Wednesday, September 19, 2007

When nothing changes, nothing changes

Yesterday............

She was really surprised to find acceptance and understanding in the rooms of recovery.

She didn't know what to expect when she got off that bus. She was scared and confused but at least she was safe and with her mom.

Her mind was not altogether and she was very worried about her boys back home with their father who was still using crack. What's worse is that he would walk around in front of them smoking it!! She felt powerless and out of control then and even more so since she left.

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

She cannot tell you how many times over the course of her 38 years that she has heard or seen this prayer. It is the foundation prayer of recovery and when she learned to accept it with a lot of help she was able to worry less and concentrate more on fixing what she could about herself.

The only person she has the power to change in this life is herself. When she stopped using so much energy on trying to change or control other people she was able to work on changing things about herself.

Each day that we look forward with positive anticipation, we put the wreckage of the past farther from our minds.

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
(from my daily meditation readings)

YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of those days is yesterday with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds-but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is as yet unborn.

This leaves only one day - today! Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of these two awful eternities - yesterday and tomorrow - that we break down.

It is not the experience of today that drives me mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Let Us Therefore Live But One Day At A Time!!
(from Alcoholics Anonymous)

Today............

She is finding it easier to live life on life's terms because of the addiction. The rooms of recovery and treatment centers and addiction counsellors have been a great deal of help to her. She believes without that encouragement she would not be where she is today.

A Reason A Season and A Lifetime

People always come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, or to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend to you, and they are. They are there for a reason, you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die, sometimes they just walk away. Sometimes they act up our out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow and learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. Many may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But only for a season. And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall, the season eventually ends.

LIFETIME relationships teach you a lifetime of lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being part of my life.....
(author unknown to me)

Tomorrow.............

Don't Quit

Don't quit when the tide is lowest, for it's just about to turn.

Don't quit over doubts and questions, for there's something you may learn.

Don't quit when the night is darkest, for it's just a while 'til dawn.

Don't quit when you've run the farthest, for the race is almost won.

Don't quit when the hill is steepest, for your goal is almost nigh.

Don't quit, for you're not a failure until you fail to try!
(from a bookmark I have)

It works if you work it, so work it 'cause you're worth it........


These past months have been a spiritual journey for her. She has come to believe that she made the right choice when she got on that bus yesterday. The journey continues as she builds a bridge to a better life and she realizes that there is no destination, only a continuous learning experience that she can pass on to others who may benefit from her story.

May God Bless You and Keep You Forever Young!

2 comments:

Wally said...

I still remember the sweet, beautiful little girl. You ARE still!
Jean

Lana said...

You are growing.
love
mom