“… we are still tempted to look outside of ourselves for happiness… What we can depend on to fill our emptiness are our own unselfish acts on behalf of others.” – In God’s Care
We’ve been told that once we make enough money, buy the big home, have the right partner, get what’s missing in our life, we’ll finally be happy. I disagree. That stuff is great but isn’t my answer to everlasting happiness. Helping others just because I want to be loving is what makes me really happy. In fact, it’s the main reason why ILML! 

“… I must STEP my way past emotion turmoil…” – Daily Reflections
That statement gives me great hope that I don’t need to stay in, or even go into, emotional turmoil. But how do I avoid it, or get out of it when I step into it? My fist course of action is to pause when agitated. Just knowing that I need to pause, isn’t enough though – I must practice it thousands of times until it becomes automatic. And when I do forget to pause, finding myself in dis-ease, I try to detach quickly so I can recover my peace as fast as possible. Then, I make direct amends to restore my self-esteem. I love how this process renews me and ILML! 

“Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
A while ago, a dear friend of mine, Adam, wrote in his gratitude list, that he was grateful for his vision statement. This inspired me to question, at 53 years of age, what my vision statement was. At first I thought I had none. Upon further reflection, I realized that the vision statement I had been operating under was “More.” The problem with that vision is that it’s never obtainable. So a few days ago I wrote my vision statement and this morning I starting manifesting it, beginning to take action toward my vision. I’m so grateful for the gratitude I’m sent each day by Adam and others and ILML! PS – If you’d like to see my vision statement check my blog 12stepwork.com tomorrow morning as I’m posting it there tonight.

— JamieQ 

“It’s important to express my ideas. It’s also important to accept the outcome.” – Courage to Change 
How important is it that others agree with me and do things my way? On a scale of 1-10, most of my life I would say this has been a solid 10. Before program my value was dependent upon others’ respect, acceptance and agreement with me and my ideas. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a work in progress and I’m still affected by the opinions of others. But I’ve learned that the more I allow them to define my self-worth, the less I love myself. By learning to be okay with opinions, outcomes and actions that don’t align with my expectations or desires, I open the door for something even better to come my way. Today I’m open to abundance and ILML! 

— JamieQ

“… enjoy the many gifts life has to offer…” — Courage to Change 
Every day, every hour, and every minute there are gifts of life all around us. The air to breath, the sky to see, the opportunity to smile – try it now! When I breath in this glorious life. When I let my eyes feast upon nature. When I see or think of something that makes me laugh so hard I almost pee my pants. These are the moments when I’m truly living life to the fullest, deeply connected with gratitude and the joy of living. Worrying about stuff is overrated. I’m all about just digging the experience of being a spiritual entity inside this wonderful human body. It’s epic. ILML! 

“… job or no job… wife or no wife…” — Daily Reflections

This page speaks to the idea that no matter what, we don’t drink. But I’ve adapted it to also mean ‘no matter what, we keep loving our lives’. The softball of life isn’t always pitched right into the sweet spot. Granted, it’s epic when it is. But most pitches are high, low, inside, outside or curve balls. Sometimes they even hit us! I know that life will always present challenges, and I won’t always get what I want. But as long as I show up, suit up, and swing the bat, regardless of what happens, ILML! 

— JamieQ

… right action is the key to good living…” AA p.125

But how do we know what the right action to take is. It certainly can be tough at times for me. Do I stay in, or get out? Should I say something, or keep my mouth closed? Should I try harder, or back off and slow down a bit? Here’s how I figured it out: I know the action I’m taking is right if, when I’m taking it, I’m in that wonderful, spiritually centered place. If I act or speak when I’m upset, chances are good it will turn out bad. Pausing when agitated graces the space, giving me time to get into a good place before I say or do something which I’ll (inevitably) have to make amends for later. I love learning and using these tools in the program and ILML! 

“… let go of our need to control ourselves and others, and fully and freely enter into the present moment.” — The Language of Letting Go 
The truth is, it’s hard for me to laugh, have fun, and really enjoy the moment when I’m holding onto control. The need for things to line up with my expectations keep me trapped in a set of preconceived notions of how life is supposed to go. This eliminates spontaneity and opportunities for even better outcomes. Today I’ll live and love each second I am gifted and allow the day to unfold in a higher powered way. ILML! 

“Sometimes we need a kickstart into gratitude…” — Attitudes of Gratitude in Love 
Because I’ve been given such an amazing life in recovery, it’s easy to be grateful. But occasionally, usually when I’m off my game, fear can creep in and alter my perception of life. Suddenly, instead of seeing all that’s right, I’m looking at what’s wrong. And the more I focus on it, the worse things get. Awareness of what’s happening is my first step out. Then I put on my Higher Powered Glasses. These can see past the doom and gloom and refocus me on all the goodness that is abundant in my life. Suddenly the view changes – it a beautiful day – and ILML!

— JamieQ