For some reason… reading this reminded me of when i first joined 12 step meetings, and I was struggling to make a new life in AA/NA. For quite some time in early recovery, I had one foot in recovery and one foot in the problem. It truly was only when I jumped into recovery with both feet, that I really saw some changes in my life. Where I was really able to see a new life form for me.
The slogan: Time takes time. I know I’m still, at six months, very early in sobriety, but already I can look back and see the positive changes that working the steps has gifted me. I got to share here at a meeting last night. When I go home, I will be chair of my home group for a term, six months required.
Walk In Dry Places
Willpower Isn’t the Power-Power
We almost universally agree that willpower simply does not work as a direct force in overcoming alcoholism. The alcoholic who believes that a strong will and determination bring sobriety is probably headed for disaster.
In the same way, willpower is ineffective in dealing with a number of personal problems. In fact, the mustering of willpower seems to strengthen the problems or cuase them to take other forms. We know that we are using willpower on problems when there is a great deal of tension and anxiety in letting our Higher Power handle matters in a way that brings contentment and satisfaction. When excessive will is involved, we usually suppress feelings that ought to be expressed in positive ways.
The solution is not to fight problems in ourselves or in the outer world. By turning all matters over to the Higher Will, we will find the best way to deal with the evils within ourselves and with the opposition in our world. “Self-will run riot” was a problem in drinking, and it can be equality destructive in sobriety. Our will should be joined with the Higher Will for true success in living.
I will rely on my Higher power as I go through the day. God can do the many things I cannot do for myself.
“There is no mountain, God cannot help us to climb”~Anonymous
“Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.” ~Author Unknown
Each Day a New Beginning
She had trouble defining herself independently of her husband, tried to talk to him about it, but he said nonsense, he had no trouble defining her at all. --Cynthia Propper Seton
To recover means to learn who we are, independent of friends, children, parents, or intimate partners. It means knowing how we want to spend our time, what books we like to read, what hobbies interest us, what our favorite foods are. It means understanding self-direction. It means charting a daily personal course and staying on it. It means defining our responsibilities and carrying them out.
Having an independent identity does not preclude depending on others for certain needs. Perhaps we revel in massage–both getting and giving. Maybe we share the expenses of a household or the responsibilities of raising children. Depending on others to meet their responsibilities does not negate our independent identity; it strengthens it. We choose where and when to be dependent. Healthy dependency complements healthy independence.
Recovery is giving me options. Each day gives me new opportunities.
Daily Inspiration
Shine a little brighter today because someone needs your light. Lord, may I reflect You like sun hitting a mirror.
If you are not happy with what you have, how will you be happy with what you want to have? Lord, may I appreciate the good things in my life and refuse to feel sorry for myself or compare myself to others.
Recovery lets me remain seated in the present, and planning for the future with clarity. No longer ruminating or dwelling on the past, and allowing others the grace and dignity of their own journeys. Of course, I still do these things imperfectly, but I get up each day fully sober and fully engaged in my own life, with guidance through constant consultation with my Higher Power.
God makes possible what we cannot accomplish alone. --Gary Shan
Love this!! I was very much am addict that depended on drugs for practically everything in my life. If i was feeling any intense emotion… drugs. If i had an argument with someone… drugs. If the sun was shining… drugs lol When it came down to it, i realized that I just didnt trust myself enough to get thru life on my own. Without the need for drugs (or at least, thats what drugs made me believe).
Coming into recovery, I slowly began to test the water, in handling life on lifes terms on my own. Situations that I used to run to drugs to, I stopped doing so. I began to realize that I COULD live life without needing an outside source (like drugs) to make me feel better. I started to handle emotions im healthier ways. I started to handle arguments differently. I started to enjoy the weather by doing other activities. I started living life! 
Grateful to God that I have been able to live 2 completely diff lives in 1 lifetime.