|
Post by skysmom on Aug 2, 2011 19:37:08 GMT -5
Dare I ask Roy??
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 2, 2011 21:39:00 GMT -5
Worry-Free
I release every concern and move forward with faith in God.
How often have I spent precious moments of my time worrying about something that never came to be? Worry is a conscious choice, but is it a constructive way to spend my day?
Today I choose to refrain from worry and live in faith. Faith is the opposite of worry for faith allows me to let go of what is troubling me and release it to God. Through faith in God, I experience the joy of the present moment. Through faith in God, I am free from stress or concern.
I cannot predict what will happen to me or my loved ones on any given day, but I can make the choice to be positive and worry-free. By doing so, I move forward in faith, living in the moment and trusting God for right outcomes.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry.--Matthew 6:25
|
|
|
Post by tosh on Aug 3, 2011 7:55:17 GMT -5
Good good, where are your tormentors ?
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 3, 2011 8:58:14 GMT -5
A.A. Thoughts For The Day Vigilance "Now that we're in AA and sober, and winning back the esteem of our friends and business associates, we find that we still need to exercise special vigilance. As an insurance against 'big-shot-ism' we can often check ourselves by remembering that we are today sober only by the grace of God and that any success we may be having is far more His success than ours."
Thought to Consider . . . The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing ... my sobriety.
Change From "A New Man": "But the real miracle was what happened to him in the next ten years. He began helping people. I mean helping! No call has been too hard, too inconvenient, too 'hopeless.' He founded the A.A. group in his town, and he is embarrassed if you mention this to others or comment on the amount of A.A. work he is doing.
"He is not the same man I was trying to twelfth-step. I failed in all my efforts to help the man I knew. And then Someone else provided a new man. - Bernardsville, New Jersey, USA"
TO BE OF SERVICE Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.
It is clear that God's plan for me is expressed through love. God loved me enough to take me from alleys and jails so that I could be made a useful participant in His world. My response is to love all of His children through service and by example. I ask God to help me imitate His love for me through my love for others.
Constructive Workouts There are those in A.A. whom we call "destructive" critics. They power-drive, they are "politickers," they make accusations to gain their ends -- all for the good of A.A., of course! But we have learned that these folks need not be really destructive. We ought to listen carefully to what they say. Sometimes they are telling the whole truth; at other times, a little truth. If we are within their range, the whole truth, the half-truth, or no truth at all can prove equally unpleasant to us. If they have got the whole truth, or even a little truth, then we had better thank them and get on with our respective inventories, admitting we were wrong. If they are talking nonsense, we can ignore it, or else try to persuade them. Failing this, we can be sorry they are too sick to listen, and we can try to forget the whole business. There are few better means of self-survey and of developing patience than the workouts these usually well-meaning but erratic members so often afford us.
Big Book Quote "Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends ,this is an experience you must not miss."
A.A. Thought for the Day We in A.A. must remember that we are offering something intangible. We are offering a psychological and spiritual program. We are not offering a medical program. If people need medical treatment, we call in a doctor. If they need a medical prescription, we let the doctor prescribe for them. if they need hospital treatment, we let the hospital take care of them. Our vital A.A. work begins when a person is physically able to receive it. Am I willing to leave medical care to the doctors?
Meditation for the Day Each moment of your day which you devote to this new way of life is a gift to God. The gift of the moments. Even when your desire to serve God is sincere, it is not an easy thing to give Him many of these moments: the daily things you had planned to do, given, up gladly so that you can perform a good service or say a kind word. If you can see Gods purpose in many situations, it will be easier to give Him many moments of your day. Every situation has two interpretations -- your own and God's. Try to handle each situation in the way you believe God would have it handled.
Prayer for the Day I pray that I may make my day count somewhat for God. I pray that I may not spend it all selfishly.
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 3, 2011 9:01:48 GMT -5
Good good, where are your tormentors ? Tormentors?? Are you referring to the lil Potsie & his lil pals? If so, they aren't my tormentors...their behavior towards me has only served to torment their own minds...certainly not mine. Probably more so now because if they try the same ole here they'd end up deleted & banned...I bet that really torments them! LOL
|
|
|
Post by roygrip on Aug 3, 2011 18:21:44 GMT -5
Dare I ask Roy?? He's being very nice
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 3, 2011 19:43:00 GMT -5
Dare I ask Roy?? He's being very nice Tosh has usually been cordial to me despite our different beliefs.
