“Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
A while ago, a dear friend of mine, Adam, wrote in his gratitude list, that he was grateful for his vision statement. This inspired me to question, at 53 years of age, what my vision statement was. At first I thought I had none. Upon further reflection, I realized that the vision statement I had been operating under was “More.” The problem with that vision is that it’s never obtainable. So a few days ago I wrote my vision statement and this morning I starting manifesting it, beginning to take action toward my vision. I’m so grateful for the gratitude I’m sent each day by Adam and others and ILML! PS – If you’d like to see my vision statement check my blog 12stepwork.com tomorrow morning as I’m posting it there tonight.

— JamieQ 

“It’s important to express my ideas. It’s also important to accept the outcome.” – Courage to Change 
How important is it that others agree with me and do things my way? On a scale of 1-10, most of my life I would say this has been a solid 10. Before program my value was dependent upon others’ respect, acceptance and agreement with me and my ideas. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a work in progress and I’m still affected by the opinions of others. But I’ve learned that the more I allow them to define my self-worth, the less I love myself. By learning to be okay with opinions, outcomes and actions that don’t align with my expectations or desires, I open the door for something even better to come my way. Today I’m open to abundance and ILML! 

— JamieQ

“… enjoy the many gifts life has to offer…” — Courage to Change 
Every day, every hour, and every minute there are gifts of life all around us. The air to breath, the sky to see, the opportunity to smile – try it now! When I breath in this glorious life. When I let my eyes feast upon nature. When I see or think of something that makes me laugh so hard I almost pee my pants. These are the moments when I’m truly living life to the fullest, deeply connected with gratitude and the joy of living. Worrying about stuff is overrated. I’m all about just digging the experience of being a spiritual entity inside this wonderful human body. It’s epic. ILML! 

“… job or no job… wife or no wife…” — Daily Reflections

This page speaks to the idea that no matter what, we don’t drink. But I’ve adapted it to also mean ‘no matter what, we keep loving our lives’. The softball of life isn’t always pitched right into the sweet spot. Granted, it’s epic when it is. But most pitches are high, low, inside, outside or curve balls. Sometimes they even hit us! I know that life will always present challenges, and I won’t always get what I want. But as long as I show up, suit up, and swing the bat, regardless of what happens, ILML! 

— JamieQ

… 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