“even the chief architect, standing in the ruins of his dream, could laugh at himself…” 12&12 p.149

This page, in Tradition 4, also talks about Rule Number 62: Don’t take yourself too damn seriously, and reminds me that “we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.” (pg 132, AA). The bottom line is that when I’m able to do as Milton D. suggests – especially when I perceive things as terrible – and “Lighten the f*ck up,” ILML! 

– JamieQ

“When we make the decision to turn our will over to the care of God, what are we actually doing? …we are saying “You decide. And then something miraculous happens. Peace descends upon us.” — In God’s Care

Here is what I think: God is not a man, an entity or a thing. God is too intangible to be explainable, too mysterious to be definable, and too boundless to be typecast. Our program suggests that we discover an understanding God that resonates for us personally. To me, God is not a loving and grateful entity, but rather IS the actual energy of love and gratitude. When I turn a problem over, I say “The energy I’m feeling around this situation is no longer comfortable. I surrender this to the energy of love and gratitude that I may be free of it, and goodness will descend upon all. ILML!”

“..(can I) accept my request being turned down.” Courage to Change 
This is a tough one for me. Not so much as it used to be, however, depending upon the place I am spiritually and mentally, having my (reasonable) requests denied can be very upsetting. Why is that? Could it possibly be because I have an expectation? Is it possible that I feel it’s unfair because…? When I run to the restroom desperate to use it, only to discover that it’s occupied, I’m in trouble. However, when I start running, then remember it may be occupied, if it turns out that it’s in use, I’m ok waiting. Likewise, prior to making a request, if I simply shift my expectation and assume the answer may be no, and I’m ok with that answer, I’m much more at peace if the answer turns out to be “No.” A great strategy because the more often I’m at peace, the more ILML! 

– JamieQ

“I am grateful to have God in my life.” – Daily Reflections
For the first 10 years of recovery I was the PG James (pre-God). The idea of God was so absurd that I was shocked so many people actually believed in this fantasy called God. The problem was that I wanted the promises that those who believed in God so often spoke of: a peace of mind, a sense of comfort during difficulties, a source of inspiration and direction. But how could I get this when I knew God was a figment of their imagination. Then it came to me. If I was so sure they were prentending, and concurrently believed that they were happier by doing so, why couldn’t I pretend? I reasoned that, so long as I knew my God was make-believe I could try. That was the opening of the door. The rest is history. I now experience all those promises myself with my make-believe friend called God (compressed GOoDness). And as a result, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Acceptance gives me choices… My sponsor suggested having back up plans whenever my plans involve someone… It was a great way to put acceptance to work in my life.” — Courage to Change 

Nobody in the world is always dependable, including myself. But somehow it’s so easy to have expectations that others will ALWAYS follow through. This inevitably leads to disappointment, and in the case where it’s happened before with the same person, a sense of hopelessness. I may get angry, depressed or both. But I discovered that all that drama was avoidable, once I decided I didn’t want it in my life anymore. These days I repower myself everyday by taking recovery-oriented actions which help me stay in the attitude of gratitude no matter what happens around me, and as a result, about 98.6% of the time, ILML! 

“Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as the application of the principles in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience with others.” – Daily Reflections
I’ve been told by some that I’m one of the few people they know who really loves my life everyday. The truth is, I love life because I do the work everyday to get those results. It certainly doesn’t happen by itself. In fact, on those days when I am “too busy” to do the work, I love life less. When I miss days in a row, I start not liking others and eventually dislike my life. And so I do the daily deal, share it with others, connecting with source, meditating and exercising. I reason my thoughts right out of my mind by putting pen to paper and writing them down. And, as a result of being super diligent in all my rituals, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“Do I remember that I have a right to my opinion but that others don’t have to share it?” — Daily Reflections 

I grew up with two parents who, before having kids, were just two people. When they argued, like most people, each of them wanted to be right and sway the other to agree with them. They acted the same way with us. And when I grew up, I did the same with everyone else – and I was good at it. I can still use my attorney-like personality to drill others until they finally relent and agree with me out of utter exhaustion. But this form of manipulation saboutages my relationships. In recovery, my goal is to state my opinion gently (if asked) and let others have theirs. When I choose to live and let live, instead of needing others to agreee with me, ILML! 

– JamieQ

“What are you telling yourself? What are you feeling? What steps are you taking toward manifesting your dreams and goals?” Until Today

By staying spiritually connected, taking action to nurture ourselves in recovery and working diligently to achieve our personal goals, we align ourselves with God’s will for us. In other words, we live happy, joyous and free. Sound good? It does to me! That’s why, each day, I make it a point to wake up early, meditate, stretch, exercise, do my affirmations, make my bed, clean my house, groom myself, dress becomingly, read uplifting literature, journal, write my gratitude list, share hope with others, productively work, play, sing, dance, make time for fun and share in fellowship with others. Guaranteed, GUARANTEED, when I do all those things ILML! 

— JamieQ

“Within the container of love, two souls grow qualities they never dreamed they could…” – Attitudes of Gratitude in Love 

Today marks the 20th year that I’ve been married to the love of my life. We initially met and fell in love back at Indian Springs High School in 1977. Destiny had its plan, and today we have a rich life filled with the love of children, parents, siblings and friends. Although it wasn’t always easy, each hardship forced us both to change and grow into better, kinder individuals. We learned to adapt, and as a result, our love grew stronger. We set and honored each other’s boundaries. And we fought our fears in order to make it work. The principles of this program have guided us the entire way, and we are more in love today than ever. My wife is one of the greatest gifts of recovery and I am a very blessed man … ILML! 

– JamieQ

“For it is in giving that we receive.” Prayer Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

Remember getting holiday gifts as a little kid? How exciting it was? I loved it, and it made me so happy. But in 1977, when I was 16 years old, I discovered an even greater happiness. It was Christmas morning and my parents awoke. We all opened gifts. Afterwards I led them to the den for a surprise: I had purchased and installed a Harman Kardon Hi-Fi stereo system. It had taken all night to do it. They turned it on and I knew they were happy and grateful. I felt good about me because I had sacrificed something important to me (my time and hard earned money) in order to make them feel good – a lesson never forgotten. Today I give away a lot of my time to others. I share my experience, strength and hope on everything I have to offer. I share my passion for life. As a result of consistently dedicating time to listen, care for and be there for others, ILML! 

– JamieQ