The momentum of New Year’s resolutions is often short-lived. For most of us, intended and even initiated changes in life far outnumber sustained changes in life. Mark Twain's quote nails it: "Quitting smoking’s easy; I've done it hundreds of times." Even though the Serenity Prayer offers three critical distinctions for more efficient use of our life’s energy- serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference, its most popular version doesn't reference what I feel is the key element for a transformed life. On page 62 in the textbook Alcoholics Anonymous, the third dimension of addictions’ verdict of inevitable annihilation is m
If you know Ed,* you know that his chatter can get louder around the holidays. Remember: he may get noisier but that doesn’t mean that you have to waver in your recovery. You have a choice and you can choose recovery in each and every moment. And, in the end, it doesn’t matter what Ed says or does. What matters is how you respond to him. If you’re looking for tips on how to respond to Ed this holiday season, here are some positive, pro-recovery options. 1. Choose a go-to support person. For each holiday celebration, select a designated person for support and accountability. Choose someone who is willing, available, and, if possible, actually attending the event. Teach this person the do’s an
