The sun was shining through the window just so, that the lace curtain in the hallway reflected roses and dancing swirls against the wall. I've never noticed that before.
6 eagles were watching over the Chippewa River behind our house. One was watching me.
My daughter learned how to play a driving arcade game while I pumped the gas for her since her little 3 year old legs were no where near long enough. She was good. We were laughing that deep gut laugh together as we crashed into the wall and soared over the jumps. I realized I haven't had much fun with her in her life but that I can.
My husband and I watched a movie about the end of the earth. I knew how they felt, and I realized that he is my favorite person, and I realized I would spend my last days with him. That I truly love him. Pretty sure I didn't know for sure how to feel accepting love for someone until recently.
How did we make it this long?
How come I notice beautiful and amazing things now?
How did I get a second chance at being a good Mom?
This program.
It's a bridge. Scary to walk over to the other side from the land of despair, but it's the bridge to finding a Higher Power... and the land of better days.
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
Beautiful, Tasha. Im amazed at all of the things about life that are truly wondrous and inspiring. I just never noticed any of them until getting sober. We are truly blessed.
How come I notice beautiful and amazing things now?
it's the bridge to finding a Higher Power... and the land of better days.
I like the what George Burns said in "Oh God" in reference to the question "Why is there war, hate, pain, suffering... in this world", <if you are all powerful>?
He said that it was a package deal, those negative things came together with the positives, Peace, Love, Joy, Happiness... and that they could not be separated. If he removed the bad, the good would have to go along with it. Well that's what we did when we were trying to drink away our problems. We became numb and felt nothing, until the booze wore off then just more pain. Sobriety is all about this re-emerging into life as it was intended to be. Yeah, it's not perfect, but when we decide to focus on the good and learn to be grateful for it all, a wonderful thing happens called "Happiness".
Gratitude = Happiness in direct proportion. You absolutely cannot have one without the other. Want more happiness in your life? Bring the Gratitude! What we have witnessed in your writing above is gratitude. This is why sponsors (good ones ) suggest writing "gratitude lists" on a regular basis. Not just when the sponcee is feeling badly or troubled, although this is an excellent tool to diminish negative feelings about issues (there are no problems). When you're feeling happy, joyous, and free, show the Gratitude, and share it.
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Monday 7th of January 2013 12:05:27 PM
Thanks for the reminder of what recovery brings!! I remember, early in recovery, when I realized how I hadn't been present in my own life and in the lives of those I loved the most!! Very humbling and sad realization........but, being present now means so much to me, and it can mean more to those I love. Wow, Tasha, talk about miracles in progress!! An attitude of gratitude.......
How come I notice beautiful and amazing things now?
How did I get a second chance at being a good Mom?
Aloha Tasha...I love your perspective and life shares and I've had similar questions since I got into program...here are some of my realizations.
One day at a time this hasn't been so long at all. When I stopped staring down into a drink I could see so much more that was available waiting for me to enjoy all around and just outside of it. Because of the program...today and only today is my opportunity to chance...it's not the first or the second it's the opportunity.
Thanks for the post...I love looking thru other peoples eyes to see pictures I've yet to see. (((hugs)))
Thank you Tasha! Nice post! Even little things become meaningful in sobriety. Things we overlooked in our self centeredness. Gratitude is an attitude. Glad to see The Program and a HP have changed that for you. Shows me The Program still works.
but that I can.
) suggest writing "gratitude lists" on a regular basis. Not just when the sponcee is feeling badly or troubled, although this is an excellent tool to diminish negative feelings about issues (there are no problems). When you're feeling happy, joyous, and free, show the Gratitude, and share it.