MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with '11th step'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:56:42 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3458010&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FTLkBpo67l3k%2F A channel for peace The 11th Step Guiding Prayer Alcoholics Anonymous’ 11th Step – 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. Lord, make me a channel for thy peace – that where there is hatred, I may bring love – that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness – that where there is discord, I may bring harmony – that where there is error, I may bring truth – that where there is doubt, I may bring faith – that where there is despair, I may bring hope – that where there are shadows, I may bring light – that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather – to comfort than to be comforted... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3458010 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:14:00 +0100 3458010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200668&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F_yYhzB39yro%2F My sponsor gave me the following 10th and 11th step inventory and told me to write it out every evening before I go to bed. The Twelve Nightly Spiritually Focusing Questions 1. Was I resentful? 2. Was I selfish? 3. Was I dishonest? 4. Was I afraid? 5. Do I owe an apology? Who did I help today? 6. What have I kept secret? 7. Was I unkind? (cruel, harsh, unfeeling) 8. Was I unloving? (cold, unresponsive, indifferent) 9. What could I have done better? What am I grateful for today? 10. Was I thinking of myself most of the time? 11. Was I thinking of what I could do for others? Who needs my prayers today? 12. Was I thinking what I could pack into the stream of life? But we are careful not to drift into worry, remorse, or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to others. After... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200668 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:42:23 +0100 3200668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107833&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2Fvk2uhIl1vF0%2F Avail us nothing… I first published this last year. It remains true. January 7th’s Reflection speaks of turning points. Sometimes they are beginnings and sometimes they are endings. I can understand that. I don’t like it but, then again, it doesn’t matter whether I like them or not, everything will unfold the way it was meant to. Thy Will, Not Mine Be Done My shortcomings also tempt me daily; therefore I also have the same opportunities as the reflections’ writer to become aware of them. In one form or another - self-condemnation will rear its ugly head. I make a mistake and the very first thought is “You stupid A**.” Anger seemingly always jumps up to be recognized. It is self-delusional for me to continue to regret the past and what happened wit... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107833 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:42:50 +0100 2107833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1961298&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fgods-will-for-me-and-power-to-carry-it.html "All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."-Havelock EllisI'm starting my second round of the ninth step this weekend, but I am struggling with 11th step issues. I am looking and looking and looking for God's will for me, and I'm not sure what it might be.It seems ungodly of God to want my marriage to end; it seems like God would want a marriage to be restored. Maybe God is mad at my marriage for springing from the seed of infidelity. Maybe God is mad at me for having a second marriage. Maybe that God I don't believe in is the God who's handling my life right now.Sometimes, I feel like all the evidence in my life is pointing me toward ending everything with my husband, cutting all ties, and moving on. I want to pack up my belongings, sell my house, and mov... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1961298 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:46:00 +0100 1961298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1625738&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F336802086%2F Then their Higher Power opens new doors and provides new and better opportunities. Of course it takes a bit of faith and some positive thinking to believe that. Negative thinking won’t make it work. Neither will ego and pride. Might just require a small amount of pain too. From today’s Daily Reflection: “It was painful to give up trying to control my life, even though success eluded me, and when life got too rough, I drank to escape.” You know, when people force things on you with complete lack of communication, it isn’t easy. As a matter of fact at certain times it can be damn hard and painful. When your feelings aren’t given any consideration, when you know you’ve been lied to, when you know the lies themselves actually belittle your intelligence... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1625738 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:15:15 +0100 1625738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1536730&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F317608849%2F A No-Coincidence Moment… It wasn’t a “bot” that left the putrid, hate-filled, obscenity in the moderated comments yesterday that questioned my manhood and character assassinated my good soul. It was an idiot with a dark heart. Possibly related to me but I couldn’t tell. It is my hope that you get the help that you so desperately need “ryan.” I certainly wouldn’t want to live in that brain of yours again or anymore. Been there, done that. But, you see, my God helps me through moments like your stupidity - today’s Daily Reflection; Today I’m Free “This brought me to the good healthy realization that there were plenty of situations left in the world over which I had no personal power - that if I was so ready to admit that to be... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1536730 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:00:42 +0100 1536730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512285&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F310646530%2F I think today’s Daily Reflections is one of those that has the capacity to enlarge your expectations… Forming True Partnerships “But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability to form a true partnership with another human being.” Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a true partnership with another human being? What a terrible handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life! In my sobriety I will meditate and pray to discover how I may be a trusted friend and companion. **************************************** What happens when I have stopped twis... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512285 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:12:07 +0100 1512285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1502699&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F307800395%2F This one is personal… I do not mean to slight anyone who has lost a loved one. This is simply close to my heart and the hearts of a couple of my new friends in recovery, especially Linda H. Yesterday I told you about a gal in New York who had 19 years clean in Narcotics Anonymous who was “back out there.” Her name was Lorraine. That’s right - was - and still is. Sadly, two members of her home group took on the task of having to identify Lorraine in the coroner’s office yesterday. She died from an overdose in a shooting gallery. The conditions she was found in were not nice and I’ll only tell you one thing - the other people using that gallery had put a tarp over her when she died and continued with their business. Those who are familiar with those condit... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502699 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:15:36 +0100 1502699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1472620&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F299309987%2F The Serenity Prayer GOD, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living ONE DAY AT A TIME; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen Just mho, it never gets old and the repetition can’t hurt… Tags: 11th-step, 3rd-step, alcoholics-anonymous, Serenity PrayerShare This (Source: A Dozen Steps) A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472620 Wed, 28 May 2008 00:11:38 +0100 1472620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1419137&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F282931174%2F My challenge is that regardless of doing the right thing I cannot get my expectations up that the results will be what I want them to be. Therein lies one of my realities. I can care about someone. The level at which I care can increase. I can recognize right from wrong. I can do the right thing not simply in my opinion but in the opinion of many trusted, experienced friends. And the results might not be, will probably not be, what I would want in my dreams. Which brings me to aligning my will with God’s will. “More often, though, we had met up with some major calamity, and to our way of thinking lost out because God deserted us. … Damn this faith business!” It’s funny - I could write right here and now and tell you to your face, if you’re reading, I car... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1419137 Sat, 03 May 2008 20:50:07 +0100 1419137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1416395&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F282311644%2F Alicia has posted a very serious and very helpful entry about “Suicide Warning Signs.” This is one area where you darn well better do a Third Step after you’ve contacted authorities to let them know that your friend might be suicidal! I’d much rather (and have been) feel grateful that my friend is still around to be PO’d at me for ratting them out than to be going to the funeral home for a viewing. Of course, if you have a sponsor like I did he’ll spend the four hours you’re getting a psychiatric eval. out in the waiting room flirting with as many nurses as he can :) And then, if you’re on that side of this mental twist, please, make sure you find the way to thank the friend who turned you in! Tags: 11th-step, 2nd-step, 3rd-step, loveShare Th... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1416395 Fri, 02 May 2008 19:41:30 +0100 1416395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1400716&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F278143935%2F Finding a balance between dependence and actually feeling emotions of attraction, then possibly love… Is a challenge in the life of this alcoholic. Thanks Oliver - your comment was right on point and contained a few lessons I had learned some time ago. I appreciate you putting them out there as a reminder to me and for everyone else to see. Letting Go. It’s a concept understood with difficulty and practiced with labor, for me. It has assuredly gotten better! Thankfully. Allowing myself to feel love is a definite challenge because I know today I am a master of self-delusion. I can clear something up about this right away! Love (my experience and new understanding) is NOT something you feel in your loins! It is a feeling that arises in your heart… And only in your heart! It... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1400716 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 08:00:26 +0100 1400716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1397710&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F277502033%2F And I’ll waver in and out of it, dammit, because I have basic human instincts… As I do so often - from “The Language of the Heart” page 237-238 (I ought to set up a cot on these pages) “My basic flaw had always been dependence - almost absolute dependence - on people or circumstances to supply me with prestige, security, and the like.” It’s that “and the like” stuff that gets me! Bill doesn’t talk about love, affection, attention, a feeling of worthiness, a feeling of being needed, in this area. “And the like.” He does speak of depression, which I am subject to on and off, depending on my spiritual condition and my self-esteem. “Failing to get these things according to my perfectionist dreams and specifications, ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1397710 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:00:29 +0100 1397710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1149792&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F216665247%2F This time I “strolled” through Scott W.’s blog and saw he had quoted Walk In Dry Places. I decided to check out a few of Mel B.’s writings and right away I found an appropriate topic - Anger. There was a lot I could identify with… “During recent years, I have usually worked rather hard to keep my anger from showing or getting out of control, because ___ .” Because my anger always, not occasionally, always, hurts me and I never wanted that! I can be 200% right with my justification, I can be 200% right based on the truth yet it makes no difference. Anger always hurts me. “These unhappy episodes were not the direct result of drinking; they occurred many years after my last drink. And I could not agree that any good came from such temper outbur... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1149792 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:38:14 +0100 1149792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1146598&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F215634691%2F Fear or Faith… The topic at today’s noon meeting revolved around the loss of a credit card and the subsequent change of actions recovery has brought about as a result. Most folks had a similar first thought - an alcoholic with a credit card? My … how our challenges in life have improved! For me, the consideration was what a credit card in my hands used to be used for - wants. From page 559; “We are taught to differentiate between our wants (which are never satisfied) and our needs (which are always provided for). We cast off the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future, as we begin to live in the present, one day at a time. We are granted ‘the serenity to accept the things we cannot change’ - and thus lose our quickness to anger and our sens... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1146598 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:37:23 +0100 1146598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1134683&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F213008376%2F Avail us nothing… Yesterday’s Reflection spoke of turning points. Sometimes they are beginnings and sometimes they are endings. I can understand that. I don’t like it but, then again, it doesn’t matter whether I like them or not, everything will unfold the way it was meant to. Thy Will, Not Mine Be Done My shortcomings also tempt me daily; therefore I also have the same opportunities as the reflections’ writer to become aware of them. In one form or another - self-condemnation will rear its ugly head. I make a mistake and the very first thought is “You stupid A**.” Anger seemingly always jumps up to be recognized. It is self-delusional for me to continue to regret the past and what happened with my relationships, my family. Yet it continues to dee... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1134683 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 06:05:57 +0100 1134683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1123406&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F209166822%2F Sooo… you’ve been drinking too long, too hard and suffered enough and you’re about to make a New Year’s Resolution to quit eh? Resolution - “A statement of intent, a vow.” Resolute - “Firm, unyielding, determined.” Resolve - “To make a firm decision to do something.” Oh - that’s right! I get it! Other than the fact that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, it’s all about will power, right? You can stop anytime you want to… except tonight is New Year’s Eve??? Gotta throw just one more good one, don’t ya? Well then, I pray you make it and we’ll be here when you come straggling in tomorrow, or the next day or… perhaps you’ll be the one who won’t straggle in. We&#8217... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1123406 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:50:36 +0100 1123406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1096722&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F200609824%2F From “Back To The Fundamentals,” a story in the book “Came To Believe,” page 64; “At one time, the great jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes was asked what his religion was. And he answered that his whole concept of God could be found in the first two words of the Lord’s Prayer. So I got out a copy of the Lord’s Prayer and looked at it. The first word was “Our.” It didn’t say “your,” “my,” “her,” or “his.” It said, “Our Father…” He is the Father to all of us. He created every one of us. I happen to be a father myself - one of the world’s worst, but no matter how sick or how bad I got in my days of drinking, I never once wished any harm to my own children. Nothing but... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1096722 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:45:53 +0100 1096722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1051327&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F190961069%2F Out of the 12&12, page 104-105; “We discover that we do receive guidance for our lives to just about the extent that we stop making demands upon God to give it to us on order and on our terms.” Naturally I think to myself “what demands do I place on God for guidance for my life?” How about this - whatever it may be, suppose a romance going awry, and after a particularly heated argument followed by such deep ill feelings that the continuation of the relationship is threatened, I do or say something like “G dammit, why does this have to be like this?” or “This isn’t fair! Why me?” or one of thousands of variations… This may not be true of you, or anyone else, but it is true of me. I have such a perverse faith in God that I think... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1051327 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:06:02 +0100 1051327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1048000&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F189807296%2F Yes, I am grateful. My personal world is filled with wonder and joy. I’ve never had it so good! I see many of you who post gratitude lists often, some every day, and I have yet to do that. I ought to be able to post one a mile long for all the good my God has given me. And that would be the very first thing I am grateful for - that the way I “see” God has changed so dramatically. I no longer blame him for all the bad stuff in my life. I am faithful that He/She loves me beyond anything I can truly imagine else I’d not be sober. Today and yesterday I had a roof over my head and slept in a bed. I got to take a shower and eat. There have been times when I didn’t eat, there have been times when I came within hours of sleeping in the woods or the hotel Chevy and did... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1048000 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:45:48 +0100 1048000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1037847&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F187491372%2F This will be from our literature and pgs. 113-114 in the book “Came To Believe.” Getting Ahead See if you can identify with this (I can); “Most alcoholics I have known, including myself, wanted to get ahead. If we didn’t, well, there was nothing so rosy as the dreams of success and glory which subsequently came out of the bottle; such fantasies are the warp and woof of the active alcoholics life.” No, I don’t know what the writer meant by “warp” or “woof” except he/she wasn’t speaking of a twisted dog. I can definitely say that one of the constant disappointments in my life (to my then way of thinking) was the seemingly never-ending let downs when it came to getting ahead in life. I had many reasons, some even responsible an... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1037847 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 03:51:56 +0100 1037847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1034885&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F186726984%2F A good friend Dick C. tells us he is allergic to alcohol and whenever he consumed it he broke out in spots… like Phoenix, Los Angeles, Paris, you get the idea! How many of us enjoy telling others that consuming alcohol caused them to break out in handcuffs? I bet we have thousands of similar sayings. From Dr. Silkworth; Alcoholism as a Manifestation of Allergy “Alcoholism is considered by many physicians a chronic condition that gradually unfolds itself to a dismal end. They feel that it is a state of mind and advise these patients that it is up to them to discontinue their accustomed drug, which it is assumed they can do by merely making up their minds to do so. Proper attention is not given to the psychological problem as well as the physical condition of these people.”... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1034885 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:15:16 +0100 1034885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1031149&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F185751563%2F To grow I must admit my challenges. Prayer is one. From page 96 in the 12&12; “We well remember how something deep inside us kept rebelling against the idea of bowing before any God.” Of course there is something else that continues to remind me of the nature of my dilemma - page 39 in the Big Book; “But the actual or potential alcoholic, with hardly an exception, will be absolutely unable to stop drinking on the basis of self-knowledge. This is a point we wish to emphasize and re-emphasize, to smash home upon our alcoholic readers as it has been revealed to us out of bitter experience.” The potential alkie in me went past that imaginary line decades ago and became real, despite the fact I am more comfortable saying I’m recovering rather than recovered. On... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1031149 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:36:15 +0100 1031149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021350&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F183868330%2F I don’t believe there is any coincidence that, until I was walked into Alcoholics Anonymous, I just could not stop drinking and stay stopped. I am not alone… “A.A. Taught Him To Handle Sobriety” Opens with a simple sentence - “God willing, we… may never again have to deal with drinking, but we have to deal with sobriety every day.” Then a few more - “When I had been in A.A. only a short while, an oldtimer told me something that has affected my life ever since.’ A.A. does not teach us how to handle our drinking,’ he said. ‘It teaches us how to handle sobriety.’” Later… “Like most other alcoholics I have known, I did quit drinking at various times - once for ten months on my own and during other interlu... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021350 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:40:54 +0100 1021350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019424&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F183322522%2F I’ll ask you a question - when you make a mistake, what is your first thought? You hit your thumb with a hammer, what do you say in anger and to whom? You say something that sounded right at the moment you said it and seconds later you find it was totally inappropriate, what do you think in anger and about whom? Have you ever looked in the mirror and told yourself “I Hate You!” How often do you give this consideration - “Why Me God? What the he** is wrong with me? Why do I have to live like this?” I’d suggest, for those who might still be drinking, that you afford yourself the opportunity to stop drinking and see if your thinking about this changes. I can’t promise you anything though because I still have this thinking although it has lessened thro... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019424 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:02:28 +0100 1019424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1018438&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F182509119%2F And you’re “in recovery.” Working a Twelve Step program… From pages 87-88 (for those who “complain” of being tired); “As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day “Thy will be done.” We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions. We become much more efficient. We do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did when we were trying to arrange life to suit ourselves.” I might suggest, based on personal experience with self, that if you’re tired enough to speak about it you’... