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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Idea for May - Joy Journal
Post Info TOPIC: Idea for May - Joy Journal
Iamhere


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As we've had rain for the last 2 days and I've had more time on my hands to meditate/read, I thought I'd start a group joy journal, and it just so happens we are beginning a new month tomorrow - so why not?

I am all about trying different and new things to enhance my human experience, and have been thinking a lot lately about joy.  Each year, I pick a theme and the last two years led me to this year - Be Joyful One Day at a Time.  

And, for my brother Jerry who's able to 'hear our words, love and joy' here while waiting for new hearing aids, the God of my understanding planted the seed today during meditation and prayer to have a Joy Journal (for Jerry) and all.

I invite everyone to post daily, weekly, frequently, not at all what has given you joy.  I found 'this' and it makes sense to me - may or may not make sense to you:  " Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience, but are very different.  Joy is more consistent and is cultivated internally.  It comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, places, things and events.

Feel free to post today or wait until tomorrow!  While I am a much more flexible person today, living a simpler life than before recovery, I plan to start tomorrow just because that 'feels better' for my thinking cap!

(((Hugs))) to all - looking forward to shares and ESH from others!



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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
hotrod


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Sounds like a great idea --like a gratitude list

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Betty

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El


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Love it!  Just the word JOY makes me smile.   Thank you, IAH!



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JerryF


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The golden finches and scarlet cardinal and multihued rooster and his gal are all urging me to write.  I won't have to think too hard...Joy comes quickly around my house.  We take it where ever we go.  Had a great session with my psyche and gave her the hug she deserved when it was over.  Mahalo Akua.  ((((Hugs)))) 



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Jerry F
hotrod


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Walked by rhe river and experienced the joy of the ships and flowers on my way



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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

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El


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Knitting in silence....the only sounds are my needles and the ticking clock in the background. Ahhhh....a joy for me.



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Skorpi


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I love this idea!
This morning's joy: almost a minute of non-pulling puppy walks with Itty and Bailey! (They are working on leash manners now that we live in town, and have been pulling me along our walk for the past three weeks. This morning, Bailey walked perfectly next to me without pulling for nearly a minute without needing to be corrected! and Itty responded to corrections for the first half of the walk. They are learning and getting it!)

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If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Iamhere


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Good morning MIP! My fur-baby is a senior dog now, yet each and every morning, upon awakening, she is there to great me with unrestrained excitement for the day ahead. Her unconditional love and authentic enthusiasm for the day ahead makes my heart smile!

Keep your joy, one moment and one day at a time!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
Aloha


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My joy today is that Im on my way to Hawaii for an AA/Al-Anon convention. I get to catch up with my ohana - my original recovery family. Life is good.

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JerryF


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My joy now is learning that the convention may take place on this island and I can get to meet Aloha face to face.  I also have a daily joy feeding the birds which come to my driveway with all of their colors and eat breakfast on my driveway.  My joy also includes remembering the looks and feelings my alcoholic/addict expressed when she got clean and sober in spite of my being assured it would never happen and the whole event, longer than 4-5 years was a lesson for me on humility.   LOL boy can this program teach willing people.   ((((hugs)))) confuseconfusewink



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Jerry F
Iamhere


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I have a grade school in my neighborhood, I can see it from my back yard! It brings joy to see all the little people faces, excited for learning, friends, skipping, jumping, etc. going to and from school. They love my dog, and speak to her and she just watches them with a smile (wagging tail)! It is really the simple things, no cost and no strings that bring me the most joy!

Love the shares family!!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
milkwood


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Love this, and love joy!

My joy today, and daily for a couple of weeks now, is the love I feel rising inside when I glance at the happy photo of my dog.

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Iamhere


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Good morning MIP! I am finding joy today in watching the rain fall and listening to the drops hitting my sky-light. We've had tons of rain this week, and it's steady and calm this morning. This is day 4 of golf cancellation and while that is a bit disappointing, I find joy in accepting the change in plans, and just making a new plan for the day. I am humbled today by the changes in me - before recovery, I would have pouted and been sulky if I didn't get my way or get to do what I had planned....today, I can just make a different plan and make a choice to enjoy 'it' - whatever 'it' may be!

I am waiting to watch the little people who walk to school! I used to love to jump in puddles as a small child and am wondering if I am unique! Ha.ha.ha...make it a great day all!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
El


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Good morning. My joy on a daily basis also includes coming to these boards to see and hear familiar voices and faces/avatars.  I know there will be understanding, wisdom, humor and honesty. MIP extends serenity and sanity.  Although I dont know each of you, I feel I do....more than some I see face to face. MIP brings me joy as a place I know I can turn to anytime!

Hugs to all,

Ellen



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PosiesandPuppies


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Good morning all! I am a day late to this wonderful party, but I don't care... this is a brilliant idea!!
The quote by Iamhere really struck a chord with me. I never really thought about the differences in "Joy" and "Happiness."

The post above by Ellen are true for me to its basic core!!! I feel blessed to "know" you all!

I find joy in all the birds that visit my feeding station on a daily basis. Their beautiful colors and melodious songs fill my heart with JOY!!

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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend

"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness."  Mary Oliver

 

 
Iamhere


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Happy Friday all - I also feel excitement when it's time to stop by MIP and feel deep joy in knowing that although we don't 'know' each other, we truly have a special, unique unconditional bond because of our common experiences and goals. Today, I feel joy in knowing that I am special and loved no matter what! With all the rain this week, we've not gotten to golf and I've truly missed my gal pals! We went out today and played in-between sprinkles, and we are/were genuinely happy to see each other. While our skills are vastly different, and I may be the worst player, it doesn't stop me from being me or anyone from loving me! I am so grateful for Al-Anon as I tend to attract and respond to much healthier people than before recovery.

In spite of a variety of life events happening around me, I am at peace and genuinely content - which for me is where my joy comes from! Enjoy this day!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
canadianguy


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Got to hold my precious new "great niece" :)



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Iamhere


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What a sweet, adorable baby girl!!!  That photo made my heart smile bigly!!!  She looks so at peace in your arms - love, love, love it!!



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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
hotrod


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I felt great joy today as I passed the children's playground and saw and heard all the joyful voices. They made me smile and remembe.r



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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

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Aloha


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Weve met before Jerry. :)

As it is. Ill be there tonight to chair for the Al-Anon speaker. Maybe Ill see you there.

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JerryF


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Shucks Aloha I cannot remember but will try further.  I will not be there this weekend...Shucks again.  My other half isn't into the drive and my hearing disability makes me very cautious.  If you have a laptop keep me in the loop, if can.  I am not going out anywhere this weekend.   ((((hugs))))  Give every one there my Aloha.  aww



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Jerry F
serenity47


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My joy today is seeing the tulips and daffodils in full bloom. A beautiful explosion of color.

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El


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My joy today:  realizing and appreciating I still have many goals and interests in my life.  I still want to learn, am curious and open to new activities and adventures. I feel joyful and grateful that I dont feel anywhere  close to done yet!

Ellen



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JerryF


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I am feeling joy at looking out of my front window and seeing the radiant Pacific Ocean, the clear skies with wispy clouds and the sun making the pronouncement that nothing will be hidden from view as I go about my day.   I am vision reduced and hearing disabled and my HP is telling me, "No problem we got this".  My first visitor was a tiny, sleek, slim Mongiro bird fliting back and forth within my hibiscus bush without banging into flower or leaf.  Handsome little guy with white circle around it's eyes.   

Mahalo Akua, I know you love me.    (((((MIP))))) aww



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Jerry F
Iamhere


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Greetings MIP family! I am joyful as I've had a day of just being 'me'....I golfed with a gal pal and her husband and really golfed poorly! Of course, it's swampy here with all the rain we've had which makes golfing a challenge. I was able to remember that the God of my understanding doesn't care if I golf well or not - he just wants me to be happy, joyous and free! The sun is shining here, and we've got lovely temperatures of the low 70's and it was a lovely, lovely day!

I gave/got many hugs at my meeting this morning and shared/received some I love yous! We've got new members coming each week and we are probably going to have to split again - already have once. I am grateful for my meetings, and have deep joy that my life is full, busy and fun - so vastly different than before!

Jerry - on one hole at this particular golf course, there is an albino squirrel. He's always out, and he's so uniquely colored that he's more 'cute' than beautiful. We've all gotten used to seeing him and he shows like clockwork each time we're out. There is quite a bit of water on this course, and many geese. There were brand new goslings out in the middle of the fairway - we just sat in awe, watching them get lead/pushed across the fairway - adorably, beautiful little baby creatures! Nature really does warm my heart! (((Hugs))) to you my brother and all - MIP is a huge source of peace/joy for me!!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
yanksfan51


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Love this idea-  thank you for sharing!

My joy has been connected to my job-  when my music classroom is filled with students who are having fun while learning music.  Smiling faces, joyful singing, connection to the lives of young people:  JOY



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Riley3


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Love this thought because I am always chasing joy. Plus it beats the opposite feeling. Joy was watching my super hero movie. I have been a fan since I was a kid with Superman and Wonder Woman. When I am having a hard day I will visualize the last time I felt joy and hold this feeling. There is nothing better than. Ring happy and filled with joy... Also having HP fills my heart with joy..

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Iamhere


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Today, I am joyful simply because the God of my understanding really gives me what I need when I need it, and continues to place me where I can grow! I am one who does better with routines in my life, and one of those is watching Joel Osteen on Sunday mornings. Mind you, I don't sit down and fully engage staring at the TV, but instead listen while I am getting ready or doing my work-out.

It struck me this morning out of the blue how vastly different I am today. I've been in the recovery world for more than 30 years, and I can share that even as recent as 10 years ago, the thought of 'me' watching a TV Evangelist on Sunday morning would have been unheard of. Yet, here I am today realizing it's not my will that this has become an enjoyable part of my life but actually the will of a power greater than I.

My heart is full as I focus steadily on the blessings I receive when I remain open. I have no regrets today on how many years I was obsessing and focusing on other people, places and things as I have been transformed spiritually and now know all that I've experienced has delivered me to who and where I am today!

Keep your joy MIP family, just for today!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
PosiesandPuppies


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No real cool things to bring up today, but I feel blessed that I can read these posts. I am happy that I got to sleep in a little (I guess I needed it), and I am at peace knowing that Joyfulness is within my reach!

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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend

"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness."  Mary Oliver

 

 
JerryF


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Joy coming at me (and all of you) from all different angles.  There is nothing absolutely nothing that can replace the happiness and joy right now.  The hope I feel for promises to my nation and culture is astounding and I believe my Higher Power has a loving smile for us.  

If you don't remember me saying that I listen metaphorically as taught by my culture...then the scenes spoken by IAH regarding geese (nene) and the white squirrel and her golfers move around as if I am there.  Mahalo Nui ia ka ohana.  Thank you my family...I am joyfully blessed.  (((((hugs))))) biggrin  



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Jerry F
Iamhere


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I have joy today just because I try to find it in the morning through prayer and meditation and then keep it as best I can!!! We had some 'mean girl moments' today @ golf, and I just let it all go! My game was much better than the weekend, so I am grateful that even @ golf, I can stay present and just be me!

Jerry - I was at a different course today but had my camera ready to snap any great photos. I really didn't get to, we had rain overnight, so it was Cart Path Only - not a lot of down time! The course with the squirrel is on the schedule for tomorrow but we're going to get heavy rain and most likely, will be rained out. I'll try to find a photo of him for you...he's a funny character to watch!

I definitely believe there is a correlation between gratitude and joy. Based on some research, gratitude lists are one of a few suggestions to find/increase joy in one's life. (((Hugs))) to all!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
hotrod


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connected with a former sponsee today. She is now happily married with a beautifyl baby. I felt much joy in the connection

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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

Talmud
Iamhere


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I find joy in the innocence of children and must admit that yesterday, when I saw the Prince Harry announcement that the new royal baby had arrived, my heart smiled!! His unbridled excitement for new life, and his pure joy in witnessing the miracle of birth really warmed my heart greatly! It took me back to when I was present for the birth of our second grandson. I stood in awe of the absolute miracle of birth, and sat in wonder at how awesome our creator is to gift us with such beautiful life events.

Last night, we had some powerful storms come through, and my sweet dog is just panicked by the thunder and rain. She finds nothing soothing about it and actually paces and pants for what seems like hours. In being present in the moment, I was able to witness a small glimpse of the young boy who, like his mother, loves all animals and was so tenderhearted before this disease arrived. He sat with our dog, held her, cuddled her and comforted her. When we was ready to move on, she raced up the stairs to his room and hid under his bed - a new safe place, at least for a while!

