An element of recovery is learning that we deserve success, the good things that come to us, and also that pain is a reality. We have the strength to deal with that pain without medicating, and it will pass.
—Dudley Martineau
Many of us didn't understand the changing variables in being human. Our coping skills were at a minimum until we discovered what alcohol or pills, even food, could do for us. And then, a drink or two - or six, maybe - got us through many a lonely evening.
The desire for an easy solution might still haunt us, but time, new experiences, and program friends have taught us that our past habits weren't really easy solutions. In reality, they increased our problems and led us nowhere.
The Steps and the principles of the program, if applied, guarantee success, living success. We come to believe that strength enough to handle any situation is ours for the asking. And experience with these principles shows us that when we live the way our conscience dictates, the rewards are many.
Every day, especially this one facing us, our choices and decisions will be many. But there is only one solution to any problem, and that's the one our higher power guides us to. The answer, the choice, always lies within, and the good life will accompany our thoughtful, reverent choices.
The power of the program is mine for the taking. All of today's problems can be eased, if I choose so.
—Dudley Martineau
Many of us didn't understand the changing variables in being human. Our coping skills were at a minimum until we discovered what alcohol or pills, even food, could do for us. And then, a drink or two - or six, maybe - got us through many a lonely evening.
The desire for an easy solution might still haunt us, but time, new experiences, and program friends have taught us that our past habits weren't really easy solutions. In reality, they increased our problems and led us nowhere.
The Steps and the principles of the program, if applied, guarantee success, living success. We come to believe that strength enough to handle any situation is ours for the asking. And experience with these principles shows us that when we live the way our conscience dictates, the rewards are many.
Every day, especially this one facing us, our choices and decisions will be many. But there is only one solution to any problem, and that's the one our higher power guides us to. The answer, the choice, always lies within, and the good life will accompany our thoughtful, reverent choices.
The power of the program is mine for the taking. All of today's problems can be eased, if I choose so.
*********************************************************
Reaching for a cocktail or a cheesecake isn't going to help me cope. That's the illusion of addiction......the false promise it holds out. When has food or booze actually helped me to cope with life? Never. Afterward, the only emotions I feel are guilt & self-loathing.........fear & anxiety replace serenity & hope, leaving me in worse shape than I was beforehand.
There are no 'easy solutions' in life. The only way out of a situation is through it, with God directing the show. When I put the principles & practices of the Steps into play is when I feel most at peace, knowing that I am doing all I can do.
For some reason, I grew up thinking that pain was to be avoided at any cost. Burying myself in food to cope yielded me such painful results............what price have I really paid?
Today, I am willing to feel my emotions.......both positive and negative, without reaching for food or drink as a coping mechanism. The trouble with anesthetizing myself from pain with excess food is this: I wind up anesthetizing myself from joy as well.
For today, I pray for the willingness to feel all of my emotions, knowing they won't kill me. But obesity and/or alcoholism will.
For today, I pray for the strength to deal with life's pain without medicating, knowing that this too shall pass.
So true-- but so easy to forget. Thank you for continuing in your postings.
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