OT: A Reading on Sharing Experiences

Laureen S.
on 11/15/09 11:43 pm - Maple Shade, NJ

Sharing our experiences heightens our joy and lessens out pain.

Not letting other people know what's troubling us cause the problem to trouble us even more. "Secrets keep us stuck," say the wise ones on our journey.

Sharing what's on our mind with a friend or sponsor gives that person an opportunity to help us develop a better perspective. On the other hand, staying isolated with our worries exaggerates them.

Staying isolated with our joys isn't helpful either. It minimizes them, thus cheating us out of feeling their full thrill. We deserve joy in our lives – lots of it – because we will have our full measure of pain. Perhaps we fear others will criticize us for being braggarts if we sing forth our joy. But our real friends will sing right along with us. Our joys are deserved; they offset our trials. Telling others about both will let all our experiences count for something.

I will remain open to my friends today, sharing both my worries and my joys.

My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen

"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland

(deactivated member)
on 11/15/09 11:49 pm

RNY on 04/18/08

Thank You Laureen ....thi****s home and I need came just when needed.

Laureen S.
on 11/16/09 12:03 am, edited 11/16/09 12:36 am - Maple Shade, NJ

RNY on 10/16/07

These readings I get from Hazelden (mostly 12 Step recovery related), usually come right on time to validate something I am going through. In recovery, we say, "A coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous. . ." glad this little coincidence is of use for you today!

Hugs, Laureen

My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen

"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland

Pam Hart
on 11/16/09 12:26 am - Easton, PA

RNY on 10/30/07

So.....

I guess it's ok that we share our TMI's, our confessions, and our wows right here, huh?

Thanks Laureen - it was a great read!

Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.

Arlene E.
on 11/16/09 12:52 am - Philadelphia, PA

RNY on 03/01/07

Good one Laureen. Thanks. You always have such good words of wisdom.

Arlene

IdaMae D.
on 11/16/09 1:40 am - Philadelphia, PA

RNY on 01/05/06

Thank you Laureen. When is Dillingers surgery, been thinkin of you and Dillinger.

IdaMae

Laureen S.
on 11/16/09 1:46 am - Maple Shade, NJ

RNY on 10/16/07

Hi Ida,

Thanks for asking, it was this morning and the news was good, vet got all of the tumor removed and was able to close it up with some sutures, he is resting now and I get to bring him home tonight.

I appreciate the many who have supported us through this very rough year, it continues to amaze me the power of support and love that I believe is what has made my boy still want to be here!

Again, thanks!

Laureen

My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen

"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland