ABCs of Thanksgiving

[MajestyJo]

A is for Appreciation. Appreciate what you have rather than looking at what you don't have. Remember this is a one day at time program.

Ask and then give thinks, it is already on it's way!

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/halloween-animals/0051.gif

[MajestyJo]

B is for Bounty. We reap a bountiful harvest as a result of being in recovery. We start to get back, in some cases what we lost; but most of all, we get back ourselves. We have money for food, rent, and self-care.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/holidays-thanksgiving/0024.gif

[MajestyJo]

C is for Choice. I am granted freedom of Choice. I can choose recovery or I can choose to go back to my old way of living. The nice thing about choice is that once I make a choice, I can always choose again.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/birds-owls/0039.gif

[MajestyJo]

D is for Day. Just for this 24 hours, I choose not to use. I only have to deal with this day's emotions, feelings, thoughts, experiences, situations, awakenings, awareness, choices, what ever comes my way, just for today. When I remember, this too shall pass, then I can get through this day, clean and sober with the help of my Higher Power.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-bears/0008.gif

[ifnotforgrace]

E is For Enjoy..When I learned to employ the slogan LIVE (& let live) I place the emphasis on the first part and the second part seems to pretty much just take care of itself. When I am busy living (opposed to just existing) I begin to truly enjoy my Life. When I am enjoying my life I become hopeful full of another E (Energy) and I am grateful for ALL that I enjoy..from nature, to fellowship to service.

[dwmoeller]

F is for Free...thankful that I am free from the death grip of alcohol. Each day I am thankful to be alive and sober!

[MajestyJo]

G is for Glory. Give the God of your understanding the Glory. Good Orderly Direction comes from within and yet it isn't of our making, it comes from a much Higher Source. We are but a channel that hopefully glorifies the goodness of God each day in our daily lives so that others may see.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-dogs/0040.gif

[dwmoeller]

H is for Humor....I am thankful that on my road of recovery, I found my sense of humor that I had lost in my depression and alcoholic fog. Just a few steps further down the road I found laughter. Hey, I could even laugh at myself instead of tearing myself down for doing something stupid. I had a smile on my face instead of a frown.

[MajestyJo]

I is for Inch. If you give your 'disease' and inch, it will take a mile. It will inch back into your life and before you know it, you will find yourself back acting out in your old behaviours, habits, and actions that were a part of your past that don't reflect your recovery; and can lead you back to picking up and using again. We have daily reprieve, we need to live this program one day at a time.

http://angelwinks.ca/iq/qclittleangelwbaby1.jpg

[dwmoeller]

J is for Just for today.... Just for today, I will choose life by choosing recovery. I will take care of myself. I am thankful that I am alive and sober today.

[MajestyJo]

K is for Key. The key to recovery is willingness. It unlocks the door. If you can't find it, pray for the willingness to be willing to find it.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/phone-240x320-bears/0159.gif

[MajestyJo]

L is for Limit. There is no limit as to what your God can do unless you limit Him by your narrow outlook and your closed mind. Trying to limit things on our own is control, which is an illusion. If you have to control it, it is already out of control, so leave if up to God.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animated/animated72.gif

[dwmoeller]

M is for Music.

I am thankful for the gift of music. Music can soothe the soul.

[MajestyJo]

N is for Nobody. Nobody can work the program for you. We can suggest and share, you need to want to do it for yourself. Just because you are an alcoholic and/or an addict doesn't mean you are a nobody, you are a somebody, you are deserving of recovery. You have a disease. You are a child of God, worthy of recovery. We do this one day at a time.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/phone-240x320-cats/0478.gif

[MajestyJo]

O is for Opposite. I was told to do the opposite of what I did when I was using and I would stay sober. Do a 180 deg. change in my thinking, and it would be a good start to opposing the thinking of my old tapes and old behaviours and habits.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-dogs/0049.gif

[MajestyJo]

P is Pay. We paid the price to get here. The 12 Steps offer us the freedom of recovery. Free from the bondage of addiction. We don't have to continue to pay the price. God is loving and forgiving. The price has been paid. We don't have to continue to pay penance. The gift of recovery is priceless and free for the asking.

http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/m/mice/graphics-mice-229722.gif

[dwmoeller]

Q is for Quiet time. I am thankful that I can take a little bit of time in my day for "Quiet Time". I use this time to pray, meditate, and read.

