“I promise myself to be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind…” – 12 Step Prayer Book 

Unless I work my program, do my readings, send out these posts, fellowship with others, be of service, stay close to my higher power, write out gratitude lists, eat well, exercise and get plenty of sleep, anyone and everything can knock me off the horse and put me on the crazy train. I’m staying off the tracks today by taking the action necessary to be at peace, and that’s why ILML! 

– JamieQ

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude…” – Daily Reflections

A couple of years ago one of my Sponsees asked if I wanted to join in on a daily email gratitude list with him and two other guys. John, Franchot, Adam and I have been sharing our gratitude lists with each other ever since that day. It’s  opened the door to me sharing my G lists via text with over 20 others, and many of them share theirs with me. Aside from the reading, highlighting and spiritual texting rituals in the morning, writing down and sharing gratitude with others is the next more powerful life loving tool I use.  Thank you John for bringing me into the Circle of G. ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Today may I grow in understanding & effectiveness… be aware of any negative & self-defeating attitudes… pause if agitated… choose the best course of action in all my affairs… be responsible… make amends quickly… stay out of fear by reconnecting with my higher power… and help others whenever the opportunity presents itself.” – Adapted from Tenth Step Prayer

The only thing I can add is that I wish today to also invite abundance and express my gratitude as often as possible for this glorious life I’ve been blessed with. ILML!

– JamieQ

“Today I will do my best without thought of failures of the past or anxieties for the future.” 12 Step Prayer Book 

We all know that it’s no fun to be upset about the past or worried about the future. The problem for most of us is we don’t know how to stop our brain from repeating those upsetting things. By consistently doing my life loving rituals every morning, I brain wash those thoughts out. It’s very hard for those negative and fearful voices to continue after reading from 12 gratitude-based books, writing a gratitude list, journaling,  connecting to source and saying my positive affirmations out loud. Sharing it with all of you finally extinguishes all my negativity. Fear can’t survive an onslaught of love and today ILML! 

-JamieQ

“Many people, nonalcoholics, report that as a result of the practice of A.A.’s Twelve Steps, they have been able to meet other difficulties of life… They see in them a way to happy and effective living…” – 12&12, p. 16 

I love AA and AlAnon. They’ve changed my life and brought me so much joy. The steps, traditions, tools, meetings, fellowship, spiritual component, and lessons of living I’ve learned all contributed to me loving life. Isn’t it about time that others who don’t qualify for our programs can receive some of these gifts? I think so, and I’m trying to make these life loving gifts more accessible to anyone with the desire to love their life more. Like the 11th step prayer says “… make me a channel of thy peace.” I love doing anything I can to bring happiness to others. And, ILML!

– JamieQ

“Getting angry can sometimes be like leaping into a wonderfully responsive sports car, gunning the motor, taking off at high speed and then discovering the brakes are out of order.” — Maggie Scarf, Touchpoints

I had the pleasure tonight of getting upset. Someone who owed me money said he wasn’t going to pay, ever. Instead of saying thank you and hanging up, I let him take away my serenity for 45 minutes and ended up missing my favorite Maui AA meeting. I say pleasure though because I learned from it. My answer to his “unfairism” is now to send him a card that says “Thank you anyway and I wish you the very best in life.” Being loving – especially in these types of situations – is always the right thing to do because I feel better. I’ll send the letter tomorrow, but I already feel great knowing my resentment is gone. ILML!

– JamieQ

“… there is always a sticking point, a point at which we say, “No, I can’t give this up yet.” – 12&12 p. 66

Someone struggling with weight ask me “How do you stay trim and fit?” I told him I exercise regularly and gave up eating all grain, beans, potatoes, and all types of oil. He said “I need to lose about 60 pounds but I can’t do that.” I completely understand. We are only ready when we are ready. When we are sick and tired of being sick and tired we put down that which is hurting – or killing – us. With regard to booze and drugs, I’m grateful I put them down before they killed me because really, truly, ILML! 

– JamieQ

” We may think it isn’t manly to be afraid, so we become afraid of our fear! At these times, we need to turn to our Higher Power for guidance.” – Touchstones

I believe this applies equally to men and women. I used to think that to be strong meant I had to hide fear. But I’ve learned that when I supress my fear and push it down into my gut, it cooks in there at around 97-99° and turns into anger. Then, at the very worst moments, it comes out of my mouth, hurting me and those I love. I’m so grateful to have a sponsor and trusted program friends to talk honestly with about my fears. They help me transform them into faith, which reminds me that everything is okay and ILML!

– JamieQ

“… we’re only an instant away from peace…” – In God’s Care

The human breath is a magical thing. Not only does it invite life into us, but it also can bring us peace in moments of turmoil. In the midst of discomfort I simply take a deep breath in, hold it for just a second or two and then slowly breath out. If I’m still uncomfortable I’ll do it a couple more times. Inevitable this always calms me down and puts me at-ease where just a moment before I was in dis-ease. Try it – take a deep breath right now and exhale slowly. See what I mean? Just another simple, yet effective, way that ILML! 

– JamieQ