One Day at a Time - Do You Know Bill W?

Rip plugger sent me this, thanks Roddy! :HappyWave:

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,




...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

How we treat other people comes back to us – always.

Offering others understanding and compassion changes how we perceive the world around us on a daily basis. Our acts of love inspire love from others. What we send out to the people who share our path changes, ever so subtly, the complexion of each life we touch. In fact, the whole world is changed by even the tiniest of acts.

The simple truth is, our own attitudes often determine what kind of experiences we'll have. Anger and resentment won't bring us peace. Suspicion and accusation will backfire. Most of us have tried to control all the people and all the experiences in our lives. And we have failed. Now we are realizing that the love that comes back to us is the love that we express.

I will feel love today from at least one person if I offer it to many.

todaysgift@hazelden.info


From the Beatles:
"The love you take, is equal to the love you make..."

Even 40 years ago people knew that. :cool: :thumbsup:

Your're right about that. Goodness can come back to you at anytime when you least expect it.

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Returning to Basics

Now and then, an AA discussion focuses on the theme of "returning to the basics." This is a good time to shake out the excessive concerns that might be cluttering up our lives.

No matter how long we've been living in sobriety, we can never afford to dismiss the basic reasons we came to AA in the first place. We had made a mess of our lives, and no human power could relieve our alcoholism. By accepting and admitting this, we were able to find a new way of life.

This was also our admission ticket to the larger society, where people are concerned about many things. We sometimes become too caught up in all these concerns, even to the extent of forgetting our own needs. It's good, occasionally, to focus a meeting on AA basics. They are as essential today as they were when we first knew that we needed them.

I'll remind myself today that the basics give me a firm foundation on which to stand.

todaysgift@hazelden.info

The basics:
Just had great call with an old friend today. My life was in shambles 25 years ago and family life had exploded. The dysfunctionality had reached its breaking point. I had just gotten clean and sober. My brother was still using, hardcore, manipulative as usual, and off the wall. He manufactured a story because he couldn't get his way, and called police to the house. Even though he was lying, under the DVA act they had to separate us. My Mom blindly sided with him, and I had to leave.

This is so effin unfair! I told myself. I'm the good son, I do all the stuff that's needed around here, why do I have to pay the price for someone else's addiction? Boy was I indignant. My family had decided to choose sides, couldn't they see they were listening to a liar? Who would come to my defense so I could prove the injustice!!

Turns out, no one did. :don't know why:

I had nowhere to go, was working in a grocery store making $120/week, not enough to get an apt. And I was still going to school, all my money went to pay for that. So I was stuck, seemingly without options.

Then I got a call from a friend. He said: "Yeah, I heard about the problems you're having over there. Don't sweat it, you're gonna come and live with me and my family. I already talked to them about it, we can give ya a room in the basement. Ya just gotta pay your share of the utility bills.

I couldn't believe my ears! Here was my lifeline, I grabbed it.

I was so grateful for that lifeline. His parents were very good to me. I will always remember that period in my life. It allowed me to get some space from my family until I could figure out a new plan.



His parents weren't there a lot. They had another small house down South they were fixing up for their retirement, so they were gone every weekend. It was the ultimate bachelor pad, a few parties and wild times. :naughty:

We lived on a budget. Once a week we went shopping. We had to make our money last. He called today and reminded me of those lean times. Most people when making broccoli chop off the floret part and part of the stalk. Rest goes in the trash. Well I didn't want to waste the stalk. I would shop it up in slices in a food processor. I then steamed/blanched the sliced stalk for about 5 mins. Then back out where I made a "stalk salad" out of it with vinegar, oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and lots of garlic! :scared:

I used to cook with so much garlic I coulda been an honorary Italian! :laugh:

Anyway, that's the story for today. He was cookin for his family today and was reminded of the lean times when we ate that broccoli stalk salad and liked it, or else! There was a time in his life when he went back into his addiction and almost died a few times. Now he's been clean and sober for a few years. The phone calls are less, but the friendship is still the same.

He said times have now come full circle. The economy is terrible, and neither of us has the income we once had. Times are lean for both of us, times are lean for everyone. We're still grateful for what we have. It could always be worse.

J, thanks for everything, ya made my day! :HappyWave:

For anyone else out there who thinks you're at the end of your rope this holiday season, I wanted to tell you there's always hope. :thumbsup:

Hey it's great to get those calls once in a while, makes us count our blessings, doesn't it?

