05/22 REFLECTION FOR THE DAY
When I first listened to people in The Program talking freely and honestly about themselves, I was stunned.  Their stories of their own addictive escapades, of their own secret fears, and of their own gnawing loneliness were literally mind-blowing for me.  I discovered -- and hardly dared believe it at first -- that I'm not alone.  I'm not all that different from eveybody else and, in fact, we're all very much the same.  I began to sense that I do belong somewhere, and my loneliness began to leave me.  DO I TRY TO GIVE TO OTHERS WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN FREELY TO ME?

TODAY I PRAY
May I begin to see, as the life stories of my friends in The Program unfold for me, that our similarities are far more startling than our differences.  As I listen to their accounts of addiction and recovery, may I experience often that small shock of recognition, a "hey-that's-me!"  feeling that is quick to chase away my separateness.  May I become a wholehearted member of the group, giving and taking in equal parts.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Sameness, not differences.

Yes I had my surgery in 2003. Since then I have had a total body lift AND another baby...LOL...yes i need meds. The Dr. changed me to Ritalin 5 mg yesterday-i can't even tell i took anything. I will take this until i go back to dr next week. I think the Adderall works best , i just need the non xr, more thruout the day, my body absorb and puts the XR right out. The same way, before i quit drinking a couple years ago, i would get drunk, sober up , get drunk, sober up....usually before anyone else was getting started good. I do not drink anymore. Definitely NOT GOOD POST bypass-you just wait to get bad reports on your liver.

'I value my life.'    Wow, I definitely needed to see that in writing this morning.  That was a great wakeup sentence for me - I am dealing with a few stressors right now, and these 4 simple words really kicked me in the patootie!!!   Thank you Rhonda for your postings - I really appreciate them.  Have a peaceful Thursday.  ~Debra~

05/21 REFLECTION FOR THE DAY
"The language of friendship is not words, but meanings," wrote Thoreau.  Life indeed takes on new meanings, as well as new meaning in The Program.  To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends -- this is an experience not to be missed.  CAN I RECALL MY INITIAL REACTIONS WHEN I CAME TO THE PROGRAM?  DO I BELIEVE THAT I'VE FINALLY COME HOME?

TODAY I PRAY
As The Program has given life new meanings for me, may I pass along to others that same chance to re-evaluate their lives in the light of sobriety, common purpose, friendships and spiritual expansion.  Praise God for my new vision of human life.  Praise Him for restoring for me the value and purpose of living.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I value my life.

Thanks sweetie..

BTW how is the loss going?? I haven't talked to you in a while..