“If I can stop the wheels from turning for even a few moments, my Higher Power can take charge and steer me in the right direction”. – Courage to Change

There are appropriate times for that wheel to turn, and there are times when the tuning is making me crazy and miserable. Today I’ll pay attention to whether my thoughts are healthy and productive or repetitive and destructive. I’ll embrace the former and release the latter into my HP’s care.

This is just one more way of remembering that pain is inevitable but I no longer need to take it into the future and suffer. A blustery day in Maui and ILML!
– JamesQ

“Admission of powerlessness is the first step in liberation.” 12&12 p.5

I heard at a meeting that there are three types of businesses: My Business, God’s Business, and None of my Business.

If I find I’m struggling with something that’s not My Business, and am ready to stop struggling, I can simply do what my brother does: stand up, raise my hands over my head and say out loud: “Ok, ok I give up!”.

It works for him; it works for me too. I love learning and practicing these secrets of living, and ILML!

– JamesQ

“… look at what’s right instead of what’s wrong…” Attitudes of Gratitude in Love

Just for today, try this with me: When something upsets us (and it will) let’s remember this passage, and do the following three things:

(1) acknowledge we’re upset {“Hey, I’m upset!”}

(2) pause and defer words and action for 5 minutes – if needed say {“I need some time to think about that”}, and

(3) force ourselves to think about something we really love and are happy about in our life.

I’m going to be aware and try this today, let me know if you want to try it too. Have an epic day… ILML!

– JamesQ

“If a crisis arises, or any problem baffles me, I hold it up to the light of the serenity prayer and extract it’s sting before it can hurt me. ” – One Day at a Time in Al-Anon

This quote reminds me that I don’t need to immediately react when I’m stung and hurt by unmet expectations, others behaviors, or uncomfortable situations. I can get back to feeling good if I simply breath deeply and recite the words of the serenity prayer while thinking how they apply. I may have been hurt, but I no longer need to suffer. Heading back to Maui… ILML!
– JanesQ

“Into my hands will be placed the exact results of my thoughts”. – 12 Step Prayer Book

In recovery I have discovered a power to manifest the life I always dreamt of by changing my thoughts and following them up with the footwork. Today I live that dream, as many of you do. Let us all dream our dreams for this coming year, eradicate selfishness and be of service, align our thoughts with God’s will for us, and enjoy the gifts of life as our dreams come true. ILML and it is with the deepest love for the world and all of you that I wish all of us a glorious 2014! Let the sun shine in!
– JamesQ

“If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don’t have it, no matter what else there is it’s not enough.”
12 Step Prayer Book

I have quite a few friends who are lonely. Some are rich, others not so much. Some married or with girlfriends, others not. What I think is that when we love ourselves, and when we are giving of our love to others freely, we get filled up. When we hope for or expect to find love from others, often we are left lonely with unmet expectations.

So I do everything I can to accept & love who I am, then find as many others as I can to act loving towards each day. If others love me, that’s an extra bonus. I think this is one of the secret reasons why ILML (so much)!
– James

“A long-term periodic inventory… provides an opportunity for us to renew our intention to live healthier and more fulfilling lives”. –
The 12 Steps: A Way Out

I’m behind in my workbook – on step 10 when I would like to be on 12 – but learning so much going through the steps again. My (almost) daily journaling, and these texts, gives me the chance to reflect on gratitude, discover defects, and celebrate my growth. I really love this program. Regardless of outside stuff, when I work it, ILML!
–
JamesQ

“When I get that old feeling that tells me I am a victim, I can regard it as a red flag.. (and) resist the temptation to blame others.” – Courage to Change

The blame game and victimization go hand in hand. My old behavior is to open my mouth and say how I feel, hoping they will change, and the fight begins. A better choice is to use my tools diffuse the situation: be kind and gentle if possible; detach if necessary; get spiritually centered; call my sponsor. The trick for me is be aware when things escalate, then take clear steps to get back into love, kindness, peace and serenity. That’s where I feel safe and comfortable. ILML!
– JamesQ

“My level of acceptance profoundly impacts my serenity”. – Hope For Today

The more I feel “this is unacceptable” and try to control things that I don’t like, the more difficult I make my life? Why struggle to change things so I can feel better? Why react and get into the drama? Unless it’s my responsibility, I’d rather simply accept it and move onto other things that I find pleasurable right now. Today I’m really happy, enjoying family & holiday time, staying out of fear and I’mLML 🙂

– JamesQ