Blog entry for:

the Twelve Steps give me a strong dose of real values, the kind that help me live in harmony with myself and those around me. so this is generally my downtime for my blogging, so i was quite at liberty when it cam time to lift my quote to seed this blog. the other freedom i have, is that is has been three years since i wrote on this topic, so it is unlikely that i will be repeating the same thing as i did three years ago, as i am not that man anymore. under the influence of the 12 steps and with the direction and guidance of my sponsor, i have become something more. the values i ascribe to toady, are quite different that those that were my credo in active addiction, and even those i lived by three years ago. not that the steps or the program has changed, i HAVE. how i see those values applying in my life is different than how i saw them in the past and that in my not so humble opinion is a good thing.
before i forget: --HAPPY CLEAN DATE ANNIVERSARY KATHY M -- 8 YEARS CLEAN IS A MIRACLE --
so where was i? oh yeah, i could go through the values i live by or should i say, attempt to live by, one by one, showing how i see them changing across the course of my recovery, and while it would be quite the exercise in filling pages with words, i do not see that as a fruitful enterprise this morning. the values that are screaming out the loudest this morning are: SURRENDER, FAITH, HOPE, HUMILITY and HONESTY.
SURRENDER to the fact that i am human, i have anatomical differences that cause me health problems, if i want a solution, then i must be willing to do whatever it takes to have that problem fixed -- surgery, painkillers and recovery time --
FAITH that my HIGHER POWER did not take me down this path only to drop me off and say SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH. i will get the tools i need to come through this experience whole and clean, if i allow myself to see them and use them.
HOPE that i will be able to pick-up the those tools, including the telephone and let others know that i am struggling to return to a program of active recovery.
HUMILITY to admit that there is no way i can get through this without the help of the members of the fellowship that has provided me this manner of living.
and last but not least the HONESTY to keep this topic in mind when i am given the opportunity to share. my experience, before, during and sfter, may be just the information another addict needs to go through times of illness themselves.
so it is off to the road work and into a busy day, pounding in some hours before i am laid up. enjoy your Labor Day one and all!

∞ DT ∞