so ......
It was exhausting trying to role-play for me, another as well as God. This all to me spoke of my own ego and this disease telling me that I was more important and smarter than others, and had more power than reality. Working these steps in order really helped me to accept who I am (imperfectly perfect), who others are (equally imperfectly perfect) and that none of us are alone (HP has no step-children or black sheep)!
I am so grateful that our fellowship allowed me to arrive somewhat insane and find my own way with the tools provided. I can simplify much of life just focusing on this day, what is forward facing for this day and decisions relative to the here/now. I also learned in recovery that I can change my mind when more facts are available and ultimately, I am solely responsible for my own sanity, serenity and joy!!
Happy Thursday to one and all - we've got another 'snow day' for ice. It's a hibernation day in my neck of the woods....stay warm, safe and serene MIP family and make it a great day!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Good Morning IAH . Thanks for this excellent topic. Thanks to program tools i now have a huge arsenal of constructive tools to help me with my decision making. i must add that after implementing all these tools, i pause. pray and wait for guidance from HP. This simple act serves me well and I am never disappointed. Have a great day ans thanks so much for your service.
Thanks for the above shares and the daily IAH. Decisions used to be agonizing for me and I must say that most of the time they are easier thanks to program. I do rely on HP, and I have found that sometimes after my F2F I feel uplifted in spirit and everything I need to do feels lighter. I love alanon! Lyne
