When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.
- Maya Angelou
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
-Philo of Alexandria
As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world -- that is the myth of the "atomic age" -- as in being able to remake ourselves.
-Mahatma Gandhi
From www.gratefulness.org
WORD FOR THE DAY
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
November 03, 2006
November 02, 2006
Pass Your Light to Others
Most people rarely give thought to the effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our awareness of the effect we ultimately have.
Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person's entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other's lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.
From DailyOM - Nurturing Mind Body & Spirit
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person's entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other's lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.
From DailyOM - Nurturing Mind Body & Spirit
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween
A lady recently joined NA and was asked by a coworker, "What it was like to be a clean addict?"
She replied, "It's like being a pumpkin. Your Higher Power picks you from the patch, washes all of the dirt off that you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then He cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
She replied, "It's like being a pumpkin. Your Higher Power picks you from the patch, washes all of the dirt off that you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then He cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
October 29, 2006
Transform Your Life with Gratitude
"Gratitude can be a powerfully transformative practice...Practicing gratitude can actually improve our emotional and physical well-being...Here are daily practices anyone can try.
1. See the giver behind the gift...
2. Ask yourself three questions every day... 'What have I received today? What have I given? What trouble have I caused?'...'As we become aware that we've received so much more than we've given, not only does that cultivate gratitude, it also cultivates often a sense of wanting to give something back to the world.'
3. Practice even when you don't feel like it. 'One of the mistakes people often make in our culture is thinking you have to feel grateful to practice gratitude...You can practice anytime'...
4. Make thank-you your mantra...
5. Create a simple family ritual. 'In our family, every evening when we have dinner, we say our thank you's...I's not a formal prayer of any kind, but just what we're grateful for in the moment, and that's all. It brings us back, it's a touchstone to the miracles of life that we may have been overlooking.'
6. Bow to life. 'I do three bows in the morning...The first bow is to my self as part of the universe. The second bow is to my family, children, and friends to acknowledge and appreciate them. The third is bowing to the universal life force and what is. Doing this helps me let go of controlling, and instead open to the flow of life...'
Read more in this article from Beliefnet.com.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
1. See the giver behind the gift...
2. Ask yourself three questions every day... 'What have I received today? What have I given? What trouble have I caused?'...'As we become aware that we've received so much more than we've given, not only does that cultivate gratitude, it also cultivates often a sense of wanting to give something back to the world.'
3. Practice even when you don't feel like it. 'One of the mistakes people often make in our culture is thinking you have to feel grateful to practice gratitude...You can practice anytime'...
4. Make thank-you your mantra...
5. Create a simple family ritual. 'In our family, every evening when we have dinner, we say our thank you's...I's not a formal prayer of any kind, but just what we're grateful for in the moment, and that's all. It brings us back, it's a touchstone to the miracles of life that we may have been overlooking.'
6. Bow to life. 'I do three bows in the morning...The first bow is to my self as part of the universe. The second bow is to my family, children, and friends to acknowledge and appreciate them. The third is bowing to the universal life force and what is. Doing this helps me let go of controlling, and instead open to the flow of life...'
Read more in this article from Beliefnet.com.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
October 28, 2006
Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real
One of humanity's biggest fears is losing what we have. It is healthy when fear of loss helps us take steps to protect what we have worked hard to attain, but it is unhealthy to continue to fear something we can do nothing about.
We need to remember that focusing our energy on fear can actually create what scares us, and holding tightly to what we have keeps us from participating in the universal flow of abundance and instead creates stagnation. Since we can only really control our thoughts and our responses, gaining proper perspective may be key to conquering such fears.
The letters of the word "fear" can be used to stand for "False Evidence Appearing Real." Fears of being separated from something or someone we feel we need for our security or happiness comes from a delusion-a distorted way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. When we understand that possessions are only representations of the energy at work in our lives, we can shift our attention to the right and proper place.
