Author: JamesQ

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Focusing on Love

“Love is the most important word in the English language” -The 5 Love Languages

When I was a little boy our friends next door were Catholics and let me go with them to church. Our family was not religious. I asked my daddy once “what is God?”. He told me God is love, like how you feel when mommy holds you tight. In recovery, when choosing a higher power, love formed the basis of my belief. Always, but especially when I’m feeling sad, angry or frustrated, if I pause & focus, feel, think and act in Love/God, my life gets better. I do that a lot now, which I think, is one of the main reasons ILML!

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The Life Lovers’ Path

“Thought for the day: It takes courage to change.” – Hope for Today

Before recovery, when I had problems or was unhappy, I thought by getting someone or something to change, I could “fix” them or it and be happy. I put all my energy into it and stayed miserable. The secret is to put my energy into changing me and my attitudes through working my spiritual program of action. Ahhh, relief, finally. This easier softer way is the life lovers’ path!!! Enjoy each and ever second of today – insist on it – I sure will!!!

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Path to Happiness

“I cannot consider myself different in AA; if I do I isolate myself from others and from contact with my higher power…Today I practice being just another alcoholic in the worldwide fellowship of alcoholics anonymous”. – Daily Reflections

Choosing isolation in sobriety has resulted in stagnation and emotional pain. Learning day by day to be “a part of” is the path to happiness and fulfillment. Just by sharing this text, I can intro HP into my life today. Share one with me, and love your life!

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Look at the Best

“…when we get stuck in a rut of negativity about our mate, all the loving things that he or she is actually doing may be invisible to us. Assume the best about your partner. Otherwise you may end up throwing away something of value because you have deemed it worthless.” – YCMMA p92

This is very important for me in all relationships. When I focus on good, good happens. Along with setting healthy boundaries, it seems good relationships are inevitable with this attitude. Ilml!

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Attraction not Promotion

“If he [the teacher] is indeed wise he does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind”. – The Prophet

This is VERY challenging for me… I LOVE to dump what I THINK I know on anyone within an earshot. I want to adopt this new process and practice it in order to love my life even more!

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Gratitude with Boundaries

“in order to truly practice gratitude in love, we have to know where our limits are, what is acceptable to us. Sometimes for our own good and the good of the family, we must turn our attention to the negative behavior and set a boundary – beyond this I will not go.” – Attitudes of Gratitude p88

I have learned in the Program to set boundaries. I didn’t set boundaries nor did I respect others boundaries before. My relationships then were dysfunctional to say the least. This quote is a good reminder for me. Ilml!

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Courage & Fears

Drop the Rock says “…courage is fear that’s said it’s prayers.”

I love that saying. Often I don’t even know I’m in fear, just feeling funky or uncomfortable. When I pause long enough to ask myself if how I feel might be related to a fear, I usually become enlightened. Then it’s simply a matter of saying, “Hey God, I realize I’m not feeling good ’cause I’m scared about this. You’re so good to me and have given me such a great life. I have faith that you will help me with this too. Thanks!”

Sounds silly but 9 out of 10 times, these simple words, when spoken aloud, actually make me feel a million times better. Which let’s me get back to loving my life. Hope you had an epic day!

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A Sense of Belonging

“The belonging I have always wanted I have found in AA. God is there. My sponsor is there. All the credit belongs to God.” – Big Book, p. 485

A sense of belonging that comes from the heart is a rare treasure I have access to through my sponsor, the fellowship, and my Higher Power. This shit is real magical, and I’m grateful to share it with you guys. ILML!

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Relying on Yesterday’s Program

“I can’t achieve the degree of health I want by using yesterday’s program. I’ve found if I’m not moving forward, I don’t just stand still; I go backwards.” – H4T p.46

I have experienced this as a result of complacency so many times, that’s I’ve become highly aware: when I’m uncomfortable it’s time to pick up literature, pray, meditate, call someone in the program, be of service, do step-work or get to a meeting. Today I have so many tools at my disposal. Staying in discomfort is simply ridiculous. Lately I’m lucky I’ve been working my program and loving my life. Hope you are too!

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Practicing Recovery

“If I want to become skillful at applying the program to my life, I need to do more than go to the occasional meeting. I must make a commitment and practice, practice, practice.” – C2C p46

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

My life has changed dramatically from practicing the principles of this program. The guidance I get from my sponsors and meetings is what has given me the tools to practice. I’m grateful I was desperate enough and have been willing to take direction for many years. Ilml!