Turning Fantasy into Reality
Living in a Pinkful Place
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 7,545
Turning Fantasy into Reality
The following is a reading for April 9 from the Nar-Anon book - Sharing Experience, Strength & Hope . . .
I have expectations of myself. Have you ever heard the expression: "Expectations are disappointments waiting to happen"? I used to have expectations of the addict in my life. Those expectations were somewhat out of focus, more like a dream sequence in a movie than reality-based. In my fantasy, I expected the addict would go to college somewhere, find a fulfilling career, and have a happy life. Through attending Nar-Anon meetings, and working the program, I have learned I can have expectations that are reality-based. These new expectations are only about me.
A few months ago, I held a little funeral for those groundless expectations. I celebrated what was, looking back on the time when he and I were close. Then I said good-bye to my expectations-and yes, I grieved for that significant ending in my life. Because I work my program, I am able to enjoy something new - my own reality and all that I am able to achieve. I am free from rancor, regret, disappointment and resentment. I have learned that when I live one day at a time, I am able to see life clearly, rather than as a fantasy.
Thought for Today: Today, I will have expectations only of myself that are reality-based, and reflect my conscious commitment to living life one day at a time.
"The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly one you can never have." - Soren Kierkegaard
I have expectations of myself. Have you ever heard the expression: "Expectations are disappointments waiting to happen"? I used to have expectations of the addict in my life. Those expectations were somewhat out of focus, more like a dream sequence in a movie than reality-based. In my fantasy, I expected the addict would go to college somewhere, find a fulfilling career, and have a happy life. Through attending Nar-Anon meetings, and working the program, I have learned I can have expectations that are reality-based. These new expectations are only about me.
A few months ago, I held a little funeral for those groundless expectations. I celebrated what was, looking back on the time when he and I were close. Then I said good-bye to my expectations-and yes, I grieved for that significant ending in my life. Because I work my program, I am able to enjoy something new - my own reality and all that I am able to achieve. I am free from rancor, regret, disappointment and resentment. I have learned that when I live one day at a time, I am able to see life clearly, rather than as a fantasy.
Thought for Today: Today, I will have expectations only of myself that are reality-based, and reflect my conscious commitment to living life one day at a time.
"The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly one you can never have." - Soren Kierkegaard
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: GO PENS
Posts: 1,151
Thank you Rita,
I needed to hear that today. I especially like the Thought for Today.....TODAY I WILL HAVE EXPECTIONS ONLY OF MYSELF THAT ARE REALTY-BASED, AND REFLECT MY CONSCIOUS COMMITMENT OF LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME.
I'm going to memorize that thought.
Hugs............Lo
I needed to hear that today. I especially like the Thought for Today.....TODAY I WILL HAVE EXPECTIONS ONLY OF MYSELF THAT ARE REALTY-BASED, AND REFLECT MY CONSCIOUS COMMITMENT OF LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME.
I'm going to memorize that thought.
Hugs............Lo
Nature Girl
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: By The Lake
Posts: 60,328
Thanks from me too. Expectations always got me in trouble and reminds me of something Melody Beattie said that stuck with me..."Nothing is more frustrating than expecting something from someone who has nothing to give."
I needed that reminder today.
Hugs
I needed that reminder today.
Hugs
Administrator
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: a better place
Posts: 4,047
The new Naranon daily reader is awesome! It's been awhile in the making, but now it is out and so relevant. We received our pre order copies 2 weeks ago and our group has been using it along with Courage to Change as the basis for our topic readings and discussion. Like Alanon and Naranon, both are so helpful. But whether it is just not having to substitute words or the slightly different perspective, the readings just seem to open up a whole new avenue of discussion.
If anyone is interested, I believe order forms are available on the Naranon website.
If anyone is interested, I believe order forms are available on the Naranon website.
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