Jersey Nonny

Today is a Red Letter Day for me...it marks six months since I was admitted to the nursing home...time flies when you're having fun!?! When I had to get rid of everything before I came here, I managed to hang on to just one of my many inspirational books: Keep It Simple I try to read it every day, and it gives me something good to think about. I'd like to share each day's message with you, and maybe we can "discuss" it.

7/23/07 - Higher Power, help me enjoy the silent moments in my day.

Today, I'll think before I speak. What do I really want to say?

Quote:

Don't talk, unless you can improve the silence.

Jersey Nonny

For myself, I'm afraid I'm often guilty of thinking ahead to what I want to say, instead of giving the person speaking my undivided attention.

gypsytears

That's good advice. I'm going to try to adopt and live this. Thanks Rae.

Aysha

I think you all know I am most definately one who needs to do alot of that.

I never think before I speak...Big mistake...I also react before thinking or speaking also. Even worse.
I need to learn alot of patience and self control.

So I will keep it as simple as I can by only opening my mouth today to lend support.

Almost like a day of silence.

Yes silence sounds good.
Thanks Jrsey...

Jersey Nonny

My favorite Four Seasons song is "Silence Is Golden".

GlassPrisoner

.

Jersey Nonny

7/24/07 - Higher Power, help me to give my all to my recovery program. Then help me be open to the rewards this will bring.

I will list the hard parts of my program. Then, I'll talk about them with my sponsor, friends, family and Higher Power.

Quote:

The work of adult life is not easy.

Jersey Nonny

I had been married and divorced twice, had three grown children, and held a responsible job for 10 years when I quit drinking at the age of 38. I thought, since I had reached maturity, I was an adult. How wrong I was, and what a lot of growing up I needed to do.

And, it wasn't easy...but AA showed me the way...the truly easier, softer way.

msh58

hope you ignore the silence and keep talking.

sorry, i just like your thread here.

Jersey Nonny

7/25/07 - I give myself to life. Higher Power, work with me as I rebuild my world.

Today, I'll talk with a friend about hope. I'll see my hope as a sign of how close I am to my program.

Quote:

If the spirit within us withers (dies), so too will all the world we build around us.

FindingClarity

Wow, Jersey. Thinking before I speak--something I really really need to work on.

I've been married and divorced 3 times. I'm 38 now and trying to quit drugging (today is 21 days for me).
One thing I have learned while in Outpatient is that we stop maturing emotionally when we become substance abusers.

All of us in this boat are more similar than we realize.

Jersey Nonny

I think the message of hope that AA gives us is our salvation! How often have we thought, "Where is it all going to end? What's going to become of me?" I know I did! I used to stop at a local bar on my way home from work, and there was an elderly woman sitting on a stool drinking away her social security check...and, I thought, "That's going to be me!"

That was many years ago, and I would be very much surprised if that woman ever got sober before she died; but, I'm also fairly certain (if I keep doing what I'm doing), I will die sober! Where there's life and AA, there's hope.

Jersey Nonny

7/26/07 - I pray to remember that I need other people.

Today, I'll help out. I'll make coffee at the meeting or offer to do the Step next week. I will let a fellow addict/alcoholic know that I am glad he or she is sober.

Quote:

I was never less alone than when by myself.

Jersey Nonny

When I was drinking, I could be in the middle of a crowded room (OK...usually a bar), and feel so alone. After quitting, and attending many AA meetings, I learned how to be alone and not feel lonely. I remember telling the first gal I sponsored, "You don't ever have to feel alone again."

amanda30

I can totally relate to the feeling alone, even when you're not. Just being on this board the last couple of days has made me feel less lonely than I have in months. I'm really glad I found it.

sherbear5104

There are too many great people here to ever feel lonely, as long as we reach out.

parentrecovers

keeping it simple today, k

Jersey Nonny

7/27/07 - Higher Power, when I was drinking and drugging, I couldn't enjoy my freedom. I had no control over the little things in my life. Help me stay sober and free today.

Today, I'll be grateful for having some control. I will list five ways I am more free because I can control my actions.

Quote:

To enjoy freedom, we have to control ourselves.

SLF35

You're only a prisoner if you put yourself there. Thank God for our minds...now we can go anywhere.

Jersey Nonny

Quote:

I will list five ways I am more free because I can control my actions.

That took a little thought:

1. I am free to make choices (hopefully the right ones).

2. Even if I don't always make the right choices, I am free to accept the consequences of my actions.

3. As long as I try to do the right thing, I am free from guilt and shame.

4. I am free to speak my mind, even though everyone may not agree with me.

5. I am free to own my disease and know that, although I seemed to have no control over the active alcoholism, AA has given me the means to "live happy, joyous, and free" (Chapter 9 of The Big Book).