“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

“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