Your Experience, Strength and Hope Archives | Page 6 of 6

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September 29, 2009

Another You Tube has posted. . .

I did another You Tube recently. And like the last time, I waited with trepidation to see if I could get it uploaded properly. After a few attempts, I did. I'd love it if you tuned in. Google You tube: Another Visit With Author Karen Casey. It should pop right up. It's not perfect and I do plan more of them. They will get better. I promise. But I am loving the experience and I am not hung up on the fact that they aren't perfect. It has been suggested to me that perhaps they should be more professionally done. However, I am who I am. A work[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 23, 2009

There are many miracles in one's life. . .

The Miracle of Sponsorship My more than three decades on this spiritual path have convinced me there is a mystical element in sponsorship. Sponsoring someone means to guide them, to offer one’s experience, strength and hope, and to be available to simply listen when there is a need. And the result is that two people get better, a great deal better, not just the one who is seeking the guidance. Indeed, what we give away does come back to us ten-fold. Let’s back up a bit, however. Why are we even interested in exploring this topic of sponsorship? I th[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 21, 2009

We are exactly where we need to be. . .

I just returned from a wonderful experience in Augusta, MO. I have been facilitating a writers' workshop at the F.R.E.S.H. Renewal Center for 9 years and each time I think, "How could it ever be better than this?" Once again, we closed the event on Sunday with tears streaming down our cheeks. What a glorious group of women and men and the writing was awesome. I know that's an overused term but I can think of no other that describes the level of writing that was done. I know I needed to be there, and it gives me such relief to know that I am always where I[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 18, 2009

The decision to experience peace is the first step. . .

I was rereading something I had written in the late 70's and it reminded me that I have been saying the same thing for years but unfortunately not always remembering to live the words. In the Today's Gift message from Hazelden today, my book Each Day A New Beginning was suggesting that we "act as if" if we're not feeling hopeful or peaceful or loving, etc. Acting as if helps to create the attitude we want to model to others. It does work. It always has worked. My first sponsor suggested it when I got sober in 1976. I want to remember it today if the ex[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 14, 2009

Change of any kind requires commitment coupled with practice. . .

Are you currently trying to make any kind of change in your life? Perhaps you are trying to commit to an exercise program or take time for daily prayer and meditation. Maybe making a life style choice about eating healthier foods is at the top of your list of desired changes. I have made a lot of changes over the years. I quit drinking nearly 34 years ago. I followed that with giving up cigarettes just a few months later. Making a daily practice of prayer and meditation was harder. I could get the prayer part down. I learned from reading The Magica[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 13, 2009

Hopelessness need not be a condition without end. . .

There are innumerable personal situations that can cause creeping hopelessness. You have been diagnosed with a terminal illness with only months to live or a parent dies unexpectedly. Maybe your troubled teenager is on the run again and you feel you have no where to turn. The job you have loved for years suddenly gets cut with no forewarning. Or the boss who always understood your personal struggles and insecurities and willingly worked with you, gets transferred. Or the situation that every one dreads, your relationship partner informs you that he wants t[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 11, 2009

Mary in the Morning. . . with Heather Daniels

Just wanted to alert you all who are reading this that I will be on the above named show that will stream on the web www.1067youfm.com from 6:30 to 7 AM Eastern time on the 15th. If you are up that early, tune in. The show is out of Traverse, MI. we are going to talk about my new book: Cultivating Hope. I am so pleased with the attention that book is getting. Hope is in short supply these days for many people. Those of us who have some need to consider holding it out for those who don't. In that way, we can all feel comforted. We must give away that[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 1, 2009

Hope can be cultivated. . .

Exciting news, every one. My newest book: Cultivating Hope, is being shipped to stores as I write this. You can call Hazelden too, at 800-328-9000 or go on amazon.com where you can see inside the book. I am so happy it's getting released a bit earlier than expected. Current economic conditions for many of us make the cultivation of hope even more necessary. I want to give you a "taste" of the kind of essays you will find in the book so I am including one here for you to ruminate on: NO ONE IS ON OUR PATH ACCIDENTALLY. How often do you look, with focused i[...]