Chapters close and open in our lives, be it the end of a year, death of a loved, a health diagnosis or just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired all the time.
I’d like to take a few minutes to contemplate and share with you the progress I’ve made over the past 12 months and to thank my Higher Power for my growth. What actions did I take that contributed to my success this year? Perhaps it was as simple and profound as attending my recovery meetings even when my life were going really well.
Looking Back
How have I reached out to other beggars this year and showed them where I found good food? Was I thoughtful, helpful, did I lead a life of integrity focusing on what was necessary and with kindness? Perhaps I was patient with those who were suffering, giving them my full attention or by giving my phone number to others. Maybe I learned to trust a more and build my community of trusted others and open up deeper to them. Have I thanked all who have been kind or have gifted me in some way? Have I recognized my growing ability to love and trust others and most of all my Higher Power?
Perhaps I finally came to understand the First Step, or committed myself to working some of the other steps again.
I am discovering that I do play an important part in my own well-being. I will celebrate my achievements and be grateful for all I have been given. However, I am not perfect, but I am excellent!
Looking Forward
We live in a society of instant gratification; instant coffee, instant breakfast, instant money from our local ready bank machines —it’s everywhere we look! No wonder so many land at my training studio door in a new year looking for instant answers to all the problems that come from living a life with little to no exercise, a poor diet and no real connection to their Higher Power who can help them the most!
For me, recovery is a process. It takes time to regain, reclaim, and recoup all that was lost while I tried on my own to cope with the symptoms of growing up in dis-“ease” or an unwillingness to let go of “my will be done”.
- Building trust in others and in a Power greater than I is taking time
- Changing my attitude is taking time
- Healing old wounds – spiritually, mentally and physically is taking time
There are no immediate, ready-made solutions I am finding. Building spiritual muscles (with help) – is leading me to the answers that are right for me.
I suspect we all have dark times in our lives, and could it be that “the journey” to better times and better health is often what makes us happier, stronger people? When I stop expecting instant relief, I come to believe that where I am today is exactly where my Higher Power would have me to be.
Gratitude is an Action Word!
Yesterday I had a cup of coffee with a trusted other and the subject of gratitude came up. I was reminded that “gratitude is an action word”. I make my bed because I am grateful for a bed; brush my teeth in gratitude for teeth, eat right and exercise in gratitude for my healthy body that is pure gift, etc . . .
Today and each day, no matter what is going on around me, I know that I will move forward. I trust the process of spiritual, mental and physical recovery. With the help of my Higher Power and the grateful actions I must take as a result of this relationship I just know the next chapter of my life will be filled with more miracles for me. I’ll let time take time.
think of just this one day and what I can do with it.” ~ One Day at a Time in Al-Anon.
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