Lifetime of 12 Step

I was 10 when my Dad discovered his own flavor of 12 step recovery. It shook up our whole family and changed all of our lives permanently. There are some great stories of back then and I may share them somewhere, somehow, sometime. The point here, though, is that I was introduced to 12 step at that tender young age. There was no way out of it. Due to the family dynamic I was fully ensconced. Much of the insanity in our home was alleviated. My view of life and my interpretation of it took a large turn at that time.

I have experienced a life through the lens of experience in many 12 step fellowships, precisely because of this early introduction. I hate to think what life would have been like without it. I love recovery, and the heart and soul of those in it, no matter the flavor.

What Do I Do with the Day?

Each twenty-four hours is unique and transitory. As I get older I seem to be even more aware of this. I pack every day so full that time warps right on by. Still, it is a journey of joy. I start most every day in gratitude and joyous anticipation, and end it joyously grateful for a day of life full of meaning and rich experience. It seems that just letting go of DRAMA opens up my precious time for immersing in a real and juicy life.

On the Edge of the Road

There was a long time there that I commuted many miles, in my little car with the plaid top. It was a crazy split life, but that's a different story. The part that's applicable here is that many times somewhere in the middle of my 2 hour drive, I would just get really tired - wake up and discover you are coming up on a turn and still find it difficult to keep the eyes open kind of tired. So, I would pull over to the side of the road and take a 15 minute power nap. Refreshed by that short interlude, the rest of the trip would be uneventful, and usually even enjoyable.

Life in general has been like that lately. In these days of electronic devices and the extremist work ethic, I find that I just get tired sometimes. When I suddenly wake up and discover that I am headed for a turn, it is obviously time for me to pull over to the edge of the road, no matter how important I think it is to "get 'er done." I know it is time for a power recharge: some surrender, meditation, and seeking guidance. I might even smell a rose or two.

Asking for Inspiration

Today was another of those days that when I considered what I thought I should do, I quickly became  overwhelmed with all of the shoulda, coulda, woulda's. It was more than I could accomplish, so I fell in to the checking of my email instead. Then I did some basic reading.

Once again I am reminded to ask guidance for inspiration. The answers will come. I feel that peace, once more. In this peaceful place I can accomplish all that is mine to accomplish AND experience serenity while I'm at it.

Grateful, I am, once more, for simple truth and guidance.