Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is: Stolen from Me My child has been stolen from me. He's even been stolen from himself-The Addict has whisked away my son's very essence. I don't know if I will ever get him back. I know what he's like, the monstrous fiend who took my son away. The Abductor is evil, heartless, selfish, and abusive, with a reputation for spreading anarchy, bondage, devastation, and death. Thinking about the torture my child must endure each and every minute of every day, with every passing year, is torture for me. I try not to allow the images to fill my mind (because they kill me)-but they do. Because they slip right on in with the thoughts of my child that fill my mind each and every minute of every day, with every passing year, too. The Abductor needs my child, my child's body, to survive and will fight to keep him all the way to the bitter end. There is no ransom I can pay. There's no SWAT team on the job. No yellow ribbon tied around a tree. My child has been stolen from me. There is no end to this hell. Imagine trying to live without air. Now imagine something worse.Amy Reed You are reading from the book: Tending Dandelions by Sandra Swenson Tending Dandelions © 2017 by Sandra Swenson. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirationsRead a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-866-755-3221 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundtion, 15251 Pleant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Saturday, November 25, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 11/24/2017
Today's thoughts from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:Burden No LongerLord, take away this ache in my heart. I know I have asked this of You before. This ache consumes my every waking moment, haunts my dreams, and weakens my spirit. I pray You take this from me so the burden is no longer my own, but ours together. I have wasted enough energy and am ready to turn it over to You completely. I believe in You and Your will for me. You are reading from the book: The 12 Step Prayer Book Volume 2 by Bill P. and Lisa D. The 12 Step Prayer Book Volume 2 by Bill P. and Lisa D. © 2007 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirationsRead a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-866-755-3221 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundtion, 15251 Pleant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Thursday, November 23, 2017
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 11/23/2017
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is: The expression of praise as thanksgiving, gratitude, and joy is among the most powerful forms of affirmation. --Catherine Ponder Praise inevitably has a multiple effect. It positively acknowledges another human being, enhancing his or her well being, while making us feel good. This offering of love, which is the substance of praise, heals all who share in its circle. We can see the effects of affirmation in the people we admire. We can discern its absence too, particularly among those who struggle. How difficult is it to give small acknowledgments to those we care about? Making a habit of this heals our own inner wounds too. Affirming a friend or ourselves connects us to the spirit residing within. That bond fills in our empty spaces, making us whole and healed. Our security grows as we praise one another. I will freely offer my love in the form of praise to the wonderful friends on my path today. You are reading from the book: A Woman's Spirit by Karen Casey A Woman's Spirit by Karen Casey. © 1994 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirationsRead a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-866-755-3221 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundtion, 15251 Pleant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Wednesday, November 22, 2017
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 11/22/2017
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:Count Your BlessingsCount your many blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God has done!--from “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman Jr. You are reading from the book: The 12 Step Prayer Book Volume 2 by Bill P. and Lisa D. The 12 Step Prayer Book Volume 2 by Bill P. and Lisa D. © 2007 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirationsRead a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-866-755-3221 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundtion, 15251 Pleant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Tuesday, November 21, 2017
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 11/21/2017
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:I came to understand that it was all right to do things for people as long as I did it for the sake of doing it... the value being more in the act than in the result.--Joanna FieldWe've all heard the sentiment that it is better to give than to receive. Yet we may find it difficult to give to others, whether that giving involves an actual gift or an act of giving of ourselves: caring for someone who is ill, running an errand for someone, giving a backrub, or extending an invitation to someone who is alone. We may feel afraid to do for others without any expectations of receiving something in return. To give unselfishly exposes our feelings and shows we care. Yet if we can look beyond our fears to the selflessness of our giving actions, there is a great reward -- knowing we had the courage to risk giving to someone. The risks we take in giving to others are lessons for ourselves as well as for those whose lives we touch.The gift of giving opens doors to the homes of our souls. You are reading from the book: Night Light by Amy E. Dean Night Light by Amy E. Dean. © 1986, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirationsRead a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-866-755-3221 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundtion, 15251 Pleant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Monday, November 20, 2017
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 11/20/2017
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is: Coping with FamiliesThere are many paths to self-care with families. Some people choose to sever connections with family members for a period of time. Some people choose to stay connected with family members and learn different behaviors. Some disconnect for a time, and then return slowly on a different basis. There is no one or perfect way to deal with members of our family in recovery. It is up to each of us to choose a path that suits us and our needs at each point in time. The idea that is new to us in recovery is that we can choose. We can set the boundaries we need to set with family members. We can choose a path that works for us, without guilt and obligation or undue influence from any source, including recovery professionals. Our goal is to be able to take care of ourselves, love ourselves, and live healthy lives despite what family members do or don't do. We decide what boundaries or decisions are necessary to do this.God, help me choose the path that is right for me with family. Help me understand there is no right or wrong in this process. Help me strive for forgiveness and learn to detach with love, whenever possible. I understand that this never implies that I have to forfeit self-care and health for the good of the system. You are reading from the book: The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie The Language of Letting Go © 1990 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirationsRead a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-866-755-3221 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundtion, 15251 Pleant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Sunday, November 19, 2017
15 Tips to Stay Sober this Holiday Season
With the Thanksgiving holiday coming at us; and Hanuka; Christmas,
and the New Year right around the corner I wanted to share some useful tips for
staying clean and sober during the holidays.
