Monday quotes

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense." –– Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Everyone has his burden. What counts is how you carry it." ––Merle Miller

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." Lou Holtz

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Buddha

"Kindness in words creates confidence Kindness in thinking creates profoundness Kindness in giving creates love." Lao-Tzu

"Good luck is another name for tenacity of purpose." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Courage means to keep working a relationship, to continue seeking solutions to difficult problems, and to stay focused during stressful periods." – Denis Waitley

"If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results." Jack Dixon
"You have to find happiness in yourself before you can find it with someone."Anonymous

"Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response."Mildred Barthel

"Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get."Dale Carnegie

"The first recipe for happiness is: Avoid too lengthy meditations on the past."André Maurois

"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."Allan K. Chalmers

two wolves

one evening an old Sioux told his grandson
about a battle that goes on inside people.
he said, "my son, the battle is between two
wolves inside us all".

"one is evil-it is anger, envy, jealousy,
sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, false
pride, self-pity, guilt, resentment,
inferiority, lies, superiority and ego.

the other is good-it is joy, peace, love,
hope, serenity, humility, kindness, hope,
benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth,
compassion and faith".

the grandson thought about it for a
minute and then asked his grandfather:
"which wolf wins?"

the old Sioux simply replied,
"the one you feed".

week 1

orientation

examining;
past substance abuse histoy
family and friends
purpose in life
motivation
values
inventory of assets and resources

very different from traditional rehab
theory and practice.
here we accentuate the positive and
and examine the qualities and traits
that make us unique and valuable to
family, friends and society.

no negative listing of character defects;
no lists of people we've harmed,
no talk of powerlessness.

it is so refreshing to eliminate the
self-flagellation and reliance on
unknown or unseen forces to deal
with addictive behaviors.

the importance of values

values, or lack of, apply to many addictions,
be it sex, shopping, food or gambling, in
addition to substances.

they influence whether you will continue
to indulge in an activity or substance,
and how it affects your life.

values play an important role in the
decision to limit or quit a behavior
or substance.

the power of a good value system is
the influence on desire and the ability
to combat addiction.

what we believe in and truly care
about, are invaluable tools in our
arsenal used to combat addiction.

Values and recovery

according to 12 step teachings, the only way to
address addiction is to admit powerlessness
and accept that "only a power greater than
ourselves could restore us to sanity".

this offends some people's values.
their view is that submission is not the
answer to their problem.

studies indicate that the 2 primary
relapse predictors are lack of coping
skills and subscribing to the disease model.

research and psychological theory show
that is is more empowering and successful
for belief and value in your own strength.

unfortunately, any talk of self-efficacy in
aa is labeled denial; you are told you
cannot succeed on your own.

while I understand the importance of
a support system, the buck stops with me.
I am reponsible and accountable for my
own recovery.
more tomorrow...

a new approach

I arrived at St. Gregory Retreat sunday night.

this is an 8 week program of cognitive-behavioral
therapy and behavior modification.

the program was designed by Dr. Stanton Peele,
whom I have been following for some time.

this is a non-disease model, and focuses on
behavior patters that cause substance abuse.

the theory is to identify triggers and the
negativity that causes relapse.
we are encouraged to address our faults,
but also to expand our strengths and
positive qualities.

here each person is viewed in their
entirety; and the approach is holistic.
it is the mind, body and spirit that
we take control of.

to be continued...

Monday quotes

"Due to circumstances beyond your control, you are master of your fate and captain of your soul."


"It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."
--George Horace Lorimer


If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.


Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.


A closed mouth gathers no feet


No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
--Aesop


Anyone can enjoy good days; those who find ways to enjoy bad days have something going for them!


If you are too busy to laugh, you are too busy.


To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.


Your talent is God's gift to you. How you use it is your gift to God.


Be careful of your thoughts, they may become words at any moment


Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes

Friday questions

how are relationships with family, friends
and co-workers since starting recovery?

do you associate with social drinkers, or
just people in the program?

what do miss, if anything, about the party life?

who is most impressed with your recovery?

where do you go to "get away from it all"?

when life hands you lemons, how do you cope?

why do think long term recovery is so elusive
for many?

do you believe in the "disease concept" of
addiction?

have you gone to rehab, or came into
recovery on your own?

does recovery contradict or complement
your religious beliefs?

wednesday celebrities

more celeb news of the week
from About.com/Alcoholism

Charlie Sheen Enters Rehab

Putting the production of his hit television series on hold, actor Charlie Sheen has reportedly checked himself into rehab. "As a preventative measure, Charlie Sheen has entered a rehabilitation facility. He will take some time off his series Two and a Half Men. He has asked that his privacy be honored. No further statements are planned," his publicist told reporters.

Brittany Murphy Had No Signs of Drugs, Alcohol

In spite of rumors to the contrary, actress Brittany Murphy did not die from alcohol or drug abuse, according to a coroner's report. The autopsy report did say Murphy had "elevated levels" of Vicodin and over-the-counter cold medicine in her system, however.

Michael Douglas' Son Denied Bail in Meth Case

Cameron Douglas was denied bail and a request for outpatient addiction treatment as he awaits sentencing for his guilty plea of drug trafficking. The son of actor Michael Douglas is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court April 14 for selling methamphetamine and cocaine.

Leif Garrett Pleads Not Guilty in Heroin Case

Former teen idol Leif Garrett has entered a not guilty plea to felony drug possession. Garrett's attorney claims police illegally searched him on Feb. 1 in the city subway system in Los Angeles.

'Heroes' Actor Adrian Pasdar Charged With DUI

Actor Adrian Pasdar, star of the television series "Heroes," has been charged with driving under the influence. The 44-year-old actor was spotted swerving over two lanes of traffic on a Los Angeles freeway.

'Deadliest Catch' Star Arrested for DUI

Jake Harris, a deckhand on Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," was arrest for drunken driving after Washington state troopers said the failed field sobriety tests and refused to take a breath test. Harris is the son of the late Capt. Phil Harris, a co-star of the reality television series.

500 posts! Monday quotes

When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.
- Helen Keller


A slogan for an interesting life:
Why Not?


I have found that if you love life, it will love you right back



You cannot become what you were meant to be by remaining what you are.


Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.


Sorrow looks back.
Worry looks around.
Faith looks up.



When at the edge of the unknown, faith provides the wings to fly.


"Work to become, not to acquire."
-- Confucius



"Try not to become a man of success, but rather, try to become a man of value."
-- Albert Einstein



If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.


Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.


Your heart understands what your head cannot yet conceive; trust your heart.



If you think the parade of life is passing you by, perhaps you're not listening to the music.