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 points to the awareness that previous program success don't always translate into next challenge victories. Rather than see that as a failure, we can remember that every instance we are able to use program tools rather than old tendencies, no matter how subtle, compound over time.
It's not that we forgot or lost all of our gains, we simply have more to learn as situations present themselves differently. If we continue to practice diligently at each opportunity, we are training in the direction we want to move and our consistency will pay off in how we address future situations.
Reminder Instead of seeing failure, see it as the process of recovery, where the practice is therapeutic and necessary to build strength required for future victories. With consistent practice, small and scattered successes can become more global automatics.
"The human mind always make progress, but it is a progress in spirals." - Madame de Stael --------------- I have very vague recollections (time for the way back machine!) of being taught how to tie my shoe laces. It felt very challenging, awkward, hard to remember without prompting, and did not have long lasting results.
I don't have recollections of when I became proficient, but it no longer took the focused effort and I was able to apply my new skill to various lace types, lengths, and weather conditions.
Well into adulthood, I read an article informing me that I was using the 'wrong' knot, more likely to sit unevenly and come untied. In trying to follow the new steps that required a variation and I was back to more focus, effort and time to tie my shoes. Not all was lost, however, I ramped up more quickly and the results have been spectacular! Lol I plan to sell an online course on proper lace tying...
I get down on myself at times for what I could see as Alanon failures, but reality is that gaining any skill takes a ton of consistent practice: NFL field goal kicker, surgeon, you name it, thousands of hours of practice, and they still are not perfect.
The only way I truly fail is if I quit trying...all of my efforts help, so grateful for the reminders
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you Paul for your service. I whole heartedly agree that failing is quitting trying. Like muscle memory for a dancer or athlete, I believe the brain can work the same way. After years of alanon practice, some tools seem to have rooted in my brain, and others need more practice. We are winners because we are trying.
Thank you Paul for your service and all the shares. I was close to giving up a few months ago. I had become apathetic(?) indifferent (?) because I was struggling with people who are not my qualifier. Thankfully I continued to check the MIP board and was guided back on track. When I make it a daily practice to pray/meditate, connect with an Al-Anon member, and exercise , I am less apt to give up my membership in the Spiritual Fitness Club. Grateful for the reminders . :)
