Begin the new year in stillness, in contemplation of the year past and the year to come.
- What do you want to let go of from the last year?
- Write it down. Destroy what you have written (burn it, dissolve it in water, or crumple it up and throw it in the trash.)
- You don’t need to share this with anyone. It is just for you.
- As you destroy it, feel yourself letting go of the anger, the fear, the anxiety, the resentment, the desperation, or the sorrow.
- What aspirations do you have (for yourself) in the new year?
- Write it down. Put it someplace you will re-encounter it throughout the year. Maybe in your wallet or purse, maybe tucked into the sandals you will wear when summer comes. Let it remind you, when you have forgotten all about it, what you wish for yourself.
- What is the difference between an aspiration and a resolution? Why is this important?
- What gift would you like to give to someone else for the coming year?
- Try for a single word, a short phrase, or a picture.
- Give it to someone else. Preferably a stranger, maybe someone you don’t even know who. Leave it in a library book. Tack it on a community bulletin board at a store. Be original.
Share your responses to these questions with us by email or voice.
Upcoming topics include parenting. From at least these 3 perspectives: Being the sober parent. Being the parent of an alcoholic or addict child. And how has recovery changed the way you are a parent? Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.
Music from the show
The Black Angels – Life Song
Kendrick Lamar – FEEL.
MILCK – Quiet
Hello Spencer!
I just starting listening to The Recovery Show a month ago today. I am so incredibly grateful to have found your program. Although I’ve been a grateful member of Al-anon for over 12 years, this has been such an incredible addition to my recovery! I just listened to this episode (#231) this morning and had to share some “coincidences”. (Coincidence: “When God chooses to remain anonymous.”)
1. I started listening on 12/4/17. My dad’s birthday is today, 1/4/18. He would have been 89 today. He passed away in 2011, although I sometimes feel closer to him now than when he was alive.
2. The speaker at the meeting I attended last night mentioned that his dad became sober when he was 70 years old. My dad stopped drinking when I was about 10 years old, but never identified as an alcoholic. However, he was definitely a rage-aholic. He started taking anti-depressants at age 70 and the last 11 years of his life we became very close.
3. I went to church on New Year’s Eve Day and we were asked to come up with our Intentions for 2018. This included being complete with 2017, somewhat similar to this episode when you asked what can we let go of from 2017, and what are our aspirations for 2018. My first thought was Love so when you shared that was your word, I laughed.
4. When you said the word you got was 11:11 I couldn’t believe my ears. I’ve been somewhat obsessed with 11:11 for the last 15 years. I started noticing that time repeatedly and had several people say I should make a wish when I notice it. Ten years ago I got my only tattoo that says “11:11” and also have a personalized license plate that says 1111WSH. So yes, very much obsessed with it. What I love is that many of my friends send me messages when they notice 11:11 also.
5. My best friend from high school sent me a copy of a daily reader (not Al-Anon) that she just started reading. The title for today was “The Father’s Love” referring to God. Although since it’s my dad’s birthday it felt like it was a gentle nudge from him.
So from the very bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all you do! And thank you to all your co-hosts and listeners for all they contribute as well! I’ve told several friends about The Recovery Show and hope they find it to be as beneficial to their program as it is to mine. It’s pretty funny that I actually look forward to my 1 hour (each way!) daily commute now.
A Grateful Listener,
Nancy
from Northern California