Dear Readers,
I am good.
I am sober and blessed with good people and things in my life.
I don’t have to worry about going hungry, or having a place to live, having clean water, or war.
The only thing I have to worry about are my own thoughts and feelings, not only about not drinking, but life in general.
My thoughts can make or break me.
I can rejoice in what I have, or get dejected because of what I wish I had.
My thoughts around being sober are mostly good.
I can still feel sorry for myself from time to time, especially at dinner parties.
Instead of praying for those feelings to go away, I was told by a wonderful long-term AA member to pray for acceptance of those feelings.
It seems like a paradox, but by asking for acceptance, I think I am saying my feelings and thoughts are valid, but changeable.
If I get angry and yell at them to go away, I am denying how I feel.
But I don’t want to get stuck wallowing in self-pity.
All I can do is state how I feel, and ask for help.
All I can do is vocalize my thoughts and see if they match reality.
This same kind gentleman assures me it will get better with time.
I told him I’d give him 5 years, and he better be right!
Can I trust that the process is the solution?*
I can’t have all the answers right away.
Can I trust that by showing up, reading, listening, laughing and praying, things will get better?
If I reach out, I will get help.
But it still is a process.
Processes take time.
I saw this saying today by Nancy Leven:
*(From the book Love Idol, by Jennifer Dukes Lee)
Untipsyteacher 
Hi Wendy,Great post. And you're so right, there is no quick fix. We all have our good and bad days. And sometimes it seems a little overwhelming. But it can only get better, surely?Some days I feel sorry for myself too. But I try and not think like that. Life is so short. We just have to get on with it.You are doing so well. You are an inspiration.A x
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What great advice from your AA friend, and the quote too 🙂 It makes sense to just acknowledge those feelings, instead of ignoring them, which can only lead to trouble!
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Hi Angie!I don't stay in the self pity mood for long, because you are right. I just get on with life!xo
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For sure Lori!I love this quote!xo
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Wow, love the idea of honoring a space – an emptiness – and making that the focal point instead of things and striving to get places. You followed the whole arc from lack and sacrifice, through gratitude to acceptance and moving on.Thanks,bren
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Thank you Bren!xo
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Yes. In that space of just being. Still and calm.Goggle Matt Kahn and listen to his talk on the love revolution. He has a beautiful way of encouraging people to love whatever arises.You are doing great. If every day was rainbows and unicorns life would be boring. But it's best to be prepared for rain. That's why you have support.Anne
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Such a great post Wendy!It really hit home with me, honouring that space.I thought getting sober would fix everything in my life, turns out, whilst its a huge help, its just the start of a better life.Love and hugs my friend.
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Dear Anne,Thank you for your support! I need a huge amount of support, that's for sure!xo
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Yes, Daisy!I am finding I can't run away from myself!xo
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