Merry Christmas, Rich, and God bless.

well said!!!!!

The holidays used to be the most miserable time for me. It was hard to find times I could sneak off by myself and pound as many as possible without getting caught by various family members, much less maintain around them while plastered.

What a difference sobriety makes. Now I actually like being around them.

^^ And we like having ya around Jon. Your wit and personality adds to this world we live in. :HappyWave:



Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Taking the first step helps bridge the gulf between our dreams and our accomplishments.

Whether the project is cleaning the garage, building a cathedral, or recovering from an addiction, plans must be translated into action. In order to arrive at our destination, we must begin the trip. We can read hundreds of college catalogs, but it's when we register for a course, buy a textbook, and begin to study that we are on our way to a degree.

Two factors inhibit our beginning a project. The first is lack of clear motivation, and the second is fear of failure. If we don't really want to do something, it's hard to get started. So, if motivation is a problem, we may need to reconsider our choice of projects.

As for fear of failure, this may be something that we step over and around as we move forward. It is not a good reason for aborting a dream. If, in spite of fear of failure, we make a beginning, we will find that the fear shrinks with every step we take. Action is the catalyst. We learn how to do something by doing it.

I will take the first step toward accomplishing a dream today by getting started.

todaysgift@hazelden.info


This thread has meaning to me not only because it's a great bunch of advice for alcoholics to read, but also because often there are passages in here for regular people who don't have any of our addictions. I think the above reading is one of those, Good stuff. :thumbsup:

Good for you darkskies. Keep up the good work. I know how you feel. I have grown up with it and fight the demons everyday as well. You are definitely not alone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rip316

I have grown up with it and fight the demons everyday as well. You are definitely not alone.

---

Hey RIP, everyone is welcome in this thread. Responding doesn't mean one has a problem or not. :HappyWave: Thanks for the good words.

That being said, I'm always available via PM, e-mail, or cell phone 24/7 if someone has any issues or questions about AA/NA that they want answered in confidence. No matter how bad you think it is, I've either been through it already, or seen it. The worst mistake one can make is NOT picking up the phone because they don't think their problem is bad enough yet. Don't hesitate to get in touch. :thumbsup:

********************************

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

"All too often," confesses a gal, "I get so caught up in hurry and worry that I ignore my own needs. I push myself so hard to get this and that done that I make myself physically ill before I have the sense to rest. There's got to be a better way!"

Some of us, it seems, have to learn the importance of rest and relaxation the hard way. We push ourselves to the limit, often to the point of illness or injury. Before we allow ourselves to stop.

We can avoid this vicious circle if we realize our limitations. One of those limitations is found in the law of "Supply and Demand." We cannot meet demands if we have depleted our resources. Just as a fire cannot burn without fuel, so our bodies and minds cannot function without food and rest.

Today – before I drive myself to the point of complete exhaustion, I will set aside as much time as I need to fill my depleted energies. I will get more rest, participate in an enjoyable activity, or have an inspiring conversation with a friend to renew my strength and courage.


todaysgift@hazelden.info



The highlighted part describes me sometimes. I often push myself. Over the years I have come to understand a better sense of balance. However everything is relative. Those around me would say I still push myself too much. By now, I have to accept that's part of who I am.

Time to shake things up a bit with some humor. If you can manage to be grateful for something wherever you go, you're on the right path to recovery. Every cloud has a silver lining, right? ;)






Quote of the Day:
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.





Subject: : A Motivational Thought for the Day!!!





This little animal is called the Naked
Mole Rat and is from North Africa.



Attachment 9210

So if you are having a bad day and feeling sorry for yourself,
remember:

You could look like a penis with buck teeth. :eek: :ROFLMAO

Attachment 9211

One of the harder lessons I've (sort of) learned in 28 yrs of marriage is that the wife is not necessarily looking for me to "fix" things when she comes to me with issues from her day.

Letting the rest of the family fend for themselves has been much easier.

oh, and btw, Dark, it IS all your fault :kiss:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DarkSkies

People who are constantly blaming everyone else for their failures. People who can't stand on their own 2 feet and move forward, and always seem to have an excuse from the "alcoholic's classic book of excuses". People who won't consider an objective view no matter how much discussion there is.


