”If all were rain and never sun, no bow
could span the hill; if all were sun and never rain, there’d be no rainbow
still.”
Christian Rosetti
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An
important message that I learned in my early recovery is that life is all
about living in balance and having all things in moderation. It’s about
getting off the roller coaster ride of our addictions with its steep highs
and sharp falls. A healthier life is not a flat line, but more like a drive
through rolling hills. There will still be ups and downs, constant fluctuation
of happiness and sorrow, joy and pain, good and bad. The goal of recovery is
to learn to avoid always living in extreme conditions.
We
don’t have to do this on our own. We have the support of our peers in our
fellowship, our sponsor, and always our Higher Power. We need to learn how to
breathe again, to take five or ten seconds to absorb a situation that sets us
on edge, then act and not react to what is going on.
Finding
serenity in recovery, being at peace within ourselves, allows us to step back
from situations that threaten to pull us back into the chaos that feeds our
addiction. Prayer and meditation are also important tools to help us maintain
our composure and maintain sobriety.
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Affirmation
I
will seek to be in balance, knowing that life has its hills and valleys but I
longer need to live in the extremes.
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These thoughts are part of my personal journal - reflections of where I am and have been in my recovery, but also where I want to be. My words come from my heart, and moments of clarity when I am best connected with my Higher Power. May God grant you serenity in reviewing my humble beginnings and my continuing path of recovery.
Book Sales
My first print run of 100 copies sold out, but I have had a second printing of an additional 250 copies done this year. So more are available, now at a cost of $20 CAD. My second book, Twelve Steps for Everyday Living, is now available for purchase for $15 CAD. It is my attempt, based on my experience and those who've been a part of my recovery journey, to transform the 12 Steps into a tool for anyone to use to navigate the challenges and trials of life.
In Serenity,
Scott Email: sastewart74@gmail.com
Review it? Do you have a copy and enjoy what you have read? Can you help me promote it by leaving a good review at Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21939460-lean-on-me)? Thanks for your support.
In other news, after a long debate and some peer pressure, I have started a second blog, along the same vein as Lean on Me, but in my second language. You can check it out here - Tomber dans l'appui.
In a world where so many of us feel we have been forced to handle too many lows, giving up on the highs can be daunting. But there is another way of seeing this...where highs and lows so cancel each other out, that the ride isnt worth it. Here, we aim for the slow burn of pride, achievement and honour...things that are hard to sell in our fast-paced, everything goes environment, but which are the most rewarding of all.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your wonderful insights.