AA

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My Higher Power, Love

“Our present anxieties and troubles, we cry, are caused by the behavior of other people… if only they’d treat us better… our indignation is justified… We aren’t the guilty ones. They are!” 12&12 p.45-46

One thing I’ve come to realize is guaranteed for me is that, when I start blaming others, I’m unhappy. Does that excuse other’s behavior? Absolutely not. But their behavior is on them. How I handle it is on me. With the help of the program I have the option of pausing, gracing the space, taking a deep breath, inviting in God, saying how I feel in a kind way if appropriate, or if not, detaching from an unhealthy situation.

When I react (as I recently did with a loved one), I pay the price of an emotional hangover, depriving myself (and often them) of the ability to love life and celebrate all there is to be grateful for. I made amends quickly that time, but my goal is to avoid the behavior that necessitates amends.

At the same time I must remember that I’m human and on a spiritual journey – as such, it’s progress not perfection. Anger, resentment and self-pity snuff out all the good things in life. Today I’ll recommit to stay close to my higher power, love, because when I do that, ILML!

– JamieQ

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Increasing Happiness

“When we thank the universe for everything we have, our blessings are more abundant”. – Misty Buck

Why is it that this simple exercise is so foundational to increasing happiness? For me, it shift my focus and awareness to the good stuff. And if I keep my magic magnifying mind (thanks Dr. Paul) on gratitude, then those things that create that gratitude continue to multiply. It’s all so very cool, and it really works when I do it. I’m so lucky to have been taught this new way of thinking and living. ILML!

– JamieQ

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The Program is My Medication

“A spiritual experience can be the realization that a life which once seemed empty and devoid of meaning is now joyous and full.”
– Daily Reflections 2/9/15

How true and what an amazing spiritual experience this program has giving me. When I just continue to surrender over and over again to a higher power on a daily basis, I am blessed with a continuing spiritual experience. My job is to work the steps, do my daily rituals and just let it go. I get lazy sometimes and I find myself worrying, angry, sick, and anxious. My disease is very strong and this program is my medication. Today I am grateful for a solution to my problem. ILML!

– JasonW

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Comfortable Being Me

“Abandon yourself to God… Admit your faults… Clear away the wreckage… Give freely of what you find…” AA p.164

At the end of A Vision for You, our program is summarized in these four simple ideas: plug-in, come clean, amend yourself, help others. Four things. When I do these each day I am more comfortable being me, my behavior is kinder, and I am prouder of the person I am becoming – someone who can honestly say that ILML!

– JamieQ

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Struggle or Surrender

“… my thinking becomes distorted by trying to force solutions…” Courage to Change

Problems are opportunities for growth. Sometimes solutions are apparent and I both seek and apply them. But when it’s not that easy, I have two choices: struggle or surrender. I find that simply asking God to handle it works best in those situations. Otherwise my life becomes distorted. By relentlessly seeking a solution I stay focused on the problem and miss out on all the good stuff in my life. Today I’m in the solution and gladly handing over what I can’t solve to my good friend G.O.D. Doing that one problem at a time is exactly how ILML!

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Stick with the Basics

“…my heart felt callous. Still, I stuck with the AA program; the alternatives were too bleak! I kept coming back and gradually my faith was resurrected.”
– Daily Reflections 2/4/15

I was very callous, bitter, and fearful when I came into the program. I had a hard time with the thought of a higher power but, like the quote says, the alternatives were too bleak.

My desperation and willingness to do the work eventually left me with faith in a higher power which I am now so grateful for. No matter how badly I felt, I didn’t drink or use and I continued to go to meetings and take direction from a sponsor. It’s really that simple — and today I love my life and I’m guided by a higher power through the steps and traditions on a daily basis. Good day or bad day, if I stick with the basics everything turns out alright. ILML!

– JasonW

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Introduced to a Power

From Daily Reflections today “It was through the unconditional love which emanated from AA people and meetings that I was able to discard alcohol as my higher power.”

The countless supporters and compassionate friends in AA introduced me to acceptance and encouragement. This love was and is so attractive that I wanted what you all had. Therefore, I read the book and was introduced to a power greater than myself. Without the fellowship I would’ve never had this opportunity! iLmL

– RichieB

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On Even Ground

“… being humble means climbing down from the ladder of judgement of myself and others… ‘Live and Let Live’ sets us free…” Courage to Change

I was told once that the only context where it’s healthy to look down at another is when I reach out my hand to help. Likewise, it’s beneficial to look up at someone when I seek their help to be a better person.

But aside than those situations, comparing myself to others leaves me feeling better or worse than – separating myself from my fellow travelers.

Today I choose to stay centered, on even ground with all of you. And for that, ILML!

– JamieQ

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Being Mindful

From Heart of a Buddha “When eating, be mindful of eating. When walking, be mindful of walking. When smiling, be mindful of smiling.”

My gift today is to stay present. About to speak at Moorpark noon. Looking forward to being mindful of each moment today. iLmL

– RichieB

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Peace Mantra

“Ask that you be guided… To a place of peace”. Until Today

Reading this has inspired me to, from this point on, say “Guide me to a place of peace, guide me to a place of peace, guide me to a place of peace” whenever I feel upset or about to react badly. This will be my Peace Mantra. While repeating the mantra I will take deep belly breaths and envision a place of peace. Will you join me? My place of peace is a waterfall in Yosemite. Where’s yours? It’s just another way for us to demonstrate how much WLOL!

– JamieQ

If you would like to receive these spiritual texts on your phone just contact me and give me your area cod & number and I’ll put you on my group text list. 🙂