Archive for October, 2010
October 31, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Gratitude, Healthy Living, Miracles, Recovery, Sobriety, Solutions
This week has been very busy! Seven papers, one exam, one presentation, three interviews for internship positions, a stint in the emergency room after last week’s untimely meeting with an attic rafter that left my forehead with an egg size hematoma and many walk-throughs to do bids for the business. A few other minor events as well and my energy level needs replenishing. However, there are still two more papers to write by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, there’s much to be grateful for – the doctors assure me there is not also a hematoma beneath the skull, one more class is over, there are more bids to do for additional business, my husband installed a new thermostat in the car so the engine wouldn’t blow, I was offered and accepted a practicum position that will have more than enough hours for me to finish by August, my husband’s truck will be fixed on Monday, and we were able to pay most of our bills this month. Thank You God!
Now considering that just a month ago we didn’t know how we were going to pay our bills alone, things have really been falling into place. I give the credit to our Higher Powers. We’ve only done what’s in front of us and then some when required. We haven’t had time to figure it all out. One day at a time, we’ve done the work that our Higher Powers have put in front of us to do, and there has been daily progress. Everything is falling into place, little by little, unexpectedly, surprising us with synchronistic style. Miracles. Daily. And more blessings await us around the corner when we just stay in the moment and focus on today!
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am doing the next thing to do. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 27, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Acceptance, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
My sponsor was off to see her sponsor in another state the other day. She had confirmed her ride to the airport from me, and was looking forward to seeing her dear friend and sponsor for a one on one visit.
It didn’t happen. We made sure she arrived at the airport on time, she boarded the plane, they were on the tarmack – but the weather South of us chose not to cooperate. They reboarded a couple of times, and then 5 hours later the flight was cancelled. My sponsor called me to request a ride home and she had the best attitude about the whole thing. She’ll be seeing her sponsor in a few more weeks, and it just wasn’t meant to be this weekend. It’s always helpful to have that accepting attitude reinforced and renewed in my consciousness and see the grace of a Higher Power in action right before my eyes.
So I picked her up, drove her home and she had a peaceful, cozy evening. We laughed about how the unexpected can shift our plans, and I was grateful that she’s safe and sound thanks to the good work of airline professionals who protected many people from some serious stormy weather. All’s well. And I spent some quality time with my sponsor!
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am learning to accept life on life’s terms. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 25, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Gratitude, Healthy Living, Progress, Recovery, Sobriety, Solutions
I’m past the halfway mark for the semester. It’s my last full semester of classes before practicum starts. Seventeen credits has been a heavy schedule to say the least, and the future will be a breeze in comparison!
So, just 7 more weeks at most and the hard part is over and my new profession commences. Although it’s only internship to start with to develop some expertise, it will contribute to my professional experience in valuable ways. Last year at this time I was only a few weeks back into school for the first time in decades. Now the satisfaction of being over halfway through the process is already rewarding. I’m proud of myself for entering this new arena after years of a former career that just had no stability.
And my business plan is coming into focus as graduation draws nearer. Everything is falling into place, thanks to my Higher Power. We will have two thriving businesses, despite some usual growing pains, and as my husband said, “A year from now we’ll look back on how crazy busy we were and laugh at how far we’ve come.” My thoughts are that we’ll be in great gratitude for all of the support of our Higher Power and the many people who have shown up to guide and direct us. And despite the debt we still face, we’re remembering to pray and thank our Higher Power for all of the miracles that are manifesting daily. We are so blessed!
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am grateful for support. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 24, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sobriety, Solutions
In the past one of my less than helpful habits was to blame others for my own problems. If I felt shame or was embarassed it was because someone else did something wrong, at least in my head. Fortunately my sponsors and the good examples of countless people in meetings shifted my awareness to being responsible for my own troubles, and many of the causes of my uncomfortable feelings.
Recently, several situations that I’ve been privy to with another person have involved their blaming others, making derogatory and generalized comments about a certain gender population – and usually it seems to be their way to avoid taking responsibility for their own wreckage, irresponsibility or just the plain old human mistakes that we all make from time to time. It’s difficult to watch. Rather than commenting about their negative habit, my focus has been on acknowledging the positive things they do and say, and ignoring the rest. When they get on a rant, I’ve been politely shifting the subject to topics that are more positive and helpful for us to discuss.
And I’m noticing some changes in this person. They are starting to extend compliments my way. And the negative comments are diminishing. My commitment is to keep modeling the type of behavior that my sponsors have modeled for me through the years. And that commitment will continue to pay off, based on my experience with myself and others. Either they are getting the message, or just shifting to what they are surrounded with from me and other people in recovery. Little by little, one day at a time, we change. Thank You God, Thank You God, Thank You God.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am focusing on the positive. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 23, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sobriety, Solutions
In business, those of us pricing ourselves out there in the marketplace face a challenge – how much to charge. We don’t want to charge or bid too much for the market to bear, and at the same time we have to make sure that we are paid adequately for the work we do for clients.
It’s important to do some research about our competition, about the going rates for the service or product we provide and then find a reasonable rate that is fair and that makes sure we can make a living. In our business we are going through the growing pains of that process. So we must choose to come from a place of plenty and pride in our work, confident in our rates and the fact that we deserve what we are charging to do business with our customers.
