The sober mind in action

The standard for recovery is sobriety. Not just sobriety from alcohol. It also includes a sober mind. The sober mind replaces alcoholic thinking. The sober mind finds no excuses because all excuses have been thoroughly dealt with. This includes a range that starts with abstinence from even one drop of alcohol all the way to taking complete responsibility for good citizenship.

It's not about an addiction today. The light of God is all. Who am I to experience darkness? He invites this wounded animal into his caring arms. His care is all that matters today. Today it's all about the master's hand. The sober-minded never takes for granted the life that he has been given.

The recovered alcoholic/addict does not add alcohol regardless of how minimal the amount. The reasoning before one takes that drink is of the alcoholic mind. What happens after that first drink only strengthens the alcoholic mind. Sobriety is lost. In time everything else will follow.

When sober, the aim is to have a positive effect on the people in the world. This requires a sensitivity to both the care of God and the needs of others. There is always a new opportunity in front of us to do so. Being gentle and caring is not a weakness. It is a strength.

Today by the hand of God brings a life experience. Today by the hand of God there is a bringing back of life. There is an awareness and an existence. Today is a new and different day. Today is a day to go and get lost in love

The benefits of proving recovery

If the conversation is about recovery than there is much to be said. It is a team that gets it done. Everybody on this team has a role to play. Recovery and relapse cover just about every human obstacle. Damaged human beings are either on one side or the other. Recovery mode or relapse mode

Recovery requires proof of recovery. Proof that the symptoms of addiction have been overcome. Proof that there is a very deep insight into the problem. Proof that there is a determination that comes from a changed mind. Proof of an ongoing sobriety. Proof of a life of service. Proof of God's care.

My experience in recovery shows me how far ahead one can go by just abstaining from mind-altering substances. It is a lengthy process. There are no shortcuts. The one thing that motivates the addict into recovery is the benefits that come about as a result of recovery.

Many times a roof over one's head and food in one's stomach is the starting point. Can the addict risk taking a drink or using when he has gained back his life? The gain itself is the lesson. But what is gained can easily be lost through foolish actions.

Addiction is a monster that will tear its victims apart piece by piece. And the addict is a member of a family. This means it trickles down to the children. And this is why a strong warning is in place for the addict.

The light hand of God's care

A person can be completely self-absorbed in their ambition to serve others. Even though they are helping another it is still all about themselves. Becoming a totally quiet and unseen person is not generally desired in a person who feels that he has something to share.

We wrongly want the credit when the credit belongs to God. To care for others requires some thoughtful participation and insight into another person's life and feelings. There are many little things done that say "I was thinking about you".

What are the things that reflect God's care? They are kind actions. Aiding another person in their lifestyle requires an understanding of that lifestyle. These are the opportunities to show another person love. To give them God and hope.

Availability is key when helping others. It is not just showing up and talking to a person. It also means to do a lot of listening. It is within our back and forth communication that the voice of God is found.

The days of senseless addictions are over. We are no longer self-absorbed. We live in a world where we give of who we are. Our talents benefit others. We now live in a world where most everybody finds their way. This is our humanity. This is our high calling. What great life.

Everything in my life today is just as it is. It's all good. The people are all good and worthy of trust. Life is overwhelmingly peaceful. Forgiveness is forgiveness. Love is love. God's care is God's care. When your life is cleaned up it's time to start living it.

Serving others without a hidden agenda

As we move into this world being of service we can not worry about our own agenda. It is our agenda that interferes. We don't need an agenda. God meets our needs. Our so-called "noble" plans and actions just interfere with living life as God has designed it for us to live. 

We do not serve according to our own plans to serve. The world is just too unpredictable. We are on this planet to serve the needs of others  The needs of another cannot be measured by our plans. Yes, we are gifted with talents. What we can do is amuse ourselves with the unpredictable opportunities to serve as they come our way.

Appreciating the opportunities to serve and finding personal amusement within them keeps us from experiencing drudgery. "Rejoice I say! And again I say rejoice"  Even when people doubt you and question you about how you live your life,  Be happy.

It is important, to have honesty with yourself about your intentions. Are they true and noble? There is a saying "To thine own self be true", and when you are, it will matter less what other people think. Every human being has faults. On the other hand, most human beings want to help others. 

Remember, no one has the last word in any situation. We know very little. Yet collectively comes the voice of God. Hang in there my friends and take one moment at a time. There is hope! And remember that it's harder to live a life of lies than it is to live in the truth.

To lie we have to create a story and sell it two at least two people. We have to convince ourselves first then convince others. Convincing ourselves is dangerous because it many times leads to self-deception. The good life depends on finding a place of honesty within.

If I make a habit of lying how can I get to the place of honesty that I so desperately need to live this life of recovery? Today we will wake up, suit up, show up, and do the next indicated thing. With a sober mind, it is not that difficult to see what that "next indicated thing" is. We arise and meet our challenges honestly with an offense that is out to do good.

Getting out of self and gratefully serving

The active addict loses his grip on the things that would normally be easy to handle. Eventually, over time he loses it totally. If he lives he may experience recovery and then that recovery can be very difficult. He has to rebuild lost muscle and regain that which was lost. Now that can be a complicated process. Thus the saying "It is easier to stay sober than to get sober"

Today we will wake up, suit up, show up, and do the next indicated thing. With a sober mind, it is not hard to see what that "next indicated thing" is. We arise and meet our challenges with an offense that is out to do good.

Life is not about me and you. It is not about ego production. It is about ego reduction for us. It is about carrying the message of recovery. It is about participating in the ongoing dialogue of serving one another. Yes we slip and we fall in our character but we can not let this cannot stop us from moving forward.

We have another day filled with small opportunities to think about others and to help others. How can I make the people who surround me more comfortable? Maybe a hello and small conversation? Or maybe silence? Either way will require some sensitivity to their need.

Most everyone is just trying to make it through life. Although life is something that is best lived celebrated it is not a celebration for everybody all the time. There is some suffering found upon this pathway of life. Howbeit appreciation for a life lived is always helpful. 

Living life is an easy thing. At times, it is a long and tedious process that requires effort. That is why God gives us muscle. We need physical, mental, and emotional strength. Alcohol and drugs destroy our personal power. Then life becomes harder than it needs to be.