Friends of Bill W.

[LeftWriteFemme]

March 16


Bad Acting

Because there never seems to be enough love in the world to fill the wound, my wounded self riots. At times the debauchery seems good natured enough, flamboyant yet without harm, at other times the disturbance is apparently violent and the issuing tumult a crime. All for want of wholeness and sanity I pursue shattered fractured activity just to keep from dwelling where I cannot live, where there is no air. I want land beneath my feet and full, full lungs; on my own I find neither of these and little else of use. Isolation even in a crowd is the tell tale sign that I am in the, me, myself and I mode of drowning in a teacup and require rescue. Little more than raising my hand above the surface and asking for help is needed though this is a Herculean effort as we all know. Rowing up stream is a bigger battle then it ever looks and I know the river runs through me.



Turn, turn, turn then rest


*

UNNECESSARY WORDS

I've spent years trying to put names on the streets in my 12 th step map post.
Clear signs with monikers easy to remember, themed and progressive
But I have been wasting my time, the map is there, no doubt.

I have seen people follow it to varying degrees.
The names are unnecessary, like ants, we trail each others scent.
We track so closely as not to loose visual contact, we don't play with our survival.

Or we are bees standing in front of the meeting
Doing the dance, which describes the path to sobriety
With meaningful jokes, and well earned tears.

As I stand at the foot of a few twenty-fours
And see the evolution of my recovery
I realize the names in the placards are ever-changing.

Meaning and value pour through the kaleidoscope of time
And come out as indescribable gifts, Which I can only give through action.
I will no longer fritter away my time looking for tags and titles

[Tommi]

12 Step Meeting in BFP Chat
Sunday 9 PM EDT
Click here ~

[Lady Pamela]

A.A. Thought for the Day

Before we decide to quit drinking, most of us have to come up against a blank wall. We see that we're licked, that we have to quit. But we don't know which way to turn for help. There seems to be no door in that blank wall. A.A. opens the door that leads to sobriety. By encouraging us to honestly admit that we're alcoholics and to realize that we can't take even one drink, and by showing us which way to turn for help, A.A. opens the door in that blank wall. Have I gone through that door to sobriety?

Meditation for the Day

I must have a singleness of purpose to do my part in God's work. I must not let material distractions interfere with my job of improving personal relation ships. It is easy to become distracted by material affairs, so that I lose my singleness of purpose. I do not have time to be concerned about the multifarious concerns of the world. I must concentrate and specialize on what I can do best.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not become distracted by material affairs. I pray that I may concentrate on doing what I can do best.


by Hazelden Foundation

[Ima Dandy]

hello............I've been in different "B/F" rooms for a while now.............now I am stepping into these rooms ...................... it's not quite that bad, yet I am finally gonna reach out here as well as in real time

thank you all for being here

[Ima Dandy]

OK....yes, it is that bad, or I would not be here, I just ment I haven't been taken to the hospital for drinking

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Ima Dandy

OK....yes, it is that bad, or I would not be here, I just ment I haven't been taken to the hospital for drinking

That's good. I hear the food isn't all that great.

Welcome. Keep coming back,

[Ima Dandy]

Originally Posted by Tommi

That's good. I hear the food isn't all that great.

Welcome. Keep coming back,

LOL...........that's what they tell me....on both accounts

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Ima Dandy

LOL...........that's what they tell me....on both accounts

Thinking about that, and realized food tasted better with a drink. so maybe the food was awfuj after all. I keep coming back, because I am fuckin' lucky to be alive, and thankful to be able to.

[LeftWriteFemme]

March 17

Suit up, Show up



I stand naked, paralyzed, unable to reach my intended destination or any destination at all. Goose flesh is no real motivation and I am reluctant to use the prod having only produced resistance and reversals with past applications of this weapon. Entreatment might work if only I could find the right one; then again anything might work if it were a fit. Covering my all-together is an action; taken judiciously it sometimes is all the arrival I can manage, taken disingenuously it precludes the chance for any further forward motion and may create set back or retreat. I should not attempt to hide fear with wardrobe though I can try to warm it. Façade building is best done with a bottle in tow
reality is best faced with a sponsor by my side.




Acknowledge pain, acknowledge joy


*

OLD BEARS

Cold and Despondent
Nothing comforts me like the bear of early sobriety

Bought on a day I thought I would shake apart
This fuzzy old guy has been a display item,
For many years now,
Tucked to the corner with the lace edged pillows and folded shawls.

Jittery and Sleepless
It's easy to panic.

I turn and see the amber eyes waiting for my embrace
His body clothed in a hand knit child's sweater made by a friend
The warmth of this snuggle is more than comfort
It is also the acceptance of loss.

Quelling the dramatic highs and lows of the beginning cost many things
And the depth of this is not lost in the moment.