[MajestyJo]

R is for Resentment. Pray for the person you are resenting. Today I had to pray for myself.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-pigs/0284.gif

[dwmoeller]

S is for Stay Sober...I am thankful that I am staying sober for me...not someone else - otherwise it won't work.

[MajestyJo]

T is for Thanksgiving. It is an action word. Give thanks every day.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0085.gif

[MajestyJo]

U is for United. United we stand. We can do what I can no do alone. No matter what religion we believe in, no matter what colour, race, or creed, we can all get clean and sober through the program of recovery. The common denominator of all fellowships are the 12 Steps which originated with Alcoholics Anonymous.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0026.gifhttp://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0026.gifhttp://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0026.gifhttp://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0026.gifhttp://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0026.gifhttp://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0026.gif

[MajestyJo]

V is for Verify. Verify your source. Take it to your Source, your Higher Power. Don't pass on gossip. Gossip almost drove me out of the fellowship. Validate yourself.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l613/green4ever31/apreciationakjldjkajdjklj.gif

[MajestyJo]

W is for Walk. Walk your talk. When people see you, do they see your words reflected from within you. Do they see the patience, tolerance, forgiveness, courage, strength, and all those other spiritual principles of the program? I found myself in the rooms of recovery by following the people who walked before me.

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.607999706852885041&pid=15.1&P=0

[MajestyJo]

X is for 'Xtra. When life gets chaotic and my head gets busy, I know it is a good time to do 'xtra meetings. When I am coming up to an anniversary, I do 'xtra meetings to remind myself that I didn't get there alone and try to touch base with the people helped me get to where I am in today. I like to give 'xtra strokes for very special folks.

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608018106498418795&pid=15.1&P=0

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yet. If you haven't done it yet, you probably will if you make the decision to pick up a drink and go back out. Identify, don't compare.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/christmas-angels-2/0010.gif

[dwmoeller]

Z is for ZZZ's Don't fall asleep spiritually -- "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (my emphasis) - Colossians 6:2

[MajestyJo]

A is for Action. They speak louder than words. They are sometimes best followed by a thought but not always.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/insects-butterflies/0169.gif

[MajestyJo]

B is for Believe. If you believe it....You can achieve it!

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/insects-butterflies/0288.gif

[MajestyJo]

C is for Come. Come to believe. Come to believe in the God of your own understanding. Come to believe in a 12 Step Program that worked for me and will work for you if you are willing to work it for you. Can't work, if you don't use all the parts. I was given suggestions, some didn't work for me, but I found I could adjust them to what was good for me. I found that contempt prior to investigation left me still coming back.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice-11/0004.gif

[MajestyJo]

D is for Determined. I am determined to be the best me I can be in today.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh247/kyriefluffins/Animal%20Crossing/animated_gifs/christmas.gif

[dwmoeller]

E is for Expectations. We can expect great things to happen to us in recovery and be thankful for them.

[MajestyJo]

F is for Forgiveness. Forgive not only others but ourselves too!

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/christmas-animals-3/0004.gif

[MajestyJo]

G is for Grace. But for the Grace of God, I would not be here today or any day for the past 23 years.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0077.gif

[MajestyJo]

H is for Hesitate and Meditate. Stop and think before you act. Allow that moment of Grace to give you time to make a healthy decision to not pick up. Call on your Higher Power. Call your sponsor before you pick up, not after.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/christmas-animals/0035.gif

[MajestyJo]

I is for Interest. Unless you take and interest in the program and the suggestions offered to you, you will not recover. There is more to recovery than putting a plug in the jug. It is investing yourself in a new way of life.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/christmas-balls-3/0005.gif

[MajestyJo]

J is for Just for Today. Just for today, I choose not to use. Just for today, I will have a program. Just for today, I will choose to work and apply that program to my life.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/christmas-santa-love/0001.gif

[MajestyJo]

K is for KISS. Keep It Simple Sweetheart. I took offence at Keep It Simple Stupid. I did some stupid things, and made some stupid decisions, but that didn't mean I was stupid. You can't know what you have never been taught.

I beat myself up enough on my road to the doors of recovery. No need to continue doing so in recovery. Be kind to yourself.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-angels/0077.gif

[MajestyJo]

L is Live For Today. Let go of the past, embrace the future, but don't forget to take the God of your understanding with you. Live and let live, means live your life and allow others to live theirs, lovingly detach.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-bears-love/0087.gif

[MajestyJo]

M is for Moxy! Finding the confidence within yourself to do what you need to do to stay clean and sober in today, through our Higher Power, not through our own will by hanging on by the skin of our teeth. (a mother phrase)


Quote:
n. When someone has guts or balls, they have moxy.


