November 8 (86)

”What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.” Theodore Roethke

Life most days is pretty run-of-the-mill. I go about my daily paces, taking care of what needs to be done, occasionally adding in things that I want to do. Most life events are pretty ordinary, and life goes on in a fairly routine manner. Yet at the same time, my life is far from average, at least in terms of where I used to be. The place where I am now, all because of having found the program, is really a miracle from my perspective. I had thought things were near impossible to recover from when I was in my deepest, darkest point of my acting out. There was no one or nothing that was going to bring the light of day back into my world. I truly see my fellowship and all 12-Step programs as pockets of miracle workers. It is not due to any one person, but the collective efforts of the whole that provided the environment for my own miracle of recovery To have regained a sense of joy, happiness, contentment and purpose where I saw none is simply incredible. SAA has brought me into a group of people who make the impossible a reality on a regular basis. I am privileged to have been on the receiving end and as well to know that I continue to be part of the atmosphere that will provide this help to others.

Affirmation I know the impossible can become possible, especially in recovery, as I see the miracles realized within my groups.

August 29

”We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make.” Marian Wright Edelman

There are many days where I want big changes to occur in my recovery, even miraculous. The truth is, I don’t think I have had anything like that happen to me yet. And even though there have been no super-inspirational events, all the many small steps that I continue to make add up to where I am now, with several months of sobriety, a strong outer circle routine, great connection in the fellowship and decent rapport with my Higher Power. Honestly I think I prefer it this way, any big changes in my life, positive or negative, tend to disrupt my life more. Taking things as they come in smaller pieces is easier to manage, digest, and cope with on a daily basis. I shouldn’t be surprised by this…my trip into addiction was a long and slow process. So I expect my return voyage to sobriety to be a similar endeavour. I need to remind myself that each small correction I make is a victory. It is something worth recognizing, worth celebrating and being proud of. Progress, progress, progress is the name of the game, and persistence and patience are what will help keep me pointed in the right direction.

Affirmation I can celebrate the small differences I make - if the change is genuine and moves me forward in recovery then it has  been worthwhile.

May 19

”I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.” J. B. Priestly

I still believe in miracles and magic. I believe in the power of imagination, that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. My kids are a great reminder of this power; in their innocence they see the world through unblemished eyes and without prejudice. I am so grateful that as much as I teach them that there is so much I can learn in observing what they do and how they think. I am thankful that I can still appreciate the small things in life: a beautiful sunset or sunrise, birds singing on a warm spring morning, dew glistening on an intricate spider web, laughing until my stomach hurts, listening to a touching song or piece of music or reading a great book. So many small miracles and pieces of magic surround me each and every day. I feel so lucky to have gained sobriety so that I may enjoy each and every one. Each day opens before us with unlimited possibility and potential. For me, life is too short to carry forward the failures of yesterday or to add in the worries of tomorrow. The hint of the unknown lurking around the next corning is what keeps life interesting for today.

Affirmation I will rejoice today in the simple magical moments of the world around me.