How are you?Here I am, again. I'm leaving the next set of posters. It is the 13th in a series of those pre-viously presented in this inn. I'm showing them in alpha-betical order.
I was absent for quite a while earlier this year. This is one way of staying in touch with you, visitors of this inn of gratitude.
Today's subject is calmness.
It is an inside job.
"As a man thinketh
in his heart, so is he."
Proverbs 23:7
It is easy getting triggered if we lack recovery. During difficult times it is vital communicating with the younger self that lives within.When memories of past traumas are aroused within our present conscious-ness, they are no longer a part of our past. These feelings become a part of our present. They are vivid. They are like a hallu-cination, for us, these emotions feel as if they are happening right now.
We are in the grips of the effects of abuse and mistreat-ment experienced years ago.
As adults, we are maturer, with greater insight than whatever perspective we had at 9 or 12 years of age. However, without recovery, we revert
During difficult times it is critical saying to our younger selves, "Please pull over. Let go of your strong grip upon the steer-ing wheel. Take the front seat so we can talk.
"I'm taking over. I will get us through this bumpy ride."
This is the beginning of knowing and enjoying serenity. With maturity and recovery, we learn how to respond, not react. We drive---direct---our emotions in a saner way.
Stronger character allows us to guide the bus of our emotions along the road where calmness and serenity intersect.
Every time we live using recovery principles, we are creating a better today, transcending pain, no longer haunted by goblins of the past.
1. For patience towards myself. I have a lot going on. Saturday, I am speaking publicly at a monthly gathering of Al-Anon members.
2. For friends who listen well. They don't interrupt me or give unsolicited advice. It is healing, being on the receiving end.
3. For recovery that allows me to say to others what I am feeling and what I want, and doing so without judging or blaming them.
4. For a friend surviving being shot twice by a gun. In the face. Whew! I am honored to help as he recovers from such a trauma.
I've been tending to his wounds and giving him rides, helping him in other practical ways, too. Please pray for him. His name is David Freitag.
A passing car on Highway 980 in Oakland shot 9 bullets into his car, two hitting him. Two bullets also hit Layla, the dog standing by his side, on the console between the seats. The dog saved his life.
Unfortunately, the dog was paralyzed and put down.
5. For patience with my body. I am taking medications that make me ill. I'm trying to figure out a routine that will minimize how my body is strongly affected by these prescriptions.
So far, it has been trial and error, mostly error.
How About You?
What are the three expressions of gratitude you have for today?
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