“Our answer is in still more spiritual development. Only by this means can we improve our chances for really happy and useful living.” – 12&12 p.114

This morning I was given a wonderful opportunity to be disappointed. Someone who had made a promise to me only last night, recanted. This caused me fear, which turned to anger, and before I knew it l, words flew out of my mouth that were very uncharacteristic of the spiritually evolved James. It’s only because I work this program so diligently, that less than one minute later I was able to make amends for my words. It doesn’t necessarily excuse me, but it makes me feel better that I’m owning my responsibility. And the real gift is that I was, once again, reminded that there’s always room for spiritual improvement. When I plug in to source, fear evaporates, I insist on being happy and ILML! 

– JamieQ

“There is a powerful presence that’s around here at all times… opens doors of opportunity… nourishes your spirit…” – Until Today

It is often difficult to express love to those we are close to. Sometimes this is a lover whom we are angry with, a child who has behaved badly, or a parent who has never really shown us love the way we had expected and desired. Those who regularly read my words know that I consider God to be the expression of love. Ergo, I believe it’s my awareness of, faith in, and expression of love that opens the door to peace, happiness and abundance in my life. So when something in me says “Don’t express love to this person that I love”, I take the contrary action. If I really love them, I momentarily set aside their behavior, wrap my arms around them, and say “I love you”. Because, when I go back to love, ILML! – P.S. Today’s my dad’s birthday… I love you dad!

– JamieQ

“Acknowledging our gratitude for the blessings in our life releases the happiness … and can serve as a catalyst for happiness in the lives of others.” – In God’s Care

In a few minutes I’m going to write my gratitude list and send it out to my gratitude list groups, 41 friends who asked to receive it, many of whom send me theirs each day. They inspire me, and I inspire them. I also start and end my day with a verbal list of my gratitude – thanking life for all the gifts I receive each day. The more I say and send these lists out, the easier it is to think of things I’m thankful for. And expressing my gratitude actually manifests more things to be grateful for. 

LifeLover Tip: The more I’m grateful, the more ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Keeping it simple helps me say great phrases like “I need some time to think about that” and… “I’m not sure” or “I don’t know the answer…” – Hope For Today

Being the person that’s always right and always knows the answer is a thankless job. My need to be right comes from my desire not to be wrong. But the truth is, often times, I don’t know the answer. On top of that, if I’m right, they’re wrong, and that makes it not fun for them to be around me. Saying “You may be right!” works so much better for me because it allows me to be truthful, hear others’ opinions, be open minded and have healthier relationships. By recognizing that I may not have the answer, and letting others know it, I’m free of self-centeredness and ILML! 

– JamieQ 

“… the word “anger” is just one letter short of “danger.” I knew my anger was… creating a cavernous gap in my relationships.” – Hope For Today 

99% of my troubles with other people are the result of me reacting, rather than responding. When others behave in ways that are totally unacceptable to me, My impulse is to react and get really, really angry. Although I sometimes still take the bait, thankfully it’s much more rare these days. How did I change? By consistently nurturing my emotional health through working my program each day. I do this by reading from books focused on gratitude, connecting with source, carrying a message of hope to others, and really trying to be a great man everyday. When I avoid the impulse to react and, instead, pause and stay emotionally centered, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“We have a disease that tells us we don’t have a disease”. – Heard in meetings

What is my Disease? It’s a feeling of not being at ease, being in dis-ease. I envision it as an entity or a part of me who’s sole purpose of existence is to focus my attention on what’s wrong in my life. The question is, when things are truly wrong, how do I get back into a place of feeling at ease? How do I get out of my dis-ease? The 1st step is honing my awareness. This is actually pretty easy. Whenever I’m upset, I’m in my dis-ease. Next, I immediately pause all words, reactions, texts, and emails and practice the tools on the 1st step worksheet at 12stepwork.com. 99% of the time this works. When it doesn’t, I completely surrender, drop down to my knees or into baby pose and say the serenity prayer over and over until I begin to feel at ease again. Through diligent awareness and action, no matter what feelings come up I can quickly get back to remembering how much ILML!

– JamieQ

“Just for today, move beyond the expectations of others. Dare to be bigger, better, bolder than anyone ever imagined. Surprise yourself!” – Until Today 

I’m a creature of habit. Every morning at Starbucks I order a Venti Chai Latte, Xtra hot, no water, whole milk, no foam, with whip and cinnamon. I like my days to go exactly the way I plan them. But when I’m too set on a specific course of action, there’s no room for spontaneity. In other words, when I’m running the show, there’s no room for my higher power’s ideas. Which also means my eyes aren’t open to unexpected opportunities. Today I’m going to work a little harder, go the extra-extra mile, and try a few new things. My goal is to surprise myself and exceed my self-expectations. By opening myself up to new, fun experiences and opportunities, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“… Make another list of your behaviors entitled: All The Ways I Am Incredible… appreciate  yourself for the miraculous being you are.” – Attitudes of Gratitude in Love 

My Dis-ease is often very busy with put downs and criticism – not only of others but of myself. Being aware of how judgemental I can be, it’s important for me to reverse that negativity by identifying some of my goodness. And while I’m at it, I invite you to do the same and share it with me. Here are ten things I love about… me: (1) I am super loving, (2) I am a very hard worker, (3) I have integrity, (4) I walk my talk, (5) I take great care of my body and health, (6) I love myself tremendously,(7) I’m extremely loyal, (8) I’m a great daddy, (9) I’m a loving husband, (10) I’m a certified life lover through and through. Making that list reinforces that, indeed, ILML! Send me yours! 

– JamieQ

“Obstacles cannot keep me from finding the good in my life and following where it leads. Nothing can get in the way of this – unless I allow it….” – One Day at a Time in Al-Anon p.185

Wow. That quote really says it all. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can get in the way of me loving life with every ounce of my being, unless I allow it. I simply need to recognize the moment I feel some thing, thought or person trying to pull me away from loving life and make the decision: Nope. Sorry. Not taking the bait. Loving life is more important. Then I simply detach from that thing, thought or person that is either intentionally or unintentionally trying to take me down. If it’s a person, likely they will be unhappy that I’m not joining their drama, but that’s ok – that too shall pass. What’s important is that I detach from negativity and INSIST ON LOVING LIFE!!!! ILML!

– JamieQ

Note: Special thanks to Adam T who sent me the quote today!