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 4, 2011 8:37:30 GMT -5
Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious, they cannot after a time differentiate the true from the false. To them, their alcoholic life seems the only normal one. They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks-drinks which they see others taking with impunity. ~BB pg xxviii
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 4, 2011 16:49:32 GMT -5
Sobriety Sobriety is a journey of joyful discovery. Each day brings new experience, awareness, greater hope, deeper faith, broader tolerance. I must maintain these attributes or I will have nothing to pass on. Great events for this recovering alcoholic are the normal everyday joys found in being able to live another day in God's grace. -Daily Reflections, p. 126
Thought to Ponder . . . Sobriety is a journey, not a destination.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forgiveness Forgiving and condemnation are God's business, not mine. Only He has the mercy to judge and to accept at the same time. My job is to achieve enough humility to see myself in others and to accept both myself and others, by identifying. The willingness to make amends will grow from this act of love. When I become "willing to make amends to them all" I am saying to them, "your pain is my pain; when I hurt you, I hurt myself; I will try not to hurt you anymore." -The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 2], pp. 162-63
Thought to Ponder . . . Forgiveness is the final form of love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Responsibility I am responsible . . .When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible. -'Pass It On,' p. 181
Thought to Ponder . . . Trust God. Clean house. Help others.
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 6, 2011 0:04:21 GMT -5
"A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl." ~Stephan Justin Hoellerich
Lord, you are Creator & Divine Artist of our lives. I ask You to help us see the beauty of Your brush strokes as we look back on life and consider where You have brought us. Allow us to see beyond our nearsighted view. Give us Your perspective so we may see the masterpiece You are painting through our lives. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by starlight07 on Aug 6, 2011 10:10:20 GMT -5
I'm very much addicted to sugar and sweetness. Is there a 12 step programme to get rid of my addiction? Interestingly, is there a way to get rid of your deepest fears without much hard work?
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 6, 2011 13:46:42 GMT -5
A.A. Thoughts For The Day Fact "The explanation that alcoholism was a disease of a two fold nature, an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind, cleared up a number of puzzling questions for me. The allergy we could do nothing about. Somehow our bodies had reached the point where we could no longer absorb alcohol in our systems. The why is not important; the fact is that one drink will set up a reaction in our system which requires more; that one drink was too much and one hundred drinks were not enough." 1976AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 380
Thought to Consider . . . I've only given up one drink ... the next one.
Just For Today! Life on Life's Terms From: "Grounded" I was found guilty and sentenced to sixteen months in federal prison. My two codefendants received twelve-month sentences and chose to remain free pending appeals, while I chose to go into prison and get it over. I had learned how to live life on life's terms and not my own. From somewhere back in my high school days, I remembered a poem that says something to the effect of, "Cowards die a thousand deaths, a brave man only once," and I wanted to do what had to be done. I was terrified of walking into prison but told my children that I could not come out the back door until I walked through the front. I remembered that courage was not the absence of fear; it was the ability to continue in the face of it. 2001, AAWS, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous, page 526
Daily Reflections DRIVEN Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 62
My selfishness was the driving force behind my drinking. I drank to celebrate success and I drank to drown my sorrows. Humility is the answer. I learn to turn my will and my life over to the care of God. My sponsor tells me that service keeps me sober. Today I ask myself: Have I sought knowledge of God's will for me? Have I done service for my A.A. group? Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
As Bill Sees It Happy - When We're Free For most normal folks, drinking means release from care, boredom, and worry. It means joyous intimacy with friends and a feeling that life is good. But not so with us in those last days of heavy drinking. The old pleasures were gone. There was an insistent yearning to enjoy life as we once did and a heartbreaking delusion that some new miracle of control would enable us to do it. There was always one more attempt -- and one more failure. <<<>>> We are sure God would like to see us happy, joyous, and free. Hence, we cannot subscribe to the belief that this life necessarily has to be a vale of tears, though it once was just that for many of us. But it became clear that most of the time we had made our own misery. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - 1. p. 151 - 2. p. 133
Big Book Quote "In dealing with resentments, we set them on paper. We listed people, institutions or principles with whom we were angry. We asked ourselves why we were angry. In most cases it was found that our self-esteem, our pocketbooks, our ambitions, our personal relationships,(including sex) were hurt or threatened." Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 64
Twenty Four Hours A Day A.A. Thought for the Day Psychologists are turning to religion because just knowing about ourselves is not enough. We need the added dynamic of faith in a power outside of ourselves on which we can rely. Books on psychology and psychiatric treatments are not enough without the strength that comes from faith in God. And clergy and rabbis are turning to psychology because faith is an act of the mind and will. Religion must be presented in psychological terms to some extent in order to satisfy the modem person. Faith must be built largely on our own psychological experience. Have I taken what I need from both psychology and religion when I live the AA. way?
