Blog entry for:

the steps ARE the program! yes they certainly are, especially when i am way, way out of my routine, in a place far, far away from home. confession time, it has been six days since my last meeting and more than likely will be eight before my next. i am more or less off the grid and if it was not to my zealous application of steps 10 through 12, i would certainly be a basket case. nothing it seems is turning out the way i wanted it to, or everything is just the way it is, and it is up to me to accept that as fact and move on. the resort is way out in the sticks, so a shopping trip into town, requires some planning. it is small, so we have to eat at the same place, day after day. the sun is intense and there is no cloud cover, so massive amounts of sunscreen are requires. the pools are not heated, so the water is very, very old. just another day in paradise.
honestly, all of those complaints are actually attributes that make this vacation unique and special. in fact as i sit out here on our terrace and watch the morning unfurl, i am filled with a sense of calm and yes even serenity. what are we going to do today? well that has yet to be determined. i know what i am NOT going to do today. i am NOT going to have a margarita or pina colada at happy hour. i am not going to have a glass
of wine at dinner, but i may have a Cuban cigar this evening as the day winds down. i have already heard the word this morning and if i remain true to the path i have chosen, i will be able to sleep peacefully and soundly this evening after reviewing my day. i may not be walking around with a banner on, saying that i am in recovery, in fact, most of the time when i am on vacation, i just pretend to be part of the other 85%. if we end up heading into town, well there too, will i just be another snow bird gringo, looking for a bargain or two on leather and fragrances, and who know what else.
today, because i do adhere to the principles that have brought me this far i GET to be in a third world country and treat those who live here as my equals and peers, and not some sort of alien sub-class. today, i can be respectful and grateful, for the employees of the resort who make my stay comfortable. today, i can be better than i was yesterday and smarter about using more sunscreen, after all, i want to enjoy the sun and not end up a burnt cinder. yes it is shade and lots of water today and letting go of an outcome or three. after all, i am here for some reason and i am entitled to enjoy life away from the snow, that just may be falling tonight, at home. day two here we go!