A New Year Thank You

Happy New Year! I wrote an article entitled “An Attitude of Gratitude” and it reminded me that I have all of you to thank for making my 2011 a sober one. I am not sure that it was my “best” or a year I feel I accomplished a great deal but I didn’t take a drink and I didn’t have a smoke. So I guess I could say, should say, it was pretty darn good!

No one knows what 2012 has in store for any of us. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring which is why we continue to focus on one day at a time. It’s a lot easier that way. I know I feel much more irritable around the holidays because there is always a “plan” and I have decided I absolutely hate plans. You know they say that when we make a plan, God laughs! Well, I know that doesn’t mean we should think ahead but we just need to be willing to change direction in a nanosecond.

I don’t believe in resolutions for a new year but I believe in goals. Honestly, it is the second day of the year and I have no clue what my goals are going to be. I do know that if I keep working the steps, go to meetings, be of service, and do whatever I can to improve my connection to my Higher Power, I will be able to see personal progress and I will be able to handle anything and everything God throws my way. This year I want to experience more of what the Promises of 12 step recovery offers. And, I know, that is up to me.

I do know that one of my goals is to continue to write this 12 Step Recovery article for BellaOnline and for any other website that has asked my permission. It isn’t the easiest thing to do on a weekly basis but it certainly helps me keep my side of the street clean. Because of God's grace and many of you, my book will be published in Fall, 2011. There are so many other experiences and unknowns that will be revealed to us one day at a time.

Another goal of mine is to truly make an effort to live in the present; to be present. That always sounds so easy but if you are like me, you are always thinking about what was yesterday or what you have to do later on in the day, what's for dinner, etc. Now I know these are normal everyday thoughts but to live each moment fully is a gift I would love to receive. Progress, not perfection!

Thanks to all of you who have asked to receive my newsletter each week. An additional thank you to all of you who take the time to email me whether it be to comment on an article, give me your perspective, share a problem, or correct me when I'm wrong. (What me? Wrong??)

I wish all of you sobriety, health, and happiness in 2011 and always. Namaste'. May you walk your journey in peace and harmony. Cheers to a New Year!

"Like" Grateful Recovery on Facebook. Kathy L. is the author of "The Intervention Book: Stories and Solutions from Addicts, Professionals, and Families"