If you have any issues like that in family or friends, you have to learn to deal with it. Sometimes you have to concentrate on your own life and let your family fend for themselves. Take yourself out of the equation if the stress is too much. Focus on the path you're taking. Your sanity will be much better in the long-run. :learn:

---

I seem to have some similar problems in my family. I often find that when I look deep within myself that I am part of problem. I need to work on myself first before I pass judgement on others.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by porgy75

I seem to have some similar problems in my family. I often find that when I look deep within myself that I am part of problem. I need to work on myself first before I pass judgement on others.

---

Right you are Porgy. Working on ourselves is one of the hardest things to do. Ranting and raving about others is infinitely easier. :thumbsup:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DarkSkies

...and giving them a little slack,...

---

I'm glad you said that;

when I was in high school, one of the popular phrases was "hey cut me some slack."

I sure need people to cut me some slack, now more than ever. But I wonder if I'm giving slack? I don't think so. It seems like the older I get, the less slack I give. Getting old and set in my ways, or acquiring wisdom via experience, I dunno, but I definitely give less slack now than I ever did.

So even if I know better, shouldn't I just cut people some slack, even if I "know" better, through experience or whatever?

Maybe today I'll try to bite my tongue more often.

Ironically enough, a friend of mine sent this to me today:

> BURNED BISCUITS
> When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every
> now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made
> breakfast after a long, hard day at work.
> On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and
> extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see
> if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile
> at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't Remember what I
> told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and
> jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
> When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom
> apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what
> he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
> Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he
> really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said,
> Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And
> besides, a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
> Life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the
> best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just
> like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that
> learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each
> others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a
> healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
> And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the
> good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet
> of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give
> you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
> We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the
> base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or
> friendship! "Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's
> pocket - keep it in your own."
> God Bless You..... Now, and Always....
> So Please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do just
> fine.!.!.!.! And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched
> your life... I just did!

jonthepain

Hey Jon that was something I needed to see for today. I'm pretty demanding of myself.

I don't know how to turn off that intensity sometimes when I'm around others. Those words of wisdom are not only good for people struggling with alcohol or drug issues, but also people meeting the challenges of everyday life. No one's perfect, we all make mistakes. Lately I seem to be making more than my share, but I'll keep tryin. ;)

Thanks for the good words at just the right time. Even though I think you look like a reformed hippie :laugh: I love ya anyway. :HappyWave: God bless and look over you and your family.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DarkSkies

Even though I think you look like a reformed hippie

---

rofl didn't know it was so obvious

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...JonBiscuit.jpg

Hmmm, you shaved off the mutton chops and now no longer look like a member of the hippie generation, so I'll have to retract my statement! ;)











Is that you in the middle of the audience here? :D




Or you coulda been the stand-in bass player for Grand Funk Railroad or Steppenwolf...






Or the drummer for CCR?





:hippie: :lookhappy: :wheeeee: :HappyWave:









Now you look like your ordinary hunter with the camo gear. :scared: Shave the facial hair and we might be able to get ya a supporting role if they ever re-do Taxi Driver. :lookhappy:

(Hey ya know I was just kiddin, that's the way I usually look at the fishin shows, my camo jacket goes everywhere with me. I even get to wash it once a month. :cool: :HappyWave:)

I was going to post a reply to that post but

I was talking with a buddy of mine the other night about the "glory days." :HappyWave:

For me, the glory days include lots of crazy stories of the nutty things we used to do either when under the influence, or in pursuit of those things that put us under the influence.

Usually those stories are an example of how messed up that lifestyle is, how destructive to ourselves and those around us we were. But sometimes I get carried away during the retelling, and become almost wistful about them.

So I've become somewhat circumspect about telling those old stories. But occasionally it's good to review where we've come from, how screwed up and hopeless we were, to really appreciated the grace we've received since then.

This morning in my reading I came across the story of Lot's wife. She looked back at her old life, and it killed her. I guess what I'm worried about when I tell the old stories is becoming like Lot's wife. I don't want to look back as if those were really the "glory days," and go back to them, or worse yet, make them appear cool and ok to my kids.

Make yourself at home.

It was night, only a few months after I'd begun my skydiving adventure. It was too cold to stay in my tent; I had rented a cabin near the drop zone. Now I'd come back to hang out for a while, before retiring for the night.

