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=====TABLE OF CONTENTS=====
=====EDITOR'S COMMENTS
=====ANNOUNCEMENTS
=====READERS' COMMENTS
=====RECOVERY THOUGHTS
=====SPONSOR
=====FEATURED LINK
=====PURE BOLOGNA
=====SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE
=====EDITOR'S COMMENTS=====
PLEASE NOTE: Principles looks at recovery through the lens of an "Eastern" perspective, which fits nicely with 12-step programs'
spiritual underpinnings--that is, if you're willing to read it that way.
PRIVACY: I will never publish, give, loan, or sell your email address to
anyone. Never - Ever - No way - No how.
DISTRIBUTION: God willing, Principles hits cyberspace once a week - sometime between Thursday evening and Friday morning. Find
Subscribe & Unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of this page.
Thanks...Charles Roper
=====READERS' COMMENTS=====
From Rich:
If our Higher Power is who we say He is, then why do we seem to give Him so little thought? To me, it's like putting on
the seatbelt in a car. We just do it most of the time. We don't even think about it. But what about those short trips?
You know, the ones just around the corner or to the end of the block. Remember that ad on television that said something
like, "Most accidents take place within X miles from home?" I think many times my quiet time with my HP is the same way. I'm
good about calling out His name on the long trips, but I really don't think those are the ones that will get me. It's the little
ones, or the little things, if you will. I share this, I guess, to say, "Just for today, God help me to remember You on my
journey. Just for today, whether it be long or short, help me to be less so that You may be more. May I not wait until the
crash to call Your name."
Please email your comments & questions to:
Mailto:Principles-Newsletter-owner@egroups.com
=====RECOVERY TALK=====
I Listen
by Charles Roper
I Listen to the trees, and they say:
Stand tall, and yield.
Stand alone, and stand together.
Be tolerant and flexible.
Be true to yourself.
Be brave.
Be patient.
With time, you will grow.
I Listen to the wind, and it says:
Breathe.
Take care of yourself - body, mind, and spirit.
Take time.
Relax.
Be quiet.
Listen to your heart.
Listen with your heart.
Don't think.
Forgive.
I Listen to the sun, and it says:
Nurture others.
Give without expectations for return.
I Listen to the creek, and it says:
Simplify.
Go with the flow.
Move forward easily - without hesitation or fear.
Tend to what's important, and let the rest go by.
Lighten up, and enjoy a giggle.
I Listen to the mountains, and they say:
Be there.
Be honest and true.
Be genuine and real.
Tell the truth.
Do what you say you're going to do.
Don't cheat.
I Listen to the birds, and they say:
Set yourself free.
Sing.
I Listen to the clouds, and they say:
Be creative.
Be expressive.
Laugh when you feel like laughing.
Cry when you feel like crying.
I Listen to the sky, and it says:
Open up.
Embrace change.
Take down the barriers through which you protect yourself.
Fly.
I Listen to the plants and flowers, and they say:
Be humble.
Respect humility and truth.
Respect the beauty of simple things.
Find beauty in all things, including yourself.
Let go of perfectionism.
Love yourself as you are; it opens the door to change.
Practice acceptance.
I Listen to the bugs and flying insects, and they say:
Work.
Be productive.
Use your hands.
Focus on what's in front of you.
Ignore the past; there is only the present.
I Listen to the moon, and it says:
Love.
Share love.
Make love.
Touch and caress.
Be gentle, kind, and understanding.
Allow yourself to be loved.
Use candles.
I Listen to the stars, and they wink and say:
Play.
Dance.
Be silly.
Have fun.
I Listen to the earth, and it says:
I am your mother.
I give you life.
Respect the life I give you.
Respect the life I give others like you.
Especially respect the very young and the very old, for they are both very near
God.
Love and nurture your children; cook good food for them,
and hold them close to you.
Hold me close to you as well; I will support you, and when you return to me, I will
welcome you and set your spirit free.
Know that we are all one - not separate, and that there is no true distinction
between living and dead.
Give up the belief that you are a higher form of life; there is no higher form of life.
We are equal because we are the same.
Have faith.
Show faith.
Be faith.
=====NEWSLETTER SPONSOR=====
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and I'll send you two free gifts (modest but useful) with each copy. I'll also gladly
inscribe your copy as per your instructions - within reason, of course. You can request specific inscription wording in
the text box at the bottom of one of shopping cart pages.
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High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction &
Recovery, by Charles N. Roper
=====LINK OF THE WEEK=====
This week's featured link is: The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
An indexed and fully searchable copy of the main text of Alcoholics Anonymous. Also online is the unpublished, original
manuscript of the book.
Visit the site:
http://www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/
=====PURE BOLOGNA & HOGWASH=====
The Texas State Trooper's remarks to the drunk driver just before
the arrest:
"Tell me something, buddy; just how tall were those two beers?"
"Listen carefully, now, because the answer to this question will determine whether you are really drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse
a cat or dog?"
"The handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch out after you wear them a while."
=====SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE=====
To SUBSCRIBE to this publication, send any e-mail to:
Mailto:Principles-Newsletter-subscribe@egroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE from this publication, send any e-mail to:
Mailto:Principles-Newsletter-unsubscribe@egroups.com
=====WITHDRAWAL=====
Let's do each other a favor and keep it simple.
Charles Roper, Editor
Principles: The Addiction & Recovery Newsletter
Alcohol & Drug Abuse - The Addiction & Recovery Information &
Resources Website:
http://www.alcoholanddrugabuse.com
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