Self possessed confidence. An attitude of fearlessness in everyday circumstances. The capacity to stand alone in favor of an unpopular opinion or course of action with a casual demeanor. The word fell out of usage as the character traits it represented both became less common and came to be viewed as unfavorable in others.

- Urban Dictionary

Most people feel threatened when they see someone with confidence and will often sabotage them. I had this happen to me in recovery my people in the rooms.

My sponsor says don't look at the people, look at yourself and work the program. Make it what is good for you, not what is good for someone else, stick to the basics.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/christmas-cartoons/0026.gif

[MajestyJo]

N is for New. Each day is a new beginning. If I look at each day, and look at that day, through the eyes of a newcomer, I will stay grounded in today, and know that I don't have to use, just for today. Each day brings new experiences, new thoughts, and a new awareness of my God and myself.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNwH2AuZLTmaii_J6MxQxMYFAsWl2vu Y-Tnoh95fMKpThPFNwUWg

[MajestyJo]

O is for Over. My life is not over when I quit drinking and drugging. It just began. They say life begins at 40. I didn't get sober until I was 49. I thought life had passed me by. The best year of my life was when I was 57.

People say "Get over it!" We have a disease. There is no getting over diabetes, and other diseases. My daily medication has always been a dose of AA teachings from the Big Book and the literature of other fellowships as they apply to my addictions, like Overeaters Anonymous.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/christmas-animals/0029.gif

[MajestyJo]

P is for Perspective. Can I look at things from a new perspective? Do I look at things from my old way of thinking or am I willing to try something new and take a risk.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-elephants-texts/0011.gif

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quit. Am I willing to quit old behaviors, patterns, and habits that are a part of my old life. Am I willing to find alternative ways of living that is conducive to peace and serenity and a better way of living, clean and sober?

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/insects-bees-series/0034.gif

[dwmoeller]

R is for Rest....I am thankful for getting a good night of rest. A part of taking care of yourself is getting enough sleep and time to rest and relax.

[MajestyJo]

S is for Sobriety. Soundness of mind. I have to work on my emotional sobriety daily in order to stay clean and sober.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2oElq9EbuXV-lM6oLCR-I0gSa9QCZEQy4iwK2OLSkDJr9gweU

[MajestyJo]

T is for Trust. I had to learn to trust my Higher Power. Through that trust I learned to trust myself and you.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzJwpIE4piyKWZo_XBrqg_OYV7C9flA PKxgXN29GtrZlCYxRPv7w

[ifnotforgrace]

U = Unity

[MajestyJo]

V is for Volume. Actions speak volumes. They speak louder than words. Turn up the volume and get active in service.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxkhhVor4WMJOpn6lteLXElqNVqrPKQ REwQ2XGc5eBVu6_3_Gv

[MajestyJo]

W is for Worthy. I am worthy of recovery. I am a Child of God. God doesn't make no junk. I was told this and was told to forgive myself.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-bears/0181.gif

[MajestyJo]

X is for X-Ray. Take a look inside. Does the inside match what is showing on the outside. What is being reflected from within. Is your beauty skin deep or does it radiate from within and allow others so catch a glimpse of your connection to your Higher Power.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/valentine-uk/40.gif

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yet. If you haven't gotten that low yet, keep on using and you just find yourself there. Some people don't make it that low, they don't make it there; while others make the decision to get off before they make it all the way to the dump.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6IZmG3h01y_WtC8RUXNkHVr54npNcW 5Y2WzQJiI91mhNkkWYc

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zero. When my score card read Zero, I was willing to enter the doors of recovery. Relapse was no longer an option, it was do you want to live or die. I chose life, through the 12 Steps of Recovery, to fill my score card up.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-pigs/0154.gif

[MajestyJo]

A is for Adapt. Adapt to a life of sobriety by not hanging around friends and places where you used. Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful and tells you that you don't have a problem and this time it will be different. Don't let it answer for you.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-cats/0013.gif

[MajestyJo]

B is for Big Book. Do you you have an AA Big Book? Have you ever read it? It is available on line. Do you have it propping up a window or sitting on a shelf, when was the last time you picked it up and read it? When was the last time you shared it with others. The same goes for the NA Basic Text. The AA Big Book is used by other Fellowships, like CA (Cocaine Anonymous) and DRA (Dual Recovery Anonymous). It is important for those who want to recover. It is the basis on which the 12 Steps were built, you just might find yourself on the pages within. I know I did and I didn't think I was a alcoholic when I first opened it up.

http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous

http://www.aa.org/images/items/b-1_bigbook.jpg

[MajestyJo]

C is for Comfort. Remember that what may feel good, may not be a good place to be in. Maybe it is time to move on, stretch your boundaries and change and grow, to a new level of comfort. We can become complacent and it can be a dangerous place to our sobriety (soundness of mind).

