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White Knuckle Abstinence

Ideally, we move forward and take positive steps toward our goals by visioning the future and excitedly doing what it takes to get there. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work. Sometimes we let life – or fear – get in the way even when the vision is compelling and glorious!

In 12-Step recovery, the phrase, “white knuckle abstinence” means doing whatever it takes to steer clear of our substance of choice whether that be alcohol, drugs, overeating, under eating, or gambling. This can be unpleasant and hard – yet possible with the help of supportive sponsors, meetings, inspirational readings.

What does “white knuckle abstinence” look like around vision work, around living a fulfilling, purposeful, passionate life? I think it is another tool in our tool box. Perhaps it’s the sledge hammer which may not do the prettiest work but does do something! Maybe it’s the hand saw when we really need a chain saw yet again, it moves us forward. Maybe it is an accountability partner. Maybe it’s getting up 15 minutes early each day to exercise – kicking and screaming all the way – but doing it.

If you’ve been stuck in a rut or backsliding on your dreams, ask yourself:

What would a dose of White Knuckle Abstinence look like?

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Agile Living

If you are a computer programmer or web designer in today’s world, you have heard the phrase “agile programming”. Loosely defined, agile methodology is about approaching the project iteratively. When agile is practiced, programmers circle through the steps of discussion, definition, choosing a next deliverable, completing the task and rolling out a product. Then, they re-evaluate the whole project before choosing the task for the next iteration. This differs from older methods whereby the entire, massive project was outlined, documented, planned, started, and often failed or succeeded long after the deadline years later.

So what does agile have to do with natural, healthy living? What life lesson is there in “agile”? Continue reading “Agile Living”

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What Will I Give You This Christmas?

I searched my mind and thought real hard of presents that I’d give you.
And nothing spoke directly. Nothing screamed “It’s me! I’ll do!”
I tried the shopping frenzy, read the ads and checked the sales.
And still I came up empty. I knew stores would surely fail.

And so I stopped to wonder why, with retail options plenty,
nothing was the perfect gift for my dear loving family.
Ah! “That was it!” my heart replied. The gift that was to suit you
must be created in the love that every day does fill you.

And then I listed all the ways you’ve shared what’s in your heart:
homemade cards and salsa, photographs were just a start.
And then the royal feast, creations tasty and so vast!
I saw that you had filled each one with love so sure to last …

until we’d meet again — maybe not for months to come.
For each of you is busy being love in your home town.
So back unto the task at hand, to find a way to say,
“Thank you for the love you are today and every day.”

And then I knew my gift must speak directly to your soul.
And I know only one way — it’s the music that I mold
within my heart and soul which asks that you now look inside
and find the hidden splendor that you are this Christmastide.

Yes, you are a treasure. You are love and you are light.
You are the gift of Christmas — I see it as your life.
So please receive the gift you are, so holy and so rare,
the blessing you give others as yourself you freely share.

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Each Day A New Beginning

Another new year has begun! Once again, we begin a cycle of 365 days during which we will:

  • change the number with which we measure our years on earth
  • receive another evaluation at our job
  • create a budget to manage our finances and trust our income will keep up

For many, January 1st is yet one more chance to start anew the diet or exercise routine that promises to be the perfect fix. For some, it means hope; for others, the beginning of another round of hopelessness.

What does January 1st mean for you? What would you like it to mean? Would you like to try something different this year? Continue reading “Each Day A New Beginning”

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The 12 Steps For Spiritual Growth

  1. Became open to the possibility that I am not alone in this world and that I was created with intention and for a purpose by a master creator.
  2. Came to believe that the master creator made me special, whole, and complete and has planted within me all that I need to blossom into my fullest potential.
  3. Made a conscious decision to accept this great gift of life and to live each day to the fullest.
  4. Completed an honest evaluation of my personal strengths, seeing each as a gift from the master creator, and knowing that it is my privilege and responsibility to develop these gifts and to share them with the world.
  5. Honoring my truth as a spiritual being created with purpose, discussed my personal strengths with those persons who would encourage me to grow my talents and to share them freely.
  6. Sensing my own fear and hesitation surrounding owning and developing my strengths, learned that true humility is not merely admitting our mistakes; rather it is the egoless and joyful expression of our personal gifts as we walk this planet.
  7. In true humility, made an agreement with the master creator to explore, develop, and release the gifts I’ve been given into the world.
  8. Became aware of the ways in which I have abandoned my spiritual self by rejecting or ignoring the gifts that are mine to give.
  9. Through action, sometimes in the smallest of baby steps, began to develop my gifts and to see in myself the beautiful, glorious creation that I was made to be!
  10. Regularly reviewed my personal gifts and the progress I have made toward their fullest expression, noting where adjustments were needed for continued growth.
  11. Sought through direct connection with the master creator to learn where I was to share my talents and to receive the necessary courage and strength to do so in true humility.
  12. Having learned to love and respect the magnificent creation that I am, shared myself and my gifts with others in every area of my life.

By Jeanne Loehnis, 2006