Alone in my bed the passageways to the future appear to me
I must rest and then walk on
I cannot stall or simper, plain work is before me
And simple old bears a consolation.

[Tommi]

Looking at the Sober on The Way to Sane excerpts and the More Sober on The Way to Sane, and the block format and the poetry format.

The 2010 change to post both block and poetry just doubled the work.

Looking at your writing every day for many years now, I realized how exceptional you are. Inspiring others that have your books within reach, and read when the darkness comes and the sun shines in their windows.

Thank you for your servicem, and for keeping the light on every day.

[purepisces]

Originally Posted by Tommi

Looking at the Sober on The Way to Sane excerpts and the More Sober on The Way to Sane, and the block format and the poetry format.

The 2010 change to post both block and poetry just doubled the work.

Looking at your writing every day for many years now, I realized how exceptional you are. Inspiring others that have your books within reach, and read when the darkness comes and the sun shines in their windows.

Thank you for your servicem, and for keeping the light on every day.

I'll second that!

I can't tell you how much Sherrie's words mean to me ... some days they cut, some days they comfort, but always they make me think. And, somehow, it always seems to be exactly what I need at just the right moment! I don't know how you do it ... but I'm so glad that you do.

Thank you Sherrie, and thank you Tommi ... you are both an inspiration to me.

p.s. Last week (3/11/10) was my two-year anniversay, but I wasn't posting much because I was very busy cuddling my Dakota after her surgery. It's easy for me to remember the date I quit drinking, since it was on my actual birthday ... and it's the best gift that I could give myself.

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by purepisces

I'll second that!

I can't tell you how much Sherrie's words mean to me ... some days they cut, some days they comfort, but always they make me think. And, somehow, it always seems to be exactly what I need at just the right moment! I don't know how you do it ... but I'm so glad that you do.

Thank you Sherrie, and thank you Tommi ... you are both an inspiration to me.

p.s. Last week (3/11/10) was my two-year anniversay, but I wasn't posting much because I was very busy cuddling my Dakota after her surgery. It's easy for me to remember the date I quit drinking, since it was on my actual birthday ... and it's the best gift that I could give myself.

The gift that keeps on Giving, because, you are miraculously still living.

CONGRATS ON Belly Birthday and 2 yr Anniversary.

I know what you mean about her writing about where you are or need to be that day. I read her posts for almost 2 years..then she said Hello, and I said Well Hello There, and well, it's been a miracle too

Hope Dakota is better tooooo.

[Lady Pamela]

JUST FOR TODAY

I'll take my inventory just for today
just for today...
I'll stay sober and clean
just for today...
my disease won't run my life

I'll go to a meeting just for today
just for today...
honesty and trust will guide me
just for today...
I'll share my experience, strength, and hope

Quickly, I'll make amends just for today
just for today...
I'll leave nothing undone
just for today...
I'll admit to being powerless

12 steps will guide me just for today
just for today...
I'll listen more than I speak
just for today...
I'll be willing to learn

My Higher Power will guide me just for today
just for today...
I'll pray and meditate
just for today...
I'll be gracious for my gift

Tonight I'll go to bed sober just for today
just for today...
I'll remember I still have a choice
just for today...
yesterday will be in the past

I won't worry about tomorrow just for today
just for today...
I'll see the world with a child’s eyes
just for today...
I'll live... for today

And when tomorrow comes
I'll realize... that just for today
I'll once again have a clean slate
just for today...

©2007DaveHarm

[LeftWriteFemme]

March 18

Malaria


Flailing, reaching, screaming; hiding, avoiding, misdirecting, theses are subsets in a list of extremes whose commonality is lacking, lacking humility. I fall to pieces just thinking of standing exposed, imperfect and unprotected. I’m not sure what I think will happen to me in this posture; instantaneous death? Couldn’t be, I’m not that lucky, nor am I foolish enough to think that I am that lucky. Possibly, I fear rancorous humiliation, but really who is powerful enough to do that to me? I know and like myself well enough to deflect obvious flying nonsense, so what is it that I do flee? I think it is the endless grinding inelegance of life, the stinging nettled nature of things, my inability to weave my way around my weakness and slip into the open unpoisoned. I fear exchanging peace for failure. Humility is when I know I cannot fail.



Be conscience of judgment and try not to react to it


*

WET BLANKET

I have carried this sodden thing with me all my life.
It's weight a burden for numerous years,
I have never been able to explain my continuing drag of this pitiful thing
Though it has been commended on by many.

My fidelity is boundless
In spite of inner questions and doubts.
Now that the fire is here I am glad to have it.
I pull it over me and step into the fray.

Thick and moist, I somehow struggle under its influence
And am able to do what others, bare of my encumbrance, cannot
I don't believe I can quench all the flames but I hope to help some to safety
And bat down the encroaching inferno a bit.

