April 7

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” Joseph Addison

It still amazes me how the simple things in life can bring so much meaning. Waking up with the sun shining brightly and the birds singing, smelling the air of a fresh, spring breeze, hearing the wind gentle rustle the leaves in the trees - these things bring me joy and happiness. This is a gift that awaits me each and every day. It was not that long ago that I was in a place where I could not recognize anything like that, where I was focused solely on the empty promises of my addiction. There were so many things I overlooked, or could not see or even believe were there for me to enjoy because of the narrow focus of my reality. How grateful I am that the horizons of my world have once again opened so that I can experience the vastness of the glories of the earth and all its splendours. There is so much beauty and wonder to see, hear, touch, taste and feel, so much more than I could have ever believed possible. This is one of the greatest blessings of my recovery, my second chance to exist in the marvels of this life.

Affirmation

Nature is a powerful healing force and I will seek out opportunities to immerse myself today.

May 11

”The most beautiful people I've known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

How much does that resemble me as a recovering addict, like many of the brothers and sisters that I have met? To have fallen into my own pit of despair and arisen anew, having reconnected to my Higher Power and my soul, I have indeed uncovered my own beauty. And how beautiful and strong do I find those like me who have overcome such terrible pasts to find a second lease on life. Struggle, strife and hardship seem to be trials that push us to our limits and when we come out the other side we are better people for having made the journey. I am extremely grateful to have the aid of the 12 Steps to guide me along this new road. They have helped to clarify the path I need to take, and provided tools to help guarantee my success to continued sobriety. My rebirth is a gift I am thankful for each and every day. I feel a responsibility to share my story, my strength, and hope with others that they may too find their way from their own tarnished past into the present. The program is a set of principles, a fellowship, and even a family all rolled into one. I know my Higher Power’s will is for me to help others find their way back into the light.

Affirmation I am learning to find the positive in the struggles of the past, the strength to overcome, and the power that sharing my experience can have in helping others like me.