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 how helpful alanon has been in dealing with past disappointments. Dashed hopes, broken dreams, and past hurts have emotions that go with them, and these emotions can surface over time. When these feelings become part of our awareness, treating ourselves with the same love and care we find in alanon is important. In this way, the author has found place and wholeness.
Today's reminder: they say that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. If I learn to accept that pain is part of life, I will be better able to endure the difficult times and then move on, leaving three pain behind me.
Today's quote: "... When we long for life without... Difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrast winds and diamonds are made under pressure." Peter Marshall
Today's share is a great reminder for me to be gentle with myself. I can be hard on myself, much harder than is be on anyone else. Remembering to treat myself with gentleness is a great way to remember to take care of myself and allow change and processing to happen in it's own time.
__________________
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
I have been struggling as of late and this is a great reminder that I don't have to drag resentments while piling on more. I have options that would be healthier choices. I spent the evening sitting quietly something my living situation has not afforded me to be able to do in a long time. It felt soothing to hear quiet and the clutter in my head calmed. I love the reminder that challenges are an opportunity for growth and change. I can choose to be gentle and true to myself... that I can come through this much better than my entry point.
Thank you Skorpi for your service and all the shares. I was reminded of the first few times I went to my sponsor 's house and was thrown for a loop by her actions. She cooked me breakfast or lunch and catered to me like a grandmother would. I expected to dive into my homework or update her at length with the latest drama. Instead, her actions of gentleness/kindness led me to start treating myself with care . It gets easier over time and the shares highlight that I don't always have to be working/grinding in order to recover...rest and reflection are essential for my spiritual growth.
Thanks Skorpi for your service and for all above ESH. Disappointments used to ruin my whole day or week. I had no coping skills whatsoever. If I made a plan it had to be that way--and of course, life isn't like that. Now it is easy for me to remind myself that every day can't be great, life is full of ups and downs, and that's normal. I recently was given a great suggestion: have plan B ready, and maybe even plan C. My girl scout motto just came to mind: Be prepared!
