“In the past, we believed desperation would give us the strength to survive. … As recovering addicts, we come to know gratitude.” (The Basic Text, p. 97)
How have you been a star and taken ownership of your life to discover a world glorious to behold, lately?
WITH GRATITUDE WE GRASP THE GALAXY OF GIFTS AT OUR FEET –
“In the past, we
Baby, I’m a Star – Prince LIVE (13:01)
Bette Davis in Now Voyager (1:46)
Classical Music – Visual Feast Hz Meditation LP (1:00:00)
Ah, Moon—and Star!
by Emily Dickinson
You are very far—
But were no one
Farther than you—
Do you think I’d stop
For a Firmament—
Or a Cubit—or so?
I could borrow a Bonnet
Of the Lark—
And a Chamois’ Silver Boot—
A nd a stirrup of an Antelope—
And be with you—Tonight!
But, Moon, and-Star,
Though you’re very far—
There is one—farther than you—
He—is more than a firmament—from Me—
So I can never go!
This is a long process and it can be arduous. I realized after a year of sobriety that, while I had so many goals I wanted to achieve in that time, really what that year amounted to was, at best (and most manageable to me), that I might stay sober a day at a time and attend a meeting each day, that I would go to work, and try to stay on top of the very few obligations my abilities permitted then. That was the most I could do. In the last 10 months since I hit a year of sobriety, I’ve come to understand how it is the very basic precept a day at a time might transmute into other areas of my life–my general health and wellness, my relationships, being of service, taking on new work obligations, and in my practice as an artist and writer. This discipline, and the benefits reaped from a daily practice toward my health and well-being and oriented toward being of service to others (having learned what I have in sobriety), is where I’ve taken ownership of my life. It has shown me that life is expansive, has great depth. My conception of time in that (as a remark of the moon and stars) is what has astounded me. It scores back to just 24 hours, doing what I can. I have appreciated more recently the benefits I’ve seen for my psychic well-being, in helping others in the program. This is why I volunteer at the AT Center now and secretary two meetings. I have the time (in multiple senses). It is a phenomenal exchange. It’s really lovely. Further that these things I’ve started to do have encouraged a new understanding of how I might mount a practice as a working artist and writer. I for years thought I did not have the discipline. I have learned “discipline” really is patience. I learned patience and care in trusting in the AA process.
no to be honest with u i have never been a star in my eyes. i would have liked to believe that i was but havent.my life would have tabetter if this would have happend but its never to late right/ocken a turn the
no to be honest with u i have never been a star in my eyes. i would have liked to believe that i was but havent.my life would have tabetter if this would have happend but its never to late right/ocken a turn the
buy taking ownership of my birthday for the first time in my life. it might not make sense to anyone else, however it makes perfect sense to me….
While swimming yesterday I wondered at the mechanics of the human body and how grateful I was to enjoy this peaceful mind-body experience just a few feet from my door.
Now that I have taken ownership of my alcoholism I have more tools in my arsenal to combat my ego and my negative self-talk. My life is getting better and I generally feel better because I’m able to make this switch more quickly from being in a negative place to a positive on.
Hey! This morning I got to witness the miracle of Birth. My granddaughter, Amara Luciana was born at home in a small swimming pool. Se was born “in the caul.” The midwives were fantastic, knowledgeable, and willing to tell us everything as we went along. I have witnessed the transition out of the body – now I have witnessed this miracle. Thank you, Higher Power for giving us the stars…and the moon.
That sounds so beautiful, Margo. Congrats. I’ve been marveling at the Space Shuttle traveling down Exposition Blvd. and the guy sky diving 23 miles above the earth. These achievements make my own goals feel more possible. Apparently, the sky’s are not necessarily the limit for the heights we can reach if we try.
I so love the sentiment, “I would die for you” from Prince. Clearly, there’s a Jesus reference but even us mere mortals can aspire to toward that kinda of selflessness with out having to pay the ultimate price.
This is the one of the best gifts of the 12-Steps. When I do my 4th Step, I will beat myself over the head endlessly unless I have a wonderful acceptance of Steps 1, 2, and 3. When I am firmly convinced that my Higher Power loves me, has always loved me, and will always love me, UNCONDITIONALLY, I can begin to forgive myself and love myself, warts and all. My 4th Step cannot work to build my self-esteem unless I know, as sure as the sun comes up every morning and sets every evening, that I am loved. I think of myself as being rocked lovingly in the bosom of my Higher Power. Now, That’s what it’s all about!