Thanks FT for that great reading today! I receive many gifts from alanon; serenity is one of them. Where I live many people are without power this morning. One of the first things I said to myself when I got up is that I am grateful for power. I'm also grateful that I am not sick with covid nor any member of my family. Being able to see assets and gratitude, the ability to make lemonade from lemons, accepting what I cannot change, etc., all help me have serenity. Program has given me tools for living. I'm changed, changing, and still need more recovery. Peace and health to my MIP family. You all help me along my journey. I am grateful for you. THANK YOU!

Thank you Freetime for your service today! I came on here not knowing that there would be a "Daily" today, but pleasantly surprised it is here for the taking! And how did my Akua know that what Freetime posted. - both as the daily and their ESH - was what I needed today? Uncanny. LOL!

My Ex called early this morning from his rehab. I have my phone set so that all "unknown" calls go directly to voicemail. I was able to hear his words without feeling like they would derail me. Still, he has ghosted me and his financial responsibilities since March. I have chosen to understand that this would be the most difficult time to honor those responsibilities, regardless of his addiction "status." During this time, I learned that I am much better off emotionally not hearing from him, although it has been rough depending solely on my income. Well, beyond rough... but my Akua knows what I need, and my parents continue to stay healthy and we are helping each other through this time. Despite all, I am still feeling blessed! Freetime's words touched a chord with me today... I will ponder them often, I believe.

I am grateful for the gifts of Al-Anon. For the gift of Serenity that is there should I choose to accept it. I am grateful this morning for my health, and the health of my family (everyday it seems I learn of someone I know who has contracted the virus). I am thankful for having a job that has not been furloughed (b/c unemployment benefits are not full pay), and it is one that I LOVE! In this stage of my life, and with my present circumstances, it is what gives my life meaning. I am grateful for all the MIP members who share their stories, joy, accomplishments, and yes, even their pain. You are all part of my journey in personal growth, and I thank you!

I would like to wish you all the blessings of your HP, continued good health, and a brighter/healthier/saner 2021!

&

Merry Christmas MIP for all who celebrate. Happy Friday to those who do not. For me, serenity is best defined by being comfortable in my own skin. For more years that I can recall, I was not. I had a mind that rarely, if ever slowed down or stopped, a heart that loved hard, deeply and dysfunctionally, and habit of seeking out broken souls to fix and no tools to help me cope with the insanity within. I can not or will not ever blame or attribute it to one source - the disease that brings us together, FOO, past abuse, etc. I became who was was as a result of a lifetime of low self-esteem treated with all the wrong 'medicines' along the way.

I sought attention and love and friendship and more from others incapable of meeting my needs. I put my wants and my will in front of my needs and myself. I allowed fear to overtake my faith - in a HP, in others, in self. I was a time-bomb ticking, reactive shell of a person, ever fearful, defensive, ready to attack and defend much of which was not at all important in the grand scheme of life.

Today, I find myself living a simple life at a slower pace. I prefer peaceful times to chaos, drama, gossip and the hustle of the race. I turn to prayer so often in a day that I can't even count it. I have more faith than fear and know that my past is what it is, the past. It's not necessary to carry it with me everywhere I go; I've been set free and don't need it to prop me up or blame for my present. I avoid, when possible chaotic and dramatic people and prefer those who are healthy. I've allowed faith to replace most of my fear and have a set of tools that get me through anything with a level of grace I never knew possible.

So, serenity for me is just being grateful to be me. It has been a year like no other. I refuse to call it 'bad' or 'horrible' as those are words that trigger negative energy in my mind and heart. It's been hard to watch so many pass away because of the disease and it's been hard to see family and friends mourn the lives ended to soon. I have more disappointment than anger for the way things have unfolded this year and pray continuously for our world, our leaders, our fellow man/woman, etc. Anger doesn't serve me well yet when I am disappointed, I can chose better the next right thing. So, while many are visiting family, traveling, spreading the virus and sickness, I continue to stay at home, with just my AH, cooking for 2, missing my family yet trusting that being part of the solution is the best choice for me.

My parents are suffering greatly....they've lost several friends to Covid and with each loss, it doubles as the remaining spouse often departs their area to return home to be closer to family. My mother can't remember why their activities are gone and thinks my dad is holding her hostage. My dad, saintly as one can be, could use a break/two yet we all know better. I will travel as I did before if I am needed, and they know that. When I was there, it was very strange and very sad to leave and not give/get hugs. Again, this has been a hear like no other.

So, whatever serenity means to you or how you find it - seek it out, claim it your own and fight to keep it. I truly believe that the God of my understanding truly wants me and all others to be happy, joyous and free - which has different meaning to each of us. I send positive energy to all of you, and share gratitude for each of you in my journey.

I reached out to 58 different folks this morning via text. Some were family I normally hang with today, some were friends that are distancing as I am, some were program folks that I know are hurting, some from golf, some from softball - just to be of service and 'do different'. Clearly this holiday is vastly different than normal for me and I had nothing but time. It was lovely to hear back, even though I had no expectations. I opted to take this action to distract me from the sadness of missing my family. It worked - brightened my morning and off to cook I went. We've already had our first meal, plenty of leftovers for grazing. All is cleaned up and I feel good about how the day is going.

My hope is all of us can just rely on this program, our HP and any outside resources and find our way to authenticity, serenity and joy. Love and light MIP family - huge (((hugs))) for all too.