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.
In today's reading, the author shares about how they handle depression. Some days, the author feels that they just cannot face the world. They would prefer to hide their head under the covers and avoid the world. In these times, the author recognizes just how much they need an Al-Anon meeting. Breaking the isolation and reaching out for help is something the author found brings relief. Attending an Al-Anon meeting, even a meeting the author has never been to before, is healing and comforting. And, since the author's Higher Power often speaks through other people, usually the author hears just what they needed to hear in those meetings.
Al-Anon is not a substitute for professional help, and if depression lingers, seeking professional help is something to consider. The author notes that we all go through periods of sadness, lethargy, and grief - this is all a part of life. But, unless we intercede on our own behalf, depression can become a habit that perpetuates itself. By going to a meeting, by taking action to get help, the author opens themselves up to their Higher Power and receives help.
Today's Reminder: When in doubt, I will go to an Al-Anon meeting and invite my Higher Power to do for me what I cannot do for myself.
Today's Quote: "There are times when I have to hurt through a situation and when this happens, the choice is not whether to hurt or not to hurt, but what to do when I am hurting." .... In All Our Affairs
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What stands out to me from today's reading is the idea that depression can become a habit that perpetuates itself. When I think back to my time before Al-Anon, I was in a routine. I had developed habits, and they were not healthy for me. Engaging with Al-Anon has become a new habit for me, one that is bringing positive results. I Really am a creature of habit. I like to figure out the way to do things that is best and more efficient for me, and follow the routine of doing them after that. Going on this kind of "auto-pilot" frees my mind to focus on other things and solve other problems (like how to fix whatever broken appliance I happen to have at the moment). I turned attending Al-Anon meetings into this same kind of routine. What this did for me was to ensure that I had dedicated time a few days a week to focus on myself and how I was dealing with things. Making myself a priority in this way helped me to start to break habits that were not serving me, like habits of depression, negative thinking, focusing on what was going wrong instead of what was going right.
Today, I'm thankful to have a way to break habits that do not serve me, and focus my attention on creating new and more positive ways of being and thinking.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thanks Skorpi for your service and for the above ESH. There are times that try as I might, depression can take hold of me for awhile. I think program has taught me how important my attitude is. So whatever issue is causing my depression, I try to lean into my program tools. I also have learned that no matter what the situation is, I will come back to balance and peace. I do recover from the low feelings. Its OK to feel these feelings, and then walk right through it. When going through hell, keep going..
This is a tough topic for me at the moment. I recently went through a rough life change and decided to take a break from work. I have spent seven months hanging onto program by my fingernails in order to keep some kind of sanity and some structure in my life. It has not just been about teaching me new ways to think about my life, but also has given structure to my week and somewhere to go, even if only virtually. I have been so sad and isolated, but Al-Anon challenges me to look at ways to change my perspective.
I am currently looking for work, hoping to find something that will be meaningfuland not too stressful, but I realize now that program has to remain at the top of my list of "things to do" regardless of what job I get.
Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily. Thank you all for your shares & ESH. The quote of today's reading really speaks to me. I am one who has struggled my entire life with perfectionism. As nothing happened as desired or planned, disappointment & depression often followed.
Before Recovery (BR), I truly thought the 'best way' to deal with this was to over-analyze (obsess) what went wrong so I could do better/bet better next time as well as eliminate 'mistakes'. In actuality, this was extremely flawed thinking and behaving. The healthier thinking and behaving was to realize I and this world we live in are perfectly imperfect and I am powerless over other people, places and things.
Recovery gave me a completely different lens to look at life and life events through. What I do know now about me is my first inclination is not often the best choice. I have a friend who's starting hospice, with maximum 1-2 months remaining. I will miss her dearly - beyond words - and given my choice, I'd curl up in a ball for a while feeling sorry for myself. (Note to self: It's not about me!!!)
I have 2 other friends currently suffering - another from cancer & the third, hospitalized with what they thought was a stroke. When life comes at me, my best course of action is to change things up just enough to change my focus. It is in recovery that I've learned that being of service to others and self helps me greatly and praying instead of worrying and projecting moves mountains.
My sponsor was a MH therapist who taught me to take action, any action, instead of sitting with my stinking thinking. A meeting, literature, walk, cleaning a closet, cook a meal, bake some cookies, etc. -- for me, any action I take instead of sitting with my own insanity wondering if I can change anything (only me).
Meetings saved my sanity in the beginning and continue to do so. Yet, they are but one tool that's led me to a different way to be/do/think. I am truly grateful for this program and the many ways it helps me get through 'life' and to the other side. Make it a great day! I golfed early - glad for that as we're in another heatwave...
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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