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice/0177.gif

[MajestyJo]

D is for Denial. Our denial is often a result of comparing ourselves with others. We don't think we are that bad. Certainly not as bad as they are, we don't act or do or look like they do. We forget that this disease is mental, emotional, spiritual and physical.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-cats/0281.gif

[MajestyJo]

E is for Eligible. You are eligible when you say you are. No one can make up your mind for you. Remember, if you have to control it, it is already out of control. If you want to stop, and you can't, it is a good indicator that you just may have a problem with substance abuse, whatever that substance is, it doesn't just have to be alcohol or a street drug. Other substances are eligible for 12 Step Programs too, like food, gambling, work/busy, computers, etc. anything that takes you out of yourself and takes you away from where you need to be and stands between you and your God. It takes over your thinking and becomes the 'god' of your life.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/insects/0145.gif

[MajestyJo]

F is for First. "First Things First" is my sobriety, without that I have nothing. If I am not sober, my family, my friends, and co-workers do no have a me and I lose myself. Every time I picked up I lost a piece of myself. It is that first drink that starts me back on the road to relapse. It is that first thought that can lead me to the drink if I don't check it before I let it run away. Did it come from my God or from my disease?

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/phone-240x320-animals/0041.gif

[MajestyJo]

G is for GOD. God means many things to many people. Good orderly direction from a group of drunk and drug addicts. God a spiritual being called by many names, Jesus, Saviour, Buddha, Lord, Creator, Christ, Confucius, Higher Power, and many more. For me, a Spiritual Being, no matter what you call Him, who is there when I need Him.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/phone-240x320-animals/0079.gif

[MajestyJo]

H is for Honest. We need to get honest with ourselves. We often hit out at others when in fact it is our own issues that we need to look at. When we blame others, it is our own stuff that is being reflected.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSB2gDHGOdrUIOtQIk8hL7AZ12Y-0-WNIkdB0aAUjQW1YVgx4Vs

[MajestyJo]

H is for Honest. We need to get honest with ourselves. We often hit out at others when in fact it is our own issues that we need to look at. When we blame others, it is our own stuff that is being reflected.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSB2gDHGOdrUIOtQIk8hL7AZ12Y-0-WNIkdB0aAUjQW1YVgx4Vs

[MajestyJo]

I is for Innocence. We are starting a new life and a new beginning. The slate has been rubbed cleaned and we have been cleansed and made whole. We are in the age of innocence. I had to learn to crawl before I could walk and I had to learn to talk a new language.

http://us.cdn2.123rf.com/168nwm/abrakadabra/abrakadabra0906/abrakadabra090600001/4951216-cat.jpg

[MajestyJo]

J is for Justification. It is part of my disease, not a tool to be applied to my recovery. It is an amend I had to make to others and to myself.

Don`t question it, just do it! Don`t justify your actions, as soon as you do that you are being judgmental and you are self-centered and not God-centered.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/birds-parrots/0110.gif

[MajestyJo]

K is for K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Sweetheart. They use to say Stupid. I had enough name calling prior to recovery, don't need to put myself down in today. What is simple. Don't use, no matter what. Just for today, I choose not to use. I can't, my God can, just for today, I choose to ask for His Help, Care, and Guidance and allow Him to put people, places and things in my life to show me a better way of living.

http://angelwinks.ca/iq/qcprayforpeace2.jpg

[MajestyJo]

L is for Laugh. Learn to laugh at yourself. Don't take yourself so seriously. Laugh at life, even if you feel like crying. Laughter is healing. Laughter is the best medicine.

How I envisioned my fragmented self when I came into recoveery.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-elephants/0123.gif

[MajestyJo]

M is for Mind. Mind my own business. How other people work their program is not up to me to judge. What works for me, might not work for others, but it has stood be in good stead over a few 24 hours, and it changes and grows as I change and grow and become aware. What works for others, just might not work for me. We each need to find our own path and be mindful of the pitfalls, curves, hills and valleys along the way.

