“We are going to know a need freedom and a new happiness.” – Daily Reflections

Every once in awhile I reflect on what life used to be like when the insidious grip of alcohol and drugs dominated my life and the lives of my family. I grew up in an environment where drinking and getting high was glamorized for parents, kids, teachers and even grandparents. The effects were ravenous. Like a cyclone, they destroyed every relationship they touched. Money and marriages were thrown away and I was angry at everyone and everything, including myself. The program has given me a freedom and happiness that I will forever be grateful for. ILML! 

– JamieQ

“I’m so grateful that our wonderful program does not tell us how to define our Higher Power”. – Reaching for Personal Freedom 

I came into the rooms feeling lost and in trouble. I was looking for a way to feel better, for peace of mind, and a sense of purpose and direction. But had I been told that I needed to believe in a God of someone else’s understanding, like Jesus, ALLaH, Shiva, Krishna or Lakshmi, I couldn’t have stayed. The fellowship allowed me to find a Higher Power that works for me, which took many years. These days I stay fully connected to that wonderful, loving source of life energy all around me AKA my Higher Power. And the more plugged in I am, the more ILML! 

– JamieQ

“A wonderfully nurturing atmosphere is created when people help other people by being themselves and sharing their experiences.” – Courage to Change 

This is the power of our program. It’s not therapy with a professional. No one is an expert. No one has authority over the group or another member. You get to be a member if you, not anyone else, feels that you qualify. And when we begin listening for the similarities and hearing solutions we can apply in our lives, the magic begins. This journey into recovery is like no other – no passport required. How lucky we are to be on this road together seeking a higher powered way of living! ILML! 
JamieQ

“When we become receptive to the guidance of a Power greater than ourselves, possibilities extend beyond anything we can envision.” – Reaching for Personal Freedom

So what is this guidance? Who is this Power? Is it even real? Well here are my thoughts on the subject: If believing in a higher power helps me love my life, feel better, and become a better person, I’m in! I could care less if it’s real or a figment of everyone’s imagination. I’ve lived without a God and I’ve lived with one. Life with my HP is way better. I am receptive and, as a result, the possibilities of abundance have been, and will continue to be, amazing. ILML! 

– JamieQ 

“The price for freedom is eternal vigilance. I’ll stay aware of my attitudes so I can remain free.” – Hope For Today 

When I’m not happy it means my attitude is out of whack. Really? Isn’t it their fault? Isn’t it because of that situation? Who cares? The point is, I want to feel better now, regardless of what they are doing or how situations unfold. The good news is I can. By being vigilantly aware, noticing how I feel, and then taking immediate action, I can feel better. Sound good? It is! When I feel bad I simply recognize it, then get into the solution. I write a gratitude list, read from an inspiration book, connect with my HP and then help someone else out. It really is that easy. The solution to feel better is in my hands and when I take the action, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“To be aware of a single shortcoming within oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in someone else.” – Dalai Lama

Have you ever recognized a shortcoming in someone else? Think you may have any? If so, I’m going to suggest something that will change your life for the better. Ready? Ask someone close to you what they think you’re 3 biggest shortcomings are. Now, get ready to NOT react defensively. Instead, to those brave enough to tell you the truth say “Thank you for your honesty, I’m going to work on those things.” Then create a plan of action to help eradicate those shortcomings which actually block us from increased peace and abundance. I’ll commit to do this today and report back my findings. Are you brave emough to accept this challenge with me? Are you ready to continue getting better? If so, let me know what you discover. By uncovering, discovering and discarding, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“By revealing my secrets – and thereby ridding myself of guilt – I can actually change my thinking; by altering my thinking, I can change myself. My thoughts create my future. What I will be tomorrow is determined by what I think today.” – Daily Reflections 5/1

I like how this confirms that with a change of perception through working the steps I can change myself from the egocentric, self-centered, self seeking addicted person into a confident, successful man. But, I have to do this on a daily basis. Dissatisfaction, fear, envy, or anything of this nature, are indicators that I am in need of a change of perception. I’m so grateful we have a solution through the 12 steps and traditions, daily spiritual work, praying & meditating, and helping others. ILML!

– JasonW

“There is always a three-part process in any reaction first, the other person’s behavior; second, a moment of choosing a response; and third, our reaction. …There is liberation in noticing the choice stage… a remarkable thing happens – our self-esteem rises.” – Touchstones Meditation For Men

Today, when I feel reactive to something someone does or says because I don’t like it, I’ll take a deep, long breath and give myself that extra few seconds to pause before I respond. When I am spiritually connected enough to regulate my responses, ILML!  

“Happiness is…giving hope to others.” – DailyHappinessQuotes.com

When speaking of hope, within the context of sharing our experience, strength and hope, we give hope to others, rather than desiring hope for ourselves. In showing that I overcame a challenge by applying the tools, I inspire others to work their program and reap the rewards of success, abundance and happiness. Alternatively, if I only share my difficulty (experience) and the tools I’m using (strength) but no success (hope) as of yet, I am playing the victim. I refuse to be a victim. Today I will share only those hopes that have become a reality, inspiring others that their reality can become amazing when they make the time to the deal, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Self-pity… I can see it for what it is — a waste of time”. – Courage to Change p. 177

The cure to self-pity is helping those less fortunate than me. It allows me to put my life into perspective, and helps me to appreciate what I have more. It also boosts self-esteem, confidence and compassion. It gives me a purpose. It allows me to transform my thoughts from thinking less of myself to thinking of myself less. Service. Giving back. Mentoring with love, not control or dictation. But to mentor I must be a loving example of recovery in action. I have found, love and am proud of my rigorously consistent program. Rituals, prayer, meditation, exercise, work, play. I seek a balance. Then I go to meetings and share what it was like, what my program is now, and how it has reshaped my life. Then I share it with others, one on one, and I am given the best gift of all — the opportunity to love and help others. This builds my self-esteem and destroys my self-pity, so that I love who I am becoming and ILML!

– JamieQ