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In the Solution

“If I were to chase each particular care, each particular worry, and each particular sorrow I would have business on hand for the rest of my life… The moment I… let go… 99/100 of my troubles drop away.” – 12 Step Prayer Book 

Great advice. But how do I just let go? Funny you should ask. The 2nd book I read this morning (12&12 p.98) said when self-examination, meditation and prayer are logically interwoven they provide an unshakable foundation for life. By consistently practicing these simple rituals each and every morning I am much more able to surrender everything that bothers me. And when I’m in the solution, ILML! 

– JamieQ

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I am Obsessive

“Many of us are compulsive… put the energy to good use… develop constructive habits… pray, meditate, forgive, be kind, helpful and appreciative… these can be taken to wonderful extremes.” Adapted from In God’s Care

I used to be obsessive about drinking, drugging, and needing to control and help others. Today I am obsessive about making my bed, connecting with source, doing affirmations, yelling I LOVE MY LIFE, showering and dressing nicely, reading higher powered literature, journaling, working steps, going to work, engaging in hobbies, fellowshipping, and getting to meetings. Obsessing about the good things helps me evolve into a great man and ILML! 

– JamieQ

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My Inner Saboteur

“If you recognize yourself in the description of the self-critic, the best thing you can do for yourself and your marriage is to work on accepting yourself with all of your flaws.” – John Gottman’s Seven Principles

I have made a choice to love myself “warts n’ all.” There are some times that exertion of strength and enormous efforts are helpful and necessary, but that is not the only instrument in my recovery toolbox. I wouldn’t utilize a jackhammer when a jeweler’s screwdriver is indicated. In the same manner, especially in dealings with my inner saboteur, I have found it crucial to remember that I am perfectly imperfect. As a human and a miraculous creature indeed, I am a creative, intelligent, mistake making and loveable being.

– Aloha Mike

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The Abundant Life 

“Your whole character changes as you reach upward for the things of the spirit – for beauty, for love, for honesty, for purity, and for unselfishness. Reaching after these things of the spirit, your whole nature becomes changed so that you can best receive and delight in the wonders of the abundant life.”– 24 Hours a Day 6/7

I like anything that refers to living in abundant life. This quote reminds me that an abundant life starts with my spiritual program. It starts from the inside and goes out. This program gives me the tools to live spiritually on a daily basis. No matter how long my life is, I’m going to have to turn to the tools of the program on a daily basis. It is my only path to living abundantly. Grateful for a solution today. ILML!

– Jason

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The Boat of Life

“If you have no time for prayer and meditation, you will have lots of time for sickness and trouble.” – Emmet Fox’s Sermon On The Mount c. 1935

If I am not engaged in solution, then I’m not cultivating it. It’s of direct importance for me to understand that there’s a leak in my lifeboat (boat of life). It will continue to sink until I plug the hole. It’s crucial to be truthful when assessing and reflecting over the condition of my vessel. Concluding that the water on the floor is overspray from the waves at sea requires no great effort; however, that will not prevent me from sinking. I cannot afford to fool myself about values. Enacting the repair attempt takes more time and energy than saying, “Hey, it’s wet down there!”

– Aloha Mike

From Jamie: “I must take the time each day to connect with source. Maintaining the condition of my ‘boat of life’ will assure that I don’t drown in resentment or self-pity, and instead enjoy the ride.”

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Becoming a Part Of

“We have embarked upon a spiritual journey, one where we explore hidden motives, secrets, buried memories and unrecognized talents, guided by our higher power, but the steps we take must be our own.” – Adapted from Courage to Change 

If I were to be asked by my children what the single most important experience has been in my life, the one that propelled me towards more achievement, more happiness, and more success while simultaneously showing me what my true purpose in life is, I would say “Becoming a part of the 12 step fellowship and immersing myself fully in every aspect that it offers”. I’m so lucky to have found all of you – thank you for being there for me! ILML! 

– JamieQ

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Work a GREAT Program

“What keeps me from surrendering to a God of my understanding?” – Reaching for Personal Freedom 

First off, the HP I’ve made up for myself is all about goodness, gratitude and love. Secondly, I believe the answer lies in another question, namely “When difficult situations arise or when I’m in fear, how can I instantly connect, trust and be guided by a higher power rather than react, blame and try to control people, places and things?” The answer for me is simple. Work a GREAT program every single day. When I do that… ILML! 

– JamieQ

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THIS is How ILML!

“Let us be done with faultfinding…” – 12 Step Prayer Book 

I would say that, of all the defects of character available, faultfinding is pretty far up on the list. Whether I’m finding fault in others, myself or situations, faultfinding always leads to being less happy. I’m much better off staying in my hula hoop, focusing on gratitude and insisting on being happy regardless of anything. So today I’ll stop finding the faults and instead look for the goodness all around me. THIS is how ILML! 

– JamieQ

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I Fully Love Myself

“How do we love ourselves? By acting ‘as if’, forgiving ourselves quickly, giving ourselves treats, being good to ourselves, not depriving ourselves. One day we’ll wake up, look in the mirror, and really love the person looking back at us.” – Adapted from The Language of Letting Go 

I have been practicing letting go of those negative and self-defeating thoughts about me now for almost 14 years and not only do I fully love myself and the man I’m continuing to become, but ILML! 

– JamieQ

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Practice Awareness

In spite of the promise of joy that comes from our acts of kindness, the temptations to be self-centered, to hurt others, to fight to get our way, still rear their seductive hands. – In God’s Care

The longer I work this program, the more aware I am of the thoughts circulating inside my mind. “Wow, that’s a nice rainbow”, “hope my bank account is ok”, “did that guy just cut me off?” My thoughts can shift from gratitude to resentment to self-pity and back to gratitude very quickly. Awareness allows me to let go of thoughts that put me in dis-ease, and enjoy all the others. Today I’ll practice awareness of my thoughts so that ILML! 

– JamieQ