I need to keep my magic magnifying mind off my expectations and focus on my acceptance.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice-7/0099.gif

[MajestyJo]

N is for Nurture. We need to learn to nurture and take care of ourselves. All those thoughts and deeds we gave to others, we need to do for ourselves. We need to say "No" to others and say "Yes" to ourselves, take time to refuel, so we can top ourselves up so we don't burn out.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice-7/0106.gif

[MajestyJo]

O is for Opportunity. When it knocks, take it. Make sure it leads in the right direction and doesn't lead it back to where you came from, but leads you forward in your recovery.

Opportunities come once in our lifetime, and yet, if they are detrimental to our sobriety, what good are they. Without my sobriety, I have nothing.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/kayomi/kayomi28.jpg

[MajestyJo]

P is for Personal. I had to make my relationship with my Higher Power personal. It was my understanding of God. How I perceived my God and how God was revealed in my life not how others perceived God to be.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice-7/0089.gif

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quit. Quit limiting yourself. Remember that through your God, all things are possible. Don't quit. Pick yourself up and try again.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-monkeys/0111.gif

[MajestyJo]

R is for Run. Run, don't walk to the nearest meeting if you feel like drinking or picking up a drug. A drug takes many forms, it is the thinking behind the drug that causes the problem, pick up the phone before you pick up that drug. Remember when. One is too many, a thousand isn't enough.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-pigs-18/0059.gif

[MajestyJo]

S is for Sensitive. Be sensitive to other peoples feelings. Don't take everything personal. We tend to be over sensitive and think everyone is talking about us and think it is all about us. Sometimes medications can make us sensitive to noise, it is a symptom of some forms of arthritis.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/mammals-mice-2/0007.gif

[MajestyJo]

T is for Trust. Trust in the Power of Your God. Trust that He will see you through each day. Trust your instincts, if you are walking in today with your Higher Power, trust the Good Orderly Direction that comes your way. Believe in yourself, you are in His/Her care when you turn your day over to your Higher Power.

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/avatars-100x100-animals/0046.gif

[MajestyJo]

U is for Up. A poem by Margaret Atwood. Look up, not down. Don't expect the worst, you attract it to you.

https://readalittlepoetry.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/up-by-margaret-atwood/

http://www.animated-gifs.eu/easter-poultry/0065.gif

[MajestyJo]

V is for Void. When we have a feeling of being empty and a void in our lives after we give up our drug(s) of choice, we need to look for spiritual things to fill up that space. When we fill the void with other things outside of ourself and substitute one drug for another, we continue in our addiction and it all leads to the same soul sickness. Drugs come in many forms: liquid, solid, powdered, even the flesh and blood variety.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScSiJW0GgyimAxNmymXymfA3pS0Cy-_Pb4kC1olUvdFWap8VOhwg

[MajestyJo]

W is for Wisdom. The wisdom to know the difference. God's Will or my will. Today's reading says that compulsion is my will. I was told that if I didn't know, then I needed to wait on God's Wisdom. Not to try to make things happen, to wait on Him, when the time was right, I would know.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/lovepod/lovepod33.gif

[MajestyJo]

X is for Xenophobia. A fear, hatred, dislike of aliens and strangers. Perhaps that is why I didn't like myself, because I always felt like I didn't fit in. When I got to AA, felt like I had come home.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod65.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yell. Yell, holler, scream and get those emotions out. Not necessarily at someone but send them out to the Universe, but get them outside of yourself, don't leave them inside to ferment and brew and bubble over at inappropriate moments. Deal with them in a healthy manner. Stamp your feet, hit things with a plastic bat, but do it in a safe place where it can't hurt you or others.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animated/animated212.gif

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zip. When you got zip, nada, it is time to look at why. Just maybe you have a drug and alcohol problem. We are where we are at in today as a result of choices made. Often those choice made are a result of whether to use people, places, and things and not wanting to be where we were at and wanting to escape reality or how we perceived our reality to be.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animated/animated256.gif

[dwmoeller]

A is for Acceptance

I am thankful that I accepted my alcoholism and got the help I needed.

[MajestyJo]

B is for Boundaries.

So glad that I learned that I can reset them and adjust them to my daily needs.

[dwmoeller]

C is for Count your blessings

With an attitude of gratitude, you count your blessings every day!

[MajestyJo]

D is for Denial.

Don't direct your focus on the people around you, take your own inventory and learn to identify not compare.

[MajestyJo]

E is for Easy Does It...but do it!

