Tag: serenity
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Serenity is like physical fitness
I used to think serenity was something that would eventually happen to me. As if I’d someday be able to say, “My serenity date is…” Turns out, for me it’s a lot less like a a road-to-Damascus moment and more like physical fitness: a condition built through consistent effort over time. I have had a…
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Extrapolation vs. Just For Today
Do you ever do what I do? Old timers tell us when we’re new, “Wait for the miracles.” And sooner or later, if we keep coming back, they start to happen. A difficult relationship starts to improve. We make it through a crazy blowup or a stressful holiday with our serenity intact. An Al-Anon tool…
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Everything has two handles
Everything has two handles, one by which you can carry it, the other by which you cannot. If your brother wrongs you, do not take it by that handle, the handle of his wrong, for you cannot carry it by that, but rather by the other handle–that he is a brother, brought up with you,…
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Expectations vs Recovery
Most of us have heard in program that “expectations are premeditated resentments.” And it’s true. Oh, boy, is it true. When I did my resentments inventory, the word should popped up again and again. (Always regarding others’ actions, of course!) Over and over, the God of my understanding led me to see that I needed…
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Staying sane during the holidays
The holiday season is upon us, dammit. Oops, did I say that out loud? That means turkey, pumpkin pie, family gatherings, expectations, stress, premeditated resentments, and memories of s#!tshows past. Whoops, sorry! Did I say that out loud, too? I meant to say, love, joy, peace, and Norman-Rockwell-like bliss. Only that’s not the whole story,…
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Three Magic Words That Became A Power Tool
One night, Kid Qualifier #1 came over to the house tipsy and decided it would be fun to walk around on the roof. Drunk. In the dark. (At least he kept his clothes on.) After a few minutes, I figured out I wasn’t going to be able to talk him down. This not being my…
