REFLECTIONS

REFLECTIONS
I have been running reasonably hard for a while, and have not taken the time to just sit in the quiet, reflect, and put thoughts to paper.
It has been an eventful period in our lives since early February; the time of a relocation of homes for us.
We moved from a very urban and diversified setting to a small (17,500) rural town. I must admit, the adjustment has been a positive one for me; slower pace and people say hello (in English) and very little traffic congestion. The air is cleaner and insurance, gas, and a number of other things (including golf) much less expensive. We have a new home that I really love and much more opportunity for daily serenity.
My two youngest grand kids live very close and I've enjoyed going to their activities. I've even enjoyed babysitting and seeing that I can still change a diaper when need be (although the monkey has now turned 3 and has few accidents). Its funny how much more enjoyable things are with grand kids than kids; they go home and all you have to do is love them
From a work perspective, things have not been as busy as they were prior to the move. I have been to caught up in "adjusting" to do the things I need to do to build my practise, and locally coaching is not understood to the level it was in a much larger and urban center.
My clients have been varied. I have had the privilege of working with a man in his 30's who has fought life long depression and self-esteem (most of my clients have self-esteem issues) issues and have witnessed his break through to sunshine. He always wanted to be a teacher. Today he is attending school to finish his qualifications and acing it! I've worked with a couple of lawyers, both battling addiction and issues related to alcohol/drugs. To both of them, confidentiality and one-on-one work was of top priority. Neither is drinking or using today, both are setting goals and moving forward! I've worked with an under achieving financial advisor, a lady who was unemployed and needed focus, people with relationship issues (including the relationship with self), and all are making progress they are happy with. It does feel good to be able to help them find what they have always had but didn't know where to look.
I have had to make some big changes in my own recovery program.
I had been a member of a 12 step group for many many years and think the world of that group. It was a place I belonged, I knew people and they new me. From that group, many friendships were forged.
After searching for a "fit" in fellowships in my new town, I have found a group that I like. I must remember how long it took me to really feel like I belonged in my old group, and know, with time, I will feel as comfortable.
I have always been active in service, particularly in sponsorship. I have continued sponsoring others in my old location, others who have really started a journey. A few who continue to slip and slide I have worked with to help them find someone new, someone who is personally there. I have maintained relationships.
I am sponsoring a person in my new town, and hope, over time, that I attract some newcomers. I get so much out of this area of service including staying very much in touch with reality!
I have strong faith that tells me things will work out!
I continue to blog frequently as my form of journaling. Nice to get thoughts outside of self and get feedback- pro and con! Even some that is really negative stuff. But then that is life. Quite often a get a note from someone (an electronic voice) that tells me what I have written has helped or generated thought. Makes it worthwhile!
I've had fun working with Ben (myBDMwebsite) in creating a new web site (www.hopeserenity.ca). It is a labour of love and a pet project. I would really like to get YOU and others active on the site. Does it reflect my business? Yes. But hopefully it will have lots of free stuff on it that will help others find life recovery, hope and serenity. I try to give freely of blocks of time to help where I can, and enjoy having a forum where others can share.
I have loved the new local golf course I joined, have been active and have met some really wonderful people. I think this winter I'll have an opportunity to use some of my experience in the golf business and club business to hopefully make a positive difference to the club users locally. Rather than sit back and complain, I'd rather listen and work to make a positive difference in areas where I can.
Nice to just sit back and reflect. I really am appreciative of those that read my musings and give constructive feedback (and occasionally referrals).
In reading over what I have just pecked out, I am filled with gratitude with what my higher power has done in my life and the blessings and life that I have. Things have come with hard work, set backs and pain and the help of others, both professionals and "friends". From inside, I located the source of my life, and was given the courage to change and continue the life long process of life recovery; and a life free from addictions.
PS- for those who have asked about my son who is new to recovery; so far so good. He has a seasoned sponsor and is starting the steps.