We didn't get this way overnight, so give yourself time to heal. Easy does it, Rome wasn't built in a day. But do it, each day is a new beginning to try to do a little bit better in today.

[MajestyJo]

F is Forgiveness. We need to forgive the person, even if the act is unforgiveable.

This applied to me as much to other people in my life. I was asked, "Why haven't you forgiven yourself." I was six year sober. I replied, "I never thought to ask."

http://www.graphicsfactory.com/clip-art/image_files/tn_image/9/744619-tn_babyjesus002PR_bw.jpg

[dwmoeller]

G is for Gratitude

I am grateful to be alive and sober today!

[MajestyJo]

H is for Honesty.

When I get honest with me, I can be honest with you.

[MajestyJo]

I is for Ideas. Just because I have a thought, doesn't mean I have to act on it.

When I get an idea, I learned early in recovery to run it by my sponsor. I was told to do the complete opposite of what I use to do, because the old way of thinking was part of my dis-ease and brought me to the doors of recovery.

[dwmoeller]

J is for Just for Today

Just for today, I will choose life by choosing recovery. I will take care of myself. Just for today!

[MajestyJo]

K is for Kindness.

Be kind to yourself as well as to others.

[dwmoeller]

L is for Lonely

I'm thankful that I am not alone in my sobriety journey.

[MajestyJo]

M is for Moment.

Enjoy each moment of every day. We live one day at a time, but when you take time to feel and share the moments, life can be a beautiful thing.

[MajestyJo]

N is for NOT! You are not alone.

Did you know that you have guardian angels watching over you. Call on them for help and they will lead and guide you through your day.

http://www.angelwinks.net/images/angel9.gif

[MajestyJo]

O is for Options. Relapse was not an option for me. For me to use is to die. I choose life. I have a daily option, to work my program or not to work my program. I had an option when I came into the program, to find a program that worked for me or work every body else's program and not my own!

I have an option to make the rules fit me or make my own rules made up of self-justification and denial. No matter what way I look at this, it is not good for a diabetic, let alone a healthy choice for a recovering alcoholic/addict. Some is good, more is better isn't a recovery slogan, unless it comes to meetings.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcancake424.gif

[MajestyJo]

P is for Prayer. Start your day with it and end with it too.

http://angelwinks.ca/iq/qcprayforpeace2.jpg

[dwmoeller]

Q is for Quit. I am thankful that I quit drinking almost 5 1/2 years ago. On November 1, 2010 my new life began!

[MajestyJo]

R is for Reason. They say we should reason things, I found that I have to do it with my sponsor. Me alone with me isn't always good. I have no one to point out the reasons not to do!

As my son told me many years ago. "Mother, why don't you go to your meeting. It doesn't make sense. Don't you always say you feel better if you go to a meeting. What reason do you have to stay home when you know you can go to a meeting and feel better.

http://www.lespetitsfripons.sitew.com/fs/Nouveau_dossier/cwywo-0c8018ae.gif

[MajestyJo]

S is for Sunshine. As I read today, "Get out into the sunshine and let it do it's job." It can be very healing. I know I find it very uplifting. When there is no sun, I put on all the lights in my apartment.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/greetingspod/greetingspod26.jpg

[dwmoeller]

T is for Thankful.

I am thankful for this website where I can share my sobriety journey and along the way, hopefully help others on their journey.

[MajestyJo]

U is for United. United we stand, against this disease of addiction. I am no longer alone. We can do what I could never do for myself.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/angel26.jpg

[dwmoeller]

V is for Values

I am thankful that the values in my life has changed since I got sober. So many things that I took for granted in my drinking days are important to me now.

[MajestyJo]

W is for Welcome. Welcome to the site. Welcome to recovery. We have freedom of choice. We can choose to live or die. The 12 Steps put me on the road to recovery and along the way, I was welcomed by a lot of new friends. They told me to keep coming back. I learned that I had to keep coming to the meetings, keep working the steps and applying them to my life, keep practicing the principles in all my affairs, or will end up going back out and if I am lucky enough, I can come back and will be welcomed again. I didn't want to play Russian Roulette with my life. If I wanted to live, I had to keep coming. Using was not an option. For me to use is to die. I am very grateful for the people who welcomed me back into the rooms and gave me a hug. I generally ask, "Do you do hugs?" I was told that I was only half a handshake.

https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.Mfed4fb3b9d5dd67046e487ded3c6fe45H0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

