u/Any_Amphibian6501

Just for today 21MAY26 "Keep coming back!" 362 days clean and sober NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
It helps to hear the stories of others. I thought I was the only crazy fuck that did all the stupid shit I did. Nope... Many other addicts have done similar, if not the same, shit as me. That community of others, with something in common, is one of the three key elements needed to create hope. The other two are values that are important to you and a little control over your own life. Even if you're just working on strengthening your values and you have enough control over your own life to ask for help.

Just for today 20MAY26 "Coming out of isolation" 361 days clean & sober NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
Isolation is such an easy go-to. I still isolate when the going gets rough. I caught myself doing it a couple months ago. I didn't want to go to meetings, I didn't feel like talking to anyone. I just want to stay in bed. What's important is that I recognized it and I did something about it. I added two more groups to my schedule and passed out flyers, for my handyman service, door to door. Now I'm keeping myself, and my son, very busy. I will not let myself isolate again.

Just for today 19MAY26 "A growth inventory" 360 days clean and sober NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
I've been spending too much time thinking about my daily schedule. Mapping out time for my handyman jobs between NA, AA, Court, veterans groups, anger management, drug counseling, drug testing, and leadership groups. I'm staying sober, by the skin of my teeth, cause I'm so fucking busy. I really need to set aside some time for my Higher Power.

Just for today 18MAY26 "Friends and amends-Keeping it simple" 359 days Recovery (@shepardscove)
I have totally been dragging my feet on making amends. I know most of my friends will, and have, forgive me. It's those few that won't that have me worried. I still haven't gotten a sponsor to work with on this stuff. I finally have one in mind though. I need to approach him and ask if he's willing to sponsor me. I just need to put on my big-boy underwear and start making that list...

Just for today 17MAY26 "Defects" 358 days clean and sober today NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
As I looked at my many defects on paper, I realized how many of them kept me alive through my self-destructive addiction. I passed out in many unsafe environments. If it wasn't for my arrogance, and my violent personality I showed, I wouldn't have survived. I now live with my Higher Power as my protection. It actually works.

Just for today 16MAY26 "Our Higher Powers's will" 357 and 125 days clean Recovery (@shepardscove)
My path has become much more clear since I've put my life and my will in the hands of my Higher Power. I ask for guidance in His will and I ask Him for clarity of my character defects. I still have plenty of 'em fuckin' with me. Lately He has kept my son and me busy. It's an answer to my prayers. We stay out of trouble and seek His will.

Just for today 15MAY26 "Fear of the Fourth Step" 356 days clean & sober NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
It took a lot to take an honest look at myself. Once I started listing all my shitty character defects I found relief. I no longer have to hide from my true self. I have a specific list of issues to ask my Higher Power to clarify and remove from me. I ask Him to allow me to see what I need to work on and give me the guidance, in His will, to better myself. Damn, I have a long list.

Just for today 14MAY26 "Oops!" 355 days clean and sober today NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
I think I made a mistake once... maybe twice... I don't know why the police, sheriffs, probation, and most judges know me by name... Okay, okay... I've made a lot of mistakes. I have made countless mistakes, under the influence, doing the same fucking thing, expecting different results. Pure insanity! Today, I am recognizing my mistakes much more quickly and making adjustments so I don't repeat them.

Just for today 13MAY26 "Onward on the journey" 354 days clean and sober NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
One thing I've learned is life gets lifey... After being sober for almost a year, things have become a bit stagnant. I have to search for something to keep me motivated. Today, my drive is Peer Support for veterans. I continue to ask my Higher Power to show me His will for me. I use my coping skills to recognize and redirect negative thoughts so I don't get stuck in negative feelings. And I stay as fucking busy as possible.

Just for today 12MAY26 "Livin with spiritual experiences" 353 days clean NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
I have experienced many extraordinary indications of God's presence in my life. Prayer is so fucking powerful. I've learned that I need to be careful what I pray for. There have been times He has opened the flood gates and suddenly I'm drowning in what I prayed for. I now direct my prayers towards guidance and strength to continue to be motivated. I ask Him to show me His will for me. I also ask that He give me the tools I need to help others and that He puts them in my path so that I can.

Just for today 11MAY26 "Balancing the scales" 352 days clean and sober NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
I'm still working on balancing the scales. When I began recovery I was in-patient at a behavioral health facility. From the time I woke up until I went to bed there were recovery based groups and activities. If I wasn't in a group I was working on a step or writing in my journal. Then, when I started working, I began to put my recovery on the back burner. Now, I'm working on finding that balance.

Just for today 10MAY26 "Becoming entirely ready" 351 days clean & sober NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
I seem to be holding on to a number of character defects that I am unaware of. I will make it a point to pray for Him to reveal those defects so I can work on them directly. How can I ask Him to fix something when I don't even know what's broken? And only my Higher Power can reveal it to me.

Just for today 09MAY26 "Write about it!" 350 days clean and sober today NA Recovery (@shepardscove)
I started writing in a journal when I was in-patient at Rivyve. It really does provide clarity of thought and the opportunity to sort through the all shit in your head. I'm constantly telling my son, Rocky, that he should write in his journal. I've gotten so much out of writing in my journal, I want everyone to check it out. Just pick up piece of paper and start writing. Don't worry about spelling or grammar, just write...