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.
We suffer from delusions that we "run the show." Despite lots of evidence that this is not so, we keep trying to run things. We must detach and look inward.
TODAY'S REMINDER: I will try not to outmaneuver anyone else, but will proceed quietly to live my life so I will have less reason for self-reproach. I will withdraw my mind from what others do, and think of what I am doing. I will not react to challenging words and actions.
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So many things I thought were true about the world have turned upside down/inside out through Al-Anon. Lately, I have been searching for my HP on the inside when, historically, I shook my fists at a point far in the distance crying, "Why, why are they/You doing this to me?"
Now, when I find myself reacting negatively to a person, place, or thing, I try to stop, get quiet and find that peaceful Presence on the inside. It is hard to catch myself, to control my thoughts and feelings, but I know that in most circumstances it is possible. I have come to believe it is also my responsibility to act this way. This is a kind of maturity I wasn't really aware of before this program.
I wish I had not lived so many years wildly inclined to think I could keep others in control, keep them under wraps, keep them safe, keep their loyalty/trust/faith, but NOW I am learning a better way. (Better late than never!) I can only control me, run MY show.
Thank you everyone, for your everyday wisdom through Al-Anon. I am so grateful.
Thanks Bbrave for your service and all above ESH. I have had many delusions about myself, my marriage, my family, and the world. What a rude awakening it's been. I thought I could fix my A, and spent a number of years wasting energy and time on that endeavor. But what counts is not what happened in the past, but what's happening right here, today. I know now that at my very best, I will be able to control many things about myself. So I'm doing everything I can, with the help of alanon, to focus on me and get a grip on a good attitude and behaviors.
Thank you BBrave for your service, and you are so correct... better late than never!!
Your share and the great ESH of the others have reminded me of the phrase: "When we know better, we do better." Thank goodness Al-Anon allows us to grow, to safely challenge our long-held beliefs, and to do all this at our own pace!!
Grateful member
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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
Thank you Bbrave for your service/ESH and all the above shares. "...proceed quietly to live my life so I will have less reason for self-reproach..." hit home. The Serenity Prayer relieved the dull heartache and tightness in my back I felt as I reread the shares. I have been exceptionally stubborn when it comes to accepting that I am powerless over others. I am grateful to have seasoned members that freely share their experience to ease my growing pains. I am a mixed bag of feelings right now...sad but glad ...Have a wonderful day.
