Posted in: addiction blog, addiction recovery meditations, atlanta treatment centers, today's gift, touchstones daily meditations
I resolve to meet evil courageously, but when even a small temptation cometh, I am in sore straits. That which seemeth trifling sometimes giveth rise to a grievous temptation.
—Thomas a’ Kempis
Even in recovery, we know we are vulnerable men, always subject to a return to old patterns. Sometimes we can understand the triggering event; other times there is no apparent reason for temptation to reappear. Perhaps it comes when we least expect it, when our guard is lowest. We may be tempted simply because we are addicts or codependents. Our powerlessness reminds us of our need for faithfulness to the program.
When we think we have moved beyond the draw of old behaviors, we veer away from our path of recovery. In saying we have grown out of our powerlessness, or that our resolve can now protect us, we are heading back into old troubles. Admitting the truth is unsettling. It also makes us more honest, more accessible, more spiritual, and more ready to deal with threats to our recovery.
I live with my powerlessness every day. Help me admit it to myself.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©1986, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.
Posted in: addiction blog, addiction recovery meditations, today's gift, touchstones daily meditations
I can honestly say that I was never affected by the question of the success of an undertaking. If I felt it was the right thing to do, I was for it regardless of the possible outcome.
—Golda Meir
Living a principled life is what the inner self desires. It’s what God desires. And it’s what the healthier ego desires. Living the program’s principles is giving each of us practice in living a principled life, one that is free of guilt for our shortcomings.
Having principles assures direction. We need not ponder long how to proceed in any situation, what decision to make regarding any matter, when we are guided by principles. They offer us completeness. They help us define who we are and who we will be, in any turn of events.
As women, particularly as recovering women, we have struggled with self-definition. Often we were as others defined us, or we merely imitated those close by. Sometimes we may slip into old behavior and lose sight of who we are and how we want to live. It’s then that the program’s principles come immediately to our aid.
There is no doubt about how today should be lived. I will do it with confidence and joy.
From Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women by Karen Casey © 1982, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.
Posted in: addiction blog, addiction counseling blog, addiction recovery meditations, today's gift, touchstones daily meditations
Life is change … Growth is optional… Choose wisely…
—Karen Kaiser Clark
We can certainly count on change. We become fathers, our children become more independent, we make new friends, and other friends move away. When a man clings too tightly to the status quo or tries to control the direction of change, he is bound to be disappointed. We are like skiers on a mountain. We must continue down the slope. We can vary our speed somewhat, but if we stop for too long we will get cold or hungry; if we ski too fast, we may have a serious fall. Part of the pleasure is in not being able to control or predict every circumstance we will meet.
We don’t control which loved ones come into our lives and which ones go or whether we become ill or stay healthy. We don’t control life’s opportunities. We can control how we choose to respond to these transitions. Whatever happens can be used for growth and we can commit ourselves to use all experiences that way.
Today, I will not try to control change but will choose to use whatever happens for growth.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©1986, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.
Posted in: addiction blog, addiction counseling, addiction counseling blog, addiction recovery for men, addiction treatment professionals, atlanta treatment centers, certified addiction counselors, excellence in addiction counseling, men in recovery, modern addiction recovery, purple residential treatment, reinvent addiction recovery, residential addiction treatment
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As the new administrative assistant of Purple Inc., a long-time supporter of all things Purple, and the wife of one of the owners, I have taken on the responsibility of keeping up with this blog. I love Purple for several reasons:
- Most importantly, we help the most important group of people in the world (that’s my opinion, of course)-alcoholics and addicts! I personally believe if all the alcoholics and addicts in the world got sober at one time, there would be world domination. Seriously, the smartest most intuitive people I know are alcoholics and addicts. So be nice to your neighborhood alkie….
- Two of my most favoritest men own the facility-my amazing jedi husband, Brett and my sweet sweet father-in-law, Joel.
- Purple now provides my pay check.
I think that about sums it up. The purpose of this blog is, well…..we’re not really sure. Possibly to entertain the light-hearted side of addiction, possibly to educate on the not so light-hearted side of addiction, or possibly to reach someone who needs help. More likely, a combination of all three. Happy Reading!
-Andrea Bagley