...In order to walk into the world of freedom, we must go through the door of abstinence. We need not fear the pains of withdrawal. Growth is often painful....
Surrender and freedom seems to be the theme of things today. When I surrender the pain, and give things over to my Higher Power, I am empowered to do what I need to do to not pick up. My God doesnt' do it for me, he gives me the courage, the strength, the direction, the conviction and a willingness to go to any length to abstain.
When I got sick and tired of being tired and sick, I was able to do take action. Often it isn't until I hurt, that I find the willingness to make the changes I need. Thankfully, sometimes I can see myself heading down an old road and I can turn around and not go all the way but take a new direction and find an alternative path to the old behavior and pattern.
As it says here, I don't have to do it alone. I can pick up the phone, call a friend or a sponsor, go to a meeting, or just pause and connect with my Higher Power.
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Powerless « Result #2 Today at 1:01pm »
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
There are as many ways to live and grow as there are people. Our own ways are the only ways that should matter to us. —Evelyn Mandel
Wanting to control other people, to make them live as we'd have them live, makes the attainment of serenity impossible. And serenity is the goal we are seeking in this recovery program, in this life.
We are each powerless over others, which relieves us of a great burden. Controlling our own behavior is a big enough job. Learning to behave responsibly takes practice. Most of us in this recovery program have behaved irresponsibly for much of our lives. Emotional immaturity is slow to depart, but every responsible action we take gives us the courage for another - and then another. Our own fulfillment is the by-product of the accumulation of our own responsible actions. Others' actions need not concern us.
Today, I will weigh my behavior carefully. Responsible behavior builds gladness of heart.
Re: Wednesday's Check In « Result #4 Today at 12:18pm »
My prayers for you and those who gather today to remember your friend. It is so awesome when people get together to celebrate someone's life rather than to morn a life which is no more. It is my firm belief that they go to a much greater place and that they aren't with us in body, they are here in spirit.
Re: Questions to Ponder! « Result #5 Today at 12:14pm »
Quote:
What is one of the key factors that will contribute to my happiness?
It is hard to pick just one but what comes to mind was the "freedom of sobriety." Sobriety meaning soundness of mind. Knowing that I can make the choice daily to stay sober. I am free from active addiction and free to choose on any given day to be happy and not look to others to fulfill my needs. When I remember that this disease is four-fold and that true sobriety is practiced on all four levels: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Wednesday's Chip-Open-minded/Stubborn « Result #6 Today at 11:46am »
Open-minded, gracious/Smug, stubborn
Thinking more about an open mind today. Opening my mind to new thngs, mainly to new people and routines in my life. Not being stuck in the same old, same old and becoming complacent but willing to continue to change and move forward.
I was stubborn and insisted on finishing my book last night even though the last few chapters got blurry. Inevitably, when I dig in my heals and say won't or don't want to, I end up hurting myself or more importantly, not doing what my God would have me be and do.
As a result of my willfulness I missed my meeting and my doctor's appointment. I can make another appointment, but I can't replace the meeting. Even though I go to another one, I missed out on what was shared there.
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Re: * * Meeting Tonight * * « Result #7 Today at 9:15am »
The topic for tonight's meeting is: "THINK"
"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves". - - Buddha
Marcie, I sure hope you get your computer going and can join us tonight.... We have a nice small group attending weekly, but would love to have more of you join us. If the numbers swell, maybe we can add more meetings.... Anything can happen when we work toward a goal and you THINK positively!
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Re: Wednesday's Check In « Result #8 Today at 9:05am »
Checking in for the day....
And it's another wonderful Wednesday in Vegas.... High today will be 60, if I were to trade places with Caressa, I am certain I would have to have antifreeze to keep my blood from freezing in my veins.
As I mentioned yesterday, Honey and I are going to the memorial service for our friend Bobbi today! After the service a few of us will get together for a lunch and celebrate her life, all three of her sons will be there with us.....
