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.
The ODAT reading for March 13 speaks about the doubts and fears that we entertain once the alcoholic has achieved sobriety. The reading points out that this must be overcome, because this lack of confidence can do untold damage. It suggests that even if a relapse should happen,the injury is not to us but to the unfortunate one who was overcome by the compulsion to drink. This is the time to stand with patience and compassion and not punish the other. The reading suggests that we must carefully guard our mental sobriety. .Mental sobriety is a gift from Higher Power and will express itself in quiet reasonable attitude regardless of what happens
The quote is "I pray that I may not fall into the error of anticipating trouble and if it should come. Let me meet it with love and equanimity.
This reading seems easy to understand, but very difficult to practice. I know the doubts and fears that I felt were overwhelming at times. I was certainly able to handle them. By living one day at a time ,trusting HP and my practicing detachment . I am so grateful that I was able able to keep showing up and appreciate the joy of sobrietyin my home . This page is a great reminder
Thank you Betty for your service and the daily.....I am more grateful than usual for all the daily shares now as in my haste to get to the airport, I neglected to pack any literature. So - a special bonus thank you to you and all who post each day for those of us who might be away from our tools!!
I can admit that my brain tried hard to pull me into the what ifs regarding my mother and this disease. It does me no good at all to anticipate what was is what will be. I am grateful I have been around A(s) for most of my life and known many who've not been able to get the gift of recovery/serenity. She fully understands the risks of her former patterns and I am powerless. All I can do is love her unconditionally, have hope for the best and be of service if needed.
I still have to pro-actively stay program-focused when 'life' happens. I do recall a time when I thought a relapse was the 'end of the world'. I no longer think that way - it's just another speed-bump in the road, and I am as powerless over that as I am over everything else. Recovery has given me a perpetual hope to face any 'life event' and while some are disappointing, I can better deal/heal with a level of grace I did not have before.
I hope you're not in the path of the snowstorm (again) and hope that all is well! I admit that I have enjoyed the lovely weather in AZ vs. my home area...just not much outside time due to circumstances. Have a lovely 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
