Thursday, September 23, 2010

open minded

Summer is over, but it's still hot here in Houston.


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I attend AA meetings where other addictions (mostly drugs) are freely discussed; I am convinced that alcohol was just a symptom and it really doesn't matter what the addiction is as long as I am aware of it. I know this is not a popular attitude with many, and that's OK. They don't have to attend the meetings that I attend. I'm pretty comfortable wherever I go.

that I've really made some personal improvements in my attitude toward others who I used to judge quite harshly -- I think you guys call it compassion!

for things that I take for granted - today, it's clean drinking water

for the beautiful harvest moon and the opportunity to gaze at Jupiter


If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama



8 comments:

Scott M. Frey said...

congratulations on your compassionate development, my friend!

it is forecast to reach 94 degrees, this September the 23rd here in Ohio. Go figure!

I am thankful for the tolerance of folks like you who allow the occasional mention of drugs in meetings for I too agree that the drinking and drugging is but a symptom.

Syd said...

Compassion is something that I have a lot of. Maybe over the years too much, except for the alcoholic who I felt little for. Since Al-Anon, that has changed.

You were so right about retirement. And I am keeping myself really busy. All of my own doing. Per usual...

Mary Christine said...

As you know, I am one who does not agree with you. But I sure do love you and I am very grateful you have found what works for you.

Unknown said...

Just like gratitude, for me, compassion keeps me out of the highchair and throne. (credit to Mom for that one..10 years sober in AA..go mom!)

Namaste

Shay said...

YAY for findng compassion, isnt it kinda nice? :)
I agree with you about alcoholism and addiction, which is cool, but it would be cool even if we didnt! I know a lot of people who dont and they are cool too

Bill said...

My home group accepts folks with other addictions, but our primary discussion is about alcoholism. We have people who are cross-addicted, and a few with over-eating problems. Our format is based on AA conference approved literature, but everyone seems to get something out of the meeting. Having people with other problems in the room helps remind me that I could easily trade one addiction for another if I don't follow the 12 steps.

Carol said...

Yeah, I agree with the above, it is about underlying conditions. I think it is about how we handle anxiety. But for the grace of God, I would be addicted too. I took a good 10 year run at it but I'm only an amateur. I go to meetings etc because of my arrogance and ego and fear and lonliness. We are all so fragile.

steveroni said...

I'm pretty comfortable wherever I go
...and also cool, too!