Recovery is a Journey

Seems like what makes the news also makes the history books. What we hear about is mostly bad news. History is full of awful events - wars, famines, conspiracies, oppression, betrayal, etc. We even celebrate holidays that are inspired by tragedy. We individually observe the anniversaries of many tragic events in our lives. Surely, on this journey of life there are daily moments of wonderful events.

For those of us on the journey of recovery, we celebrate our sobriety or clean dates. We say to live one day at a time. Let's also celebrate one day at a time. Let's notice when another person has been kind to us, when a cashier genuinely smiles and says "Have a great day," or when a peer helps us with our work. Let's notice the sound of birds singing or the beauty of a sunset or sunrise. Let's notice and appreciate our own progress when we control our temper and our tongue in situations we used to not handle very appropriately.

At the same time that I am suggesting we notice and celebrate those happy occurrences in our daily lives, I am also suggesting we forget about the awful past and move on down the road. Too many of us dwell on and live in the past.

Millions Are Driving Under The Influence

Nationwide, an estimated 30.5 million people age 12 or older drove while under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. 15% of the current drivers age 18 or older drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. In some states the levels are higher, up to 25%. In addition, 20% of adult drivers age 18 and older drove under the influence of either an illicit drug or a prescribed medication at least once in the past year.

Rates were highest in the following states:

Utah currently has the lowest rate of those 18 and older driving under the influence of alcohol at 9.5%.

Past year rates of driving under the influence of illicit drugs among drivers age 18 and older were highest in the following states:

New Jersey had the lowest rates for driving under the influence of illicit drugs - 3.2%.

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 17,000 deaths in 2004 were caused by those driving under the influence.

Life Lessons - 3

1. If we all threw our problems on a pile and then saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back.
2. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
3. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
4. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
5. The best is yet to come.
6. No matter how you feel. Get up, dress up, and show up.
7. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
8. If you don't ask, you don't get.
9. Yield.
10. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

12 Signs of a Spiritual Awakening

1. An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
2. Frequent attacks of smiling.
3. Feelings of being connected with others and with nature.
4. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
5. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experiences.
6. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
7. A loss of the tendency to worry.
8. A loss in interest in conflict.
9. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
10. A loss of interest in judging others.
11. A loss of interest in shaming one's self.
12. Gaining the ability to love without expecting anything in return.

How Are You Influenced?

Like it or not, we are influenced by people, places, and things. The question is not if we will be influenced, it is who, what, when, and where we will be influenced.

10 Minute Energy Cure

To do every day with a lot more get up and go, make one of your daily tasks a short, brisk, walk. The American Heart Association reports research the women who walked briskly for 70 minutes a week, or 10 minutes a day reported 18% more energy than their sedentary peers after six months. They also reported being more clearheaded and confident, had fewer aches, and were able to lift things and climb stairs more easily. Walking about 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week provides the same boost in energy, according to the study.

"With history piling up so fast, almost every day is the anniversary of something awful."