One of the skydivers I'd met recently was sitting in a lawn chair, under the tarped area between the rows of trailers that had been turned into team rooms and student training areas. The evening lights had been turned on. He was wrapped up in a sleeping bag, reading a book under the hazy glow. He was one of the full-time skydivers, who had been attracted to the gypsy lifestyle of the skydiving community as much as the sport itself.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I'm in my living room, reading a book," he replied. "Do you like the view of the backyard?" he asked, making a gesture toward the rolling hills that cascaded gently in the background. "That's my patio," he said, pointing to a small area just around the corner. "The morning sun hits there. It's a warm place to sit and eat breakfast. Sometimes I sleep in that tent," he said, pointing off to the side." And sometimes I take my sleeping bag and curl up under the stars in the landing area, over there."

I looked around, almost envious of his freedom.

Sometimes, we get so busy and involved creating a "home" for ourselves that we create a structure that's too safe, limiting, and confined. We forget about our real home, the planet earth. It's good to sleep indoors. It's nice to make ourselves comfortable in our home. But don't let your cozy nest become a locked, confining box.

Stretch your arms, Push the lid off the box. Get out into the world. Walk around. Move about. See the hills, the lakes, the forests, the mountains peaks, the valleys, the rivers.

See how big your world can be. See how connected everything is. See how connected you are, too – to all that is. Make yourself comfortable, wherever you are. Make yourself a home and be at home in the world.

God, help me relax and make myself at home in your bountiful world.

todaysgift@hazelden.info


Amen to that! :fishing:

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Letting go is a decision.

The obsession to pressure other people to see things our way keeps us agitated. In contrast, the wisdom to understand that every person's view has validity, at least for that person, is a gift we receive from working the Twelve Steps. Our daily assignment, then, is to be patient and listen so that we may learn this lesson from women and men who have walked this path already, women and men who have come to understand that letting go of others and their addictions promises relief from the obsession that troubles each of us.

Look around. All of us have tried to force solutions that didn't fit. And we drove ourselves crazy trying to control the behavior of others, certain that "doing it our way" was not only reasonable, but right. Our past sometimes may appear to be a series of failures. But our present experience can be peaceful, hopeful, and successful. It's our decision to let go. A small decision that we can make many times today, every day.

"Let go" are tiny words with huge rewards. If I want to, I can give up my attempts to control someone today. Peace will be my reward.

todaysgift@hazelden.info


There's always another way of looking at something other than our own perspective. :learn:

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
--Confucius

Some of us were raised to decline generosity - to argue over who pays the restaurant bill, not to accept money for helping someone out, not to accept food or drink at someone's home. Some of these beliefs have strong cultural ties. Others are just a fear of imposing. We don't want to be a bother.

Generosity is a two-way street. It's just as important for someone to be generous as it is to accept the offerings. Most of us like to be generous. When we're being genuine, from the heart, with no strings attached, being generous makes us feel good – it makes us feel great. We have no reason to deny others that feeling (unless, of course, these are strings attached). In fact, our own generosity is probably just coming back to us.

Today I will allow others the opportunity to be generous.

todaysgift@hazelden.info

Amen.

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Example is the lesson that all men can read.
-- Gilbert West

Patterning our lives after others is familiar. Maybe as kids we emulated "toughies" or the teacher's pet. As we grew, the criteria changed, but we sought role models, nonetheless. The career we chose and the family relationships we developed may have been inspired by the example of another. Today may be no different. Seeing our friends and acquaintances pursue paths unlike our own gives us ideas to explore. How lucky we are that teaching is never done and learning is merely a decision.

The only thing that has actually changed is our age. The opportunities for growth continue to flow. Our purpose for being here remains the same. Our responsibility to ourselves never abates. It's comforting to count on these things. It makes our choices simpler.

There's always the right step to take, the right response to make, the right attitude to foster. But if ever we're in doubt, the impulse to forgive and to love will never be wrong.

My action today may be an important example for a friend. I pray to choose my steps and words wisely.


todaysgift@hazelden.info

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Being true

We believe we can become beautiful people, free of addiction. With belief in a Power greater than ourselves, our Twelve Step program, and the fellowship, we don't have to stay where we were. Our purpose in life is to stay sober and clean.

Our Higher Power knows our true purpose in life and will help us. Our Higher Power knows what we are capable of becoming, although others may misjudge us.

Am I staying true to my purpose?

I pray that I may see the good within me and remain true to my purpose.


todaysgift@hazelden.info





Keep it simple. Amen.

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Anger is almost always masking fear.