The holidays can be a hard time for many people, but for those in recovery
they can be especially trying on our sobriety.
Often we miss loved ones whom are no longer with us the most during the
holiday season; or perhaps we are living away from family and their absence
rises painfully to the surface. Quite
possibly we’ll be faced with situations that will try our serenity. Regardless of the scenario, seemingly
overwhelming feelings combined with the higher frequency booze filled soirees
can be a lethal combination for the sake of our sobriety. Here then are some tips to help you stay
sober through this holiday season; and at parties throughout the coming year. We’ll start with some in depth tips and then
finish off with 12 essential tips.
1. Be prepared.
Having a few lines ready for when you may have to turn down
a drink, or turn down a holiday party all together, can make these instances of
temptation less stressful. Unless you feel comfortable doing so, you do not
have to disclose that you’re in recovery to everyone you encounter. You don’t
owe anyone an explanation for why you don’t want to have that drink. A simple
“No thank you, but I’ll take a Diet Coke,” is sufficient. I find having a beverage
of choice always in hand to be incredibly useful. Being prepared and planning ahead for what
you’ll say will make staying sober over the holidays much less stressful.
2. Choose holiday parties wisely.
The holidays are a time spent with friends and family, so
avoiding every party you receive an invitation too is not realistic.
Occasionally, there will be gatherings that are important to you – that you
wish to attend – where alcohol will be flowing freely. If you choose to attend
a party where alcohol or drugs are present, ask yourself honestly: ‘Is this an event that is truly meant for
sharing quality time together? Would all the attendees still be there even if
alcohol was not being served?‘ If the answer is no, then it may be best to
steer clear. Staying sober is the most important thing for you; a few hours at
a party are not worth risking
3. Plan an escape route.
If you are attending an event where people will be drinking
make sure you can leave if you begin to feel strong urges or simple feel
uncomfortable around the other guests. When possible, go with a sober friend so
you can keep each other accountable.
1. Plan each
and every day of your holiday season. Plan to spend the majority of your time
with friends and family who are supportive of your recovery.
2. Find a
meeting in your area. Many groups have special meetings during the holidays to
share their experience, strength, and hope. Check the local papers for a
meeting near you.
3. Ask for
support from family and friends. Those who are truly supportive of your
recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays.
4. Have a list
of ten people you can call. Make a list and check it twice. Carry your cell
phone and list of names at all times.
5. Don’t
forget about regular exercise. Regular exercise is an essential component of
any balanced recovery program.
6. Stay away
from slippery places. There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your
former favorite establishments.
7. Create
new traditions to replace your old using patterns. Buy a new board game or take
the family on a sleigh ride. Use your imagination, be creative, and have fun.
8. Write out
a daily gratitude list. The quickest cure to get you out of the holiday blues
is by counting your blessings and be grateful for what you have every morning.
9. Volunteer
your services to a charitable organization. There are many people in your
community who are less fortunate than you. You will be helping not only the
needy but yourself!
10. Write a
letter to yourself – “How I stayed sober over the holidays.” The act of writing
your ideas on paper is very powerful. Write down all the activities and events
that will help you have a healthy, happy, and sober holiday season.
11. Avoid
H.A.L.T. – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. If you are hungry, get something to
eat. If you are angry, talk to somebody about it. Feeling lonely? Go to a meeting
or call a friend. If you are tired, get a good night’s sleep.
12. Live one
day at a time and enjoy your sobriety. Stay in the moment and live one day at a
time. Never mind about what happened or what could happen. Enjoy today. Live
today. Celebrate your sobriety!
Remember to use
your recovery tools during this holiday season!
N
Sources:
© 2017 The Way Out Podcast www.wayoutcast.com
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