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.
Todays reading is about step one; its about recognizing and accepting powerlessness and about recognizing when life has become unmanageable. The writer describes step one by acknowledging that sometimes it is helpful to try and see the unmanageable part before accepting powerlessness. So many of us have the instinct to try and assert our will or our wants. Trying to control outcomes or other people is an example of this, and it will contribute to an unmanageable life.
The writer then goes on to describe what life is like when acceptance of being powerless and surrender to a higher power happens. The sentence that jumped at me was: I become spiritually teachable. We are all works in progress in this difficult part of letting go of our willfulness. The thought for the day is a great reminder of why we keep trying: The pain is not in the surrender and acceptance. Its in the resistance.
One overriding thought that came to me through todays reading is that we might consider powerlessness or turning over our will as a sign that we are somehow not strong enough, when in fact its the opposite. It takes strength to see what (little) we have control over, to make changes when we are able, and to have the ability to distinguish between the two.
Hello, Mary! Thank you for your service. This was a very good reminder for me today. A reminder that the pain is in the resistance. I am learning how to apply these concepts in my every day life... and it seems "Everyday life" keeps on challenging me in the climate we are in as a country! It really is all about what is in my power to control, to change. An honest look at that, helps me to say centered.
It was actually a little chilly last night! I guess SOCAl Autumn has arrived (wink, wink)... time to do some work in the plant beds around the house... I can lose myself in that endeavor... get out of my head! A good thing!
You know, I would like to ask that if you live in the part of the country with "Fall Colors," could you post a picture? Autumn in SOCAL is just an extension of summer now (not that we had huge fall color anyway). I recently saw a picture of Yosemite Valley, and the Autumn hues were amazing! Sometimes I actually forget that my favorite season happens at all here in SOCAL!
Hope you all will find your Joy and jump right in today!
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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 Mary for your service and the daily. I have returned to Step One for some life events and while my life is manageable, it's with effort currently. I know that for me, the best way through life on life's terms is to keep doing what is suggested, and trust the process and program. I tend to be one who needs a daily reminder of what I am powerless over and what I can affect change to - me.
I've been quiet lately - here @ MIP as well as here @ home. I am in pain - physically (back) and emotionally (loss). I tend to focus more on quiet mouth and listening mind/ears when I am in pain as it helps me get to the other side. I quietly celebrated 34 years of sobriety on Friday as I didn't feel the need/desire to 'shout it from the rooftops' - LOL. I am extremely grateful for the gift of sobriety and the gift of recovery.
Gearing up for Sunday night football - love and light 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
Iamhere - So sorry to hear that you have back pain. I hope and pray that it is transient in nature... and you soon will be "right as rain." Congratulations on 34 years of sobriety!
__________________
"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