X is for X-Ray. I have to go for one in 10 days. I try to visualize what is going on inside and take eXtra care of my body. I used and abused pills, food, alcohol, etc. for years, but most of all, I abused myself.

https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M6430c2a7e92e60d02b362f7204e059cdH0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

Y is for You. I always have to remember that it has to begin with me. It doesn't matter what you say or someone else says, it is between me and my God as to how I achieve my sobriety. If it works for you, I will take it under consideration and peruse it and see how it applies to my own life. If I reject it, it doesn't make you wrong and me right. It means it is not good for me in the moment, and yet I may need it at a later date, so thanks for passing it on. If I find someone else who needs it, I will pass it on to them and give thanks for you being in my path and passing the message on.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qc437.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zest. Put some zest in your step. Be grateful that you are alive and have a second chance at life. Don't let all go for nothing, zip, zero, if you aren't enjoying recovery, what are you doing wrong. When you isolate the spirit, the light goes out.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1290.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zest. Put some zest in your step. Be grateful that you are alive and have a second chance at life. Don't let all go for nothing, zip, zero, if you aren't enjoying recovery, what are you doing wrong. When you isolate the spirit, the light goes out.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1290.jpg

[dwmoeller]

A is for AA

I'm thankful for AA and the 12 steps of recovery. It teaches me the tools of recovery that I need to stay sober.

[MajestyJo]

B is for Bountiful. The Blessings are bountiful if we but look for them. It is surprising as to where they turn up. Don't turn a blind eye. Remember, that is not odd, that is God!

Remember, it is my morning. It is always morning some where. We can start our day any time. Think of all that we miss if we are not present in the moment, no matter what time of day it is.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Mf10d197399394112c313f6470c3ccc26o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

C is for Care. Care for others but don't take on their 'stuff' - we can listen, but it isn't our job to fix. We need to care for ourselves, top ourselves up, and only give away the overflow. It is okay to be a caretaker as long as you take care of yourself first.

http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/162884-Have-A-Great-Tuesday-Friend.jpg

[dwmoeller]

D is for Daily Meditation that keeps me sober

Thankful for books like Daily Reflections, Just for Today, 24 hours a day, Day by Day. They keep me focused on my recovery and helps me to live one day at a time.

[dwmoeller]

E is for Exercise

I'm thankful that I can exercise my soul in 3 ways:

1. I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out. If anybody knows of it, it doesn't count.

2. I will do at least 2 things I don't want to do-- just for exercise.

3. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt. They may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

[MajestyJo]

F is for First Things First. First comes my sobriety. It is first before family and friends, because without my program, I have no sobriety and no family and friend in my life.

One Step at a time.

http://www.animationplayhouse.com/footprints.gif

[MajestyJo]

G is for Grace. But for the Grace of God, I don't think I would be living today. Ironically, my name JoAnne, means God's gracious gift. That use to be a big ego trip when I was younger. In today, I try not to play God with my life or that of others. I try to let Him do His job.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/angel23.jpg

[MajestyJo]

H is for Honest. I can honestly say, "I had a great day." I had pain, but not enough to stop me from doing what I needed to do. I know I need to practice self-honesty, because I can't be honest with others, if I can't be honest with myself.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animatedpod/animatedpod1193.gif

[MajestyJo]

I is for Inner Self. Get in touch with your Inner Self. Give the Inner Child the healing, the love, and the attention that she/he felt that was missing from your life. We have so many hurts that we buried and didn't let out. Let go and let God and live in today.

Get a puppy or a pet of some kind. Go to the playground and have a swing. Go for a walk and just enjoy your day, and if you feel like taking a skip or two, go for it.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1223.jpg

[MajestyJo]

J is Joy. If you aren't enjoying recovery, what are you doing wrong? You have freedom of choice. Choose joy, not sadness. Choose living, not hell!

http://greeting-cards-4u.com/platinum6/pictures/images/GraphicsPlus/Animated/BirdFlowers.gif

[MajestyJo]

K is for Keep coming back. Not just coming back to AA or the Fellowship of your choice, but keep coming to meetings. Keep calling your sponsor. Keep working the program, It works when you work for it. Keep coming, so you don't have to come back

They say if you haven't done a Step Four and Five, you are setting yourself up for relapse.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/peanuts/peanuts4.jpg

[MajestyJo]

L is for Limits. Don't limit yourself. You limit your God by how much you turn over to Him. When we put barriers and blocks up and in active addiction, we block our God from reaching us.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qchumbird492.jpg

[MajestyJo]

M is for Memories. Thanks for the memories, good and not so good. I need to remember when, but life wasn't always about good or bad, life was generally made up of a multitude of experiences. All things we can learn from and not make the same mistake again.

