Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul Daily Inspirations (Chicken Soup for the Soul) (29 page)

Luciano de Crescenzo

Footnotes for Life

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6

R
ecovering from an illness or from some dreaded disease of the heart or mind–from alcoholism, drug addiction or abuse—can scar us but they cannot destroy our spirit, not if we refuse to allow it. It takes great courage to believe that we can overcome. There is a certain bravery in facing up to our own weaknesses, to our own mortality, to all of the possibilities that might be visited upon us. Life is what it’s all about. Life is taking a stand with someone, loving through the hardships, encouraging the defeated, teaching the young. And in the simple touch of a hand or a warm embrace we heal each other, one person at a time.

Todd Outcalt

Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.

David O. McKay

Footnotes for Life

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7

G
rowing up, my husband’s house was “party central.” It was so bad his neighbors nicknamed his cul-de-sac “alcoholic’s circle.” The first time Rich brought me home to meet Mom, she was so drunk she was sliding out of the chair and spoke with slurred speech. I was shocked. Later he calmly explained, “Didn’t I tell you? My mom’s a party girl.” He could have said she was a drunk or a loser, but he didn’t. He accepted her for who she was. When people complain about their alcoholic I tell them what I learned from my husband, “Quit trying to change them and try some compassion. Life is a lotmore peaceful that way.”

Carla Riehl

As I surrendered my imaginary power over others, I gained a more realistic view of my own life.

Al-Anon World Service

Footnotes for Life

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he more I learn the more I know that I do not understand. Life is full of new and wonderful information; paradoxes and confusion abound; every new idea leads to a further truth and the journey seems endless.

In a sense we are all disciples; we are all learning from each other and the role of teacher and student is forever being exchanged. In my sobriety I am able to see how many wonderful “things” exist in the world; so many fascinating and interesting places to visit, so many loving and insightful people.

God has given me much. I am so grateful to be able to learn in His garden.

To teach is to learn.

Japanese Proverb

Reverend Leo Booth

Footnotes for Life

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9

M
y graduation dress made a surprise appearance from the back of my closet last spring. I heard the faint rattle of bones as the skeleton I had zipped into the folds of yellow chiffon was suddenly released. I had never admitted to anyone that I was bulimic; not my teenage daughters, nor my mother, who died never knowing my secret. As I eyed the soft fabric in my lap I realized that eating disorders never disappear, they simply shuffle themselves to the backs of closets and lurk. Now that the skeleton is out ofmy closet, I hope I can learn to accept the teenager who wore that dress and forgive her the dark secret she’s been hiding.

Elva Stoelers

Truth has a healing effect, even when not fully understood.

Mary Baker Eddy

Footnotes for Life

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ULY
10

T
hrough the years, I have channeled my anger in many ways . . . in order not to face it. I have used competence as a weapon, exercising my power by becoming a taskmaster. I have vented my anger by using chemicals or food, abusing myself and others by my erratic, destructive behavior. I was led to believe that if I cut myself off from my rage, it would go away. Today I know that it is precisely from cutting myself off from my emotions that I lack skills in resolving them. I am learning how to turn to others for assistance and support to resolve my emotions without letting my anger run my life.

Rokelle Lerner

The fly cannot be driven away by getting angry at it.

African Proverb

Footnotes for Life

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11

I
t calls to me, like an angry father calling a child. I don’t want to go, but feel powerless to resist. It is an addiction, my addiction. It’s in my blood and clouds my judgment, but not my heart.

This is my struggle, my fight, and I will win. Alcoholism may wage a war, but it will not take me prisoner.We are not alone in this battle. Together we will find the strength to overcome an enemy that does not like to be ignored. Day by day, one step at a time.

Raquel Strand

Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.

William Jennings Bryan

Footnotes for Life

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12

F
inding myself in prison was both the worst and the best thing that ever happened to me. I was nothing but a number to the prison system, but Carla, my counselor in the court-ordered drug program, always treated me with respect and dignity. When I finally walked out of prison I was convinced I would put that part of my life completely out of my mind. It hasn’t quite worked out that way. In my day-to-day living when I get a little shaky in my recovery I still hear Carla’s warm voice telling me, “I am so proud of you, you’ve earned this,” or feel her hug, as loving as if she were my own mother. You can find angels everywhere.