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.
On the topic of fear, today's author admits that was the primary emotion driving many decisions. When anything happened to alter an expected outcome, fears of the worst possible outcomes spurred panic, resulting in a crazy flurry of actions intended to ward off various imagined disasters.
The author found a much better alternative to being controlled by fear: turn fears over to a higher power, accept powerlessness over outcomes, and move forward.
Today's Reminder: Make use of AlAnon's spiritual solution for relief from fear by turning to a higher power of our understanding. This is sure to be a more peaceful, sane solution than taking panicked actions that often include trying to control things we can't.
"That the birds of worry and care fly above your head, this you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent." - Chinese Proverb **************** I can well relate to the hold that fear can have on thoughts and actions as it was a prime driver for much of my life, though I would be the last to realize it. Most of what I feared never came about, yet that never stopped me from reaching outside of my circle to try to change people and things to preempt what I feared was coming.
Trying to control what I could not, nor should not, guarantees that I am forever in the grip of fear, resentment, and unhappiness. The answer is simple, though not always easy: trust in a spiritual solution and a higher power as taught by Alanon.
Alanon and the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have changed my life in incredibly positive ways as I kept coming back. Small changes that begin with a glimmer of hope I felt at my first meeting and first pages read have continued to add up. I have a lifetime to go, but have come so far...
I am grateful for the wisdom of the Program, the fellowship of likeminded individuals who understand my challenges and feelings like no others could and the amazing wonder of a life that no longer feels desperate and insane.
I am so grateful for this group, MIP, John, Betty, Iamhere, many others who willingly and selflessly shared their experiences, strength and hope with us so that we could learn from others who had been in our shoes but now walked a different, spiritual path of peace.
As with most things, however, there is a beginning and an end. This it seems, is the end of MIP as I and many came to know it, as most have moved toward the exit as time on this url runs out.
Fear not, Alanon is everywhere and is thriving in a neighborhood, social group, phone call or coffee shop near each of us; we just need to reach out for it and make it our own.
This will be my last daily contribution, thank you to all of those who, through their shares and expressions helped shape the person who I am today and helped shed light onto my spiritual path...May the god of your understanding and peace be with you always...
'Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end...'
Peace and love to all
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you so much Paul for today's service and share, and all of your service and shares. I believe my family of origin planted the seeds of fear in my psyche, and it's taken years to undo most of that damage. I've made the most progress since my dedication to alanon.
Wishing you a serene path ahead, and a wonderful new journey. As you said, alanon is all around us. It's there if we look, and always available. Peace be with you. :)
