“Some call it “slow-briety” – true for me.”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

IMPATIENT? TRY LEVITATING

“Impatience with others is one of my principal failings; before I give God a chance to slow me down, I explode. That repeated experience gave me an idea; if I could simply look down on these events from God’s point of view, I might better relax to control my feelings & behavior. I tried it when I encountered the next slow driver. I looked down on the other car & upon myself, and I saw an elderly couple driving along, happily chatting about their grandchildren. They were followed by me – impatient, bug eyed and red of face – who had no time schedule to meet anyway. I looked so silly that I dropped back into reality and slowed down. What a relief. Seeing things from God’s angle helps calm my impatience and is very relaxing!”

Adapted from Daily Reflections

A Life of My Own: Meditations on Hope and Acceptance

“In recovery, we turn to our trust in God for guidance; we see our problems transformed into opportunities. To acknowledge a life filled with opportunities rather than problems is a major shift in perspective that gives us huge rewards. Today, I look for opportunities to see how God will show me how to handle each challenge. My rewards are serenity and growth on my path to enlightenment.”

Be Here Now (Enhanced Edition)

Ram Dass

“We are all on the journey towards enlightenment; at each stage, we must share what has been discovered with those who will listen. The sharing is part of the work. The listening is part of the work. We are all on the path to enlightenment!”

Adapted from Be Here Now (Enhanced Edition)

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Impatient? Not me; I just think I know how everything should be done. I was so angry at myself; why do I have to start over at 33 years old? I used to be smart, personable and on the path to success. I called my sponsor whining again; he listened a few minutes, then asked me to turn to the chapter Dr. Alcoholic/Addict (Acceptance Was the Answer in the 4th ed.) We read that together; wow that was (and still can be) me! Drinking and using, I was going to prove my worth and efficiency; just stand back and watch!

You did and here I am!

Yesterday, at the noon MAAM meeting, we talked about the need to connect with an inner Power for guidance to temper our expectations. We are all crazy perfectionists, waiting to control the next challenge. And we get frustrated so easily.

Thank God There is a Solution! We continued our discussion at Rubio's; walking out, Pablo discovered a fish taco in his pocket! WTF??

Meeting up at Mortons Kierland with my son Aaron and 2 of my brothers’ best friends, we sat around sharing adventures. Drinking and using had become a way of life; from furniture markets, hair styling & clothing conventions, Beverly Hills, to New York, we lost cars, marriages and money. Those guys corrected their path; I lost direction. My compass was spinning out of control. Where to turn?

Somehow I made it to a doorstep marked “Recovery.” Some call it “slow-briety” – true for me.

In the parking lot afterwards, we said our goodbyes & Aaron and I got to talk a bit more. As an innocent victim caught up in my tornado of self-will run riot, Aaron has also seen the many benefits of sober and responsible living. Thank you.

Thank you also for continuing to slow me down; to pull off on the many exits along the way marked “The Long & Winding Road – The Pathway to Your Door” that, if still alive, I would have surely missed.