Don't have to much time this morning, places to go people to see and stuff to do! Please don't anyone forget about the meeting tonight.....
Instead of concentrating on why we can't do a thing, we would be wise to change our "Yes, but . . ." attitude to a more positive one. Saying "yes" means I really do want to change my life for the better. —Liane Cordes
This really struck home with me, more of a remember when than an in today thing.
Again, I compared instead of identifying. Always looking at the other guy and thinking myself not so bad. Looking at them and justifiying my own behaviors and choices and thinking they were better than that of others.
How often I thought the world would be a better place if every one around me just did what I thought was best. I had it all figured out. I am the smart one you know!
You are using this, I am only using that. That makes me better than you. Forgetting that the substance is but a symptom of the disease. Drugs can come in liquid, dry, and the flesh and blood variety.
I was a user. I used people, places and things to make me feel better.
In today, my yes is "Just for today, I choose recovery. I choose not to use."
How many of us have this degree of readiness? In an absolute sense practically nobody has it. The best we can do, with all the honesty that we can summon, is to try to have it. Even then the best of us will discover to our dismay that there is always a sticking point, a point at which we say, "No, I can't give this up yet." And we shall often tread on even more dangerous ground when we cry, "This I will never give up!" Such is the power of our instincts to overreach themselves. No matter how far we have progressed, desires will always be found which oppose the grace of God.
AA 12 & 12
It has been my experience that a lot of people use this paragraph not to work on this Step. It is an out! I know for me, it was often having to pray for the willingness to be willing. It is the only thing that allowed me to become unstuck, break through a barrier, or tear down a brick.
It is amazing how you can turn a blind eye to that thing in your life that "Isn't so bad" or "Isn't as bad as so and sos."
The last line is so enlightening. Again, we are asked to align our will with God's. It isn't about the great I am or how well I have recovered, it is about how am I living a spiritual life and walking with the God of my understanding.
How do I know whether a particular action is enabling? While this is not always clear, I find it helpful to look carefully at my motives. Am I trying to interfere with the natural consequences of a love one's choices> Am I trying to do for someone what they could do for themselves? Am I doing what I think is best for me? Do I resent what I am doing? If so, is it really a loving choice? Sometimes the most compassionate thing I can do is to let others take responsibility for their behavior.
"I must learn to give those I love the right to make their own mistakes and recognize them as theirs alone."
From Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism
Courage to Change
I was looking at today's reading and was wondering if part of my emotional upheavel was because mother no longer had any control and couldn't watch over my son and his recovery. It took a long time to not enable him when he was using. Perhaps there is a part of me wanting to enable his recovery. Ouch!
Taking our recovery home « Result #14 Yesterday at 8:32pm »
Quote:
Just for today: I will take my recovery home with me.
pg. 5
Love this last line. It reminds me again that this is a 24 hour a day program not a 2 - 4 hour a day program. I recently heard a woman say "I could work my program well except when it came to my home." My first thought was that she didn't take it there but later reflected that she meant that she didn't work it well there.
It gave me the warm fuzzies, especially the first time my aunt came up to me and said, "Can I have one of your hugs." She never drank, smoked, used food or drugs." Her doctor had her on Tyenol 2s and wanted her to take 3s and she refused. When she saw the change in me and my recovery she came off the 2s because she was afraid she may become addicted. She was a very religious person and never married and after she took care of her parents, my sisters and I after our mom died, she decided to do for herself and travelled extensively all over the U.S., Canada, Great Britian, Europe, Russia and China. She would save up her money and take a trip every three years.
This is same lady who said, "I prayed for you then, I pray for you now and I pray you will continue doing what you are doing. She passed awa at the age of 83. I still get the thought that I would like to pick up the phone to call her. I know her spirit is with me.
That was something this addict was never able to do. Save, what is that! Money was for spending and in the moment.
I was never always able to pay the rent and put food on the table when I was using. It is nice to have so much of the month gone before I run out of money.
