|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 3, 2009 18:30:42 GMT -5
Holiday greetings to all. Have a safe, clean and sober holiday. It is my hope to post special Christmas poems, greetings and ways to keep yourself safe over the holidays. Holidays can be a time of fear for many. For me it was important to stay in today. To remember it was just another 24 hour day and to surround myself with safe people (not necessarily family) and have a support group of people I could call. In early recovery, I went to the Area Social Club where they were open 24 hours and had fellowship, food, and meetings. santakeeper.multiply.com/journal/item/159/A_Cowboys_Prayer_for_ChristmasThere are several Christmas messages on this site although I think a lot of the old pictures were lost when the site was transferred from MSN. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 4, 2009 11:51:04 GMT -5
Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 4, 2009 12:50:20 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 6, 2009 3:26:34 GMT -5
DAILY OM
The Gift of Sincerity
Holiday Obligations
During the holiday season it is easy to feel scattered and overwhelmed. We may feel obligated to send cards, buy gifts, bake sweets, host parties, or give hostess gifts. But there is no need to feel any obligation when we commit to being our best selves as fully and sincerely as we can. Because then we are already giving the best and most precious gift we have to offer: our presence.
At any gathering, we each bring our own unique light to the party. When we think back on pleasant memories of events in our own past, we recall the fun and love that was shared, or the moments that touched us far more than anything else. A sense of obligation rarely brings out the joy within or moves us in any meaningful way. So as we walk through the holiday season, let’s choose to only give what we can give joyfully, lovingly, and sincerely—whether the gift is a smile, a compliment, a handmade card, or friendship. Once out from under the ‘should’s, we will be free to share the love and kindness we sincerely feel with those who we truly value—from the mailman to our nearest and dearest.
Each gift we give and card we send carries the energy of our intention. If we are not giving from a true desire to share, it’s loss of time and energy that could be better spent by sharing life’s best gifts: love and joy. When we live each moment to the best of our abilities, then every second becomes a gift shared with the universe. Our positive choices have a ripple effect, touching those near and far, friends and strangers. In that way, sharing the light of our beautiful and unique presence becomes the best present we could possibly give, to ourselves and everyone else.
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 6, 2009 3:28:24 GMT -5
DAILY OM
Built Upon the Past
Family Holidays
As the holidays approach, you may be preparing yourself to gather with family members you don’t usually spend time visiting. You may even feel that you are choosing to meet more from a sense of obligation than celebration. But when we trust that the universe always places us exactly where we need to be, we know that we have been placed in our families for some higher purpose. Your spirit may have chosen that particular group of souls to help you learn certain lessons, or to give you the experiences necessary to overcome specific challenges. And when we feel we’ve moved away from situations that don’t resemble us or the life we choose to live, it can seem frustrating to put ourselves back into an old scenario. But even a sense of obligation is a sign that you are still connected to the energy of your family, and for that alone it is worth investing yourself into making the most of any gathering.
Once surrounded by people from your past, you may find that you are feeling challenged by a sort of identity crisis. There is likely to be a gap between the person you know yourself to be now and how you are seen by those who knew you before. But you can call upon your inner strength to stand in your truth and simply be who you are without needing their approval or heeding any criticism. Then, you can offer them the gift you’d like to receive when you also allow them to be themselves.
Being in situations that we might not choose for ourselves allows us to see ourselves in a new light. The contrast helps us to see our own strengths and weaknesses, and to learn to accept others for theirs. Part of the magic of family is the way in which it bonds diverse people together, allowing them to function as a complete unit. Who we are today has been built upon our past. If nothing else, rejoining with the family and friends who knew us in our earlier days allows us to recall where we came from so that we can appreciate all that we’ve been given.