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by LeftWriteFemme

---- Possibly, I fear rancorous humiliation, but really who is powerful enough to do that to me? I know and like myself well enough to deflect obvious flying nonsense, so what is it that I do flee? ..... Humility is when I know I cannot fail.

Be conscience of judgment and try not to react to it

The excerpt from above will be my mantra today. Hope everyone had a Happy Humpday.

About to embark on another lovely day of employment. Can anyone tell me what a pipe dream is?

Does buying a liottery ticke expecting to win fit in a pipe, or a dream?

[LeftWriteFemme]

Originally Posted by Tommi

The excerpt from above will be my mantra today. Hope everyone had a Happy Humpday.

About to embark on another lovely day of employment. Can anyone tell me what a pipe dream is?

Does buying a liottery ticket expecting to win fit in a pipe, or a dream?

A pipe dream is a fantastic hope or plan that is generally regarded as being nearly impossible to achieve.


smooch!

[Lady Pamela]

I wanted to share something that touched me today that I read.


Today I humbly ask my Higher Power for the grace to find the space between my impulse and my action; to let flow a cooling breeze when I would respond with heat; to interrupt fierceness with gentle peace; to accept the moment which allows judgment to become discernment; to defer to silence when my tongue would rush to attack or defend.

I promise to watch for every opportunity to turn toward my Higher Power for guidance. I know where this power is: it resides within me, as clear as a mountain brook, hidden in the hills -- it is the unsuspected Inner Resource.I thank my Higher Power for this world of light and truth I see when I allow it to direct my vision. I trust it today and hope it trusts me to make all effort to find the right thought or action today.
Written by: Anthony R.

[LeftWriteFemme]

March 19

If I name it do I know it?


Does emotional proximity necessitate a nearer name? Far off I would be called earthling possibly human. On this plain, female maybe woman; in this country Mrs. Theriault; in my home call me Sherrie, but in my bed hy calls me Baby. Do these names offer the requisite information, no further inquires required, is it personal enough? Is the limited nature a stunted interest from without or a privacy fence from within? Does the boundary shift dependant upon the participants or is it an almost universal standard of metered advance and reveal? And do I get more when I give more or does that end in less info and a change of direction? Also who determines what I really need to know? Wanting curiosity; my hungry mind and lonely heart do not direct all the world, yet ceaselessly they strive, shutter and ask again: Who are you?





Step toward yourself


*

JAG

I have the most interesting lawn ornament.
It is long and sleek, low to the ground,
Resting on rubber rolls,
Steep of side and languid front and back

It has glass, glass which slants
And glass which slops into its sides.
It's paint shines when I buff it
And shows dust when I don't.

Inside there are seats and many artistic accessories
I sit on the steps and admire the thing
Then I sit in the thing and admire the porch
That's all there was until I was handed the key.

[LeftWriteFemme]

March 20

Bent, Spindled, Mutilated


Injury changes memory, not just the memory of the individual trauma, but the very nature of the mind. The hooks and loops distort and I can’t hold on as I once did. The misses and disconnects become more frequent, then they become expected. Emotional fluff-ups do not suffice, the hardware is damaged and a positive attitude is advisable but the pliers are a necessity. Some things are easier to break than to repair, in fact most things are easier to break, no skill required, though some take it on as skill, most destruction is ignorant or accidental, nothing personal just a part of a pain filled landscape. Direct intervention is not the same as hands-free degradation, though both have their cost. Redemption, restoration, is sought from all comers. Possibilities and probabilities stack; action is a relief, whether or not it is a fix. I take a breath to face the final blow, for when the cost adds up and I look for recompense all I hear is the check is in the mail.





Line the bin so the ick won’t stick

*

20 CART PILEUP

What's the problem here?
Asks my sponsor, as she approaches my apparent impasse.
Well, I've been trying to get these carts lined up
What do you think of my progress?
How many carts do you have here?
A few, quite a few, why?
And how many horses? She asks
Just the one, the same as everyone else, I answer.
And where is this poor animal?
Back here.
Behind the carts
OK, we have a twofold problem here.
First, one horse can handle only one cart.
So pick ONE
Second, that sad creature needs to be in the proper position
To do any good at all.
You had best figure out a way to get him in front
Or you will remain stuck
Even after you whittle down your burden.
I was stunned
She went to her cart
Climbed to the seat
And took the reins
How long did it take you to get yours like that? I ask
Honey it takes every day.
Don't kid yourself
I wake up every morning with the same train wreck
Your standing in now.
Learn to sort faster
And you'll have the rest of today
You can start over
With us tomorrow.

[LeftWriteFemme]

Just a quick reminder:

Our first AA, NA, Al-Anon chat meeting will be taking place in the Friends of Bill, Lois and Jimmy chat room on Sunday night at 9 pm eastern time and 6 pm westcoast time. I hope you can join us there and please don't for get your Options because the room is password protected. I look forward to seeing everyone there!