Archive for December, 2010
December 31, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Gratitude, Healthy Living, Joy, Miracles, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions, Sponsorship
One of my sponsees got married today. She called on her way to their small courthouse ceremony in happy tears, moved by the love she feels for her now husband. She reminded me of all the happy tears I’ve shed for the many blessings and miracles in my life and the love I’ve felt for my husband these past several years.
And the greatest joys of my life have been shared with my husband. Trials and all, we have celebrated moments of love and laughter, adventure and tenderness that surpass my former imaginings of what a loving relationship could be like. For the many lovely moments shared with him I am eternally grateful.
And now, I thank Spirit/God in advance for the many moments yet to come for us. The thought of it moves me to more happy tears and gratitude for blessing us with these precious times of beingness on the planet. I hope that my sponsee and her new husband in their life together have the same joyful partnership events that I’ve been blessed to share with my husband.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am feeling joy in my life. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 30, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Gratitude, Healthy Living, Miracles, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
We have two new jobs from the past 2 days and I am grateful. Meanwhile, there is additional business that seems to be ours once, we deliver the bids. Then we can schedule more work for us and the laborers we employ.
And there is other personal work, and paperwork to complete the past year. It is a time of following up to finish old business, and also a time to open new doors. For me that starts next week as my internship commences and this next chapter in my career manifests in a more concrete manner. It is still via baby steps, and that feels comfortable for now. Although, if called upon to do so, I would be willing to jump in with both feet and tread water as necessary.
But my focus usually stays on what we have to be grateful for and celebrate each and every day. The blessings abound. Fortunately for me, my sponsors and good friends in the program have taught me how to find the silver lining, the bluebirds of happiness that show up when we least expect them to – if we look for them. I have an expectation of good in my life and also for those whom I know. Tough times can turn around on a dime and shower us with miracles, large and small. My life is full of those miracles. Thank You God, Thank You God, Thank You God.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am grateful for our blessings. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 29, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
Contrary to my husbands temptations from fear, our business calls are resurging now that the initial holiday is past. For obvious reasons, people don’t want workmen trapsing through their homes the week of Christmas.
This week three calls for new business are keeping us busy with the lighter work of walk throughs, estimates, and some finish work on a project that we nearly wrapped up just in time for the clients to host their family’s holiday. And next week, I have two more walk throughs scheduled. Meanwhile, another investment in our future commences with my first sesssions of internship on Monday.
What life continues to remind me of is to trust, do what’s in front of me to do and let God/Spirit take care of the details. Spirit never lets me down and truly is our provider. My husband is finding more confidence in this way of operating in life too. I like that. It’s nice to see his belief increase and his tension relax as God leads us to the next customers. It helps me remember to be patient, focus on the moment and allow our Higher Power to guide and direct. The sacred synchronicity is lovely to behold.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am trusting my Higher Power. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 25, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Gratitude, Passing It On, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
For those of us who celebrate Christmas, today was a beautiful Christmas Day! For those who don’t, it was equally as beautiful.
For all of us, it was another day to be grateful for and enjoy. And enjoying our lives in a spirit of peace, love and relatedness to all of life is, I believe, our true task on the planet. We noticed yesterday and today how people were patient and deferential, smiling and extending courtesies to each other. That is how we’re meant to be toward others each and every day.
Perhaps a resolution for the new year could be to carry that spirit of thoughtful, pleasant and loving attitude into all of our daily activities. Wouldn’t that be a lovely gift to the planet! And to each and every one of us. We are really all related and it is delightful to envision us treating each other as the children of God/Spirit that we all truly are. Ahhhhhh. Thank You God, Thank You God, Thank You God.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am relating peacefully and lovingly to others. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 23, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Gratitude, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sanity, What Works
Last night we put the Christmas tree up and it’s so beautiful. What’s more is that we had the nicest time doing it. My husband took care of the lights and fuses, and opened the Christmas cards while I ornamented the tree. We each did what we most enjoy and had a really nice sharing of just what came to mind in general as we joined for some quality time.
What a pleasure to just be and enjoy ourselves. And this year on Christmas we’re not going anywhere! We’re choosing to stay home and focus on peace and joy with each other. We’ve already seen half the family, we’ll see the other half on Christmas Eve. Then together we’ll share Christmas Day with our cat, at home, with our favorite foods and maybe a few movies, a nap, a walk if we feel like it, or playing cards, or just whatever we’re moved to do. We’ve never done this in our lives and the prospect of it is sooooooo appealing!
Perhaps we’re starting a new tradition of celebrating what and who is most important to us. We’ll see. We’re looking at it as an adventure with as little expectation as possible. The goal is to take it moment by moment and cherish each other, and choose gratitude for all of our blessings. So nice to contemplate. Can’t wait.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am grateful for our blessings. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 20, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized
We’re in the midst of another Winter storm warning. This time it shoud be only 4 to 8 inches to navigate through during the creeping rush hour. My home group meeting is tonight and I’m not sure that it makes sense to venture out when it’s so dangerous. I just saw several accidents and it’s only just started. Instead, several of us may conference on the phone to have our meeting despite the traffic trauma.
Focusing on the solutions instead of the problem is what we’re taught to do and even in the midst of the direst of difficulties we can find ourselves celebrating the silver lining. It’s nearly always there, somewhere, if we look carefully something positive shows itself or a solution is revealed. It’s one of my favorite parts of the 12 Step principles.
