:ghug Thank you...I just found it so helpful, I've been trying to share it although not everyone understands.

Something else I found interesting (that tapped right into my codependant habits) is that EVERYONE has the right to their own path, even if they are wreaking havoc...sort of like 'who do I think I am?' trying to give everyone the right answer all the time...esp my exabf aka love of my life. I had to let him go..last thurs, i'm struggling hard, but i have to know it's his choice. And this is mine.

First off let me say this is an awesome topic with some awesome replies!!!!

To me it means being at peace with myself and the world.

Happiness just being me and where I am at today.

No, but I am miles ahead of where I was when I first got physically sober, I still have miles to go.

Yes, when I compare where I am at now to where I was at when I first got physically sober.

For me it was originally working the 12 steps of AA, now I live the principles of the steps to the best of my ability.

Progress, not perfection is where I am at today and where I work on staying, I can not hope to ever approach perfection, I simply work at progressing one day at a time.

Perfect peace? Heck no, but I am at peace with myself and the world far more then I have ever been and I have found that the more I give away to others the more at peace I become!

I really do like this Tennis:

That expresses inner peace, which I could not have without being at peace with the world.

Absolutely fantastic shares all of which I have gained from, thanks all of you.

Me too...I have gained tremendous insight from y'all. Thankyou bunches!

Wow
 

Julie and everyone--

Thanks beaucoup for the awesome thread! :bday8 Yesterday was my natal birthday, and this morning I was feeling a little down, but not anymore.

I just wanted to add the quote from all the AA meetings, pages 83 and 84 in the Big Book (the Promises): "If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. . . .That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. . . . We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us--sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them."

I'm not really a Big Book thumper, and I'm Buddhist, not Christian, but the Promises have always hit me hard. I'm working hard on comprehending serenity, and I know I can't do it alone. I practically had to be dragged into AA and NA, but I'm so glad that my friends who love me gave me that push.

Anyway, sorry for the long post, I have to go--have an emotionally sober and physically sober day, and remember to breathe into your own spirit.

Peace, Jana