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.
Todays reading is about the difficulties we might face when making decisions. The writer notes that in the effort to make the perfect decision, instead he/she can be almost paralyzed considering all the possible effects the decision may have. In order to sort out a direction when feeling this way, the writer suggests using slogans such as One Day at a Time (to stay in the present), Easy does It (take time and breathe) and one of my favorites How Important Is It? (to put things in perspective).
One of the feelings I wrestled with when I first came to the program was overwhelmed: I didnt know which way to turn or how to take a step forward. For me the slogans condensed concepts into manageable ideas, and focusing on one or two in any given day has helped me get through times when I feel indecisive or uncertain. I appreciate the quote from the Forum at the end of this page which reminds me that we have choices and one of them is deciding how important serenity is to us.
Today I will think about One Day at a Time I have the day before me and I dont have to dwell on yesterdays or what tomorrow might bring. I hope you all enjoy a peaceful Sunday!
Thank you so much for your service Mary. Today's reading really speaks to me and I often struggle with staying in the moment. I get myself all wound up from not accepting the moment and racing ahead as I drag the past in tow.... really super exhausting and not beneficial in any way. This helps me try and appreciate each moment - will do a gratitude list and something nice for myself today.
Good Morning Mary, I love the slogans and they certainly do help me to make decisions. Prior to program I always felt that a decision needed to be a life time commitment. Alanon pointed me in the direction that I could always" change my mind". That making a decision that seemed right today could, down the road, when more information surfaced, be found not right for me and it was quite reasonable that i need to rethink my choice. This is quire normal and mature. one day, one moment at a time works for me. Have a lovely day and thanks so much for your continued service.
Good morning to all - thanks for the shares and ESH. Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. I can 'still' get wrapped up in a bit of crazy at times when trying to make decisions. I ran into this Friday night - got a call and wanted to run, jump in the car, and drive 18 hours to be of service to my parents.
I truly feel that my HP gave me a more than subtle nudge - such as, it's time to rest/sleep for the day, and there is nothing that will/can happen different in 18 hours vs. 26 hours....I struggled to sleep and felt all day long that I need to be present, be of service from afar and allow my parents to share when best they might need me!! I am amazed at times, in a moment of crisis, my mind still wants to go to 'me', 'me', 'me' and this program has graced me with tools that remind me it's not about me but about the best next right thing.
I am comfortable today in allowing HP, logic and sanity with facts help with decisions. We all know that 'life' happens and my serenity is best when I can lean into recovery and then respond with grace and dignity instead of emotion and reaction. Make it a great day all - off to a meeting in a short while. Last day of sunshine for a few days - hope all are safe who are affected by the wacky weather we're having!
__________________
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
