Blog Posts from Karen Casey

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February 6, 2016

I can see peace instead of this.

One of the glories of making a commitment to the practice of peaceful behavior is that it feels good. It feels honorable, respectful and kind. And I’m convinced it adds benefit to the universe we share with 7 billion other souls. I’ve heard this phenomenon explained as the “Butterfly Effect.” The idea that we add positive or negative ions to the atmosphere each time we make a gesture to a person, react to a situation or even simply think an unkind or harmful thought is a mighty idea. Making the commitment to be a purveyor of peaceful ripples is a wo[...]

Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself

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January 27, 2016

Stepping away for a spell . . .

It has been nearly two months since I last posted a message. I am truly sorry for my long absence. Like so many of us, I occasionally fall into a funk. This one seemed pretty deep. Actually, it was pretty deep. I knew it would eventually go away. It was the result of a medication problem; however, when a funk sets in it can feel like it will never leave. This one felt very much like that and I certainly had no words of wisdom to share. As a matter of fact though, I do believe it is wise to own our feelings, thus share them, all of them. Even when we don't like[...]

What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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November 28, 2015

We are here only to be truly helpful. . .

How very quietly this reminder sets the stage for both a peace filled and a joy filled day. I have found this simple prayer a perfect way to begin every morning. Life is really meant to be this simple, I think. Asking one's self, moment by moment, if what we are about to do or say is truly helpful to the circumstance or the person in our presence, guides us to do only what really should be done. It reminds me of the question I have heard many others voice: "Is what I am about to do consistent with what God would have me do?" When the answer is no, we must make[...]

Circle of Family and Friends - You and Your Personal Community

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November 21, 2015

Tools for practicing detachment:

When others begin to bother you, change your focus. Are you making someone else’s business yours? Keep everyone outside of your hula hoop. A test for whether or not you are detached: are you being judgmental? If you are feeling victimized, you are enmeshed. Are you letting someone else define your feelings? The chaos in your life is a sign of too much involvement in the life of someone else. “Attachments” sap our energy. Letting go is a decision that generally needs daily adherence. If you are about to “take charge,” pause. Doin[...]

Karen's Musings, What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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November 15, 2015

Let’s review Step 11

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Step Eleven softens my heart every time it’s the topic of discussion in one of my meetings. That wasn’t the case when I first got sober however; it wasn’t the case for the first year or two. Not because I didn’t believe in the possibility of the power of prayer or meditation; but because I had never tried it before walking into AA. And then when I did, I simply couldn’[...]

Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself, What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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November 4, 2015

Every problem has a solution: God as we understand Him.

It's with great relief that I believe the title of this post. Not so many years ago I would have scoffed if someone told me to go to God with a problem. I can still hear my words. "Are you kidding me? God? I think not!" How recovery has changed my life. And absolutely for the better. I have come to believe that every thing that happens has been "charted" to happen, and every person I meet, I agreed, at another place and time long forgotten, to meet. I don't need to fret about any situation, unless I choose to. Worrying can be a response I no longer make. Trus[...]

Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself

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October 12, 2015

Visitors offer a good test of one’s peace of mind.

My niece and her husband were just here visiting us for a few days. We had a great time. I am so glad for my recovery because it has helped me to maintain my peace of mind in all circumstances. I don't mean to imply it was difficult with my family. On the contrary. But I do know that being in recovery gives me the grounding that allows for any ripples that might occur with any one, any time. My husband and I have a lot of visitors, actually. Living in Florida in the winter is automatically a great invitation to friends and being on a lake in the summer is[...]

Karen's Musings, Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself

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October 5, 2015

We are always at the right place at the right time.

This isn't a new idea. I have written about it before. So have hundreds of other writers too, no doubt. It's an idea we also hear in meetings. And it's one of those ideas that gives me a moment to pause and feel grateful, as well as relieved, so very often. Just knowing that this journey we share is "divine," allows me to trust whatever may be happening. I have begun writing another book. This follows on the heals of Living Long, Living Passionately, which was just released September 1 on amazon and in book stores. I know, without a doubt, that both books, in[...]

Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself, What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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September 25, 2015

OUR LEARNING PARTNERS HAVE BEEN DIVINELY SELECTED.

Every person you and I travel these roads with have made their trek to us because they need us and what we know as much as we need them for what they can teach us. Iʼve mentioned this idea before no doubt but itʼs one worth further emphasis, I think, because of the importance of the journey we share. Knowing that every person is specific to our education means we donʼt have to be fearful about the experiences that present themselves. We have been guided to each experience and we will be led through it too. I have heard it said in many gatherings, that[...]

Karen's Musings, What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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September 17, 2015

Let’s come to attention . . .

Our journeys through life are often bumpy, some days very bumpy, but they are always in concert with God. God is every where we are. God was every where we ever were. In the silence. The moments of angst. The hours of confusion and doubt. We simply can’t be where God is not. Even when we feel alone, we aren’t alone. Especially when we feel alone, we aren’t alone. Learning to open our hearts to God and God’s place on our spiritual path is one of the messages we were born to learn. Perhaps you are wondering how to open your[...]