Richie’s Messages

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So Much Hope

C2C “My vision can be so limited. I often think that the only possible outcomes are those that I can imagine. Fortunately, my higher power is not restricted my such logic. In fact, some of the most wondrous events grow out of what appears to be disasters.”

BOOM! This gives me so much hope. I often don’t connect through prayer and meditation enough to keep this at the forefront of my mind. Today I’m asking for help while I do the deal. The big Gee Ohh Dee has my back. Although it seems to work better when I invite a different solution then the limited one I imagine through prayer and meditation. iLmL

– RichieB

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Thinking I Know

“Let me not dilute the effectiveness of the help I can give by letting it take the form of giving advice. I know I will never have enough insight into another’s life to tell that person what is best to do.”
– The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage (C2C pg 36)

The more my heart is involved, the more challenging this is to adhere to. When I love someone, I deceive myself by thinking I know what’s best. Today I’m going to trust Gods plan for all of us and let go of everything I THINK I know. iLmL

– RichieB

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Tidying Up my Mind

From the 12 Step Prayer Book

– First Things First –

Dear Higher Power, remind me to tidy up my own mind, to keep my sense of values straight, to sort out the possible and the impossible, to turn the impossible over to you, and to get busy on the possible.”

This reminds me of a more in depth serenity prayer. Today I am focusing on my personal program and inviting you to join me. As Chris McG. puts it, DO WORK! iLmL

– RichieB

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Feeling Like a Healer

From Daily Reflections “The first tradition reminds me not to take credit, or authority, for my recovery. Placing our common welfare first reminds me not to become a healer in this program; I am still one of the patients”

I love helping people. This sometimes leaves me feeling like a healer in AA. Even as I write it I laugh because its so painfully obvious that I am not responsible for anyones happiness, growth, or recovery. Today I’m going to stay quiet and listen. If help is needed, God will let me know… iLmL

– RichieB

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Inner Life = Outer Life

From “A Common Prayer”

Dear God,

We pray for balance and exchange. Balance us like trees. As the roots of a tree shall equal its branches so must the inner life be equal to the outer life. And as the leaves shall nourish the roots, so shall the roots give nourishment to the leaves. Without equality and exchange of nourishment there can be no growth and no love.

This reminds me of “Faith without works is dead”. A balance of footwork and connection to something greater. Without either I am unbalanced. Today I am and I love my life!

– RichieB

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Gee Ohh Dee

From Until Today! “Until today, you may have focused your energy on changing your physical being. Just for today, be devoted to the care of your essence. If you do, something really wonderful and powerful will grow right where you are standing.”

More often than not, my concerns are with the material… Self, security, desires, etc. some of which is actually important, but I lose sight of the spiritual. Today, I touched base with the big Gee Ohh Dee and asked for help. A sincere attempt at humility. The first in a long while. I love my life and am thankful for God and all that play a role.

– RichieB

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Stay Present

C2C “Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days. . .. What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has Magic, Power, and Genius in it” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

This reminds me of the line in the BB: “to the precise extent that we permit these (resentments) do we squander the hours that might have been worthwhile”. The word ‘these’ can refer to many things in life and in today’s case, lost days. I don’t want to lose time looking back anymore. Today I’m going to do what I’ve always wanted to do, stay present, and grow… iLmL – Richie

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Happiness Equation

Daily Reflections from yesterday “Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done. However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the gift of continued spiritual awakening. Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as application of the principles of recovery in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience with others”

What a beautiful and yet very simple equation for true happiness. Remembering that there is never a point at which I will be exempt from experiencing more joy. Meaning there will always be work and subsequently happiness in doing so. iLmL – Richie

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God’s Phone Number

From Until Today! “What is the number you use to call God? Is it 411? Or 911? Many of us are 911 callers. We don’t call in for information… When you call God at 411 you are less likely to need to call God at 911”

I am guilty of tuning in during times of need and once feeling secure again, putting God on the shelf. This past Sunday I asked my beautiful girlfriend to marry me. We are to be married November of next year and now more than ever I need to stay focused on my program rather than my fiancé. Because without a daily reprieve, I don’t have this incredible life that I truly love iLmL – Richie

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Pause & Breathe

From Until Today! “What you do when your back is against the wall speaks volumes about the nature of your character. Every human weakness is strengthened by experience.”

I am sometimes hasty to react. I forget to pause and breathe and that moment of quiet reflection is misplaced. BUT, when I am aligned with a greater purpose, my reaction to adversity is just the opposite. I am capable of believing in the bigger picture and trusting God’s plan. iLmL – Richie