Meditation for the Day Refilling with the spirit is something you need every day. For this refilling with the spirit, you need these times of quiet communion, away, alone, without noise, without activity. You need this dwelling apart, this shutting yourself away in the very secret place of your being, away alone with your Maker. From these times of communion you come forth with new power. This refilling is the best preparation for effective work. When you are spiritually filled, there is no work too hard for you.
Prayer for the Day I pray that I may be daily refilled with the right spirit. I pray that I may be full of the joy of true living.
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 6, 2011 13:51:41 GMT -5
I'm very much addicted to sugar and sweetness. Is there a 12 step programme to get rid of my addiction? Interestingly, is there a way to get rid of your deepest fears without much hard work?
Hiya starlight!! Actually there is...OA (Over Eaters Anonymous)
As far as getting rid of deepest fears without much hard work, I think anything in life that we want to fix or improve on is going to take a degree of work. And for the most part we get the results we get according to how willing we are to work to change. The more & harder we work the more & better results we will get. JMO. I know that for my own recovery, the more willing I became and the harder I've worked on it the better and more satisfying results I gained.
|
|
|
Post by starlight07 on Aug 7, 2011 5:45:23 GMT -5
I'm very much addicted to sugar and sweetness. Is there a 12 step programme to get rid of my addiction? Interestingly, is there a way to get rid of your deepest fears without much hard work?
Hiya starlight!! Actually there is...OA (Over Eaters Anonymous)
As far as getting rid of deepest fears without much hard work, I think anything in life that we want to fix or improve on is going to take a degree of work. And for the most part we get the results we get according to how willing we are to work to change. The more & harder we work the more & better results we will get. JMO. I know that for my own recovery, the more willing I became and the harder I've worked on it the better and more satisfying results I gained.Hiya Skys! I should confess that I don't know much about the 12 step program or what it is and what it does. Though looking at what you've suggested Sky it seems I need to join the Over Eaters Anonymous club or have some form of membership. I've only ever tried the weight watchers program (do they have that in the US?) but that too for the fun of it for supporting my mum in hers.... I've been a Pepsi addict since the past 2 years or so and it's only now by the saying of my mum's and a friend's have I stopped it or actually reduced it very much to nothing. Like I could gulp down 2 litres of Pepsi before in one go kinda thing and still crave for more. It was almost an emotional battle getting rid of that addiction, tbh. Went through a few tears and to think my insides are perhaps eroding away now. Even though I love sugar, too much sugar in a certain thing or food can put me off. So I do know my limits of loving sugar. Yep, I agree that hard work results in a better finish or a better outcome but there can be sometimes short cuts and easy routes. I was thinking of conquering fears without going through any battling of any emotions. Perhaps you can't. Take care.
|
|
|
Post by roygrip on Aug 7, 2011 8:17:39 GMT -5
Starlight, both Sky and I are in "recovery" through the 12 steps. She will agree with me here that so much of our addict/alcohol behavior while doing what we did was "fear-based". Through the program, we found, that our using, was the syptom of, yes emotional things going on. Things that created fears, that led us to use, to mask those things. Addressing those emotional things (fears) seems daunting and down right scary. The reality, is that by doing so, our lives became so much more free. In the 10 yrs I've been sober and done the work that's helped free me, I'm doing things, I never would have dreamed. Emotionally, I'm happy for the first time. 12 step philosophy, is not a cult, or brain washing, it's a self help, to get you back on track, using others, who have walked before you, as guides/support. Best of all it's FREE!, LOL. Maybe check out a meeting of OE, talk to some people. Sugar is rough! Main ingriedient in alcohol, so when I stopped drinking, every cake (and Pepsi) was eaten. Good luck, Roy
|
|
|
Post by roygrip on Aug 7, 2011 8:52:45 GMT -5
"We focus on anything that isn't going our way and ignore all the beauty in our lives."
Basic Text, p.77
It's easy to be grateful when everything runs smoothly. If we get a raise at work, we're grateful. If we get married, we're grateful. If someone surprises us with a nice present or an unasked favor, we're grateful. But if we get fired, divorced, or disappointed, gratitude flies out the window. We find ourselves becoming obsessed with the things that are wrong, even though everything else may be wonderful.
