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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!

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Reacting In Love

When reacting in love becomes more important than winning, the fear of losing disappears.

Today love is my focus. Winning is not. ILML!

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Loving Life on Valentines Day

From Attitudes of Gratitude: “The more loving we are, the more love we feel”.

A great message for Valentine’s Day. As wondrous as the love from relationships is, we can also experience love in so many other ways. Loving nature, loving the gift of life, sobriety, sleeping, eating, sight, taste, the sun on our face are just a few. By living consciously aware of so much to love, loving all of it, and sharing our love of life with others, we get to celebrate our passion of being alive with everyone we come into contact with. Spreading our life loving mantra all over the world. Happy Valentines Day and thanks for sharing your love of life with me.

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Judgements, Resentments & Self-pity

“We should avoid extreme judgments, both of ourselves and of others…” 12&12 p82

Resentments and self-pity start with a negative judgement. Though the thing I’m judging may in fact be “not ok”, my suffering comes more from regurgitating it. In recovery I live in awareness of how that type of thinking prevents me from being happy, so I must choose to let it go, and find something to be grateful for. Only by doing this do I get to get back to the business of loving my life!

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Detaching From Obsession

C2C p43
“Detachment allows us to let go of our obsession with another’s behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights, lives guided by a Power greater than ourselves.”

I have a person in my life whose behavior I do not agree with. So, detachment and acceptance is my only answer. I was bothered yesterday but not today. I am serene and happy. The Program allows me to handle situations that used to baffle me…or really piss me off. Ilml!

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Loving The Best

From page 19 in The Best of Bill it says “Let us always love the best in others – and never fear their worst”.

When I focus on what’s wrong with other people, they look worse, and I’m more miserable. The next time I do that, I’ll stop. Then I’ll focus on the good stuff. When I do that, everything gets better. That’s what I love about recovery, I don’t need to be upset for more than a few minutes each day when I use the tools. ILML

This is a great reminder that when I’m thinking other than loving thoughts about people, it means I’m in fear about something (usually fearing I’m not getting treated how I want to be).

Just because they did something that I disapprove of, doesn’t mean I need to focus on it, or fear it will happen again, or that the consequences of their behavior will hurt me. I’ve found for every character defect, there’s an opposite and opposing wonderful character trait. In fact, as my step-mom, a faithful Alanon always said, “Our defects are simply our assets out of balance”. So, rather than focusing on the defect, let me realize that they are just like me – a little out of balance every once in awhile. This allows me to move from resentment to compassion, opening up the door to see the good in everything. And when I do that, I realize once again, that indeed, ILML.

 

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No Longer Alone

ADAAT Feb 11
“None of us needs ever to be alone again, because each of us in our own way works for the good of others. We are bound together by a common problem that can be solved by love and understanding and mutual service. The Program- like the little wheel in the old hymn- runs by the grace of God.”

I have good friends and a close relationship with my family today which is a true blessing. I’m not alone like it seemed I was for a long time. You are all gifts in my life. I’m very grateful. Ilml!