**SPIRITUAL** A DAY AT A TIME

TWO TODAY.. YESTERDAYS.. AND TODAYS. 05/22 REFLECTION FOR THE DAY When I first listened to people in The Program talking freely and honestly about themselves, I was stunned. Their stories of their own addictive escapades, of their own secret fears, and of their own gnawing loneliness were literally mind-blowing for me. I discovered -- and hardly dared believe it at first -- that I'M NOT ALONE. I'm not all that different from everybody else and, in fact, WE'RE ALL VERY MUCH THE SAME. I began to sense that I do belong somewhere, and my loneliness began to leave me. DO I TRY TO GIVE TO OTHERS WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN FREELY TO ME? TODAY I PRAY May I begin to see, as the life stories of my friends in The Program unfold for me, that our similarities are far more startling than our differences. As I listen to their accounts of addiction and recovery, may I experience often that small shock of recognition, a "hey-that's-me!" feeling that is quick to chase away my separateness. May I become a wholehearted member of the group, giving and taking in equal parts. TODAY I WILL REMEMBER Sameness, not differences. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 05/23 REFLECTION FOR THE DAY When newcomers to The Program experience the first startling feeling that they're truly among FRIENDS, they also wonder -- with almost a sense of terror -- if the feeling is real. Will it last? Those of us who've been in The Program a few years can assure any newcomer at a meeting that it is very real indeed, and that it DOES last. It's not just another false start, nor just a temporary burst of gladness to be followed, inevitably, by shattering disappointment. Am I CONVINCED THAT I CAN HAVE A GENUINE AND ENDURING RECOVERY FROM THE LONELINESS OF MY ADDICTION? TODAY I PRAY Please, God, let me not be held back by my fear of recurring loneliness. May I know that the openness which warms me in this group will not suddenly close up and leave me out. May I be patient with my fear, which is swollen with past disappointments and losses. May I know that the fellowship of the group will, in time, convince me that loneliness is never incurable. TODAY I WILL REMEMBER Loneliness is curable. HUGSSS WITH LOVE

Hey, it's me Tony, happy Belated B-Day !!!! Hope all is well. I really like your post today, thanks for taking the time to share. As we get further and further out from our surgeries and deeper into our recoveries it's important, for me anyway, to remember that I'm not " cured" I'm just finaly on the path to a better life. And it can be a strugle to stay on that path. Have a great weekend Rhonda. Tony Sr.

DAMNNN Tony.. you are HAWT.. Thank YOU for the birthday wishes.. and never too late if within the same weekthat's my motto.. especially when I use to party it all week I just told Barb.. that when I was re-reading this.. instead of thinking alcohol.. and AA.. I felt more the obesity.. and OH Forums. It really hit home a new meaning again.. of how much everyone on these Boards mean to ME.. including YOUR HANDSOME SELFI will and you have a fun yet safe holiday weekend too. Rhonda 1 year older.. but still HAWT..

Always makes me think in a good way and reminds me how special you are not only to me but to everyone that knows you Have a wonderful week-end! Hugs! Barb

Thank YOU Barb.. as I was re-reading this just now.. I got the idea of The Program.. being The OH Forums that I love so much This Program has given me soooo much.. I always want to give back.. and I see that YOU do too.. YOU ARE A GIVER