I just wanted to add, that in early recovery, I was not 'happy', not in the least ... ... ... Yes my body was healing now because I wasn't pouring the poison into my system, but my mind was far fron okay ... alcohol in all forms had been a daily consumption for me, I did not know a life without it ... so I needed to re-train my mind to be satisfied in other ways ...
When I read this, a passage from page 152 in the BB came to mind:
We have shown how we got out from under. You say, "Yes, Im willing. But am I to be consigned to a life where I shall be stupid, boring and glum, like some righteous people I see? I know I must get along without liquor, but how can I? Have you a sufficient substitute?" Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. There you will find release from care, boredom and worry. Your imagination will be fired. Life will mean something at last. The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. Thus we find the fellowship, and so will you.
And I have found this to be true in every sense of the word ... due to the 'fellowship' in AA, I have found numerous things in life now that truly make me happy ... I used to chastise the birds in the morning for being too loud, now I can't wait to hear their music as I drink my morning coffee ... I used to eat without tasting the food ... now I have found myself savoring the flavors of each food item on my plate ... (I get aggravated sometimes as my wife will finish dinner way before I do, and I ask why she eats so fast? ... she just says that she has gotten used to doing everything in a rush ...) ... my dad went 1 year with a feeding tube in his stomach, and could not swallow food at all ... when he got better, and was able to eat again, it was all he could talk about, the flavors of different items he had not eaten in so long a time ... and he was grateful to God everyday, for being able to 'taste' ... (even the smell of coffee drove him nuts cause he couldn't have any) ...
My point is, that one of the greatest gifts of this program for me, was the door was opened for me to see and experience new happiness ... everyday occurrences bring me pleasure when I maintain the right attitude, the attitude I learned in AA ... ... ...
Love Ya'll, Pappy
-- Edited by Pythonpappy on Tuesday 7th of May 2013 08:06:12 AM
-- Edited by Pythonpappy on Tuesday 7th of May 2013 01:16:09 PM
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Often happiness calls but we are too busy to answer. --Ellen H.
In the pursuit of happiness many people are too busy to find that which they seek. Frequently the happiness we so passionately desire is found in little events that are but whispered. If we don't pay attention, we miss them.
There can be happiness in the way light falls through the trees. There can be happiness in the way our children call for us by name or in the familiar sight of our home as we round the corner two blocks away. Happiness weaves its way through precious memories and keepsakes that have no monetary value but are priceless to us. Many take enormous delight in the presence of a beloved pet, just the way it looks at us or the unconditional love it pours out upon us. For some, there is genuine delight in the taste of a specially loved food.
We are surrounded by that which can be meaningful and full of delight. The question is, will we be still and quiet long enough to enjoy it?
Recovery unveils many beauties that were hidden from me before. I am amazed at the loveliness that surrounds me.
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Same here Pappy! The small things in life that I couldn't see or appreciate prior to recovery. Has new meaning today! Yes, those dreaded birds that use to annoy me and sh*t on my truck. I actually feed them today and smile and appreciate the different variaties that visit. Their songs are music to my ears today. Even had a few turkey stop by this week.
I still feel overwhelmed with happiness every time I wake up sober. It just fills me up and I start the day in a place of sincere gratitude. I experience sheer joy in the clarity of my mind now which helps me to see things with new eyes. I am so very blessed to have found this program that changes lives for the better in so many different ways. :)
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
While I am not sober long, the happiness has returned. I sat on the porch listening to the birds and started crying. I have not 'heard' the birds for years. Their song and what are they saying?
It's the bird's way of inviting you into their world of singing and happiness ... they are rejoicing just to be alive ... and it's their way of showing gratitude to their 'Creator' ... and it's all for our pleasure ... (if our mind is open to such things) ...
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
