today was a day of gratitude for me- the weather was gorgeous- I planted a rosebush (guaranteed not to fail- right.....) but I planted it anyway, with hope. And yes, there is a metaphor there. Relentless self analysis can be counterproductive, at the risk of sounding clueless again . I chewed on the notion that I am in denial still all day. It stuck with me right thru the gardening. I think I need to look at denial as one views a plant failing to flower. Assess the conditions- water, fertilizer and light- and as Captain Picard said "make it so." Funny- I have the radio on and they are playing "Aqualung". God, I don't want to wind up feeling that way- it's an alcoholic feeling.. OK- from flowers to Aqualung- enuf. Thanks for listening. No harsh replies, please; I need some mulch today .
We love you soooo "MULCH!!!" Glad your day was rather peaceful! I bet by summer yoll have the best lookin rose bush on the block!! Lani
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
whenever I am upset, I tend to turn to the animal world. I have 3 cats and my beloved Pomeranian, "Rebel".... I'm stressed right now, over a man- blah blah. My sister's neighbor's dog just had 3 huskie puppies- oh those blue eyes.... She thinks it would be preposterous to add another animal to my house (Sparky, the beta fish, died I am so tempted. They make you think outside of yourself, they are as huge an inconvenience as sobriety is. They make you work. I like that, even tho I sometimes can't bear it.
Plant you roots deep into the first step, spread them out into all the many shades of its meaning. Tamp firmly into soil you can stand on throughout the storms of life and then trust as surely as the dawning of a new day that the light can bring this withered thorny stick back to a more beautiful life than ever imagined.
What a wonderful thread this is!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o) :o) :o)
Beachgirl, it is so healing to get our hands in the soil. the weather is finally coming around here too, in Ohio. I cannot wait to get this yard cleared out!!
But first, on to more spring cleaning.
You have another terrific day, girl!!
Joni
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
what a pleasant thought that you guys are getting to know me. I have no deep thoughts this AM- just wanted to say thanks....
beachgirl, the "fellowship" side of the program, imo, is the most important part. Without the relationships to our fellow AA's, we leave most of the benefits on the table. Those "meetings before the meetings, and after the meetings" are where it starts, then there's groups that go out for breakfest, dinner, or coffee after the meetings. It's time to ride my motorcycle to my sunday morning Beach Meeting then off to the St. Pete Grand Prix, with my sponsor and a couple AA buddies.
Of course we want to get to know you, not only are other AA's people that need our love and support, but they're also some of the most interesting people you'll ever meet! I'm sure that you've got some great stories to tell us. Have a great day
Agree too much self-analises can be very bad. Do it too and find it leads to all sorts of thought patterns including feeling sorry for myself, flogging myself about hurts I caused ( even though I've made amends) etc. Does get better with time and working the program and steps. Most of us spent years drinking and the cumulative damage physically, spiritually, mentally and to others logically cannot be undone "overnight". One day at a time is a way of thinking that really helps me with this as well. My phsycologist's eventually eventually ( sort of !) convinced me its ok for Eugene to be kind to Eugene. Give yourself a bit of a break, think of how well you've actually done ( a year is not for whimps !!). You can do nothing about yesterday, tomorrow may or may not happen, today is all that counts, its what you have and can do something with and about.
. I chewed on the notion that I am in denial still all day. It stuck with me right thru the gardening.
