VOLUME XXIV / DEC 2014
Two Dreams is a wellness program led by Andrea G. Barthwell, MD, FASAM that provides individualized care for those who dream of recovering a healthy lifestyle.
MONTHLY PROMISE
#12: “We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”
By: Brett Dunning, TDOB Clinical Director
If a spiritual experience has taken place in your life, I do not need to explain December’s promise to you. Often, those of us in a 12 Step fellowship needn’t explain the spiritual experience, nor do we want to, due to the fact we may skew our perception of it with intellect and emotion. We simply acknowledge the fact that a power greater than ourselves exists and that any attempt to try to dissect our higher power (or explain our personal spiritual experience) would not do justification to it. To those who believe they may not have had a spiritual experience, I will do my best to explain.
VOLUME XXIV / DEC 2014
Two Dreams is a wellness program led by Andrea G. Barthwell, MD, FASAM that provides individualized care for those who dream of recovering a healthy lifestyle.
MONTHLY PROMISE
#12: “We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”
By: Brett Dunning, TDOB Clinical Director
If a spiritual experience has taken place in your life, I do not need to explain December’s promise to you. Often, those of us in a 12 Step fellowship needn’t explain the spiritual experience, nor do we want to, due to the fact we may skew our perception of it with intellect and emotion. We simply acknowledge the fact that a power greater than ourselves exists and that any attempt to try to dissect our higher power (or explain our personal spiritual experience) would not do justification to it. To those who believe they may not have had a spiritual experience, I will do my best to explain.
I remember once asking someone close to me to help me with finding spirituality and a power greater than myself. I was struggling with addiction, spirituality, relationships, ego, and self-pity at the time. This individual most likely attempted to help me to the best of their ability though I was unable to hear the advice they were giving me. My struggle was internal and no external source could provide clarity. To be completely honest, outside sources only provided confusion.
I was an addict and I sought immediate release, I knew I needed a spiritual presence to change my perceptions of the world and the people in it. I knew I needed a spiritual presence to find peace, clarity, and to be in better touch with my intuition. I knew I needed a spiritual experience to form a respectful, caring, and loving relationship with myself. Today I see that moment of asking for spiritual help from others, and countless moments prior to that as my spiritual experience. My struggle resulted in a passion to change which left me yearning to attempt everything “I” knew “I” could do in an attempt to change. I failed over and over and over again until I tried everything “I” knew. I finally experienced peace when I was finished trying my way, I was finished.
I had hit bottom and change is now possible because I no longer wanted to do it “my” way. In hindsight I can envision pointing at myself thinking, “I don’t trust that guy”, when moments before I was pointing at everyone else saying that I did not trust them.
I wanted peace of mind, I wanted self-respect, I wanted friends, I wanted a better relationship with my family, I wanted a career, and to be honest, I wanted everything I have today. People in Pennsylvania and Minnesota often tell me that I should take some credit for the change in my life because it was “I” who went to meetings, met with my sponsor, and attended class every day. I laugh when I hear that because for the first three years of my recovery, I did not want to do those things. If it was really up to me, I would not have gone to class or to meetings; I definitely would not have met with a sponsor and divulged all my secrets. If I really wanted to change who I was, I knew I needed to change my thoughts, actions, and behaviors. I knew I had to not do the very things I wanted to do if I was going to be a different person and for that I needed help from a power greater than myself. In hindsight, as well as the present, I am seeing more clearly that my higher power is doing for me what I cannot and could not do for myself. First off I am sober; I am actually amazed by the clarity and intuition I have today. The thoughts and ideas I have today are realistic and achievable, the best part about them is that they not only benefit who I am, but these thoughts and ideas benefit those around me. I could not get sober without the help of my higher power and I grow in my recovery without my higher power, therefore it is clear to me, My higher power is doing for me what I cannot do for myself.
THE 3P’S
mental peace – physical well-being – personal productivity
12 TIPS TO STAY SAFE, SOBER, AND HAPPY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
By: Kara Hamilton, TD Art Director
If you find yourself struggling during the holiday season, please remember that you are not alone. Take part in our version of the 12 Days of Christmas, which gives you tips on keeping your holiday season, Happy, Joyous, and Free.
On the 1st Day of Christmas
Line up extra A. A. activities for the holiday season. Arrange to take newcomers to meetings, answer the phones at a clubhouse or central office, speak, help with dishes, or visit the alcoholic ward at a hospital.
On the 2nd Day of Christmas
Be host to A.A. friends, especially newcomers. If you do not have a place where you can throw a formal party, take one person to a diner and spring for coffee.
On the 3rd Day of Christmas
Keep your A.A. telephone list with you at all times. If you feel panic or an urge to drink, stop whatever you’re doing until you talk to a sober A.A. member.
On the 4th Day of Christmas
Find out about the special holiday parties, meetings, or other celebrations given by groups in your area, and go. If you’re timid, take someone newer than you are.
On the 5th Day of Christmas
Skip any drinking occasion you are nervous about. Remember how clever you were at excuses when drinking? Now put the talent to good use. No office party is as important as saving your life.
On the 6th Day of Christmas
If you have to go to a drinking party and can’t take an A.A. with you, keep some candy handy. (K.I.S.S. – keep it simple!)
On the 7th Day of Christmas
Don’t think you have to stay late. Plan in advance an “important date” you have to keep.
On the 8th Day of Christmas
Worship in your own way.
On the 9th Day of Christmas
Don’t sit around brooding. Catch up on those books, museums, walks, and letters.
On the 10th Day of Christmas
Don’t start now getting worked up about all those holiday temptations. Remember – “one day at a time”.
On the 11th Day of Christmas
Enjoy the true beauty of holiday love and joy. Maybe you cannot give material gifts – but this year, you can give love.
On the 12th Day of Christmas
Having had an awakening as the result of these Twelve Tips, carry the message to others in need, and practice these principles throughout all of your affairs.
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