Doing the next right thing

So it has been far to long since I have posted on my blog and I apologize for that. However, most days I do update my Daily Gratitude and Self Reflections page.

I have to admit that since getting my puppy, Mindy Lou, it’s been a lot harder to find that space of quiet time where I can write and think. My life has been on 15 to 20 minute intervals, waiting for the next time my little Mindy needs to go out to do her business, which is very often. Just saying! I’m just gonna have faith today that I will put the right message out to you in this post today. I’ve been trying to write this post for a couple weeks now. But, as my counselor taught me years ago, “it is what it is.” I just continue to do the next right thing and everything else will fall into place.

Yesterday when I went to check my email, Word Press had sent me a message saying I had a new comment. I was so happy to read this comment (I am always excited to read any comments I get on my blog) because it was from someone I don’t know in Texas. it is just when I’ve been doubting that I’m reaching others, that my HP shows me differently. What a blessing it is to be able to do the next right thing and get the desired results. I have to admit that I was so grateful to read that comment and realize I am reaching other people that I don’t know. I am extremely grateful that this person found the courage to reach out to me.

It really is true that things happen in my God’s time and not by my demands. Who would have thought that 25+ years ago that I would have my own blog writing about my recovery life. I certainly would not have believed it even if I had seen it in writing.

When I was drinking I never really dreamed or had aspirations, I took the classes, got certificates, but never followed through. One time I took a floral design course; then when I got the interview for a job I went to it intoxicated and used wire on real flowers. Wow! What  a difference! This last year I have been doing different things for my sobriety and it is certainly paying off! This life I have today is by God’s Grace and by me being open to making room in my schedule for real quiet time and mindfulness, hence truly giving meditating a honest try.

In one of my readings off the  Hazelden Betty Ford site, the other day talked about making the right choice every day to be sober, to include a Higher Power in my life and to stop trying to do life alone. I need people such as you to relate to and to share my life. I loved how it said “Pride stands sentinel at the door of the heart and shuts out the love of God.” That is such a powerful statement!

I have a disease that wants me dead, but will take me miserable; this disease of addiction will keep toying with my emotions until I pick up a drink if I don’t do the next right thing to stay sober one day at a time. To me that includes the footwork and taking my care my emotional and spiritual needs. I got to a point when I was drinking that I didn’t care; I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I just wanted out and needed help. By God’s Grace I got the guidance and help I needed, and it’s for that reason I am sober today. I dismissed that sentinel that was blocking the light of my Higher Power and continue to make gratitude a priority in my life today. For if I don’t I will lose everything; maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually the negativity of this world will take over my heart and soul and I could drink again. I am not willing to take that chance today!

The sobriety thing is really God’s gift, but it is up to me to practice and to maintain balance if I want to keep this precious gift that has been so freely given to me. I am glad I stayed around long enough for the miracle to happen and I hope you have or will too.

It is one day at a time of putting our best foot forward to have a life filled with joy and love. God Bless