… right action is the key to good living…” AA p.125

But how do we know what the right action to take is. It certainly can be tough at times for me. Do I stay in, or get out? Should I say something, or keep my mouth closed? Should I try harder, or back off and slow down a bit? Here’s how I figured it out: I know the action I’m taking is right if, when I’m taking it, I’m in that wonderful, spiritually centered place. If I act or speak when I’m upset, chances are good it will turn out bad. Pausing when agitated graces the space, giving me time to get into a good place before I say or do something which I’ll (inevitably) have to make amends for later. I love learning and using these tools in the program and ILML! 

“… let go of our need to control ourselves and others, and fully and freely enter into the present moment.” — The Language of Letting Go 
The truth is, it’s hard for me to laugh, have fun, and really enjoy the moment when I’m holding onto control. The need for things to line up with my expectations keep me trapped in a set of preconceived notions of how life is supposed to go. This eliminates spontaneity and opportunities for even better outcomes. Today I’ll live and love each second I am gifted and allow the day to unfold in a higher powered way. ILML! 

“Sometimes we need a kickstart into gratitude…” — Attitudes of Gratitude in Love 
Because I’ve been given such an amazing life in recovery, it’s easy to be grateful. But occasionally, usually when I’m off my game, fear can creep in and alter my perception of life. Suddenly, instead of seeing all that’s right, I’m looking at what’s wrong. And the more I focus on it, the worse things get. Awareness of what’s happening is my first step out. Then I put on my Higher Powered Glasses. These can see past the doom and gloom and refocus me on all the goodness that is abundant in my life. Suddenly the view changes – it a beautiful day – and ILML!

— JamieQ

“… we have been making unreasonable demands upon ourselves…” 12&12 p.76
I think it’s really important to give 100% to everything. But occasionally, in my desire to make everyone happy, to fix all the problems and have everything be just right, I can go overboard. In order to stay centered today, I’ll do my very best, while at the same time being mindful not to overcommit, overwork, or overreach. When I stop placing unreasonable demands upon me or others, when I get out of the expectation business and instead stay in the attitude of gratitude, ILML! 

— JamieQ

“I was able to… for the first time… begin helping others.” — 12 Step Prayer Book

I came into the program for help with my situation, to find peace of mind from the craziness in my life. What I found was an advanced course of study, in which, if I applied myself, I could learn enough to have something to share with others. It was this exact process — study; apply; share — that transformed my life into one beyond my wildest dreams. And as I share it, I’m given the gift of watching others do the same. What an amazing experience. ILML! 

— JamieQ

“Ask ourselves ‘Is this a good thing for me?'” The Language of Letting Go 
What is good for me? Laughing. Smiling. Hugging. Helping. Hobbies. Recreation. Being productive. Being responsible. Not taking myself (or others) too seriously. Staying optimistic. Being in the solution. Connecting to the higher power energy. Eating well. Exercising. Not isolating. Getting the sleep I need. Not gossiping. Participating in recovery. Detaching from toxic situations. Pausing when agitated. Having healthy boundaries, and the list goes on. Pre-program I knew none of these things. Today I’m so grateful for all that I’ve learned, because when I do what’s good for me, ILML! 

— JamieQ

“Feel-full-ness means that when you walk into any situation, you know that you have what it takes to make a valuable contribution to the experience.” – Until Today

Most of the time I feel filled up with the great light of love, faith and abundance. But occasionally I notice that I’m just not there. 

That’s when I remember the acronym HALT. Am I hungry, angry, lonely or tired? Any one of them can lead to another. Today I’m pretty tired. 

I’ve been working really hard, trying to do everything and make everyone happy. I weed-whacked, mowed, swept the walkways, cleaned the house and car and I’m just beat. 

So I’m heading home to relax in my bed and read in the air-conditioned comfort of my small home. I know, it’s only 2:38pm and I could go to the office and get so much done! But I’m not. 

It’s only by taking care and loving myself that I’m able to take care and love everyone else. I’m giving a gift to Jamie today, and because of it, ILML! 

— JamieQ

“Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was. Giving ourselves over to feelings of discouragement is self-indulgent and saps our strength. The dailiness of our lives isn’t always dramatic and doesn’t usually offer great changes. But we are part of an unfolding process. Looking back over just a week or a month, we can recall troubled times that now seem insignificant. So we continue – knowing that our processes hopeful – even though we cannot perceive the details of our future.”– Touchstones 9/9

This is a good reminder and great knowledge to keep the energy sucking drama out of my life on a daily basis. I could think of things just days or weeks ago that had me very upset, fearful, discontent, I am troubled. They have seemingly worked themselves out since. My job is to stay close to the program and do my work on a daily basis. This allows me to trust and have faith in a higher power. With that, whatever happens is exactly what it supposed to happen in God’s world. So, I’m going to stay close to my HP and live happy, joyous, and free. ILML!

— JasonW

“Am I taking time to enjoy the present moment? Am I becoming the person I want to be? What can I give thanks for?” — Courage to Change 

There are certainly times when when problems (or people) arrive in my life and I’m faced with difficulties. But when those situations become consistent, it’s time to recognize that I deserve to be happy. I can do this simply by detaching from negative thoughts, behaviors and people and replacing them with positive thoughts, behaviors and people. We all deserve to be happy, and by quickly detaching from anything and everyone that’s toxic to my serenity, ILML!

— JamieQ