Episode 222 -- May 30, 2022

Welcome to Meditation Monday. We're pausing each Monday for a few minutes of reflection and inspiration from the authors of the Hazelden Meditation series of books.

Meditations are daily reflections, prayers, slogans and phrases intended to offer inspiration and comfort, and—above all—hope to those of us in recovery.

A Life of My Own

Emotional support makes all experiences survivable.

The idea of getting emotional support from people we hardly know astounds us. For most of our lives we didn't let others know what we were feeling or experiencing. We assumed they'd judge us and gossip about our shortcomings. Thus to share all of who we are with women and men whose last names we don't even know seems crazy at first.

It doesn't take many meetings, however, to recognize the genuine love and support that group members express to one another. Their tales of woe are often far graver than our own experiences, yet they smile. They seem at peace. They know their friends in these rooms will help them shoulder their burden. Nothing has to be handled alone, in isolation, without the love, acceptance, and guidance that are the hallmarks of a Twelve Step program. And now this is our privilege too. All our todays will be easier with the support of our Twelve Step friends.

I am guaranteed the help and support I want. All I have to do is ask for it. I'll make a call today

Today I Will Do One Thing

I need to stay in touch with people.

I'm not behaving the way I really want to these days. It's like when I used to get drunk or high regularly and then act out. I feel like I'm making the same mistakes. I keep making people mad at me. Sometimes I think it would be better if I didn't see anyone or even talk to anyone.

But that's not what I hear in my support group. They say that if I talk about my behavior and my feelings, if I let out some of the hurt, I will feel better. It's when I keep the feelings inside that I start to spiral down. To be open or ask for help right now is hard for me, yet it looks like that's what I need to do for my recovery.

I will be sure to get in touch, and stay in touch, with my counselor, sponsor, or a trusted friend.

About the Author:
A Life of My Own was written by Karen Casey, PhD
Today I Will Do One Thing was written by Tim Mc

A Life of My Own: Meditations on Hope and Acceptance © 1993 by Hazelden Foundation
Today I Will Do One Thing: Daily Readings for Recovery from Addiction and Mental Health Disorders © 1995 by the author
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