Just for today, I will forgive myself. I will allow myself to be human and not beat myself up for errors and omissions, and give thanks for the things that I have done.

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Just for today, I will practice self-care. For many years, I was the caretaker, but didn't take care of myself. I took a day off today and just sat back and relaxed. Now I am wondering if I should, I looked at the weather station report and we are to have participation for the next 7 days. Not sure what it will all amount to, but maybe I should have gone while the going was good. :)

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Just for today, I will be grateful. It is always a blessing to go downtown and see someone you know. Just the kind of connection I need for a daily spiritual fix, to know I am not alone and when I see someone who I use to see in the rooms and they are back out there using, I am grateful for my program and the gift of sobriety.

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10 reasons why we need at least 8 hugs a day

by Marcus Julian Felicetti


Hugging therapy is definitely a powerful way of healing. Research shows that hugging (and also laughter) is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.

Research shows a proper deep hug, where the hearts are pressing together, can benefit you in these ways:

1. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication.

2. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger.

3. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one's serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.

4. Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.

5. Hugging boosts self-esteem. From the time we're born our family's touch shows us that we're loved and special. The associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still imbedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our Mom and Dad while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love.

6. Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain; they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.

7. Hugs balance out the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system - parasympathetic.

8. Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways.

9. Hugs are so much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.

10. The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding. And, it's synergistic, which means the whole is more than the sum of its parts: 1 1 = 3 or more! This synergy is more likely to result in win-win outcomes.

Just for today, I will be open to giving and receiving hugs. They not only heal me but help others. I always ask, "Do you do hugs?" I give the person the option, because some people feel it is invading their space, especially if you don't ask permission.

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Just for today, I will be accepting of where I am at in my program. If it needs changing, I acceept that, and take the necessary steps I need to make the changes I need. If I am in a good place, I will accept where I am at and try not to sabatoge myself, like I use to do in the past. I couldn't stand failure and I couldn't stand success.

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Just for today, I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once.

Just for today, I will pick up the tools of recovery to deal with my resentment. Darts cancelled my fare, instead of cancelling my guest. I waited and waited and finally took the bus and was 10 min. late for my group.

I was told the meeting started when you get there and end when you leave. It was a good thing there was a newcomer there for her first meeting and I took her on the bus with me when I went home, because she lived around the corner from me. One of the group members collected pamphlettes and a Living Sober book, with a meeting list, and we both put our phone numbers on the meeting list.

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Just for today, I will call someone when I need help or just need to talk. When life hits you hard, I will reach for a phone instead of reaching for a bottle. There are no good answers in a bottle, just gloom, despair, agony, and excessive misery.

Just for today, I will listen to my body. My medications have been messing up my nervous system and I have to sit down and talk to my pharmacist and my family doctor.

I will reach out and ask for help. I will no longer ignore everything and think it will go away or God will heal it for me. I need His Good Orderly Direction and take it to the people who can help me. He puts the right people in my path.

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Just for today, I am trying to be accepting of what is in the moment, so I can take the steps to make changes which will help me to feel better. I don't like being so crippled up.

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Just for today I will read in the Big Book with an open mind and heart.

Just for today, I will remember that meditation can be any time. Before I came on line, the message I got was "Go with like-minded friends." Sounded like a good plan although tonight's postings are going to be few.

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