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 6, 2009 3:31:21 GMT -5
Divergent Directions Coping With People You Dislike As much as most of us wish we could exist in harmony with the people we encounter throughout our lives, there will always be individuals we dislike. Some simply rub us the wrong way while others strike us as deliberately unaware. We may judge others as too mean or abrasive for us to interact with them comfortably. Yet no person should be deemed a villain because their beliefs, opinions, mannerisms, and mode of being are not compatible with your own. You need not embrace the rough traits they have chosen to embody. There may be times in which the best course of action involves distancing yourself from someone you dislike. But circumstances may require that you spend time in the company of individuals who awaken your aversion. In such cases, you can ease your discomfort by showing your foe loving compassion while examining your feelings carefully. The reasons we dislike some individuals are often complex and, at first, indecipherable. Often, we are automatically averse to people who are different because they compel us to question our values, spirituality, culture, and ideologies, threatening to undermine our self-assurance. Realistically, however, those you dislike have no power to weaken your life’s foundations. In fact, your aversion to specific individuals may actually be your response to your fear that specific qualities you see in them also exist within you. Their presence may force you to face internal issues you would rather not confront. If you meet someone who inspired an intense, largely negative response in you, ask yourself why your reaction is so laden with powerful emotions. Remember that you control your feelings and, if necessary, you can minimize this individual’s impact on your well-being by choosing how you will respond to them. Though you may not have an immediate breakthrough, your willingness to consider your dislike rationally can help you better understand the root of your feelings. Your aversion to certain individuals may not wane over time, yet the comprehension you gain through reflection can help you interact with them sympathetically, benevolently, and with a greater degree of kindness. There is nothing wrong with recognizing that you are incompatible with some people. You may never achieve a shared harmony with those you dislike, but you can nonetheless learn to modulate your reactions to these individuals and, ultimately, to coexist peacefully with them. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 6, 2009 17:42:47 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 10, 2009 2:51:55 GMT -5
Ok to open before Christmas Ashland College in Ohio always does a beautiful Christmas card and this year they have done another one. This should get you into the Christmas spirit. Make sure you have your speakers on and enjoy. ecard.ashland.edu/2004admission/index.htmlAttachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 12, 2009 1:37:45 GMT -5
The holidays are about getting together with friends. In recovery, we come from all walks of life and yet we have a common denominator. We want to stay clean and sober. No one is less than or better than, we are all equal, through the Grace of God we share, one addict with another, no matter what our drug of choice has been. The substance is but a symptom of our disease. When we identify instead of comparing, we can come together in unity and enjoy the Fellowship of the Spirit. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 13, 2009 8:38:44 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 13, 2009 8:40:41 GMT -5
The Christmas Diet Song
'Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips. Fudge brownies were stored in the
freezer with care in hopes that my thighs would forget they were there.
While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps had just settled down to
sugar-borne naps. When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter I
sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash tore open the icebox then threw
up the sash. The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow sent thoughts
of a binge to my body below.
When what to my wandering eyes should appear: a marzipan Santa with
eight chocolate reindeer! That huge chunk of candy so luscious and
slick I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick.
The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer I closed my eyes tightly
but still I could hear; On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
a Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.
From the top of the scales to the top of the hall now dash away pounds
now dash away all. Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress my clothes were all bulging from too much excess.
My droll little mouth and my round little belly they shook when I
laughed like a bowl full of jelly. I spoke not a word but went straight
to my work ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.
And laying a finger beside my heartburn I gave a quick nod toward the
bedroom I turned. I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry if
temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by.
And I mumbled again as I turned for the night in the morning I'll
starve . . . 'til I take that first bite.Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 13, 2009 8:53:23 GMT -5
Dedicated To All Military Troops Everywhere
THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS
I had no Christmas spirit
when I breathed a weary sigh,
And looked across the table
where the bills were piled too high.
The laundry wasn't finished
and the car I had to fix,
My stocks were down another point,
the Chargers lost by six.
And so with only minutes
till my son got home from school
I gave up on the drudgery
and grabbed a wooden stool.
