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 reading speaks of limited thinking, and how we can become lost in our predicted outcomes, and feel hopeless. But we can't possibly imagine all possible outcomes, so when we feel trapped in our limited thinking, that's when it's time to turn it over to our HP. Often, this is when miracles happen. The reading suggests that we have two responsibilities to our HP- to ask for help and to be willing to receive it, and it also suggests we ask for help with every day matters so it becomes habitual when we are faced with bigger challenges.
I think this reading is a pretty big deal for a lot of al-anoners- because feeling like we are in control of, responsible for and accountable for everything that happens, ever is pretty common to many of us! I think it applies well to me right now, as I am feeling a bit of 'helpless rage' over someone pushing me around, and I think that's a very common feeling for me and one that definitely should be handballed to my HP. I have this ridiculous feeling that I have to somehow take control of the situation, and there isn't any way to do that! I definitely need to hand it to my HP.
It's easier said than done sometimes, but it always ends up being worth it.
Thanks YKM for your service and for all above ESH. A phrase I heard on this board maybe 5 or so years ago, and I don't know who said it, but the member said she resigned from the doormat club. Like many things my 2 sponsors have said to me, this sticks with me. I was a doormat for many years. This program has given me the strength to resign, and in doing that I feel a sense of freedom I've never had before in my life. Now all my tools, people, HP, certainly help me along this journey, but I'm a proud non-member of the doormat club!
Thanks for your service Mel and the daily. I really was the queen of doomsday projecting before recovery. I projected the worse case scenario over and over and over again, even projecting the disposition and possibilities. I have improved greatly in this area as I know for me it's about fear...the best way I know to combat fear is by praying and returning to the here and now with my head & heart planted firmly over my feet.
I am hopeful there is a day when I am able to project great/miraculous outcomes vs. the worse case scenario. I make a habit of calling another when I identify fear within me as this helps me nip that projection before I go further away from the present.
I am reminded that we are supposedly not given more than we can handle. I've had my doubts at times in this thing called life, yet the facts and reality is I am still here and still willing to learn and grow so this must be true! With practicing this program as best I know how to, those moments of trying to control other people, places, things and events are shorter and shorter with the reality of my powerlessness readily available in Step One.
Love and light all...I still don't know how this program works but do see that it works when we practice.
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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