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 page reminds us that it is our point of focus that determines our level of anger and the negative impact to ourselves and others.
Though unnecessary, it is often easier to fixate on the perceived wrong until our anger spills over and our attempts to punish the 'wrongdoer' consumes our thoughts and engulfs innocent bystanders, including children in the home.
Reminder: Reducing harm to ourselves and others are solid reasons to avoid cultivating and maintaining resentments.
"If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, he deceiveth his own heart; this mans'religion is vain." Epistle of James ----------------------- Alanon champions this powerful concept of choice in how we react to events that befall us. I cannot control what is said or done around or to me, but I am in complete control to how I respond; this I can change.
I still find myself wanting to act and speak relative to how I feel I have been treated. Yet when I do this, I am subject to the strength or weakness of others in that moment. This page reminds me of my responsibility to form and hold my own standards by relying upon my higher power.
For me, the goal is not to be religious, but to find Serenity. When I rely on the guidance of ALanon and help of my higher power, I can choose healthier standards regardless of those around me...grateful for the reminders of the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for your service and ESH. If I let negative emotions stew inside me, I can conjure up a witches brew that is harmful to me and my loved ones. Learning that I have a choice about what I think about, and as a result, how I feel and behave, has been a life changer for me. Although this concept of "choice" seemed foreign to me, it's a Godsend, or HPsend.