Re: Tuesday Checking In « Result #15 Yesterday at 8:22pm »
A strange kind of day, was going to post earlier this evening but my dinner was ready. Just had to have a lie down AGAIN! Not sure if it is the fibromyalgia with the snow and change in weather or just me processing the emotions and feeling of not seeing my son for six months.
It has been a long time since I had such a big change in my life and day to day living. Emotions can be very tiring.
Re: Questions to Ponder! « Result #16 Yesterday at 2:41pm »
Quote:
How will I be remembered by my friends and family?
Hopefully, I will be remember as a person who overcame diversity and came out the other side. Someone who fought a good fight. Someone who didn't use people, place and things to make herself feel better. Hopefully I will be remembered as a giver rather than a taker.
Hopefully, I have erased the person that was and will be remembered for the person she is in today.
Re: ABCs for the Holidays « Result #18 Yesterday at 2:34pm »
V is for Vanity. Don't forget that we don't do this program ourselves and it is not good to take credit for the results. It is nice to hear someone say "You wear sobriety well." That is when the beauty comes from the inside out and is a result of the love of my Higher Power and the fellowship of the program.
You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go
Accepting Help
Some of us have felt so alienated that we've forgotten we're not alone. We've come to believe that we have to do it ourselves. Some of us have been abandoned. Some have gone without love. Some of us have gotten used to people never being there for us. Some of us have struggled, had hard lessons to learn.
God's there, always ready to help. There is an ample supply of people to care about us too. We will, if we want it, receive love and support, comfort and nurturing. If we take the risk to ask for it, help is there. We can draw on the strength of our recovery group and allow ourselves to be helped and supported by our Higher Power. Friends will come, good friends.
We aren't alone. And we don't have to do it ourselves. We're not doing it ourselves. There is no shortage of love. Not anymore.
Today, God, help me let go of my need to do it alone and my belief that I am alone. Help me tap into Your Divine Power and Presence, and your resources for love, support, and friendship. Open my eyes and heart so I can see the love, help, and support that's there for me. Help me know I am loved.
Re: Tuesday Checking In « Result #20 Yesterday at 2:25pm »
Really late checking in. Was in a lot of pain yesterday, so had to lay down with the heat, and as a result had two hours sleep which put off my sleeping patterns again. Sat up and read a James Patterson Book called The Trial and didn't want to put it down.
Rather than go on the computer when I woke up went downtown to return my two express books and my video that were due today. Didn't take any books out, have enough to keep me busy for a while.
Went to the market and picked up a cauliflower, oranges, clementines, shallots, and limes. Went to Denningers and picked up a couple of energy bars, flax seed bread, tomato chutney, raspberry and strawberry preserves and two mini meat loaves with a slice of bacon over them that can be reheated when I am low on energy and need a quick meal. Not as good as my own, but do in a pinch. Treated myself to some Chinese Food for a late lunch and didnt' get home in time to watch Oprah and just in time to watch Dr. Oz.
It is snowing so I hope it doesn't pile up too much as my meeting is tomorrow and have a doctor's appointment at 2:30 p.m.
Re: Tuesday's Chip: Cheerful or Discourteous « Result #21 Yesterday at 2:15pm »
Whether I feel cheerful or not, there is no good reason to be discourteous. Rudeness to me is a reflection of someone's soul.
Didn't start the day too cheerful as I was up most of the night and had a late start. That didn't mean I should push in front of others, not wait my turn, wanting me first and but in front of others, no reason not to say please and thank you. A little manners go a long way and unfortunately they are not taught and used very often in today. It was really sad, I saw a child about 4-5, who was overweight, too big to be in a stoller, yelling and demanding things of his mother, everything was give me and I want. Even the sales lady said "Be nice to mommy, she is buying you a treat."
No sun was shining today which always cheers me up. Being cheerful is a state of mind and I try each day to spread some of it to others.