The burdens that I carried
were about all I could take,
And so I flipped the TV on
to catch a little break.
I came upon a desert scene
in shades of tan and rust,
No snowflakes hung upon the wind,
just clouds of swirling dust.
And where the reindeer should have stood
before a laden sleigh,
Eight Humvees ran a column
right behind an M1A.
A group of boys walked past the tank,
not one was past his teens
Their eyes were hard as polished flint,
their faces drawn and lean.
They walked the street in armor
with their rifles shouldered tight,
Their dearest wish for Christmas,
just to have a silent night.
Other soldiers gathered,
hunkered down against the wind,
To share a scrap of mail
and dreams of going home again.
There wasn't much at all
to put their lonely hearts at ease,
They had no Christmas turkey,
just a pack of MREs.
They didn't have a garland
or a stocking I could see,
They didn't need an ornament -
they lacked a Christmas tree.
They didn't have a present
even though it was tradition,
The only boxes I could see
were labeled "ammunition. "
I felt a little tug
and found my son now by my side,
He asked me what it was I feared,
and why it was I cried.
I swept him up into my arms
and held him oh so near
And kissed him on the forehead
as I whispered in his ear.
"There's nothing wrong, my little son,
for safe we sleep tonight
Our heroes stand on foreign land
to give us all the right.
To worry on the things in life
that mean nothing at all,
Instead of wondering if we
will be the next to fall."
He looked at me as children do
and said, "it's always right,
To thank the ones who help us
and perhaps that we should write."
And so we pushed aside the bills
and sat to draft a note,
To thank the many far from home,
and this is what we wrote:
"God bless you all and keep you safe,
and speed your way back home.
Remember that we love you so,
and that you're not alone.
The gift you give you share with all,
a present every day,
You give the gift of liberty
and that we can't repay."
~ Michael Marks ~
Merry Christmas and a safe New Year
to all troops so far from home!
May God bless and keep you safe.Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 13, 2009 8:55:40 GMT -5
A Christmas Story
'Twas the night before Christmas--Old Santa was pissed.
He cussed out the elves and threw down his list.
Miserable little brats, ungrateful little jerks.
I have a good mind to scrap the whole works!
I've busted I disagree for d**n near a year,
Instead of "Thanks Santa"--what do I hear?
The old lady pregnant doges cause I work late at night.
The elves want more money--The reindeer all fight.
Rudolph got drunk and goosed all the maids.
Donner is pregnant and Vixen has AIDS.
And just when I thought that things would get better
Those not a very nice persons from the IRS sent me a letter,
They say I owe taxes--if that ain't d**n funny
Who the hell ever sent Santa Claus any money?
And the kids these days--they all are the pits
They want the impossible--Those mean little nutss
I spent a whole year making wagons and sleds
Assembling dolls...Their arms, legs and heads
I made a ton of yo yo's--No request for them,
They want computers and robots...they think - I'm IBM!
Flying through the air...dodging the trees
Falling down chimneys and skinning my knees
I'm quitting this job there's just no enjoyment
I'll sit on my fat ass and draw unemployment.
There's no Christmas this year now you know the reason,
I found me a blonde. I'm going SOUTH for the seasonAttachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 16, 2009 3:19:50 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 17, 2009 10:16:29 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 21, 2009 0:39:53 GMT -5
It is important to keep safe over the holiday. For me I had to have an alternative plan. If I felt someplace wasn't safe for me to be, I would place my sobriety first, even before my family. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 21, 2009 16:51:07 GMT -5
Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 24, 2009 2:24:57 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 25, 2009 7:52:34 GMT -5
There are area social clubs and meetings open in all fellowships. Try not to spend the holiday alone. Isolation is part of our addiction, not our recovery. No that you are never alone. Know that your Higher Power is with you. Wishes for a safe and sober holiday. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Dec 25, 2009 7:55:44 GMT -5
|
|
. I will be back looking for Lin and others.