Many recent readers have commented specifically on some of my earlier posts dealing with detachment. This is like music to my ears since detachment has been one of my favorite topics to write and speak about in lectures and workshops for the past few years. (See amazon.com for a listing of my books). I think writers generally stick close to those areas that have special meaning for them and from childhood into adulthood, I was far too attached to others for my good feelings, and my self-esteem. I commonly let how friends looked at me or talked to me defin[...]
8 I am thrilled every time I go on my website to write another post because I take that opportunity to read comments readers have made on previous posts. I feel really blessed because so many of you are writing to me. And a number of you have written a few times. I had no idea that would happen, I guess, but it's a great honor to be connected to you in this way. First, it's wonderful that you have taken the time out of your busy lives to read the posts but then taking the time to comment too simply astounds me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Writin[...]
I love the holidays. I love the bright lights, the decorated trees, the carols playing in the stores and on the radio, the gift giving, the joy that's so evident in the faces of many children. The faces of some adults too, for that matter. I truly have a childlike love of Christmas. And I always have had. One of my favorite decorations is a small Santa and sleigh with a reindeer that is older than me. It had a special place under our tree when I was a child. Now it has a special place on my mantle. But I know that for some, this holiday is extreme[...]
I heard an interesting talk tonight. The speaker outlined how the steps, one by one, had a spiritual hook that pulled us in the right, and sober direction. He reminded us of the line in the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous that says, and I paraphrase, "there will come a time when you are face to face with a drink (or a drug), and only God and your spiritual fitness can save you." Even though I have not been faced with that in my nearly 35 years of sobriety, I don't doubt that it silently waits for each of us. Unfortunately, I know more than a few who hav[...]
Peaceful relationships are not accidental By Karen Casey, Ph.D. Taking responsibility for the tenor and content of our relationships is our greatest opportunity for making a difference in our individual lives and in the world we share with others. And, neither being responsible nor seizing the opportunity for making a difference requires us to make complicated changes in our behavior. On the contrary, a variation on what's already a typical behavior has the power to change us in positive ways, as well as the people who are sharing our lives. I have seldom m[...]
I just returned from a Hazelden Women Healing Conference that was held in downtown Chicago. I have referred to these women's conferences in other blogs. They are wonderful gatherings that are generally attended by two or three hundred women. The first day of the conference is geared for the professionals who are working with women in some phase of the treatment setting. The second day is a celebratory day for all women in recovery and the talks are educational as well as motivational and inspirational. CEU credits are available on both days which is an a[...]
I got a message on Facebook a couple of days ago from a friend on the west coast. She said Dec 1 was "pay it forward" day. I love that idea of doing something kind and unexpected for some one. I loved the movie with the same title starring Kevin Spacey that came out a few years ago. It's such a simple idea and yet it's one that could change the world if every one of us did do even a tiny random act of kindness before this day, or any day, has ended. Many years ago Conari, a west coast publisher, in fact the same publisher that has published a number of[...]
Circle of Family and Friends - You and Your Personal Community, Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself
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Leading from the heart. . .
This is a topic that interests me greatly. I think we are drawn to those ideas that we know to be worthy even though we can't always adhere to them in our daily activities. It's a simple idea, really, and requires little more than the decision to ask ourselves, "Is what I am about to do the loving thing?" And if it isn't, ask for the willingness to consider an alternative to what we had in mind. Much of the first four decades of my life was based on selfish motivations. What would I get from you if I gave this? What was it that you really wanted from me[...]
With the passing of Thanksgiving, the holidays are in full force. Christmas music is already blaring through the audio system in most stores. I don't actually mind. I'm in the minority, no doubt. But I love the music, any time, any where. I still have a rather child-like reaction to the whole spectacle of Christmas. I do honor it spiritually, as well. I'm not solely a crass consumer and reveler. Honoring the memories of my youth is what's brought home for me through the music, however, and those memories are worth savoring. Holiday decorations,[...]
I just finished reading comments from thirty of you who have written in response to my blog and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that you took the time to write. I know how busy we all are so it makes me feel included in your life when you read these brief essays and then comment. It makes the effort on my end so very worth it! I hope you keep staying "the course" with me. There are so many things in my life that I'm grateful for. First, my sobriety. Without it, I'd be short a great husband, many wonderful friends, good health, and work that truly blesses[...]