We can stop fearing loss of money or success because when we understand how it is created, we can always create more. We can stop fearing loss of possessions when we realize that they are not the source of our joy or well-being but only icing on our cakes. And when we understand the energy of love, we need not hold anyone too close for fear of losing them for we know that love does not diminish when it is given or shared but expands beyond boundaries of time or space.
By focusing our light on our fears, they are revealed as mere shadows that disappear in the presence of mind and spirit. We can choose instead to direct our thoughts and creative power toward things of true value-love, abundance, peace, passion, and joy. These are energies that are always available to us when we place ourselves confidently in the universal flow of abundance.
From DailyOM - Nurturing Mind Body & Spirit.
We need to remember that focusing our energy on fear can actually create what scares us, and holding tightly to what we have keeps us from participating in the universal flow of abundance and instead creates stagnation. Since we can only really control our thoughts and our responses, gaining proper perspective may be key to conquering such fears.
The letters of the word "fear" can be used to stand for "False Evidence Appearing Real." Fears of being separated from something or someone we feel we need for our security or happiness comes from a delusion-a distorted way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. When we understand that possessions are only representations of the energy at work in our lives, we can shift our attention to the right and proper place.
We can stop fearing loss of money or success because when we understand how it is created, we can always create more. We can stop fearing loss of possessions when we realize that they are not the source of our joy or well-being but only icing on our cakes. And when we understand the energy of love, we need not hold anyone too close for fear of losing them for we know that love does not diminish when it is given or shared but expands beyond boundaries of time or space.
By focusing our light on our fears, they are revealed as mere shadows that disappear in the presence of mind and spirit. We can choose instead to direct our thoughts and creative power toward things of true value-love, abundance, peace, passion, and joy. These are energies that are always available to us when we place ourselves confidently in the universal flow of abundance.
From DailyOM - Nurturing Mind Body & Spirit.
Alcohol Abuse Screening Quiz
Answering these 20 questionswill give you an idea if your drinking patterns are safe, risky or harmful. The test is completely confidential and anonymous; your results are not recorded; and are available only to you. You will not be asked for any personal identifying information.
Giving Gives Health Benefits
"It would seem fairly intuitive that helping others would make you feel good, but what about actual health benefits? Recent studies have shown that volunteering can play a role in increasing your overall sense of well-being, alleviating chronic pain, and even reducing depression."
Read more in this Beliefnet.com article
Read more in this Beliefnet.com article
The Circus is Still in Town
My perception of any situation is in my control -- I have a choice about which way my mind will react. I try my best to look for positive solutions; I take my problems to my sponsor or I let my friends at a meeting know what is going on inside me. . .
I must always remember, however, that "the monkey may be off my back, but the circus has not left town" -- and it never will for this alcoholic.
The AA Grapevine, November 2006, p. 25
Thought to Ponder . . .
Sobriety is a choice and a treasure.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P A C E = Positive Attitudes Change Everything.
AA Thought for the Day from AAOnline.net
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I must always remember, however, that "the monkey may be off my back, but the circus has not left town" -- and it never will for this alcoholic.
The AA Grapevine, November 2006, p. 25
Thought to Ponder . . .
Sobriety is a choice and a treasure.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P A C E = Positive Attitudes Change Everything.
AA Thought for the Day from AAOnline.net
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
October 24, 2006
An Apache Blessing
May the sun bring you new energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night,
May the rain wash away your worries,
May the breeze blow new strength into your being.
From www.gratefulness.org WORD FOR THE DAY
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
May the moon softly restore you by night,
May the rain wash away your worries,
May the breeze blow new strength into your being.
From www.gratefulness.org WORD FOR THE DAY
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
I am Responsible
"We are not responsible for our disease, only for our recovery. As we begin to apply what we have learned, our lives begin to change for the better" Basic Text, p.88
The further we go in recovery, the less we avoid responsibility for ourselves and our actions. By applying the principles of the Narcotics Anonymous program, we are able to change our lives. Our existence takes on new meaning as we accept responsibility and the freedom of choice responsibility implies. We do not take recovery for granted.
