“After spending 15 years using alcohol & drugs as fuel to function, I was frozen in fear, self-pity and shame.”

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

365 Science of Mind & Walk in Dry Places

Ernest Holmes, Mel B.

“We have thought that outside things controlled us, when all the time we’ve had that within that could have changed everything and given us freedom from bondage. Feeling gratitude, even in difficulty, can release us from this bondage.”

Adapted from 365 Science of Mind & Walk in Dry Places

Reading

Mark Twain

“The two most important days in life are, (1) the day you were born and (2) the day you discover the reason why.”

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day "In seeking things of the spirit and in our faith, we should try to become childlike. Even as we grow older, the years of seeking can give us the attitude of the trusting child. Not only for its simple trust should we have the childlike spirit, but also for its joy in life, its ready laughter, its lack of criticism, and its desire to share. In A Christmas Carol, even old Scrooge changed when he got the child-spirit. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may become like a child in faith and hope. I pray that I may, like a child, be friendly and trusting.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Looking at today’s readings, I looked back and remembered not knowing who I was. After spending 15 years using alcohol & drugs as fuel to function, I was frozen in fear, self-pity and shame. Driven by pride of who I thought I was, or was supposed to be, I was in a terrible depression. I was at a crossroads and looked around; people were happy to be free. I was not and called my sponsor. It’s a game changer that still works today in the moments when I’m in doubt. He told me, “Just read We Agnostics. See if you can find a Power greater than Steve! Reread and digest this like alcohol & drugs, and all will be well!” He hung up.

He was right; this chapter was a turning point, and still is for my journey today.

I met up with Aaron at AJ’s on Lincoln for breakfast; granola, berries and yogurt from the salad bar, with coffee & a pastry, we sat outside in the shade & caught up about life. Many others walked in for their morning fix; most alone, heading to work. The love between us was amplified by a book detailing the history of our family; the Ungar’s, Rosenbaum’s, Phillips and Leitz’s, starting in Lithuania and Budapest. A family of 7 coming over on the boat from Russia, hiding to protect my grandma Sarah from others trying to “buy” her! Sitting in Paradise Valley, it seemed unreal. There was the page that had all of Aaron's diving accomplishments at Chaparral HS. 4 generations later, the journey continued with a text from Josh and his family in Spain. Later, he and I got to talk, and I heard all about their plans for the year and how his life is unfolding into more miracles.

Later, at Walter’s, we ate lunch and watched the recap of FIFA and events around the world. Leaving him and his wife June, I headed to Staples to copy and to print out some documents, then ended up at Gails at 8pm, had dinner and packed to head out to Seattle for the 4th of July weekend. You told me to relax, to let go and to take it easy; but to get busy living life.

Thank you for a peace and a design for living that really works!