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.
The author shares that before they came to Al-Anon, nothing was simple about their life. Work was stressful, time was short, and the author's attention was focused on the alcoholic. As the author shifted their focus from the alcoholic to the program, they realized that they were exhausted all the time. "Keep it simple" was the key.
The author simplified their life wherever possible - since their top priority was recovering from the effects of alcoholism, things weren't top priority were simplified. The author switched temporarily to a less stressful job, let go of some social activities, and left some household chores undone. This wasn't permanent, but a way to give themselves the space they needed to work on their emotional and spiritual health. When the author returned to their normal schedule, they were able to apply the "keep it simple" approach and were able to handle things with much more serenity.
Today's Reminder: If I am overwhelmed, I may be trying to do too much. Today I will try to keep it simple.
Today's Quote: "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." Hans Hofmann
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Keep it simple is a slogan I've been reaching for and holding on to in the past three weeks. Lots of upheaval going on around me, and this slogan, along with "first things first" helps me to prioritize things so that I accomplish what needs to be done, but also give myself the grace of NOT accomplishing everything on my list. Today's quote and today's reminder are things I needed to see today. I'm going to consider what I can eliminate today that is unnecessary so that I have space for emotional and spiritual care.
I hope you make today a great day!
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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
Keep It Simple is my go-to slogan today, and often lately. I can easily make things complicated out of a desire to be perfect. Be prepared for every possible eventuality so I won't make a mistake or be caught unprepared. That is a fool's errand. When I remember to Keep It Simple, I avoid denying that I am human, that I am imperfect, and that it is OK to do only what I can do.
Definitely an area I need to work on. Over-complicating everything and then feeling overwhelmed is my MO. It's funny because I have a to-do list on my desk that I was just working on before I read this and of course, it has too many things on it and half of them don't need to be done right now (or maybe at all) so now I'm crossing things out instead of adding to it. One thing at a time! I think I overload myself so I don't have to slow down and think- a bad habit from more stressful times, but unnecessary now.
Thanks Skorpi and FT
Thanks Skorpi for your service and for all above ESH. Keep it simple, first things first, think, and how important is it, are all amazing slogans for me. Sometimes I just stop my brain and say, how important is this? And I often reply to myself, IT ISN'T !!! Then it's time to re-prioritize and move on. Love this program. :)
Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily. It's easy for me to forget how helpful our slogans can be. I am one who tries to move to the 'solution' always/often when problems arise. Recovery has helped me determine if it's my problem to resolve and if not, to step away - offering prayer or service if asked.
I use keep it simple often. I tend to still 'want' perfection for many things - housework, golf, chores, etc. - so I've been practicing not sweating the small stuff and doing bits daily instead of grand gestures on a tight schedule. It took being in recovery to realize that life will not end if there are dirty dishes in the sink!!
I am very grateful for all the tools this program offers me and keeping it simple is one I pick up often.
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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