We take responsibility for our recovery by working the Twelve Steps with a sponsor. We go to meetings regularly and share with the newcomer what was freely given to us: the gift of recovery. We become involved with our home group and accept responsibility for our part in sharing recovery with the still- suffering addict. As we learn how to effectively practice spiritual principles in all areas of our lives, the
quality of our lives improves.
Just for today:
Using the spiritual tools I've gained in recovery, I am willing and able to make responsible choices.
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
The further we go in recovery, the less we avoid responsibility for ourselves and our actions. By applying the principles of the Narcotics Anonymous program, we are able to change our lives. Our existence takes on new meaning as we accept responsibility and the freedom of choice responsibility implies. We do not take recovery for granted.
We take responsibility for our recovery by working the Twelve Steps with a sponsor. We go to meetings regularly and share with the newcomer what was freely given to us: the gift of recovery. We become involved with our home group and accept responsibility for our part in sharing recovery with the still- suffering addict. As we learn how to effectively practice spiritual principles in all areas of our lives, the
quality of our lives improves.
Just for today:
Using the spiritual tools I've gained in recovery, I am willing and able to make responsible choices.
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
October 23, 2006
Fear of Losing Control
"The master addiction is control.
It is not lack of courage that keeps us from moving forward, as most people think; it is the fear of losing control.
The Spiritual Warrior can overcome addictions by surrendering control and confronting inner enemies by embracing them like ones own children who are misguided and looking for loving discipline from the one who has control.
By being the master of acceptance, cooperation, understanding, empathy and enthusiasm."
John-Roger
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
It is not lack of courage that keeps us from moving forward, as most people think; it is the fear of losing control.
The Spiritual Warrior can overcome addictions by surrendering control and confronting inner enemies by embracing them like ones own children who are misguided and looking for loving discipline from the one who has control.
By being the master of acceptance, cooperation, understanding, empathy and enthusiasm."
John-Roger
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
October 22, 2006
Humility is the Foundation
"The attainment of greater humility is the foundation principle of each of AA's Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all.
Nearly all AA's have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven't much chance of becoming truly happy.
Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency."
c.1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 70
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Nearly all AA's have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven't much chance of becoming truly happy.
Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency."
c.1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 70
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
September 13, 2006
The Health Effects of Marijuana
"Although legalization activists and many marijuana users believe smoking pot has no negative effects, scientific research indicates that marijuana use can cause many health problems. "
Read more at this about.com site.
Read more at this about.com site.
September 12, 2006
Accept Compliments Graciously
Many of us find it difficult to accept compliments but easy to believe the slightest criticism. Today, right now, let's make a choice to fully accept compliments as we would a gift. Sincere compliments are gifts of praise. They are kudos given for wise choices or accomplishments or perhaps for just letting your light shine. There is no reason not to accept the gift of a kind word, but some of us argue against them, even giving reasons why they aren't true.
If we visualize the energy of a compliment, we would see beautiful, shining, positive energy being sent from the giver. That energy, if accepted graciously, would brighten our personal energy field. Our gratitude then returns to the giver as warm, fuzzy, glowing energy, completing an even circuit of good feelings. But if we reject a compliment, what could have been a beautiful exchange becomes awkward and uncomfortable, making it a negative experience instead.
Misplaced modesty can ruin the joy of sharing this connection with another person. But we can accept a compliment and still be modest by simply saying "thank you." However, if compliments are rejected due to a lack of self-esteem, then the first step would be to start believing good things about yourself. Try giving yourself compliments in the mirror. Beyond the initial feelings of silliness, you will notice how good it feels and can watch the smile it puts on your face. The next step would be to see how it feels to gi! ve compliments to others. Notice how great you feel when you've made another person's face brighten and how differently you feel when the gift you've offered is rejected. Having experienced all sides, you will be ready to play along fully and willingly.
