“Loving and accepting ourselves… is how we enable growth and change.” The Language of Letting Go 

In the past, when I dug deep and thoroughly to evaluate things in life that were troubling me, I found that often times at the very root was my disapproval of myself or my efforts in life. My expectations of others is great, but those of myself are truly outrageous. Even though my mind knows perfection is an impossible goal, I can still get mad at myself for making mistakes – even knowing it’s a part of my humanness. Today I will remember to be gentle with my self when (not if) I make mistakes, learn from them and then let go. This action restores me to the place where ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Finally, we begin to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong.” – As Bill Sees It

They sure are! Why do people have to be so incredibly difficult? Why are so many of them wrong most of the time? Why can’t they just realize that I am right, and that if they would just do things exactly the way I tell them to, they will be happy, and so will l? This is exactly the type of thinking that drove my relationships into a downward spiral. With the help of the program, I’ve learned a different approach. By practicing patience, tolerance, kindliness and love, I’ve learned to foster healthy relationships and as a side benefit… ILML!

JamieQ

“Today may I maintain a peaceful pace rather than a harried one.” – Adapted from The Language of Letting Go 

When things get crazy busy, when I feel overwhelmed by all I have to do, when I find myself running late or remembering something I’ve forgotten, I’ll remember to breathe. I’ll remember that everything is ok. I’ll remember that I can choose to be at peace no matter what. I’ll remember that I don’t need to be worried; that this too shall pass. Life is a series of events. If I can maintain my serenity throughout each of them, I get to enjoy peace of mind. In this way, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Whenever I go to an Al-Anon meeting, I place myself in an environment conducive to changing my attitudes. In this way, my world is transformed.” – Hope For Today 

When I first attended Al-Anon I wasn’t impressed. In fact, I was uncomfortable. I’m a sober alcoholic that liked drugs too, and Al-Anon was different. I didn’t identify my disease after my name. I wasn’t allowed to mention AA. I just didn’t like it. Eventually though, my need for emotional sobriety outweighed my discomfort and I went back, again and again. Today I get Al-Anon and I love it. Last night’s meeting in Lahaina was awesome. I’m grateful I walked through my initial uneasiness and am open to the peace which that program gives me. ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” – AA Big Book

I’m a rebel – and an editor by trade. I’ve always felt that the language in step two could be improved. So get ready. Are you sitting down? Here is my suggestion for the new, improved wording of step two: 

“Came to believe that connecting to our higher power could restore our peace of mind.” 

Of course, I can’t rewrite the step to my own liking, but I can take what I like and leave the rest. Today by working step two and tapping into my higher power, I’ll get peace of mind and ILML! 

JamieQ

Seek balance… Whenever possible, let’s be good to others, but be good to ourselves too.” – The Language of Letting Go

Wouldn’t it be great if we could make everyone happy. If we could easily give them all they wanted, say everything they want to hear, and do all that they ask. They would always be pleased with us, think highly of us, and get along perfectly with us. In the past this was my goal, and it was destroying my happiness. Each time I failed to deliver I got upset, either at them, myself or both of us. I now know it’s not my job to make others happy. If I focus on taking care of me, being good to myself, I can give all that I have leftover – a better version of me – to be of service to them. Today I’m a bit more selfish. Like the oxygen mask on the plane, me first, then them. Actually, when I do that, we all end up happier and ILML! 

– JamieQ

“How do you win the game of life? When the goal is to play it with love you cannot lose. God is the coach and has a consistent winning streak – so trust him.” – Adapted from Until Today

I used to think it was all about accomplishment. Don’t get me wrong, it feels great to be productive, put my mind to something, work hard, accomplish it, and feel success. But those are short lived victories compared to the long lasting happiness I receive from living as a consistently kind, compassionate, loving person who gives freely of myself. I spend a great deal of time spiritually strengthening myself each day so that I may love myself and share that love and gratitude with others. By making this a priority and investing time each morning in being happy, joyous and free, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Our Higher Power needs us as emissaries of love in the world.” – In God’s Care

This page says we all need to know we’re truly loved. I believe this and know that it’s true for me. Before program I tried, and often failed, to get that from others. The program gave me the gift of learning how to give it first to others, and as the love traveled from my heart into theirs —  whether it be to a friend, lover or stranger —  I actually feel loved myself. The love I wanted from others became secondary as I’ve learned that by giving, I receive more than I could have ever imagined. ILML! 

– JamieQ

“… the more we give what we want to receive, the more we increase the chances we’ll get what we want.” – Attitudes of Gratitude in Love 

In a relationship it’s easy for me to see what I wish the other person would give me. “If only they would —–, our relationship would be great.” What this passage suggests is perhaps I should make that list, then start giving those things to them. For me it’s things like respect, kindness, love, consideration, words of appreciation and help when it’s requested or appropriate. When I step up my game and give more of these things to them, I feel happier and my relationship gets better too. And if it doesn’t, that’s another type of gift – a message that maybe it’s time for a change. Up early today, excited about opportunities and ILML! 

– JamieQ

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”- Abraham Lincoln

Perception is way more important than reality. Reality can’t change, it is what it is. But a shift in perception can change how I perceive reality – as well as how I feel about it. In the olden days, when confronted by an unacceptable and unchangeable thing, I would think, “There’s nothing I can do about this, I’m just screwed.” Today I know better. There is one very effective action I can take when I’m in uncomfortable situations which I’m powerless over: I can alter my perception. By using the tools I’ve learned in the program I can magically, almost instantly, change things from bad to good, and by doing so, ILML!

– JamieQ