Monday, September 14, 2009

Tuesday 9/15/09 - "HEAVY, BUT FLYING"


"HEAVY, BUT FLYING"


Being a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous and a member of Al-Anon allows me to fly even when I may be feeling sort of "heavy". I heard many years ago in meetings and still do to "wear life like a loose garment". If life feels restrictive, we can loosen the bindings by using the steps and principles of the program.

What are some of the things we can do to lighten us when we are feeling "heavy laden"? How can we fly even when heavy?

An important thing in my kit of spiritual tools is to remember that I took Step 3 and turned my life over to God and when I reflect on the fact that I believe nothing happens in God's world by accident, then I can sigh a huge sigh of relief knowing all will be well. As that air escapes me, I lift up and begin to fly.

A very powerful tool to relieve heaviness is reviewing my own experience, strength, and hope. Nothing is more capable of producing hope and a positive attitude than looking at my own history. I reflect on the hopeless state of mind and body that I was in and remember the miracle of sobriety and all the good things in my life that have flowed from that.

Another powerful tool I have to lighten the load is prayer. I believe that prayers are heard and answered. I also believe that God's answers are always what are best for me and everyone involved. God always answers - sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes not yet. I have faith that God's will is best.

Sharing problems with a sponsor or a trusted friend lightens the load. A problem shared is a problem cut in half.

God is everywhere. God's presence is always very strong in an Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon meeting so if I want to have a lift in spirits, I go to a meeting.

I would be remiss if I didn't say that putting things out to the blogging community is an excellent way to help dispel heaviness. There is such love, support, and positive feedback available just for the blogging. :)

Prayer Girl

(Photo credit: Flying by Kelli States)

11 comments:

Tall Kay said...

This title says it all! God gives us those wings to fly. "A problem shared is cut in half and a joy that is shared is doubled!" I love your reminders of the simple tools we have in our spiritual toolboxes.

steveroni said...

Give it to God? Well, it's His to begin with, right? And god does not "make" messes.

Love yer blogs, Babe.
Love you, too...

wolfie185 said...

I like to remember step 3 when I get caught up life not going my way, I have to remind myself that I took this step in earnest and need to turn what ever is bothering me over and remember it will work out the way God plans it to just like the events in the past have.
Good post!!!

Paula said...

YEs bloggie world is loving and supportive. You just have proven it again. Hugs across the pond

Judith said...

Your post reminds me of the adage that the bumblebee isn't aware that it isn't supposed to be able to fly.

Maybe I am making an imagination leap, but I'm thinking that the bee could sit around thinking about how it can't do it and not even try. ~OR~ it can start doing the work of flapping it's wings and the miracle happens.

Just Be Real said...

PG you have powerful tools that you offer, especially turning your life over to God! That is the main one! Thank you for sharing your heart and love the the flying hippo! Blessings dear one....

Findon said...

Oh I love the loose jacket analogy. It IS what I aspire to. Step 3 of course is the answer, letting go and letting God. Well, there you have it don't you. In one simple phrase.

Shadow said...

just reading this has lightened me...

Syd said...

I find that when I feel most laden down, going to a meeting will help.

Gin said...

PG what would I do without your daily reminders? They always help me so much. Love to you.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Everyone is writing about flying today -- this is the third blog in a roll where something about flight was the topic. And I am flying right now to Kiev. Well, actually, I am sitting in the air lounge on a 6-hour (!!!) layover. Fly well, fly high, my friend!