We are our harshest critics. When we accept compliments, we are reminded that others see us through different eyes. All living beings crave positive attention, and we all deserve to have positive energy shared with us. Perhaps if we happily and gratefully accept compliments, we will give others permission to do so as well.
From DailyOM - Nurturing Mind Body & Spirit
If we visualize the energy of a compliment, we would see beautiful, shining, positive energy being sent from the giver. That energy, if accepted graciously, would brighten our personal energy field. Our gratitude then returns to the giver as warm, fuzzy, glowing energy, completing an even circuit of good feelings. But if we reject a compliment, what could have been a beautiful exchange becomes awkward and uncomfortable, making it a negative experience instead.
Misplaced modesty can ruin the joy of sharing this connection with another person. But we can accept a compliment and still be modest by simply saying "thank you." However, if compliments are rejected due to a lack of self-esteem, then the first step would be to start believing good things about yourself. Try giving yourself compliments in the mirror. Beyond the initial feelings of silliness, you will notice how good it feels and can watch the smile it puts on your face. The next step would be to see how it feels to gi! ve compliments to others. Notice how great you feel when you've made another person's face brighten and how differently you feel when the gift you've offered is rejected. Having experienced all sides, you will be ready to play along fully and willingly.
We are our harshest critics. When we accept compliments, we are reminded that others see us through different eyes. All living beings crave positive attention, and we all deserve to have positive energy shared with us. Perhaps if we happily and gratefully accept compliments, we will give others permission to do so as well.
From DailyOM - Nurturing Mind Body & Spirit
Satisfactions of Right Living
How wonderful is the feeling that we do not have to be specially distinguished among our fellows in order to be useful and profoundly happy. Not many of us can be leaders of prominence, nor do we wish to be.
Service gladly rendered, obligations squarely met, troubles well accepted or solved with God's help, the knowledge that at home or in the world outside we are partners in a common effort, the fact that in God's sight all human beings are important, the proof that love freely given brings a full return, the certainty that we are no longer isolated and alone in self-constructed prisons, the surety that we can fit and belong in God's scheme of things - these are the satisfactions of right living for which no pomp and circumstance, no heap of material possessions, could possibly be substitutes.
TWELVE AND TWELVE, p. 124
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
Service gladly rendered, obligations squarely met, troubles well accepted or solved with God's help, the knowledge that at home or in the world outside we are partners in a common effort, the fact that in God's sight all human beings are important, the proof that love freely given brings a full return, the certainty that we are no longer isolated and alone in self-constructed prisons, the surety that we can fit and belong in God's scheme of things - these are the satisfactions of right living for which no pomp and circumstance, no heap of material possessions, could possibly be substitutes.
TWELVE AND TWELVE, p. 124
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
New Horizons
"My life is well-rounded and I am becoming a more comfortable version of myself, not the neurotic, boring person that I thought I'd be without drugs." Basic Text p.262
Is there really life without drugs? Newcomers are sure that they are destined to lead a humdrum existence once they quit using. That fear is far from reality.
Narcotics Anonymous opens the door to a new way of life for our members.The only thing we lose in NA is our slavery to drugs. We gain a host of new friends, time to pursue hobbies, the ability to be stably employed, even the capacity to pursue an education if we so desire.
We are able to start projects and see them through to completion. We can go to a dance and feel comfortable, even if we have two left feet. We start to budget money to travel, even if it's only with a tent to a nearby campsite. In recovery, we find out what interests us and pursue new pastimes. We dare to dream.
Life is certainly different when we have the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous to return to. Through the love we find in NA, we begin to believe in ourselves. Equipped with this belief, we venture forth into the world to discover new horizons. Many times, the world is a better place because an NA member has been there.
Just for today:
I can live a well-rounded, comfortable life-a life I never dreamt existed. Recovery has opened new horizons to me and equipped me to explore them.
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
Is there really life without drugs? Newcomers are sure that they are destined to lead a humdrum existence once they quit using. That fear is far from reality.
