"FLOWING ONTO PAPER"
I had one of those brief lapses when I felt myself slipping into that 'victim' mentality, the 'oh poor me' place. What was amazing is that instead of allowing myself to continue down that path into feeling really miserable, I suddenly thought, "Write a gratitude list". I grabbed a scrap of paper and began writing. The following flowed onto the paper.
I am:
grateful for the positive changes I have experienced through working the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.
grateful for friendships formed in and out of the AA and Al-Anon rooms.
grateful that it was warm and dry enough to ride my scooter to the Al-Anon meeting this morning - the first time I have ridden in many weeks.
grateful for the time of meditation and feeling the presence of God in the wind that my bike ride allowed me.
grateful that I can continue to have sparks of hope in many areas of my life including my creative aspirations and hopes for those I love.
grateful that I can "let go" of hurt feelings if I choose. I can Q-TIP (quit taking it personally). I can stop playing the victim and martyr.
grateful for the gift of a healing touch that came after 21 years in recovery.
grateful that I can be aware of myself, the healthy and the unhealthy aspects of my personality, can accept myself as I am and ask to be shown what actions to take to change.
grateful I have learned how to take care of myself.
grateful that I have other members in recovery and my sponsor to remind me to take care of myself and to model for me how to do that.
grateful that God is in charge of my life and thankful that God is in charge of the lives of those I love.
grateful for the cool breezes, not too hot and not too cold, wafting through the open windows and doors of my home, filling the rooms here with God's presence.
grateful for the Book Club meeting I will be attending this afternoon and grateful that even though my isolating self is trying to get my attention and wants me to skip going, I am choosing to go and be blessed by the camaraderie.
grateful that even though my 4th peanut butter pie came out less perfect than the others, I am still taking it to the Book Club meeting. I'm sure it will taste fine. I'm happy my perfectionism is "in check" today.
Prayer Girl
(Photo credit: Snail by Moshe Geizler, PPSA)
20 comments:
There...Now don't you feel LOTS better?
Everyday...I Thank God and My Lucky Stars that I was born in America. Even Flint Michigan!!
A "perfect" list.
In case I haven't told you lately: I love your blog.
Thank you for sharing your "grateful" list with each of us. Yes, each of us have MUCH to be thankful for.
Blessings, andrea
Your gratitude list blessed me tonight in California, where it has been raining all day, thank the good Lord.
Gratitude is great, it changes everything. I am grateful to you for your list today. Thanks!
~Susan
Love your your attitude P. Take care.
I understand how you feel ,i try not to it but these days it is hard for not not to
"God is in charge"!! Have a great day PG, I wonder what you're book club is discussing.
One of the best words in your blog is 'brief'. A 'brief' relapse.
Great list of grads. Inspiring and truthful PG. Thank you for sharing.
Great list. And you gave me a new tool: Q-TIP. Thanks!
That "Q-TIP" is priceless. That is going to be shared this week in North Carolin!! I am also grateful that you shared because it helps me when I'm sliding down that pity-slope too. I've been told it's okay to get on the pity-pot, we are human, but I need to remember to flush when I get off of it!
Namaste
I am posting Q-TIP in big letters on my mirror! Amazing how a pencil and a piece of paper can change our entire day...there is sooo much to be thankful for.
I'm sending my gratitude for your love and support as I have walked through some tough stuff. Your words always lift my spirit. Peace be with you my dear friend.
lots to be grateful for...i need to write these more...
ok,....one question - where do you find these incredible pics to go with your posts? Lol. love them and you. Sarah
Great message of HOPE.
Thanks for the reminder that we've always got a lot to be grateful for. Things may be bad for a time, but they'll inevitably get better and we're so much better off than we used to be. Hang in there and God bless!
It is too easy to fall into the trap of complaining. When I find myself going there I stop and try to remember all of the good things. Thank you for sharing your list. As always, so inspirational! Thanks for stopping by my blog too :)
I need to do this. Now.
A great list with lots of positive things. Glad that you are flowing with the day today.
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