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.

May 1

”The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy.” William Ward Beecher

Ah, once again spring is in the air. I never get tired of living in a country where nature comes back to life after a long, cold winter. The rejuvenation that takes place all around is refreshing to the soul. It is a chance for a yearly rebirth and boost of renewed energy. Yet spring also holds dangers. As the weather warms up, the layers of clothes tend to get fewer and thinner. It is certainly a more challenging time for wandering eyes. I have learned a few could tricks to help out, like having to find someone as the same sex to look at if I find myself looking to long at someone of the opposite sex. To ensure that I look at the whole person, especially their face and eyes, rather than obsessing about a certain aspect. I need to recall that these are real people, not objects of my fantasy. The return of the warmth of the sun brings joy to my heart. Basking in the day’s glow reminds be to be happy and grateful to enjoy the world around me. It gives me more reason to get out of the house and walk, cycle or whatever to spend time in the great outdoors. I also feel more connected to my Higher Power when I can see, touch, taste and smell the wonders He’s put here for us to enjoy.

Affirmation I come alive like the tulip rising in the spring. Rebirth is a part of the cycle of life and I am glad for the renewal.

December 10 (54)

”If you can imagine it you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” William Arthur Ward

I am a canvas, empty, waiting for the hands of a master painter to create a piece-de-resistance. The artist who can paint that portrait is my Higher Power, now that I have opened my life to His will. Through the Steps I am able to wipe clean that history of my past so that a new picture, a new creation, can take its place. I have but to ask for His help to seek out His will and guidance and to use the 12 Steps to guide me along that path. I am being reborn a little each day as I let of my old ways and behaviours, as I surrender to the power of the God of my understanding who promises to lead me to sanity. Out of the darkness, from the ashes of my fallen ways I shall spring forth anew, full of confidence, hope, faith, trust and love. The program is the foundation of this miraculous transformation from darkness into light, from despair to hope, from loathing to loving. The wonder that others have experienced and the member I encounter are the beacons that will guide me along this path this to a new and better way of living. It is a dream become reality.

Affirmation I, too, can overcome this disease, One Day at a Time, through perseverance and dedication to the tried and true Steps of SAA. I will be transformed.