acoa sanctuary Community Group
The softer side of growing up in a dysfunctional home... a sanctuary to feel home with friends and never alone.
Okay, sorry to be so late, but I've been playing catch-up all week. Last Saturday's discussion question from "Paths to Recovery" (New Years Eve - HP at work again???):
"How am I optimistic?"
A common theme in many of the shares was that optimism results from being able to trust that HP is in control. And, of course, gaining that ability to trust in HP depends on each individual's willingness to work their program. As counterintuitive as it seems, surrender really does lead to optimism - it just takes practice for that reality to sink in.
Great quote I heard, not completely on topic but too good to keep to myself: "I handed in my resignation as General Manager of the Universe."
Another theme that was repeated around the room concerned hope. Most people entered these rooms with hope in short supply. I know that personally, my repeated bouts with major depression meant that I had all but lost hope completely. Having been to the depths of "the Black Hole" and back out again, my hope is more secure these days - especially because I'm in a program that helps to nurture and maintain that hope.
There's also a program slogan that speaks to optimism: "It works if you work it." Being in fellowship with long-timers who are working strong programs gives me optimism that, if I stick with it, I'll have what they have.
"How am I optimistic?"
A common theme in many of the shares was that optimism results from being able to trust that HP is in control. And, of course, gaining that ability to trust in HP depends on each individual's willingness to work their program. As counterintuitive as it seems, surrender really does lead to optimism - it just takes practice for that reality to sink in.
Great quote I heard, not completely on topic but too good to keep to myself: "I handed in my resignation as General Manager of the Universe."
Another theme that was repeated around the room concerned hope. Most people entered these rooms with hope in short supply. I know that personally, my repeated bouts with major depression meant that I had all but lost hope completely. Having been to the depths of "the Black Hole" and back out again, my hope is more secure these days - especially because I'm in a program that helps to nurture and maintain that hope.
There's also a program slogan that speaks to optimism: "It works if you work it." Being in fellowship with long-timers who are working strong programs gives me optimism that, if I stick with it, I'll have what they have.
As an alcoholic I lived for many years being totally pessimistic. No one ever did anything just for the good of doing something. No one ever gave me a pay raise at work because I earned it... they gave me a raise for some other reason.
The most optimism I had was thinking I would have enough money to party with until my next payday.
Today... I view life as an optimist. Two very important people in my recovery are Martin Luther King, jr and Jesse Jackson. Both spoke about the power of dreams. Jackson once gave a speech at the 1992 Democratic Convention and spoke about dreams. He said that we should never forget our dreams... to always visual them and live with them. He went on to say (pointing his finger) We MUST live in reality but never forget our dreams.
A few years back, I lost my optimism. I prayed that I would die in my sleep instead of facing another day of misery. Part of why I felt that way was because I lost my connection with my HP. When that connection was restored my hope and dreams returned. All I have to do is sit back and let my HP lead the way... if I do that magical things take place.
I don't like the word "goals" when I think of my optimism... rather my dreams and slowly they are becoming reality...
Dave
I guess with me I"m For of a Teter Toter On this one...For the Most part I Stay In the Glass Half Full Mode, but there is times that I know i'm Off Kilter & Lean tords the pessimist... Thanks to this Program, I Do Catch Myself Alot Quicker now & Recognize it for what it is, but I do have to "Work It!" Per say...
I Do Believe in Dreams, I have My own for sure... I have Noticed with My Husband His are More Random & All over the Place, They start at One Point & FLY to another... I"m More of a "Keep it SImple" kinda Girl so My Dreams Seem Small in Comparision to his, but I'm Ok with that... He does Struggle with it tho...
I just Enjoy "Joy & Happiness" and I Don't Like ME or Others that are Constantly "Poor Me'n" All the TIme, I know I Get on My Jigs, but once i release them, I have learned to Let them Go...
Back when I Drank All the Time, I Too Definiately thought the World was Out to get me! Everything Sucked, Every Conversation I Ever Had was About ME Because I was Dealt Such a bad Hand in my Mind...
Al-Anon Has Def. Helped My Optimism Bubble RISE Above, Ive Only been Here 3yrs and I have Learned so Much, But I know... I have a LONG Way to Go, & I Truly do See It All Being a Good Thing...
Thanks again ((((((A1)))))) Like the mix :)
Hugs & Prayers to All
Oneness :0)
I don't know if i am optimistic....at the moment I seem to be suffering from alot of strain and stresses and I feel upset for my exflatmate who is not well. I just feel a bit overwhelmed and highy emotional. Oddly though, deep inside, I do feel I am an optimist.
I try to have a balanced approach and not be pessimistic either!
I think just accepting my moods and emotions as being somewhat like the seasons helps me.
I am struggling to keep stuff in the day which is very unhelpful! Oh well! At least i am aware and I am optimistic in as much as I am grateful for what i have and I know this too shall pass - everything does!
Much love!
karen xx