THIS IS THE READING FROM COURAGE TO CHANGE PARAPHRASED

Like alcoholism obsessive thinking sometimes can be too much to handle. My best hope in battling it is not to begin, because once started it gains steam and becomes harder to interrupt.

Before obsessive thinking takes hold, there is usually a point in which I have to make a choice. I can mentally toy with a subject that has held my mind hostage in the past and is therefore dangerous. Or I can recognize the danger and try to drop any thought of the topic from my mind, praying for my higher power's help. I can reach out to an alanon member for support before tackling a topic to which I am vunerable, so that my thoughts won't have a chance to get locked up inside my head.

I will choose the power of choice by refusing the invitation of obsessive thoughts. If I don't pick them up, I won't have to let them go.

Today's Reminder

I am learning to pay attention to my thinking. If there is something I cannot contemplate without becoming obsessed, I will respect that fact and act accordingly. I will gather the strength and support of my alanon program my friends and my higher power before I try and reason it out. If it is none of my business I will not pick it up at all. May 20th page 141 courage to change