Narcotics Anonymous opens the door to a new way of life for our members.The only thing we lose in NA is our slavery to drugs. We gain a host of new friends, time to pursue hobbies, the ability to be stably employed, even the capacity to pursue an education if we so desire.
We are able to start projects and see them through to completion. We can go to a dance and feel comfortable, even if we have two left feet. We start to budget money to travel, even if it's only with a tent to a nearby campsite. In recovery, we find out what interests us and pursue new pastimes. We dare to dream.
Life is certainly different when we have the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous to return to. Through the love we find in NA, we begin to believe in ourselves. Equipped with this belief, we venture forth into the world to discover new horizons. Many times, the world is a better place because an NA member has been there.
Just for today:
I can live a well-rounded, comfortable life-a life I never dreamt existed. Recovery has opened new horizons to me and equipped me to explore them.
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
My Prayers Are Changing
"Before I got here, my prayer was 'God... give me.'
Then I finally admitted my powerlessness and unmanageability, and it became 'God... help me.'
Now I am so humbly grateful, it is 'God... use me.'"
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
Then I finally admitted my powerlessness and unmanageability, and it became 'God... help me.'
Now I am so humbly grateful, it is 'God... use me.'"
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
September 10, 2006
Begin Here, Now
"I knew I had to have a new beginning, and this beginning had to be here. I could not start anywhere else. I had to let go of the past and forget the future.
As long as I held on to the past with one hand and grabbed at the future with the other hand, I had nothing to hold on to today with. So I had to begin here, now."
c. 1973, Came to Believe..., page 46
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
As long as I held on to the past with one hand and grabbed at the future with the other hand, I had nothing to hold on to today with. So I had to begin here, now."
c. 1973, Came to Believe..., page 46
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
Make Souls Bloom
from www.gratefulness.org
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust
Happiness is not what makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy.
David Steindl-Rast
A Listening Heart
To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything.
Thomas Merton
Thoughts in Solitude
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust
Happiness is not what makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy.
David Steindl-Rast
A Listening Heart
To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything.
Thomas Merton
Thoughts in Solitude
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
September 06, 2006
God is There
This is the magic of recovery; when one alcoholic tries to help another, God is there, inspiring one with just the right words to do some serious good. That's why meetings can be so amazing.
At times, I have sat in meetings and heard God speaking directly to me, answering my thoughts through the words of another person's sharing.
Box 1980, The AA Grapevine, Inc., September 2006, p. 31
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
At times, I have sat in meetings and heard God speaking directly to me, answering my thoughts through the words of another person's sharing.
Box 1980, The AA Grapevine, Inc., September 2006, p. 31
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
A Great Day - I Awoke
I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.
--Katharine Hepburn
The first good news each day is that we wake up. We are breathing. Our heats are beating, our minds working. The adventure of living begins. What does the day hold in store? We have no way of knowing what surprises lie in wait for us today.
We may look forward, not just to the expected, but to the unexpected. Whom shall we meet? What will we see? What will we learn? How will we be entertained? What changes to help others will come our way? What chances to love and be loved?
Now that our eyes are opened to today's beauty, let us remain alert for new sights. Let us cry when sad, smile when touched, and laugh at what is funny in a whole new lifetime before us.
What can I be thankful for today?
You are reading from the book Today's Gift. ©1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
--Katharine Hepburn
The first good news each day is that we wake up. We are breathing. Our heats are beating, our minds working. The adventure of living begins. What does the day hold in store? We have no way of knowing what surprises lie in wait for us today.
We may look forward, not just to the expected, but to the unexpected. Whom shall we meet? What will we see? What will we learn? How will we be entertained? What changes to help others will come our way? What chances to love and be loved?
Now that our eyes are opened to today's beauty, let us remain alert for new sights. Let us cry when sad, smile when touched, and laugh at what is funny in a whole new lifetime before us.
What can I be thankful for today?
You are reading from the book Today's Gift. ©1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.
Technorati Tags: addiction, alcoholism, recovery, 12-step
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