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Topic for the meeting this week.... « Result #23 Yesterday at 9:34am »
The topic for the meeting this week is: THINK
The dictionary defines the word "think" as: "to employ one's mind rationally and objectively in evaluating or dealing with a given situation:"
I can honestly say that whatever I may have believed about my thought processes when I was new to 12-step recovery, they were neither rational or objective. I love how this one tiny slogan can give me time to think it all the way through!
Hope all of you will join us this week, for the Wednesday night meeting. Times are listed in the section called "Recovery Meeting List- Day & Time.
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Difficult and beautiful « Result #24 Yesterday at 9:19am »
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Difficult and beautiful
Life can be very beautiful and life can be very difficult. Learn to appreciate the beauty so much that the difficulties cannot bring you down.
The way to deal with life's difficulties is not to avoid them. The way to successfully deal with those difficulties is to overwhelm them.
Be more persistent than your most persistent problems. Use your creativity, your flexibility, your ingenuity and your passion to make your way forward no matter what.
Treasure the beauty in even the smallest, most seemingly insignificant things. Connect with the abundance that is woven through every fiber of life.
See each moment as an opportunity to make a small difference. Those small steps you make forward will soon add up to create big results.
Life can at times be difficult, but so what? The immense beauty and possibilities for joy are worth far more than all the troubles combined.
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Tuesday's Chip: Cheerful or Discourteous « Result #26 Yesterday at 9:11am »
Tuesday's Chip: Cheerful or Discourteous
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones". - - Proverbs 17:22
I wake up each day with a happy cheerful heart.... I am a firm believer, you attract what you are putting out there. More times than not, God puts cheerful people in my path!
Being rude and discourteous leaves me feeling miserable inside. I am always amazed that when someone treats me this way, if I respond in the opposite way, it really can turn them around in an instance. I also know that if I act miserably as they are, chances are the situation will escalate.
Hope each of you have a terrific Tuesday.... SunnyGirl
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Tuesday Checking In « Result #28 Yesterday at 8:53am »
WOW, this is a rarity! Not used to be the first one to check in! Luckily I brought my coffee with me......
Honey is on the treadmill, doctor wants to see him do 20 minutes twice a day. I just finished up my crossword puzzle and newspaper and will now try to get the day started on EOR message boards. Life is good!
Yesterday I finally got the holiday decorations packed up and put away. Had to do a little dusting and rearranging, drug out the vacuum and gave the house a once over.Have a couple loads of laundry to do today and that's about it. Plan on keeping a low profile this beautiful Tuesday mornin!
Tomorrow they are having a memorial service for my friend Bobbi, she passed away before Christmas. She had been living in Vegas for the last 30 years or so, had a lot of friends that will want to say their farewells.
Hope each of you have a great day, stop by anytime..... Essence of Recovery is open 24/7 you can post anytime you want to....
Re: Step Six « Result #29 on Jan 4, 2010, 9:38pm »
Quote:
So Step Six--"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"--is A.A.'s way of stating the best possible attitude one can take in order to make a beginning on this lifetime job. This does not mean that we expect all our character defects to be lifted out of us as the drive to drink was. A few of them may be, but with most of them we shall have to be content with patient improvement. The key words "entirely ready" underline the fact that we want to aim at the very best we know or can learn. It isn't about other people's inventory of me. It is about me getting honest with me.
12 Steps & Traditions
As it states above, I need to be entirely ready to have the defects removed. It has been my experience that even though I might turn something over, it may come back again or I decide to take it back.
A lot is in the attitude and my willingness to change. Do I still want to act out in my disease? Do I still want to be the same person in recovery that I was when I was using. I can slip back into old behaviors and patterns because they are comfortable, that doesn't make them right. Many were coping skills that no longer serve there purpose and I need to learn new ways of expressing myself. Again, as my sponsor suggested many years ago, "What is your motive and intent?" Make it right with God and yourself and the rest will fall into place.
Prayers please for Sherry and her daughters « Result #30 on Jan 4, 2010, 7:24pm »
Received a request for prayer from a friend in Texas. I sent it to my e-mail friends and thought I had posted it here. This woman found out just before Christmas that her oldest daughter at cancer in her uterous and she was 4 month pregnant and her youngest daughter has cancer in her thyroid.