The God of my understanding presents me with miracles regularly - I just need to be present and open. Keep your joy MIP!



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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
PosiesandPuppies


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Visited a friend last night who is just 6 weeks out from having life-saving organ transplant surgery. She also had her babies' 25 week check-up - surrogate. The joy on her face when showing me the video of the two babies, and the true health radiating from her swelled my heart with happiness and joy!

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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend

"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness."  Mary Oliver

 

 
JerryF


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Iamhere wrote:

I find joy in the innocence of children and must admit that yesterday, when I saw the Prince Harry announcement that the new royal baby had arrived, my heart smiled!! His unbridled excitement for new life, and his pure joy in witnessing the miracle of birth really warmed my heart greatly! It took me back to when I was present for the birth of our second grandson. I stood in awe of the absolute miracle of birth, and sat in wonder at how awesome our creator is to gift us with such beautiful life events.

Last night, we had some powerful storms come through, and my sweet dog is just panicked by the thunder and rain. She finds nothing soothing about it and actually paces and pants for what seems like hours. In being present in the moment, I was able to witness a small glimpse of the young boy who, like his mother, loves all animals and was so tenderhearted before this disease arrived. He sat with our dog, held her, cuddled her and comforted her. When we was ready to move on, she raced up the stairs to his room and hid under his bed - a new safe place, at least for a while!

The God of my understanding presents me with miracles regularly - I just need to be present and open. Keep your joy MIP!

 IAH it's Christmas all the time...Geeez does HP live up to it's name.  I learned as a youngster and back in program that HP's name is love.   It is, It is.  smile



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Jerry F
andromeda


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Lovely idea as I keep a gratitude journal and this just adds to it. Today, I felt joy multiple times today. when I was able to leave a meal for my bf in his fridge after house sitting as a surprise for him, when I helped a coworker solve a difficult problem, when I finished my workout today without feeling like I was going to die, lol.



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Skorpi


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Today's joy: walking my 2 heelers this morning. Their leash-manners have improved greatly over the past three weeks, and I was able to get a half block before they got excited and started pulling. (That's the longest they have not pulled on a walk!!!) That half block was pure joy! (Then, they saw a bunny, and my new joy was how excited they were when they saw it, and the relatively minimal squealing that followed. They are getting used to living in "the city" and their "city dog" behavior is improving every day!)

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Skorpi

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Iamhere


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Today, I am finding joy in just being alive, healthy and present. As I ponder my life and my day, things are far, far, far from perfect - there are broken relationships, frustrations with 'life' and sadness over illness, yet I am here and I am willing to be of service to others. I have spoken about this before, and will share again that I truly did not expect to live this long, simply because of this disease that we are all affected by. Other than grace from the God of my understanding, I have no right to still be on 'this side', yet here I am...

As I age, one day at a time, and as I mature and grow up in recovery, I truly feel at peace which to me is the key to having and keeping my joy. Practicing being selfless instead of selfish has been a game-changer for me! When I am troubled, I am reminded that it's not all about me, which then prompts me to consider how can I be of service? These 6 words have really taken me to a different level of serving others, which for me, brings the greatest joy!

Love hearing about the heelers adapting Skorpi! Great to see you Andromeda and how cool to heave a surprise for your BF? (((Hugs))) - keep your joy MIP family!

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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging.  Pause before assuming.  Pause before accusing.  Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.  ~~~~  Lori Deschene

 

 
PosiesandPuppies


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I recently had my car towed (at work) to a tune of $435.00!! So I have been trying to figure out the parking situation at work so that I don't repeat that major hit to my finances. I absolutely love my new job, but the city has limited parking, and it all costs so much money!! Last night when leaving work, my boss announced that she got myself and the other gal who regularly drives in to work, two parking spaces for us, right behind our building! I am so, so grateful! That will be a savings of $100/mos!! Yippeee!

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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend

"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness."  Mary Oliver

 

 
Choriste


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Lovely thread. Been a while since I've been able to visit.

Joy today is knowing that I've made some people smile, the lovely sunshine on the drive to work this morning, and eating some more of my homemade yogurt at lunch.

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