There are so many slogans, acronyms, and phrases to help us recover. Some we love; some we hate. There is always one that works for you! What is it?

It is important for all of us to get away from the day-to-day. It is equally important that we never lose sight of the fact that there are no vacations from recovery.

Being a mother today isn't easy for anyone but for moms recovering from an addiction it is not only about the changes they make. It is also about the choices their children make and with these come joy and tears.

We love the phrase "progress not perfection". We have worked hard to rid ourselves of the need to be perfect. But do we truly mean it the way it was intended or do we use it as an excuse for old bevaviors?

We always talk about principles and practicing them means we get the opportunity to work on them every day. You can focus on specific principles when you work the steps if you know what they are.

My most popular article to date is "How To Make Amends - Step 8". Since that is only the first part of the process, I wanted to republish my thoughts on Step 9. Only by working these two steps can we begin the maintenance of our sobriety and know the fruits of the Promises.

Striving to do something perfectly or to be perfect has a way of reducing us to failure. Remembering that it is progress not perfection is not always that easy.

Most people who have addictions have a problem trying to be perfect. There is one thing we can do perfectly and that is work Step One--a strange combination of perfection and humility.

Paying it forwards is to give someone a "gift" you have received. We have all been given the gift of recovery. Now I invite you to share your story so that addicts, their families and friends may be offered hope and a solution. Help me pay it forward!

Society today is all about instant gratification. Patience and tolerance must be our code not just with others but with ourselves and our recovery.