I referred to the spiritual value inherent in the slogan, Let Go and Let God, in the last blog. I mention it again because it’s so important to free ourselves of stress and any time we try to take the reigns that either belong to some one else or to God, we are going to [...]
I’m not sure who coined the phrase, “it is what it is,” but it fits for so many situations and it’s used by every one. It’s not surprising to hear television commentators use it with as much frequency as the ordinary citizen. One reason it resonates with me is that it implies acceptance and surely, [...]
It’s so good to get back to the blog. I have been letting other aspects of life get in the way and I have missed connecting with you. It’s an activity that keeps me grounded and I need the grounding, I assure you. I have multiple balls in the air on most days. The really [...]
I pose that question because I think it’s worthy of consideration in every conversation I have. I have tried over the past few years to let those words guide me when sharing my opinions with others. It’s simply so natural for me to think I have all the answers; that my assessment of any situation [...]
I was in a great conversation with some women friends this morning. In fact, we talk every morning about the spiritual journey we share. It’s not only a wonderful way to begin the day but it’s a great opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the world we share with so many others. Our conversations [...]
Yesterday was my birthday. Admitting my age makes me sound far older than I feel. I was 71. Yikes!! And I can honestly say I don’t feel any thing close to that. In fact, in many respects, I feel younger as the years pass. I find that curious but I know it’s true for many [...]
Cultivating Hope reveals everyday ways that we can open our hearts and minds to the awesome power of hope.
My mother passed away in 1998 but not a single day goes by that I don’t think fondly of her. I was particularly reminded of her at church yesterday. Our minister honored those mothers present and those mothers no longer with us. It’s a miracle that I think so fondly of my mother, actually, because [...]
I mentioned in the last blog the joy of reconnecting with Ellen, a friend I had seen very little of since our graduation from high school in Indiana nearly 55 years ago. As I write that number, I am absolutely amazed at how quickly time passes, never to be repeated. Moment by moment our lives [...]
The first time I heard that the definition of insanity was repeating the same behavior, over and over again, expecting different results; I knew my name had been called. I simply had never known I could make an entirely new choice in how I interpreted what others were doing or saying. Nor did I understand [...]
I just returned Tuesday night from the 75th AA International Convention in San Antonio, thus my absence from the blog site. It was a wet, very humid event but filled with great talks, lots of encounters with friends, new and old, and for me, 9 hours of greeting friends and signing books at the Hazelden [...]
I just returned from a week end in Chicago with fourteen dear friends from high school. There are so many sweet memories running through my mind that I don’t know which one to savor first and longest. Starting with my roommate is no doubt a good beginning. Ellen is her name and we hadn’t been [...]
I find great relief in this idea. I guess it’s because I have had many experiences throughout my early life that made little sense at times. Simply putting my “unbelief” in the idea aside, as was suggested to me by a woman much wiser than myself a few years ago, opened the door to a [...]
I just got back from a 4 mile walk. I love the morning walk, particularly when the birds are intent on serenading me. The sun was warm and the other walkers wore smiles, as did I. There was an occasional breeze which I appreciated. I use my walk as a time for prayer and meditation. [...]
My family has been here visiting all week. There was a time in my life that I’d have been overwhelmed by anxiety over what could go wrong; how discussions could go awry; how to control the always uncontrollable when it comes to other people, the weather, the news cycles that could lead to tension and [...]
