“We give it away freely with no expectation of compensation, and we are nonetheless richly rewarded by receiving even more love and recovery than we give away.” – Hope For Today

This simple idea is sums up a principle instruction I had never known until I came into the program: That when I help others for the love of it rather than money, I am rewarded beyond my wildest dreams with things like happiness, self-esteem, and friendship. I have an amazing life because I am able to take care of all my responsibilities and still find time to give away that which I have received from others so freely. ILML!

-JamesQ

“… the problem is the feeling of conscious separation from… from everything… It’s the best definition of human ego you’ll ever hear.” Chuck C, Chuck C., Spiritual Way of Life

As a child I experienced a feeling of separation. As a teen I discovered alcohol and drugs, which allieved that feeling temporarily. Eventually the consequences of drinking & using outweighed the need for relief, so I quit and again felt separated and alone. Then I walked into the rooms. The welcome, guidance, fellowship and opportunity to help others finally tamed my ego, allowing me to fit in and feel comfortable in my own skin. I am so lucky to have the program and all of you. Thank you for sharing this amazing journey with me. ILML!

– JamesQ

If you are interested in watching Chuck C’s video here is the link:

“look at the sunny side of everything… forget the mistakes of the past… give every living creature you meet a smile…” — Christian D. Larson, Promise Yourself

Be optimistic. Forgive ourselves. Spread joy. We are searchers on a quest to increase our level of happiness and peace in this world. Each day we discover new, and revisit old, tools that help us on our path. The more we actually use them, the happier we become. We are on a treasure hunt – one that yields the best gifts of all: love, peace, happiness, serenity, success, & laughter. ILML!

– JamesQ

“When I continue to take personal inventory and amend my wrongs, I can live peacefully…” Hope For Today

Another secret to life loving right there. This parallels what they say in step 10 in the 12&12 “these minutes and sometimes hours spent in self-examination are bound to make all the other hours of our day better and happier.” Works for me! ILML!

– JamesQ

“I’ve often heard that courage is fear that has said its prayers… recognize those fears… say those prayers… have faith…” Courage to Change

Three friends in recovery share their daily gratitude lists with me via email, and I send them mine. One of them wrote about their gratitude for awareness of negative thinking. For me this usually is traceable to some kind of fear. Through awareness, surrender and faith I can let go of all negativity and fear, replacing it with positivity and love. That’s the wonderful plan for my day. ILML!

– JamesQ

“… When we believe that our feelings are a true reflection of reality, rather than our own personal reaction to a situation, we hold on tightly to our negativity and don’t allow a scrap of gratitude to enter in. – Attitudes of Gratitude in Love

When I’ve found myself imprisoned by my feelings of suffering, and I believe that it’s a justifiable reflection of my situation, I am living a lie. I am in my dis-ease. Life does not dictate my feelings, rather I have the power to choose how I want to feel. And by choosing to feel good, and focusing on gratitude, I change my life experience for the better. So the next time you feel down, be strong. Choose to look at all the good. Now actually FEEL all the good. I promise that your life will get better. Just another reason why ILML!

– JamesQ

“… living the Steps requires two primary acts… 1st, I must surrender whatever it is about myself or someone else that I am trying to control… And 2nd I need to trust that my HP is there for me… When I forget about the faith part, I take back my worries over and over again…” – Adapted from Hope For Today

This reading reminds me that if I let go, God will catch me. Today I surrender my expectations and control. I have faith that my HP’s plan for the outcome (not necessarily mine) of situations in my life will keep me feeling happy, joyous and free. I cease fighting anything and everything. Today I’ll be aware if I find myself frustrated and I’ll just surrender and join back up with the winning (aka loving & happy) side. I insist on loving my life, which is exactly why ILML!