This is where we can use a gratitude list. We sit down with a pen and paper and list the people for whom we are grateful. We all have people who've supported us through life's upheavals. We list the spiritual assets we have attained, for we know we could never make it through our present circumstances without them. Last, but not least, we list our recovery itself. Whatever we have that we are grateful for goes on the list.
We're sure to find that we have literally hundreds of things in our lives that inspire our gratitude. Even those of us who are suffering from an illness or who have lost all material wealth will find blessings of a spiritual nature for which we can be thankful. An awakening of the spirit is the most valuable gift an addict can receive.
Just for today: I will write a list of things, both material and spiritual, for which I am grateful.
|
|
|
Post by roygrip on Aug 7, 2011 11:23:43 GMT -5
The Awakening
A time comes in your life when you finally get it…when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out…ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on.
Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.
This is your awakening.
You realize it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon. You realize that in the real world there aren’t always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you… and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.
You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are… and that’s OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.
You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself… and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you – or didn’t do for you – and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.
You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn’t always about you.
So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself… and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.
You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties… and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.
You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.
You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.
You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for your next fix.
You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.
You learn that you don’t know everything, it’s not your job to save the world and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.
Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.
You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.
You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.
You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise.
You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.
More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it’s OK to risk asking for help.
You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.
You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.
You learn that life isn’t always fair, you don’t always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people… and you learn not to always take it personally.
You learn that nobody’s punishing you and everything isn’t always somebody’s fault. It’s just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.
You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.
You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.
Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart’s desire.
You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.
You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.
Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 7, 2011 11:39:36 GMT -5
Hiya starlight!! Actually there is...OA (Over Eaters Anonymous)
As far as getting rid of deepest fears without much hard work, I think anything in life that we want to fix or improve on is going to take a degree of work. And for the most part we get the results we get according to how willing we are to work to change. The more & harder we work the more & better results we will get. JMO. I know that for my own recovery, the more willing I became and the harder I've worked on it the better and more satisfying results I gained.Hiya Skys! I should confess that I don't know much about the 12 step program or what it is and what it does. Though looking at what you've suggested Sky it seems I need to join the Over Eaters Anonymous club or have some form of membership. I've only ever tried the weight watchers program (do they have that in the US?) but that too for the fun of it for supporting my mum in hers.... I've been a Pepsi addict since the past 2 years or so and it's only now by the saying of my mum's and a friend's have I stopped it or actually reduced it very much to nothing. Like I could gulp down 2 litres of Pepsi before in one go kinda thing and still crave for more. It was almost an emotional battle getting rid of that addiction, tbh. Went through a few tears and to think my insides are perhaps eroding away now. Even though I love sugar, too much sugar in a certain thing or food can put me off. So I do know my limits of loving sugar. Yep, I agree that hard work results in a better finish or a better outcome but there can be sometimes short cuts and easy routes. I was thinking of conquering fears without going through any battling of any emotions. Perhaps you can't. Take care.
Starlight, Roy pretty much said it all for me in post #34! I concur completely! I can honestly say the same...I've been sober for 6 yrs now and they have been the very best & happiest years of my life!! The 12 steps are a path to right living and to real & lasting happiness for anyone, alcoholic or not. Those steps can be applied to anyone, just replace the word "alcohol" with whatever it is that ails you.
|
|
|
Post by starlight07 on Aug 7, 2011 12:30:46 GMT -5
Hello Roy and Skys,
Thank you for your posts. I see how this program is helping and I'm happy for you both. I don't find myself sober but perhaps a little lonely or upset at times. I will look into this program into details and shall let you know about my thoughts and opinions.
Have a great day. It's 6:30pm here in Britain.
|
|
|
Post by skysmom on Aug 7, 2011 12:43:27 GMT -5
Hi Starlight!! Thanks & you're welcome also!!
Please don't take it that I'm implying that you're in the same boat that Roy and I were with our addictions. I do understand that your issue is different but what I was trying to relay is that regardless of the nature of one's problem or issue, the 12 steps are a pretty simple guide to an easier way of living that brings genuine, lasting peace & serenity. Also, any issue is easier to deal with when you have the help & support of others with a similiar issue or problem.
If you do have any question though, I know I can speak for Roy as well as myself that we are always happy to answer or help others in any way we can.
|
|