The following is an update from her to my friend on her daughter's condition.
Please include her in your prayers.
Good morning to all of you and thank you so much for your prayers for my girls. Cristy has finished her second week of chemo and radiation. She is very tired and weak, constant nausea, but so far no actual vomiting. Her attitude is so positive and David is such a huge help, although he is very tired also trying to keep up with precious Ryan. We are trying to make sure someone is always with her, at least not by herself anymore that an hour or 2. The doctor hopes the baby will stay in place until the treatments are finished at which time he'll do a hysterectomy and "d and c". If she does miscarry before treatments are finished, then she has to get to the hospital as soon as possible due to the blood loss that will take place. I am very impressed with the communication between her 3 doctors and the urgency they have placed on her situation, as well as their compassion and understanding at the emotional aspect regarding the precious little baby. My Mother said this little baby had a purpose before it ever had a chance to be born, if not for the baby, the tumor would not have been found so early. This baby truly is our little angel! They have also found another spot near the original tumor. The doctor has mentioned doing surgery to remove this area now so the treatment will also cover that, she goes Monday and the Dr. will talk to her and David. During all of this turmoil I somehow got my thoughts turned around and I emailed everyone that it was ovarian cancer-it is actually cervical cancer. Cristy had to correct me, to which I stupidly replied "are you sure?" Things have been crazy and my thoughts have been a little messed up. Melissa will call her Dr. next week and make her appt. for February for her follow up scan to check if there has been any change with the lump on her neck. She too, is very positive. Again, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and I'll keep everyone updated. Happy New Year. Love Sherry
Re: Questions to Ponder! « Result #32 on Jan 4, 2010, 4:47pm »
Quote:
If I simply followed my heart, what actions would I take?
If I followed my heart, what would I do? I guess you could say I did it. I tried to get things done today and ended up lying down with my heating pad and it turned into another two hour snooze. I had good intentions and even tried to wake myself up by watching the movie Julie & Julia. Almost turned it off several times but did watch it to the end. It was okay but glad it came from the library and didn't cost me money.
Re: where are you? « Result #33 on Jan 4, 2010, 4:44pm »
Takin time out to rejuvinate and put our thoughts in order is a good thing.
I personally found that when I went to a meeting, I always got my answer there. If I went there feeling down, I came away feeling better.
Even my son said to me when I was about five years sober, when I said, "I don't feel like going to a meeting tonight." He said, "Mom, that doesn't make sense. Don't you always feel better after going to a meeting. Why would you want to stay home when you know going there that you will feel better afterward." That from a guy who was in his own disease and has now just decided to get help for himself.
I was feeling bad earlier because I remembered that on Friday night I told a girl about the Monday morning Al-Anon meeting. I didn't wake up early enough to go there although I thought of it on Sunday and didn't set my alarm. That was me not being responsible. Wether she went there or not was not the issue. It was me being there in case she was. Just giving her my phone number and a meeting list was good, but I should have followed it through.
I made the decision while lying down with the heat today to try to get to the noon AA meeting tomorrow and the Al-Anon meetng on Wednesday. With the feelings I have been having, it is important for me not to get into self and although it is good to take care of me, I don't need to go into a pity party and the poor mes and the best way to do that is to go to a meeting.
Even if I don't open my mouth, the energy there and listening to others helps me. Mind you there is seldom a time I go to a meeting and keep my mouth shut!
Comments made in the year 1955! That's only 54 years ago!
"I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $10.00.
"Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $1,000.00 will only buy a used one...
"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. 20 cents a pack is ridiculous.
"Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging 7 cents just to mail a letter
"If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.
"When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 25 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.
"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying d**n in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL or d**n in it.
"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down inTexas .
"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President..
"I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.
"It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.
"It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.
"I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.
"Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to government.
"The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.