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1018438 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:17:22 +0100 1018438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1002845&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F179673245%2F There is someone online (I’ll not name this person but you might be able to determine who they are) who is not only a staunch advocate of an unknown fact that if you’re not “recovered” you’re not a real alcoholic. This is followed by you’re not working “the” correct program of recovery if you’re only recovering. This is an extreme danger zone to meander into and I feel the need to warn anyone who would wander there! For me this is not only a lie but, paid attention to and practiced, could have the possibility of death directly behind it. Yes, I have a case to make, a point to push across to you, with a motive. The motive is preservation, life itself, for as many as possible. This was said to me in a comment I have not published; “... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1002845 Sun, 04 Nov 2007 18:09:22 +0100 1002845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=999533&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F178726980%2F Optimism? From today’s Daily Reflection; “But Step Eleven can keep us growing…” “A sober alcoholic finds it much easier to be optimistic about life.” (as opposed to pessimistic) “Optimism is the natural result of my finding myself gradually able to make the best, rather than the worst, of each situation.” Damn gradually :) “As my physical sobriety continues, I come out of the fog, gain a clearer perspective and am better able to determine what courses of action to take.” You see green pea, it takes time. Time to come out of the fog, time to learn, time to experience and become experienced, time to come to believe, time to see things positively rather than negatively. Of course, if you’re like me, you’ll get “fogg... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=999533 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:08:12 +0100 999533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=999534&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F178596475%2F To bring me peace of mind which I lose on many occasions. It’s on pages 104-5 in our 12&12. I first made this a part of my life when the divorce was happening. Now it often brings me back to the God I understand. “We discover that we do receive guidance for our lives to just about the extent that we stop making demands upon God to give it to us on order and on our terms.” Do you think you understand this? What do you do when life doesn’t go your way? Do you complain? Do you “wish” something would happen to your benefit when it seems it is going in the opposite direction? Do you get aggravated or angry? Do you become depressed? I do… and I complain to God. I say something along the lines of “god dammit!” Or - “Come on God, quit... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=999534 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:32:22 +0100 999534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=996593&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F178182326%2F Are you a scoffer? Does your attitude towards a power greater than you match this? “Derisive or mocking expression of scorn, contempt, or reproach.” Mine did. For a very long time. God had abandoned me as a child to a drunk abuser. The rest is now history. Contempt. There came a day when I had a choice. Work an Eleventh Step and do it. Or don’t and eventually go away. I’m thankful I decided to “finally experiment.” From page 97 in our 12&12; “When we refuse air, light, or food, the body suffers. And when we turn away from meditation and prayer, we likewise deprive our minds, our emotions, and our intuitions of vitally needed support.” Support. Someone who is willing to help me and often stand up with me for what I believe in. If they&#821... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=996593 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:27:00 +0100 996593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=987211&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F176723208%2F This is derived from a writing of Bill W.’s that I’ve referred to before; “The Next Frontier: Emotional Sobriety” Since I seem to have always had a difficult challenge with the subject personally and so many I’ve known share the challenge, I look for an answer. This writing of Bill’s comes from “The Language of the Heart” and I originally found it by looking through the book’s index for “Love.” Go figure… If you’re an alcoholic like me you never stop loving those with whom you’ve “fallen in love.” And, if you’re like me, you share the continuing, apparent, failure, to achieve and maintain a relationship based in love. Companionship. Love. The desire to procreate. All natural and gifted to ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=987211 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:54:33 +0100 987211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=977404&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F174839362%2F And I’m not immune to sadness these days thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps. It was a “simple” lesson 13 years ago when our divorce was finalized. I had to learn how to mourn the loss, without alcohol. I have no idea how Barbara got through it even though a couple of years later I was told by my youngest son he had caught his mother drinking alone with an attitude. I was able to muddle through with the help of many true friends including a wonderful sponsor. 3 and 11. This time is only slightly different. There is a forty five year history amongst this wreckage, during most of which no communication or contact had occurred. We had been separated by others’ efforts many years prior to finding each other again. A dream come true, an absolute miracle.... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=977404 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:07:28 +0100 977404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=937001&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F167447210%2F If you need a quick lesson, this is how you do it. Not knowing whether you are right or wrong, sharing with close friends and fellow, trusted AA members, coming to a conclusion based on personal experience… You make a decision and stick to it no matter what. I have believed, and felt, like I was in an abusive relationship for quite some time now. Emotionally. On the receiving end. Ego has played a very large part in this and I have had to work to stay as humble as possible which has definitely not been easy. Some might say impossible :) But I had had it weeks ago after consistent put downs and emasculating commentary and judgments. Yes, my perception, however, run past those I trust and then some I don’t for a fair “evaluation.” Kicked the decision back and forth ma... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=937001 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:39:04 +0100 937001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=894284&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F160399809%2F I did it, still do it on occasion. I see others doing it. There are even those who engage groups to do it. I Am An Exception! I Am Different! Taking today’s “Daily Reflections” and breaking it down a bit; “During my drinking life I was convinced I was an exception. I thought I was beyond petty requirements and had the right to be excused.” Separate myself from you. All of you! I’m special. I’m different. I deserve special treatment. Blah, blah, blah. How many of you would like to say “EGO!” I would… The right to be excused? From what? The consequences of my actions, my lack of consideration, my lack of respect, my hard heart, the monetary results of my actions, my inaction and its results, your hurt feelings, my disgusting attitud... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=894284 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:24:11 +0100 894284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=886356&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F158829603%2F The Daily Reflection for September 19th; Acceptance “We admitted we couldn’t lick alcohol with our own remaining resources, and so we accepted the further fact that dependence upon a Higher power (if only our A.A. group) could do this hitherto impossible job. The moment we were able to accept these facts fully, our release from the alcohol compulsion had begun.” Tonight provided the evidence and facts that the relationship I’ve been in for four years, has to come to an end. But the person who responds to this reflection in the book actually offers me an excellent explanation with my answers for now. There are no coincidences. “Freedom came to me only with my acceptance that I could turn my will and my life over to the care of my Higher Power, whom I call God. ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=886356 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 03:10:37 +0100 886356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838127&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F151636911%2F At least, this poison does… Strangely, I discover (or, it discovers me) information which I have the opportunity to put together comfortably for myself and perhaps for you. I know some of you may feel uncomfortable with it and I’ll always let you know so you have the opportunity to look away. This is another of those cases where religion will be discussed, spoken about, referred to. The Bizarre? Before I begin - its been a very long time since the names “Barbara” and “Mark” have appeared to me in the same place. They did that for 22 years. Poison? I’m doing a bit of research for the post title and I find this; 3. (idiomatic) A drink; liquor I’ve had another comment appearing to be from Dick B. in moderation for some time again. I’m not ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838127 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:04:45 +0100 838127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=835539&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F150730875%2F The oldtimers (longtimers if you prefer) talked of letting newcomers have enough rope. Typically they’d discover they had a “know-it-all” as a new sponsee and it would be next to impossible to get recovery through a very thick, “intelligent,” skull. They knew the answers and they’re in the Steps! The Third Step and Eleventh Step. Let ‘em go and pray for the power… Then they sat back and let us self-will ourselves about our business because we were so smart, watched as we banged our heads against brick wall after brick wall, shook their heads knowingly as we whined endlessly and once we’d had enough self-imposed pain those of us who were sick and tired of being sick and tired came crawling back with our tails between our legs asking for ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=835539 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:24:26 +0100 835539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=832638&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F150152424%2F Which is true in my case as well as many others whom I’ve known in sobriety. It just doesn’t work! Yet the most foolish continue to go about their self-centered, selfish ways and engage in this conduct. Beginning on page 80; “The chances are that we have domestic troubles. Perhaps we are mixed up with women in a fashion (works both ways folks) we wouldn’t care to have advertised.” True for me. And for her. I was the cause. She was the recipient of the emotional harm. “After a few years with an alcoholic, a wife gets worn out, resentful and uncommunicative. How could she be anything else?” Again, very true in my case. How could she have been anything but worn out? I put her through an emotional wringer. Imagine if I hadn’t loved her… &#8... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=832638 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:37:30 +0100 832638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=831045&cid=t_347775_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F149892570%2F This one has been kicked around and around and around… what does a group do if a real “live” drunk shows up at a meeting? Let’s Ask Bill W.! Bill said; “Groups will usually run amuck on that sort of question. At first we are likely to say that we are going to be supermen and save every drunk in town. The fact is that a great many of them just don’t want to stop. They come, but they interfere very greatly with the meeting. Then, being still rather intolerant, the group will swing way over in the other direction and say, “No drunks around these meetings.” We get forcible and put them out of the meeting, saying, “You’re welcome here if your sober.” But the general rule in most places is that if a person comes for the first or s... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=831045 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 01:58:47 +0100 831045