What am I really hungry for, part 2

This afternoon I was listening to the radio and the usual afternoon women's talk show had a lady talking about a plan for changing your eating habits. (I did not say diet, you'll notice. ) Anyway, the thing that struck me about this chat, was when someone said that instead of just grabbing something to eat, they stop themselves, and ask what they are hungry for: food, or God? Hm. I am SO in need of this kind of thought alteration. I know that when I eat I am actually using food for something it is not meant for. (Trying to fill the God-sized hole, of course. Oddly enough, that's the gist of what the meeting was about this afternoon!)
So, yeah. I must incorporate this pause into my daily routine. Thank GOD the tap water here is so good. Just gotta get in to the habit again of drinking a lot more water.
Catch ya L8r! ;o)
abbie

This one was published in 2008. Wow. I've gotta post an updated gratitude list soon...  :)
And, P.S. if you're wondering why it's been so long between posts, again, PLEASE go read here. 

Spring break already?!

Hiya! I've been away for a couple of weeks, now, and the best excuse I can give you is that I've gotten a new phone (2, actually, I had to return the first new one after ALMOST mastering it! UGH!!), and it's been kind of consuming me, as I try to figure out all the cool stuff it's got. (I got a cheap-ish Android. Just the basics, but WOW!) We stayed with Straight Talk, as our providers, even though their customer service HAS to be the ABSOLUTE worst. As I say that, I realize that I've not dealt with many Customer Service ppl, and it's possible that there are way worse ones out there. Eep! O.o
Anyway, that's not why I wanted to check in. Here's why:
I've been texting & emailing with a long-lost friend, lately. She's wonderful and so strong. She's got over 5 years clean, which is no small feat, in itself, and recently had a baby. Awesome, huh? Yeah, it kinda is. Then, you factor in her older son's struggle with (untreated) depression -lives with his dad-and failing grades in school, and you add the constant turmoil with a violent and psychotic ex, and custodial drama with the baby-daddy, and her own physical health issues...and it just makes it all too clear how getting clean is NOT the end of the race. It's a start in the right direction, but life, itself is SO much more complicated than "get off the _____, and live right!" one might think.
There's a saying in meetings about clearing away the wreckage of the past, and my dear friend, like everyone who has had a chemical dependency, has quite an accumulation of wreckage. But she does have one strong asset going for her that the majority of addicts don't, necessarily: She's got a Bible-believing support group, in addition to the step meetings, and she know where to find the answers. She's so smart and willing to do what she must.
I really can't say how proud I am of her, and how much I'm praying and rooting for her to get the dragons slayed. Most of us come into recovery with relationship (hostage) issues, and I'd bet a large majority of addicts and alcoholics have underlying mental health issues, too. These are just a couple of the things that have to be addressed to get to the real goal: Peace. Happiness (occasionally, at least). Self-supporting through our own contributions.... and, basically just LIVING rather than surviving.
So, when you're counting your blessings, and saying your prayers, keep this in mind, will ya? And add my friend to your prayers.
Thanks. God bless you.

Something for ya to chew on, preferably while not drinking. ;)

‎"Now and then a serious drinker, being dry at the moment says, 'I don't miss it at all. Feel better. Work better. Having a better time.' As ex-problem drinkers, we smile at such a sally. We know our friend is like a boy whistling in the dark to keep up his spirits. He fools himself. Inwardly he would give anything to take half a dozen drinks and get away with them. He will presently try the old game again, for he isn't happy about his sobriety. He cannot picture life without alcohol. Some day he will be unable to imagine life either with alcohol or without it. Then he will know loneliness such as few do. He will be at the jumping off place. He will wish for the end." p. 151-152, Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition.

To get to the place where one actually likes -- make that loves -- sobriety is the key, I think. To be happy with one's sobriety is to want to keep it and to take action to safeguard and maintain it. There is no longer anything to "get away with". (Susan Lauren)

Happy Birthday!!

Today marks one of the most important events of my entire life. 20 years ago today, I became a Mom. If you'd like more details about how my mind is running this morning, please go here. Otherwise, I shall show you a picture of one of the (2) most beautiful babies EVER.

In love? Yes, instantly.

David Crowder*Band - How He Loves (Official Music Video)