Most of our family and friends know of our addiction but how about those who don't? Who do you tell about your recovery? It's a personal decision but one we all must make.

Anonymity is a fact of 12 Step recovery. Tradition Eleven addresses this principle but how do we make it personal? What does it mean to you on a daily basis?

When the self-help books are long gone, there is a desire to read about "us". After a period of time, we may want to step out of that recovery mode and read/meditate on the bigger picture of who we are today. "The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo may be exactly what you need.

Gratitude is not something that always comes easy. Sometimes we have to learn or relearn how to be grateful and what we should be grateful for.

We say we are in recovery and yet every now and then we revert back to old behaviors. Are we focusing on recovery or just letting life happen?

Alcohol is but a symptom and our defects may live longer than we anticipate. A single defect may be big enough to force us into a "moral" relapse and require professional help.

If you are a "real" addict, new addictions may enter your life more than you would like. Most of these are perfectly harmless and they will probably find their own end. Recognize them for what they are and take it easy.

Recovering addicts have much to offer an employer but disclosing your situation may not always be favorable. Use common sense and don't be so quick to wear your recovering heart on your sleeve. Know the difference between honesty and foolishness.

Addiction and depression can be considered a "dual diagnosis" but that might depend on what came first. Were you depressed before addiction? Are you still depressed in recovery? Find out more about if or how you fit into this dangerous duo.

There isn't a more loving nor a more volatile relationship in the world than the one between mother and daughter. Which way it goes depends on us and our willingness to accept. It is not all about us.