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.
Today's writer acknowledged handling some of life's inevitable challenges by not addressing them, remaining silent to avoid an argument. Consistently, this lead to resentment and poor outcomes.
Seeing this pattern led to the realization that, though not something likely experienced by choice, adversity can be a learning opportunity. In this case, that expressing feelings and addressing problems might be scary and likely not easy initially but typically lead to better feelings and results long term.
Reminder: Chinese word for crisis uses two characters: danger, and opportunity. I will look for the good, even if hidden, in every encounter.
There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands." - Richard Bach ----------------------- The most powerful realization I got from Alanon early on was that my serenity would not be determined by events and/or the actions of others, but how I chose to perceive and respond to them.
When I forget this and act with intent to change people, places, things to feel better, everyone loses. When I am willing to keep the changes limited to myself, I can change the world.
Each instance and interaction is an opportunity to learn, and I get them each day. I am very grateful for the wisdom and reminders
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you Paul for your service and for all the above ESH. I have a chance to practice this today. Im having some serious bone issues and seeing a new doctor this afternoon. Im having trouble with my attitude, and I know it. I need to replace fear and resistance with optimism and acceptance of help. Everyday is certainly an opportunity to practice my program tools.
I am grateful to all whom have shared their ESH! I think I like the thought of "danger + opportunity." It is an intriguing notion.
TiredTonight - What a lovely avatar! Is that from a Lilac tree in your yard? It made me smile this morning... thank you! I also enjoyed the story... "I changed my mind."
Lyne - Extending healing thoughts for you today... I hope that this new doctor works for you, and you get the resolution you seek.
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
How easily I gave up my serenity this morning after waking up and having nice conversation with my wife laced with humor and happiness and then going outside to feed na manu (birds) and telling them I hope all was find and coming inside and having breakfast with Reener (my spouses nick name) and then coming to this computer for emails and finding profanity and sexual communication and trash. My pre-Al-Anon character arrived and I wanted to beat the perps badly.
I am now listening and reading your ESHs so that I can calm my spirit. The readings helped bring me back over the cliff and I will now go sit with Higher Power and get back to how I woke up this morning. Any left over spiritual thoughts, feelings and actions? Send them over to Clovis CA...special D to Jerry F.
Happy Tuesday MIP. Thank you Paul for your service and the daily. Thank you all for your shares and ESH. We've had rain off/on for days with flooding in some areas, yet we headed to golf league this morning. It was a wet, muddy mess yet I met some new ladies and enjoyed the outside/nature!
All I know is I can get in the way of all that is good around me. Without much effort, when I forget that serenity and sanity are my priorities, I can give away my power faster than one can snap their fingers. I wish that joy and serenity came more naturally for me - not so - I must make it a priority in how I embrace this program, each day and all people, places and things around me.
Lyne - sending tons of prayers, positive energy and healing thoughts your way. May this doctor bring about treatment/solutions to your issues.
I've been distracted by trying to be of service to a friend (another) recently diagnosed with cancer. I am not entirely sure what I am to learn yet remain committed to trying. A part of me feels as if cancer is all around me and I just view it as such an ugly, ugly illness.
Make it a great day all - more rain is headed our way...not too sure when we'll get out and golf again and that's OK! I always have plan B things to do! (((Hugs))) to all.
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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
I learnt neither to avoid not to provoke a conflict. I had thought I had made this one up myself- but recently- after going through the readers with a fine tooth comb- I found it was there- in Courage To Change, I think.
My sponsor told me:- Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you. This say exactly the same thing!
Thank you Paul for your service and this great daily
Yeah when life would slam me down, I would curse it and I would condemn the bad luck and feel the victim end it just seemed that my life was going to be rounds and rounds of misery and nothing else until I die
This latest tsunami to my finances, losing my unemployment kind of showed me where I am out in the program. Yes for two days I cried copious tears. I mean I sobbed. The loss, the fear, the grief, all triggers like here I go again, unable to take care of myself. Well I had to allow all those feelings till I could finally reach a place where I could actually thank my higher power for the good that has evolved during these tough times and sometimes I dont believe it but I still do it--I give thanks to God for the Beautiful and happy means of support that he has for me now and I just do the thank you thing over and over and over and I look for ways to be kind and compassionate for others anything that is positive and it is helping and I am willing to trust that not only will I rebound from this but I will be better. Thank God for this program and all of you fellow travelers I have the privilege to share recovery with
