Originally Posted by kenton

Totally agree with Willow and Badge about the wonder that is Mother Nature. At the risk of sounding a teeny bit crazy, I'm going to share what I did on Saturday. Warning .... this is a little bit bonkers but it harmed no one and it's far less bonkers than numbing emotions with poison so here goes....
Every Saturday afternoon I take my dog for a walk through these beautiful woods. Last Saturday as me and dog set off, I thought to myself, 'today I'm going to find a beautiful stick and bring it home with me'. As we walked through the woods, I kept my eyes peeled for beautiful sticks on the ground and after 40 minutes or so, I had about 15 sticks in my hands. Then I stopped at this massive tree trunk and laid all the sticks out and looked at them. Then I had to work out which sticks weren't going through to the next round and eventually I had 2 sticks in the grand final. One was green and wonderful and the other was red and white striped. I wanted them both to win but there could only be one winner.... and when dog and I walked out of the woods, I brought the winning stick home with me. The winning stick wasn't important (it was the stripey one)... what was important was the fact I spent an hour immersed in nature and focused on something that has nothing to do with responsibility, grief, worry, fear, anxiety and all the other big stuff us humans have to handle. And it made me think about my kids. They're always collecting stones, shells, leaves, pine cones etc. They notice stuff ... they notice stuff all the time. .. stuff that often passes me by. Maybe it's because kids haven't forgotten yet... they haven't forgotten that this world is wonderful and magical and if you want to have fun you don't need to spend a load of money or get stressed about the details. I loved my hour in the woods collecting sticks.... I'm going to do it again this saturday. Reconnecting with nature has been one of the most joyful and unexpected consequences of sobriety.... and the miracle of nature is right there... outside my door... all the time. Makes me feel so blessed. Congratulations to everyone celebrating a milestone today and 24 more for me please xx

Originally Posted by venuscat

Oh......just an add to Dee's beautiful post.....I put my heart and soul into this thread every day....I create the pics....and sometimes I write big important posts (to me)...stuff that is not easy for me. And hey, sometimes no one thanks my posts for hours and hours and I used to think sheesh, I better be quiet....

Like that's going to happen.

Now I understand how many factors come into play....for D and maybe other people as well, it is not that easy to go through and thank every post, and even if you can thank every post, it takes a while....some of you guys have busy lives....the bottom line is I don't worry about it. Not one bit.

Having said that, if I ever don't thank a post it is an accident. Sometimes the page jumps a bit....Chrome is not working for me anymore.

Anyway.....massive

I am extremely grateful for this thread and every single one of you. ❤️❤️❤️

Originally Posted by venuscat

And yes Sunny darling, I picked Wayne Dyer this week for you.... ♥♥

Originally Posted by Delilah1

8:16 pm in California and checking in for another 24. It has been a difficult few weeks around here. Losing my mom was awful, and yesterday my husband found out a friend of his was killed in a car accident, then last night my BIL ended up in the ICU after a fall, and when got there was diagnosed with pneumonia and is on a ventilator.

I know things will turn around, I actually bought a lottery ticket on the way home, thinking maybe it was time for my luck to change.

In sticking with my word present I was focused at work today. I took a long lunch and went to visit my BIL, and then I went to the HS basketball game and watched my daughter cheer.

Now I'm checking in with some of my favorite people.

❤️Delilah

Originally Posted by 1newcreation

Hi Ms V? You used to think of me but not anymore so feelings are hurt
24

Originally Posted by kenton

Ah 1newcreation, I'm sorry your feelings are hurt. If it's any consolation, my feelings get hurt over and over again on this thread. I will never understand why some people like every post on a page except mine!! And it's always the same people so I know they're using the ignore function specifically for me. Why do that?? Why be so cruel?? I know my posts may be a little irritating at times but why ignore me?? I'm treading the same recovery waters as everyone else.... just trying to navigate my way through. It's unkind and I'm calling it out as unkind. But as far as Suze goes, surely there can't be a kinder, more compassionate soul in the universe? She's incredible but she's human and if she's missed your posts 1new creation I reckon it's because she just missed your posts. Stay strong and seek validation from within yourself 1newcreation. ... that's what I'm trying to learn how to do. 24 more for me please xxxx

Originally Posted by venuscat

Oh......just an add to Dee's beautiful post.....I put my heart and soul into this thread every day....I create the pics....and sometimes I write big important posts (to me)...stuff that is not easy for me. And hey, sometimes no one thanks my posts for hours and hours and I used to think sheesh, I better be quiet....

Like that's going to happen.

Now I understand how many factors come into play....for D and maybe other people as well, it is not that easy to go through and thank every post, and even if you can thank every post, it takes a while....some of you guys have busy lives....the bottom line is I don't worry about it. Not one bit.

Having said that, if I ever don't thank a post it is an accident. Sometimes the page jumps a bit....Chrome is not working for me anymore.

Anyway.....massive

I am extremely grateful for this thread and every single one of you. ❤️❤️❤️

Originally Posted by nmd

Thanks for the welcome Suze. Not really sure what i need to restart for good but I'll keep trying.

In for 24hours sober