“The answer has to do with the quality of faith rather than it’s quantity.” – 12&12

When I’m talking to anyone uncomfortable with the idea of God about this line, I suggest they look at one non-religious definition of faith in Webster’s dictionary: ‘complete trust’. But what am I trusting? I trust things that have proven to work for me. I believe we are either in fear or faith. Fear says “OMG, this is terrible”. Faith says “Seems bad but this is ok. In fact it will make you stronger.” Today my faith is in trusting that second set of words when I am upset. And when I do, where I was really unhappy just a moment earlier, once again, ILML!
– JamesQ

“Life is a great and wondrous mystery, and the only thing we know that we have for sure is what is right here right now. Don’t miss it.” – A quote in Believe by Leo Buscaglia

I hear so much about the importance of living in the moment. Bottom line for me is: I can’t be reminded about it enough. 70% of my misery comes from hanging onto hurt from seconds, minutes, hours, days or years ago. Another 29% comes from fearing possible negative future outcomes. Reality is that only 1% of my misery comes from being in pain at that time. By living in the moment I can disappear 99% of my misery – very cool. Today I’ll stay right here, right now, which is the place where ILML!
– James

“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

“Do I want to experience peace or do I want to experience conflict? If I want peace, I will be concerned only about giving. If I want conflict I will be concerned with trying to get something or evaluating why I am not getting it.” – A Mini Course for Life

When I live the words “thy will be done”, instead of “my will be done”, I am living in the state of mind of service. Looking for opportunities to help others. This feeds me with self-esteem. The reward is gratitude.

Gratitude = Happiness + Peace of Mind.

If I’m in fear, anger or frustration it’s probably because I’m worried about getting what I want. All I have to do is find someone to help and poof!, I’m happy again. Try it – it works! 9 days till Xmas and yes, ILML! – James

“Life will take on a new meaning… this is an experience you must not miss…” BB quote from Daily Refections

This is so true for me. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to be in AA and Alanon, really living the program. What an epic blessing. ILML!
– James

“… what is a spiritual awakening… a sense of well-being, a feeling of peace… a new dimension of hope, love and peace… in direct proportion to the sincerity, depth and devotion with which I practice the Twelve Steps…” – Daily Reflections

In looking for definitions of this concept, Webster’s dictionary offers the following synonym for ‘spirit’: courage. So one way of interpreting a spiritual awakening could be waking up to what’s going on and choosing to be courageous. I like that.

It takes courage to change our old behaviors. It takes courage to detach with love, to not take the bait or react in anger. It takes courage to choose love when others are acting out of fear.

In fact, this whole process of recovery is a courageous awakening. Coming into the program took courage. Admitting powerlessness, seeking a God, surrendering, uncovering and letting go of my defects, making amends, practicing prayer and meditation – all of it takes courage.

Each time I embrace the tools of the program and walk away from drama, I’m tapping into a courage that is unshakable because so many before me have shown that it works.

And the result? A life beyond my wildest dreams. Great friendships and relationships with my family. A deep, strong feeling of self-esteem, coupled with a willingness to work hard towards those things I value.

I tend to believe that I have hundreds, if not thousands, of spiritual awakenings each year in recovery. Moments of courage when I actively choose words and actions that are kinder and more loving for me and others.

Today I celebrate our combined courage in this new, better way of living. Thank you for walking this toad with me. ILML!
– James

“I need to attend meetings because they recharge my batteries so that I have light when it’s needed.” – Daily Reflections

I love the light. Today my program consists of the following things: (1) sobriety (2) rituals (3) service (4) meetings (5) exercise, and (6) work.

My rituals include reading, journaling, prayer and meditation. My work includes attempting to fulfill all of my responsibilities. Service includes helping others inside and outside of program.

The result when I take action in all six areas of my program is… ILML!
– James

“… I believe in that teaching what I want to learn… I can become more consistent in achieving it myself.” – Love is Letting Go of Fear

I send out these spiritual texts, speak up at meetings, and carry the message to my sponsees exactly for this reason – I want to learn more about loving life in recovery. I want to learn how to always pause when agitated, to be more giving and loving without sacrificing what’s best for me, to stop blaming, playing the victim, and feeling shamed or guilty. By searching, sharing and applying the tools I discover, I continue mastering the art of being comfortable no matter what. Hanukkah is here, Thanksgiving is over, Bodhi, Yalda, Christmas and Kwanzza are almost here, and ILML!!!!
– James

“You don’t just THINK it has been hard; it has been hard… You have been climbing a mountain. Breathe deeply. Move forward… The time is coming to relish and enjoy all which you have fought for… Peace, joy, abundant blessings… There will be more mountains, but now you know how to climb them.” – The Language of Letting Go

I went mountain climbing recently in Malibu hills. At the start of the climb my car keys fell out of my pocket. I tore up the mountainside looking for them. My hands literally got bloody pulling out bushes. In the end it got too dark to see. I became aware that it was over. Acceptance was my only hope. I took the next indicated action and called my wife and brother – they love me & came to my rescue. Awareness, acceptance and action led me back to peace. So grateful for the program tools and life lessons to use them on. ILML
– James Q