"There is no sense going on short trips anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay in a hotel.
"No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $15.00 a day in the hospital, it's too rich for my blood.'
"If they think I'll pay 30 cents for a hair cut, forget it."
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Courage « Result #35 on Jan 4, 2010, 12:20pm »
Reaching Your Dream Takes Courage
Courage is admitting that you're afraid and facing that fear directly. It's being strong enough to ask for help and humble enough to accept it.
Courage is standing up for what you believe in without worrying about the opinions of others. It's following your own heart, living your own life, and settling for nothing less than the best for yourself.
Courage is daring to take a first step, a big leap, or a different path. It's attempting to do something that no one has done before and all others thought impossible.
Courage is keeping heart in the face of disappointment and looking at defeat not as an end but as a new beginning. It's believing that things will ultimately get better even as they get worse.
Courage is being responsible for your own actions and admitting your own mistakes without placing blame on others. It's relying not on others for your success, but on your own skills and efforts.
Courage is refusing to quit even when you're intimidated by impossibility. It's choosing a goal, sticking with it, and finding solutions to the problems.
Courage is thinking big, aiming high, and shooting far. It's taking a dream and doing anything, risking everything, and stopping at nothing to it make it a reality.
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Re: where are you? « Result #36 on Jan 4, 2010, 12:09pm »
Caressa and GratefulJackie
Thank you both for sharing....
I agree, I am just exactly where I am suppose to be today....
I have learned that twelve step recovery does not work, unless you work on it. It is a One Day At a Time program, we get no certificate of recovery at the end of the course, we work it for life.
Jackie, loved the idea you took a time out to "rejuvenate"....
I think we all need to do this, just sitting there meditating or collecting our thoughts gets me back on track. For me, with out my recovery friends, I would feel so lost..... They have been here for me when I need a shoulder to cry on and they have given me the strength to pick myself up and carry on.
My Higher Power gives me every single thing I need..... HE many not hand it to me, I have to do the work, but it's there for me.... It is said, I can move a mountain with God's help, but it won't decrease in size if I never pick up the shovel and begin to work!
I wish you both, Peace on the Journey..... SunnyGirl
Fear looks back-Worry looks around-Faith Looks Up!!!
Joined: Nov 2003 Gender: Female Posts: 4,654 Karma: 2
Re: Monday's Chip - Prompt/Procrastinating « Result #38 on Jan 4, 2010, 9:43am »
Prompt - or - Procrastinating
Today's chip is a mixed bag for me..... Most times I am on the prompt side of this chip, unless it's something I really am not looking forward to doing. I am always on time for appointments, always pay my bills on time, always feed my dogs at the same time. I promptly return calls and when I offer to help someone I normally respond to their needs in a timely manner.
I started the topic procrastination in the coffee shop today.... I had intended to get all the paperwork together and go to the Social Security office months ago, but I so dread having to do this. I hate paper work and our closest SS office is always a nightmare, take a # and wait...... I paid into SS for many years and want to start receiving my check the first month I am legally allowed to, it just irks me to have to go and get it started. Just going to have to get off my duff and get going.....
Seeing as you haven't posted yet my friend, here is your cup of coffee.
You make a great of coffee, I could smell it brewing before I logged on! Many thanks my friend.....
First Monday of the year and I love them all! I am always optimistic when it comes to a new year or week or day, I get a new chance to get it right!
I never ended up getting the holiday decorations down and put away yesterday, so still have that on my "to-do list"..... Other than that I am ahead of the game so far this year. It's my intention to work on procrastinating and being far more diligent about stuff. When my birthday rolls around in Feb. I will qualify for Social Security and I really need to get to the SS office and get the ball rolling if I expect to see a check anytime soon......
We're suppose to have a high of 60 today, so looks like it will be another beautiful day in Vegas. Had the fuzzy faced kids out back yesterday, throwing the ball to them. They love this game but at their age it's a little hard on them. Labs are known to have hip problems....
Have a great Monday and hold that thought for the entire week.....