The anger of others, whether friends, family members, or strangers, can be extremely intimidating. Depending on our own state of mind in the moment the anger erupts, we can become afraid, assume responsibility for it, try to mollify the one expressing it, stand up to it and express anger ourselves, or quietly withdraw to safer territory. All of these are common responses, but none of them is the most beneficial way to respond to whoever is angry. Certainly, none of those responses take full advantage of the opportunity before us if we understand it for what it actually is.

Anger often signifies fear, frequently intense fear, which is generally misunderstood by the person expressing it and just as often misinterpreted by the observer of it. But once we learn that anger is usually fear in disguise, we start to see some of the dynamics of our interactions and relationships, past and present – within our families, in our marriages, with friends and colleagues at work – in a new light.

todaysgift@hazelden.info



I wanted to add here that for those of us who have dysfunctional families, anger can sometimes be justified.

I have an Aunt who's very candid and outspoken. One of her favorite sayings is: "You can pick your friends, but not your family. Sometimes it's OK to walk away from your family members and continue your life without them. It's much healthier that way."

When you have tried everything else, and are still confronted with greed, selfishness, immaturity, manipulative behavior, and self-centeredness, it's OK to walk away from a dysfunctional family.

She's right, we aren't obligated to continue these relationships. Some people think only of themselves. Once that pattern is established, it's very difficult for them to change. Rather than being angry with that, it's OK to walk away. In fact, it could save your life and your sanity. :learn:

yup

Where is God?

AA members have always had a difficult time explaining the "God business." We didn't want to be considered religious, but at the same time we've always believed some contact with a Higher Power is necessary for real personal growth.

There's nothing wrong – for our purposes – in simply visualizing God as a Higher Power that has always been within us and around us. "Before they call, I will answer," goes an old saying, and that was true even in our darkest days. Many of us can look back to realize that a certain force was moving us toward recovery long before we knew we needed any recovery. Many of us also believe that a Higher Power helped bring AA into being and move it along to become a worldwide force for good.

But God works in ways that can seem to come from chance or coincidence. Quite often, we'll find that little events had far-reaching results in our lives. When we review how such things happened, we should not conclude that this happens only to certain "special" people. All human beings are part of God's creation and can avail themselves of guidance and direction. The more serious problem is that guidance and direction are sometimes ignored or rejected.

I'll go about my affairs today with the knowledge that my Higher Power is making the important decisions in my life. I'll come out about where God wants me to be.

todaysgift@hazelden.info


I don't like to preach about God because there are enough people in my family that do that and live lives opposite to what they preach.

Your relationship with God is subject to your interpretation. However, there are are so many little things that happen to us as we move through life, that it's hard to deny God's existence. I know some who don't believe, that's their perogative. I know for me, God has been there in my darkest hours. That's what works for me. :thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DarkSkies

live lives opposite to what they preach.

---

yah, me too. who doesn't?

at least i try not to. mosttimes.

I wouldn't get too hung up on that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jonthepain

yah, me too. who doesn't?

at least i try not to. mosttimes.

I wouldn't get too hung up on that.

---

Ever considered a career in politics? ;) :HappyWave:

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

When a, man leaves off believing in imaginary property, then only will he make use of his true property.
--Leo Tolstoy

The original meaning of property is "belonging to the self." In this sense, land, houses, money, paintings, jewels, cars cannot be our property; they are all things, and we enjoy using them, but they have nothing to do with our selves.

What then is our true property? It's our moral and spiritual qualities; our capacity for love, our commitment to honesty. These are what make a difference in who we are. The difference between a lie and the truth is vastly greater than the difference between a bicycle and a Mercedes. When we appreciate this distinction, we can begin to develop our spiritual selves.

We all know that things can't make us happy; only a loving heart and a clear conscience can do that. Yet often we act as though the piling up of things was important in itself. A little reflection can restore our balance and return our imaginary property to its true place in our lives.

True property is what nothing can take away from me.

todaysgift@hazelden.info


When you leave this world, you leave with only the body God gave you and hopefully the good experiences and memories you left behind.

^^^
I've never seen a Hearse pulling a U-Haul...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jonthepain

^^^
I've never seen a Hearse pulling a U-Haul...