It’s easier for me than for my husband. My faith in his abilty as a craftsman and his amazing work ethic confirm my belief in our charging a certain rate. He’s often not so sure, waivering because he’s worried we won’t get the work if he bids too high. But, I know better on this one. The clients like us. They trust that we will do good work for them and they are willing to pay for that good work. My husband is almost there now after losing money on a job that could have netted more for us. I understand, he just needs to shift to a place of abundance from his short visit to the land of lack. He’s making the transition and as of today, I think he’s joined me back in an area of abundance and prosperity. And we deserve it. We care about our clients and the work we do for them. We want them to be happy, and we want to feel good about our work. It’s all coming together, and as my husband said, “In a year we’ll laugh about how busy we both were and how we made it through the growing pains.” I’m happy and grateful to walk that path with him.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am worthwhile without proof. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 21, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
Working with other people can be challenging. Each person brings their own filter to the job. And those filters are amazing in their complexity and creativity. The history represented is often the stuff of really good books or movies.
And working with others also brings with it many gifts. I for one learn so much about myself and my foibles – those little quirks of personality that may be lingering even after years of conscious effort at eliminating them with the help of sponsors and the 12 Steps.
So the gift of today is to see myself through others eyes, with much curiousity and a few grains of salt because of their filters. And what they tell me was positive and not so positive at times. We talked about what we like, and what we don’t like and what works better when we’re working together. Information is helpful and we can go forward and take corrective action where appropriate and develop tolerance where necessary. Being flexible and compassionate will go a long way toward making a difference in how our work days flow. It’s not all about me, or them. It’s about us.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am learning to wotk with others. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 19, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
I need new glasses since my last pair was lost 10 months ago. Or contacts perhaps. Now that my eyes have been changing for the past 2 years, having readers around for things is really frustrating at times. And it’s been necessary to get into acceptance about the fact that my eyes have changed and if clarity is desired, glasses of some sort are required.
This seems to be one of those things that I don’t have to like, I just have to do it in order to be functional and have visual clarity each day. Especially when it comes to taking notes, or reading important documents, my eyes need a boost. So, as soon as the money is available, new eyewear is the order of the day.
Besides, today is another beautiful day and it would be a shame to miss any smidgeon of definition in that day because of a little blur. I like to see each blade of grass, or leaf. And that is true of the rest of life too. When I go to a meeting or call my sponsor, or stay present for a newcomer more clarity is revealed. More of the direction and path of my life presents itself in front of me. My journey is eased and becomes more automatic when the help available through the 12 Step programs is sought. I need that help right now too. And it has never failed me. For that I am grateful.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am seeking clarity. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 18, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
Yesterday I received a call from a woman met through a friend of a friend. Her livein boyfriend of 4 years just stunned her by moving out unannounced. He went through treatment the last time in January of 2009. He started drinking and drugging again on the sly in September of 2009.
I invited her to join me at an Alanon meeting last Winter. She wasn’t ready until Spring, and now she’s interested in attending some meetings as the grief of her loss is interferring with her ability to function. Grief does that. From undesirable weight loss, to sleepless nights, to trouble concentrating at work and unexpected and inconvenient surges of emotion. It helps to talk about it. Especially when the loss is sudden, which is often a traumatic event. And trauma lessens as we go through the stages of grieving and healing from the trauma.
It isn’t an easy journey. And reaching out as she did yesterday to talk and share about her current experience will help her make her way through it. I know. I’ve been in her shoes, which is why she feels comfortable calling. And in the 12 Step programs there are many who’ve been where we’re at and who understand. We are never alone. There are other people and of course we have our Higher Power to shore us up in the storm until it subsides and peace returns.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am reaching out for help. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 17, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions, Trust
Trust is an interesting concept. Actually, it seems to be an action that we willingly or sometimes reluctantly make a conscious choice to do.
We don’t have to trust. We can go through life suspicious and paranoid thinking people are up to something. That takes a lot of energy. It’s also time consuming. We spend time considering what could go wrong, what might “they” be up to, what don’t we know and how can we protect ourselves from “them?” Just thinking about existing through life from that mind set makes me feel sad and somewhat tired. Time to shake it off.
Someone I know has been living in this place of being for a while and they are only starting to learn that it is unnecessary. But they don’t trust it yet. They’re tiptoeing into the land of trust and assurance that they will be treated with dignity and respect and honored as the child of God that they are on the planet. This is a big, and a pretty scarey step for them. They grew up with intrusions into their privacy, people not showing up to protect them, and numerous disappointments. However, they can reframe the concept of trust in their mind. That was then, this is now and they can make the choice, take the risk, to start trusting again. Baby steps. One day at a time.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am learning to trust. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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October 16, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Letting Go, Recovery, Sobriety, Solutions
Prosperity can come when we least expect it. And that is probably a good thing. For myself, knowing what is going to happen in advance could be a dangerous thing. In other words, I might get in the way and mess everything up.
Some simple actions and diligent persistence are showing results in our life right now. Business is picking up and we are actually choosing not to do a job here and there for self care. A startling turn of events. Delightfully startling. Don’t get me wrong, we still have plenty of debt to pay off, and we are making progress. Our opportunity is to stay in gratitude and not lose sight of who is our provider – our Higher Power. And keeping a Higher Power in mind keeps me more sane, more serene and more focused on just doing the simple things in front of me to do.
It would be easy to take credit for these positive developments, or take them for granted. But the 12 Step programs have convinced me, taught me over the years that but for the grace of a Higher Power my life would be in ruins, chaotic and unfulfilling. So I will keep giving credit where it’s due, and then I do my little part. While God is divinely orchestrating all of the rest to fall into place and thrive and grow, I get to do the little bit that is clear to me to do and for that I am grateful, and constantly in wonder at the surprising way it all works out. Thank You God, Thank You God, Thank You God.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am doing my part. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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Solutions00's 