They say the elephant never forgets. I should be so lucky. As the butterfly says, "I need to transform the negative into a positive.

http://rs300.pbsrc.com/albums/nn19/truedru/Animals/Elephant/Elephant_butterfly2/A1.gif~c200

[MajestyJo]

N is for Notions. We do get notions and ideas in our head. I found it best to run them by my Higher Power to see if they are valid. Is it my God talking to me or me having a one way conversation, talking to myself and telling myself what I want to hear. Me alone with me can be bad company, when I have NO one to agree or disagree with me.

http://rs212.pbsrc.com/albums/cc190/Diamondust25/DancingChicken.gif~c200

[MajestyJo]

O is for Opinion. As they say, "Every one has one." It is alright to express your opinion. Was is important is expressing it in an appropriate way. You don't have to agree. you can agree to disagree. I was told in recovery, there wasn't a right way or a wrong way, as long as you stayed sober. If I relapse, then I would have to open my mind a little bit more as to what I need in order to recover from that hopeless state of mind and body. I can't be someone else's Higher Power. My service sponsor said many years ago, "I don't care who or what your Higher Power is as long as it is NOT you. That was just her opinion, but in fact, it was true.

http://s2.favim.com/orig/28/animals-cartoon-cartoons-cosmo-cute-Favim.com-234848.gif

[dwmoeller]

P is for People

I am thankful for all of the people in my life. My family, friends, co-workers, AA friends, church friends all play a part in my journey of sobriety. Without the love and support I get from them, I may not have stayed sober for almost 6 years.

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quiet. Quiet your mind. As it says in Step Three, "Listen for the quiet and in the stillness, say the Serenity Prayer." For me this means, quiet your mind so you can hear God's reply. You can't hear if you don't quiet the chaos going on in your head, whether it is the debating society or the fears and bug-a-boos that often paralyzes us from moving forward and/or be open to change, we need to let go and have faith, that your God is there for you.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXYDFltYixSQrgZsmnkZ816EnLt7AoS OEdo3tg2L2RuUV7X4et

[MajestyJo]

R is for Resist. Resist temptation. Ask for help, we don't have to walk this journey alone. When a thought comes to mind and we have trouble dealing with it, pick up the phone and call someone or go to the nearest meeting. For me, it didn't matter what fellowship, a drug is a drug, and alcohol is a drug. Our disease is just waiting there, waiting for you to take the road least resistant and lead you back to active addiction. It doesn't give up, so please don't you give up on yourself or others.

http://www.funnfun.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/animated-dog-funny-animation.gif

[MajestyJo]

S is for Should. Quit second guessing your God. Quit shoulding all over the place.

Quit the debating society and saying, "Should have, could have, etc." just accept what was or is, what's done is done and can't be undone. Make things right if you can, and know the wisdom to know the difference. Leave it in your God's Hands. You will have much more sobriety (soundness of mind) that way.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod110.jpg

[MajestyJo]

T is for Thanks. It brought to mind, "Thanks for the memories." They were not all bad. A grateful alcoholic/addict will never have a reason to pick up. That is why I thank my God for another day, each day is a miracle.

[MajestyJo]

U is for Understand. Thanks to the program, I had a new spiritual experience and had a new understanding of my God. Through that understanding, I got to understand and renew myself.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/versepod/versepod726.jpg

[dwmoeller]

V is for Very

I am very grateful that I am alive and sober today!

[MajestyJo]

W is for Work. Work the Steps. Take the words off the pages of the recovery literature and apply them to your life.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/humorpod/humorpod27.gif

[MajestyJo]

X is for eXample. Lead by eXample. As the Big Book says, "Attraction rather than promotion." Don't tell me, show me. I think it is called walking your talk along with some integrity, along with some eXtra love and hugs.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXYDFltYixSQrgZsmnkZ816EnLt7AoS OEdo3tg2L2RuUV7X4et

[dwmoeller]

Y is for You

I am thankful for You! Yes, You! You help me stay sober. You support me in my recovery. You loved me even when I felt unlovable. You found it in your heart to forgive and gave me the ability to forgive myself. You light up my life!

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zip. Zip your lip. Sometimes it is best to leave words unsaid. Listen to learn and learn to listen.

http://angelwinks.net/images/kidpod/kidpod1051.jpg