drinking holidays

another "amateur day" has come and gone.

like new year's eve, a time when people
feel compelled to drink.

for those who are habitual imbibers,
it's a chance to overindulge and appear normal.

I remember those times many years ago,
when i could show up at the pub at 10 AM,
on St Patrick's day and not feel odd or uncomfortable.

today it's amusing to watch all the typical
behavior patterns as the "amateurs" go through
the stages of intoxication...

they laugh, flirt, shout, debate, and even fight.

it's all too amusing to observe-
and remember that was once me.

choices

life is all about choices;

what should I do?

where should I be?

who am I today?

where do I want to be?

what's it really all about?

all these things come up and confound me

maybe it's my age and stage of my life.

things are so good, yet i feel unfulfilled.

what more do i need?

this journey of life never ceases to confuse me

thoughts of the day

one of life's little mysteries...
the thermos bottle---

you put hot stuff in, it stays hot;
you put cold stuff in, it stays cold...

how does it know?


a joy of life;
finding money no one lost.

The qualities that most attract a woman to a man
are usually the same ones she can't stand years later.

The other line always moves faster.

Two wrongs don't make a right. It usually takes three or four.

The road to success is always under construction

When things are going right, you won't notice

If it's stupid but it works, it ain't stupid

a little humor

friday questions

what do you like and dislike about yourself?

is there a seniority mentality or a "pecking order"
in any groups you attend?

is there anyone who should make amends to you?

what is the best aspect of recovery?

is it difficult to discuss sobriety with family or friends?

do you believe you will have to attend meetings
the rest of your life?

are you different now, compared to when you stopped drinking?

tuesday quotes

I believe, if we take habitual drunkards as a class, their heads and their hearts will bear an advantageous comparison with those of any other class. There seems ever to have been a proneness in the brilliant and warm-blooded to fall into this vice.
Abraham Lincoln


It is a painful thing to look at your own trouble and know that you yourself and no one else has made it.
Sophocles

The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behavior affect the rights and well being of others.
Sharon Anthony Bower


The most intelligent among us are the standards of conduct so long as the integrity of their understanding remains secure. Challenge their foundations, however, and the tyrannical child within will storm out and call you an idiot.
Thomas Whigham

Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one is to blame.
Erica Jong


Examine what is said, not him who speaks.
Arabian Proverb

The heights charm us, but the steps do not; with the mountain in our view we love to walk the plains.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe


Conscience is a mother-in-law whose visit never ends.

H. L. Mencken

goodbye

once you were a friend,
companion and soothing elixir;

my perfect pal who never let me down

like a reward after work or play,
we became inseparable.

it seemed we could go on blissfully forever...

alas, slowly our relationship changed;
no longer were you content with our
social affair...

you wanted more-
to start my day,
take you to work,
be my dinner date,
and stay up late.

i was being robbed-
of my freedom, health and happiness.

the laughter we once shared
turned to anger-
contentment to frustration-
hope to fear.

why me,
why now?

parting was tough,
we were so close, for so long.
the memories still linger;
why can't it be like it was?

I must say goodbye

perhaps in the future,
our paths will converge;
but for now, it has to be
farewell my old friend.

you cheated, you lied,
you said it would be forever...

our time is over and it's for the best,
no need to place blame or protest.

friday questions

what do you do to handle stress?

why do you think long term recovery rates
are so low?

who do you rely on for advice other
than a sponsor?

where do you feel the most and least
comfortable in recovery?

have you lost a friend or relative to addiction?

do you believe rehabs care more about
your money than your recovery?

what is your best advice to anyone
attempting to get clean and sober?

did you make today better than yesterday?

quick quotes

“Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.”
Oscar Wilde


By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest
Confucius

“Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.”

Voltaire

Teachers open the door but you must walk through it yourself.
Chinese proverb

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West

A day without laughter is a day wasted.
Charlie Chaplin

The dream is a conversation between man and his God. -
Mahomet

Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.
Albert Camus

tuesday thought

at today's noon meeting there was
the stark contrast of the many folks
who have 20+ years of sobriety, and
a young man just out of detox.

there were some good shares from
some wise people; thankfully no
preaching or finger-pointing, but
genuine concern and simple advice
for a man starting a journey.

I have been to meetings in 5 states
and countless cities;
while the flavor may change from
area to area, the recipe remains the same.