Monday's Chip - Prompt/Procrastinating « Result #40 on Jan 4, 2010, 7:15am »
Well for the most part, I am a procrastinator, except when it comes to appointments. When it comes to appointments I am either on time or I forget them altogether. I write things down and forget where I wrote them or forget to look at the note.
I put things away until later, instead of dealing with them in the moment and forget where I put them. Fibro affects the memory but I can't put the blame there all the time.
Today I have more laundry to do which I planned to do yesterday. I might not get it done today because the laundry room is genrally a zoo on Monday. The consequences of procrastinating. The problem is I don't need the stuff I have lots to wear and have sheets to change the bedding but I don't like having it pile up. We are allowed to wash only two loads at a time.
As they say, for every action there is a reaction. For the most part, I do like to make it a positive one. When it comes to housework, I tend to put it off until there is no longer an option. I have been hurting the last couple of days so I have to put the pain aside and just do!
Monday's Check In « Result #42 on Jan 4, 2010, 6:50am »
Woke up more rested this morning. Was planning on going to bed early but it didn't happen. Didn't watch my movie either, started watching The White Falcon and The White Wolf on the Nature of Things then switched to the cooking channel and saw two shoes of Iron Chef America that I had never seen before.
Have housework to do, not planning to go out anywhere until tomorrow when I have to return things to the library and the market is open.
Seeing as you haven't posted yet my friend, here is your cup of coffee.
Re: Questions to Ponder! « Result #43 on Jan 3, 2010, 9:58pm »
Quote:
What aspect of my life do I need to examine more closely?
Lately I have been questioning if I am too isolated. I share with others on line but don't have a lot of face to face with people other than my Al-Anon group on Wednesdays. I do go to my bridge club and volunteer in the community, and although the premises have been closed recently, they will be opened in the new year.
After 18 years of recovery, do I still need to go to more meetings?
If I feel like I need to go to a meeting, I will go to AA or NA but not on a regular basis. My focus has been on Al-Anon and I am a firm believer that 12 Steps are 12 Steps. Now that my son is in recovery, I may find it necessary to redirct that focus.
Re: Questions to Ponder! « Result #44 on Jan 3, 2010, 9:54pm »
Quote:
What special gift do I bring to the world?
What I see as a special God given talent is the ability to communicate and share with others. So many times a thought appears and suddenly words follow. A picture tells a thousand words, and I often seem to be led to a picture that goes with the words I have written, or they tell a story themselves, or I am led to a picture, and a story unfolds. It is not me! It is not planned. It just happens.
Questions to Ponder! « Result #45 on Jan 3, 2010, 9:50pm »
Every thought you think sends waves into motion.
Every word you speak reaches millions of ears.
And every act you perform literally rearranges the stars.
Now, ... what was it you wanted me to do for you?
~~~ The Universe ~~~
Words-2-Inspire
Questions to Ponder
What special gift do I bring to the world? What aspect of my life do I need to examine more closely? If I simply followed my heart, what actions would I take? How will I be remembered by my friends and family? What is one of the key factors that will contribute to my happiness? What will enable me to take the next important step in my life? In what way have I underestimated myself? If I could do anything, with no limits, what would I do? What hidden treasure have I yet to find? How or where have I allowed myself the greatest freedom?
The 4 Ds of Spiritual Growth « Result #47 on Jan 3, 2010, 9:31pm »
The 4 D's of spiritual growth
"Strive to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To be too wise for worry, too tolerant for hate, and too courageous to be fearful. In short, to be happy."
-- Unknown Source
Reflect on this pathway for meaningful growth:
DISCIPLINE - To create change in our lives, we need to consistently focus on what we want.
DETACHMENT - Practice the art of detached observation. Let go of automatic defenses and patterns.
DISCERNMENT - Seek to discern the lower from the higher. What is self-serving and what is soul-inspired? Discernment carries no judgment. There are no goods and bads. Remain as a detached witness.