---

Amen to that bro! :thumbsup:





Today's thought from Hazelden is:

The Four "A's"

Dear God, I have learned to live within my limitations and to live up to my capacities as I grow in recovery. As I try to practice the principles of our Program, I will accept the truth that I seek progress and not spiritual perfection. I pray to admit my limitations and remind myself I am only human. I have quit trying to play God.
When I take my inventory and remember the Four "A's" - Acceptance, Awareness, Action, and Attitude – I continue learning to live within my limitations and to live up to my capabilities.


todaysgift@hazelden.info


Amen. :lookhappy:

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world and the best that we can find in our travels is an honest friend.
--Robert Louis Stevenson

Addiction destroyed many of our relationships. It took away our ability to get close to others. The above quotation reminds us that real friends are more important than the people we hung around with while using alcohol or drugs.

Recovery is all about bettering our relationships. Our lives depend upon this. We find honest friends in recovery. We are not alone anymore. We are honest with each other about character defects and work to help each other have better, ever-closer relationships. Our lives also depend upon this. We work to help each other find a way out of the wilderness or at times just survive in the wilderness. Over time, we see that, even though people can be a pain at times, friendships and relationships are the best things in life.

Prayer for the Day

Higher Power, teach me how to be a good, honest friend. Comfort me as I travel in the wilderness of life.

Today’s Action

Today I will think about what makes a good friend. Then I will do an honest inventory of what type of friend I am. Am I there for others in the bad times as well as the good times?

todaysgift@hazelden.info




I think that I am. People know that they can call me at 3am with a problem, and I'll give advice or help any way I can. I know what it's like to be deep in the midst of an issue with no clear path out of it. So today I make that offer again. If there is anyone at anytime who has a serious issue with alcohol or drugs and you can't figure a way out of it, pick up the phone and call. I'll do my best to help. :thumbsup:

I wanted to put up a song today in honor of Ernie...

Time to kick this thread up a bit, this is what I'm feelin today...

Black Sabbath :viking: :headbang:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4wBPbpSsiY





"Hard Road"

Old men crying, young men dying
World still turns as Father Time looks on
On and on
Children playing, dreamers praying
Laughter turns to tear as love has gone
Has it gone?

Oh, it's a hard road
Oh, it's a hard road

Whirlwind churning, lovers learning
On this path of life we can't back down
Is it wrong?
Widows weeping, babies sleeping
Life becomes the singer and the song
Sing along

Oh, it's a hard road
Carry your own load

Why make the hard road?
Why can't we be friends?
No need to hurry
We'll meet in the end

Why make the hard road?
Why can't we be friends?
No need to worry
Let's sing it again

Brother's sharing, mother's caring
Nightime falling victim to the dawn
Shadows small
Days are crawling, time is calling
To the Earth another life is gone
Love line drawn

Oh, it's a hard road
Carry your own load
Oh, it's a hard road
Oh, it's a hard road...

Forget all your sorrow, don't live in the past
And look to the future, `cause life goes too fast, you know
Forget all your sorrow, don't live in the past
And look to the future, `cause life goes too fast, you know
Forget all your sorrow, don't live in the past
And look to the future, `cause life goes too fast, you know...

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Men and women come into this program defeated by their affliction, often given up by doctors and others as hopeless. They admit that they are helpless to conquer their affliction. When I see these people acquire serenity and stay rational over a period of months and years, I know that this program works. The changes I see in people who come into the program not only convinces me that it works but also convinces me that there must be a Power greater than ourselves that helps us change. Am I convinced that a Higher Power can help me to change and remain so?

MEDITATION FOR THE DAY

Cooperation with God is the great necessity for our lives. All else follows naturally. Guidance is bound to come to us as we live more and more with God, and as our consciousness becomes more attuned to the way of the universe. We must have many quiet times when we acknowledge our need to be led and feel God's presence. New spiritual growth comes naturally from cooperation with God.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

I pray that God may supply me with strength and show me the direction in which I am to grow. I pray that these things may come naturally from my cooperation with my higher power.

todaysgift@hazelden.info



There is no growth without the willingness to change. :thumbsup:

As I said, time to kick this up a bit. :lookhappy:

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Action carries us in the direction we choose.

Recovery involves doing - going to meetings working our program, reaching out to others. We don't get a job by sitting at home thinking about it, and we don't get a degree by looking at college catalogs.

It's true that we need to reflect; we need quiet times when we pray for guidance. There comes a point, however, when action is called for, when we use the power we are given to carry out our Higher Power's will for our lives to the best of our understanding.

One action leads to another. Doing what we need to do to be abstinent today adds twenty-four hours to recovery.

Today, I will act on my best understanding of my Higher Power's will or me.

todaysgift@hazelden.info



Amen,

A little Biohazard for today