It has been evident to me for many years now that even my best laid plans do not always come to fruition.For today in the hustle to get my in-laws ready to get to our house of worship,(my mother in laws debilatating Dementia,my father -in laws now total dependance on others as he is wheel chair bound and losing his life skills)creates some increased chaos in our family situation.Im excited to attend church and heading out the door....,yup NO KEYS!My wife has both sets..... We only have one car now,my wife uses the in laws van as they can no longer drive. It has been my experience in the past ,especially during the 'WAR YEARS" to start excelerating my emotions( and thats putting it mildly :) Through the application of our spiritual principles, worked to the best of my ability,each day I find myself so much better able to look at things that happen,step back and be aware that how I let the situations affect me are so much more important than what actually occurs.Don't get me wrong,I still stumble and fall but each time I reenforce one of our principles in my life it helps me move forward with a much more positive outlook.I have always been a hardhead and one of those guys that may need to be hit with the hammer to know the feeling.Though things like this occur all the time in our lives,,Life on life's terms will continue to show up and how I(WE) approach situations, in a much more sane manner, is very rewarding and still even at times a little foreign based on my(OUR) past history. So, Just For Today, I have opened my spiritual readings,sat in silence and truly sought to improve that conscious contact with my Higher Power,a warmness in my heart and a slight smile(I do not have to be in a building to seek my Higher Power)....So many years ago these are the very same situations that would allow me to rationalize that "well now I might as well get twisted,I ain't gonna deal with this mess."Today,guided by the God of my understanding,instilling program tools and principles in all areas of my life,the feelings still show up but there certainly is a much better response.. If you are new here at MIP, just coming around or just coming back WELCOME.For all continuing to work their own process WELCOME to another day in the 'solution'..WE all face many trials and trying situations daily,,,as long as we don't drink alcohol and we apply our principles in those areas of our lives that still have some"insane edges":) All can be well...Thanks for allowing me to take part in my own recovery .Have a blessed and productive day
__________________
Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
That was so awesome Mike. It proves one theory correct in my eyes, how grateful you truly are. Your quiet demeanor throughout this whole ordeal was inspiring to read. Anyone who could remain calm and collected like you just were -even when life gets complicated, is someone worth revering. Your story had so much wisdom -actually, that even Solomon himself would be jealous. I only hope that gratitude continues to blossom, for your sake and ours. So keep those stories coming and that energy flowing. We need every last ounce of it, all of us.
~God Bless~
-- Edited by Mr_David on Tuesday 23rd of October 2012 01:13:46 AM
Nice post Mike, putting first things first. AA comes first, not the activities, but the principles. Practice doesn't quite make perfect but it does make for serenity when we practice "these principles in all our affairs", and we get better with practice. A lovely example of the 11th step principles at work Mike.