DHARMA - This is an East Indian word meaning "living your unique purpose." How do you find meaning and fulfillment in ways that are natural to you? How do you best serve and contribute to the world?
"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears."
Re: where are you? « Result #48 on Jan 3, 2010, 7:25pm »
I didn't make the AA meeting. I went to the grocery store and it was wonderful and quiet. i decided after shopping to rest on a bench nearby. I have been exhasuted. After that I drove out to the country and parked on a road side. It was very cold but I felt a little bit rejuevenated from resting. when I got home i found a message from someone I had met at an Alanon speaker day. I find she's very supportive and I like ehr program. I have wanted to keep in touch with her but was ready to give up after not getting reutn calls. She finally caleld me back. I had actaully thrown her number out after the last time i left a message. I don't know if she will return my last call. She says her life is unmanageable with being so busy. I wonder what God wants between us. She says she wants to stay in cotnact but I don't know. Turn it over and take it one call at a time.
Senior Citizen Humor « Result #49 on Jan 3, 2010, 6:15pm »
A distraught senior citizen Phoned her doctor's office. 'Is it true,' she wanted to know, 'that the medication You prescribed has to be taken For the rest of my life?' 'Yes, I'm afraid so,' the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence Before the senior lady replied, I'm wondering, then, Just how serious is my condition Because this prescription is marked 'NO REFILLS'.' ***********************
An older gentleman was On the operating table Awaiting surgery And he insisted that his son, A renowned surgeon, Perform the operation. As he was about to get the anesthesia, He asked to speak to his son 'Yes, Dad, what is it? ' 'Don't be nervous, son; Do your best And just remember, If it doesn't go well, If something happens to me, Your mother Is going to come and Live with you and your wife....'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point When you stop lying about your age And start bragging about it. --------------------------------- (My favorite) The older we get, The fewer things Seem worth waiting in line for. ---------------------------------
Some people Try to turn back their odometers.. Not me! I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long way And some of the roads weren't paved. ********************
When you are dissatisfied And would like to go back to youth, Think of Algebra. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You know you are getting old when Everything either dries up or leaks. -------------------------------
One of the many things No one tells you about aging Is that it is such a nice change From being young.
Ah, being young is beautiful, But being old is comfortable.
First you forget names, Then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper. It's worse when You forget to pull it down. ---------------------------------
Long ago When men cursed And beat the ground with sticks, It was called witchcraft... Today, it's called golf. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two old guys Are pushing their carts around Wal-Mart When they collide. The first old guy says to the second guy, 'Sorry about that. I'm looking for my wife, And I guess I wasn't paying attention To where I was going. The second old guy says, 'That's OK, it's a coincidence. I'm looking for my wife, too.' I can't find her and I'm getting a little desperate' The first old guy says, 'Well, Maybe I can help you find her.. What does she look like?' ' The second old guy says, 'Well, she is 27 yrs old, tall, With red hair, Blue eyes, Long legs, And is wearing short shorts. What does your wife look like?' To which the first old guy says, 'Doesn't matter, --- let's look for yours.' *********************
Re: where are you? « Result #50 on Jan 3, 2010, 3:45pm »
Hi friends,
I am eating my dinner then heading out to an AA meeting. I go to Open AA meetigns to listen. I pray that God can help me with work and with service. In on of my Alanon groups there is elections soon. I am wodnering if I am ready for a Group Rep postion. I hope it helps my reciovery. I also pray that I can find balance in my life. With recovery friends and non recovery friends and family. I pray to know what God's will is for me.
Thank you and love to you all and all Alanons arund the world.
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Treated myself to some Chinese Food for a late lunch and didnt' get home in time to watch Oprah and just in time to watch Dr. Oz.![[image]](http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv42/mayrene_bucket_2009/goodMORNINGsteam.gif)
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Happiness is appreciating 
Luckily I brought my coffee with me......![[image]](http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss254/JaneD_1/Coffee/th_244.gif)
of coffee, I could smell it brewing 
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