I used it last weekend with our early holiday celebration and had a wonderful time. Regardless of the revelation of less than loving actions on the part of anyone else, we were able to have a happy, peaceful, and even joyfilled several hours with people we don’t usually see. And many blessings came out of it for our family. We focused on the positives and they grew and grew. Today, the somewhat unwelcome snow will lead to a cozy decorating of our tree for the two of us – hot chocolate, crackling fire and all. We’ll stay in and enjoy the moment.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am focusing on solutions. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 15, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Sponsorship
We had our first blizzard of this century and it was a doozy! It knocked out my internet connection for the past 3 1/2 days and kept me from using my back door until my husband could get home and dig us out.
And despite the challenges presented by so much snow and wind so fast, it was nice to stay inside with my hot chocolate and some good movies on TV. Very cozy in fact. I enjoyed the time to myself to just be. No have to’s, no shoulds, and peace. Other than the wind and a few hours of TV, we enjoyed peace and quiet for two days with very little traffic on the streets. Instead, people walked in the streets because the sidewalks were snow drifts.
And the few who ventured out in their cars and got stuck, were happily pushed out by neighbors and other passersby who enjoyed the opportunity to help out. There’s a nostalgia and comradery that happens in our land when Winter hits. We are all in it together, like in the 12 Step Programs. People seem to feel connected by a common bond – SURVIVAL – just like the 12 Steps. They are both about survival from slightly different stances, but both can be life or death. When life or death is at issue, the decision to work together is a so much easier choice. Many of us don’t even have to think about it – it’s automatic. An automatic choice for life. I like that.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am choosing life. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 9, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Progress, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety, Solutions
Last night we completed our Ethics class. It’s one of the most demanding parts of our grad program. And the relief and satisfaction I’m feeling today is a pleasure to experience.
With each new portion of my journey through life there are times of peace and stability, and times of challenge and uncertainty. It’s up to me to decide how to show up for both. In ethics we had to work in groups as we so often do for this program. The difference with this one was that we had one individual dealing with some real challenges in their own life, which was spilling into our group dynamics. It wasn’t comfortable or easy at times to be in the presence of this person. However, the 12 Step programs have taught me that I don’t have to let others affect me.
That means my choices include focusing on the solutions, setting boundaries, looking for opportunities to be of service and avoiding joining into any dysfunction that may be operating in the midst of things. And then, we can move on. In the situation with our project group, we made it through. No one wishes the person who brought so much turmoil to the process any ill will. We did our best to stay on our respective sides of the street and do the work we were responsible for doing. Our project turned out to be a great success and we will see good grades for our efforts. And today, we are all feeling a great sense of relief that it’s over. So relieved!
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am making progress. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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December 7, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Healthy Living, Recovery, Sanity, Serenity, Sobriety
Last week I had too much to do for school to focus on posting any new entries. I’m sorry to have been so distracted, and it is necessary for me to concentrate on “First Things First.” Prioritizing is a skill 12 Step Programs teach us to help maintain sanity and serenity in our lives. I’d rather post every day, and that’s unrealistic for me right now during Finals week.
Most of the time my ability to prioritize is much better than it used to be. However, sometimes I get a bit off track and need to correct my direction while in process. It’s okay. I don’t need to be hard on myself. Years ago someone in the programs taught me that criticizing me is criticizing God’s handiwork. I like that comparison. Imagine, me as God’s handiwork. What’s not to like? God makes the world go round, so this little piece of the world, “me,” must be a good work of Spirit.
I choose to see it that way. Why not? It’s such a waste of my life energy to complain, criticize or detract in any way from the gift of life that’s been so generously granted to me. My responsibility and obligation is to use it for good and treat me, my life with love and compassion. In doing so, my ability to treat others with the same is improved and grows exponentially. What a blessing. That is the First Thing for me to focus on today.
December 5, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged 12 Step Programs, Addictions, Alanon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Codependency, Gratitude, Healthy Living, Passing It On, Recovery, Sobriety, Solutions, Sponsorship, What Works
Service work is not something we do only in connection to the 12 Step programs. We can also contribute to the greater community through a myriad of non-profit events and activities for we are each responsible for stewarding our planet with our personal life talents.
Saturday, my husband and I attended training for an event that happens twice a year to help the homeless. We think the work done by this non-profit is admirable and so worthwhile for our entire community. Other ways that we serve are less obvious than this event. Sometimes, service work is as simple as a smile to a stranger on the street – perhaps the only one they receive that day. It’s good for them to receive it, and might be even be more helpful for them when they return it, which they inevitably tend to do.
When considering the type of service work we participate in, it’s helpful to think about the many categories in which we can all contribute. Both in the 12 Step Programs – volunteering as a trusted servant or at an event, sponsoring, telling our stories at a treatment center or family program, or in our local or global communities we have many opportunities. Being thoughtful and deliberate in our choices can lead us to results that are overwhelming in the way they touch others. I’ve found them to be very moving and heartwarming for me, without exception. And we’ve committed to participating throughout the year. It keeps us grateful for our many blessings, and passing it on as the Programs teach us – so we can keep it.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am making a difference for someone today. ”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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