Saturday, September 5, 2015

Every day matters

Thank you for all the thoughts and comments as both C. and I had our ninth year in recovery.  I told my story at two meetings, and each time I have a different slant. In one I start from the beginning and in the next, I am starting at where I am now.

I remember the first time that I shared my story at a meeting. I had written down a few things I wanted to share. I didn't know how to speak from the heart then.  I thought that I needed notes to help me organize my thoughts. I don't do that anymore and haven't for several years.  I simply share from the heart, not feeling anything but gratitude for the progress that I have made in coming to terms with who I am and how I was affected by alcoholism.

The main message that I have is that it is so good to be living life without a huge amount of fear and anxiety.  I don't have active alcoholism in my life. It is a blessing.  And I don't focus much on the past anymore, not the bad parts of it anyway.  There is too much to do in the present right now.  I want to hold onto that as much as I can.

Today, I rode for several miles around the farm and properties near by.  It was a good morning, with a hint of fall in the air.  I see the cloudless sulfur butterflies as they move through on their migration.  Some of the trees are starting to change color as the days get shorter. The garden is still producing, but already we are putting in our fall and winter vegetables.  My favorite time of year is coming.

It seems that every day is one to cherish.  And as a blogger friend used to write, "Every day matters."


 

17 comments:

  1. Oh my god! That second photograph!
    Let us all live in the moment because not to do so is wasting our time here on earth. Who knows if we shall ever be back? There are no guarantees, as you have so often said.
    Amen.

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    1. Yes, exactly. I have a tendency to think about the past in a nostalgic way. But I am working on doing less of that. No need to relive what cannot return. Staying in the moment is healthy for me.

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  2. Syd...I missed your last post so happy for you and C. I have been reading your blog for maybe 4 years....I am not a child of alcoholism...never have been married to an alcoholic (in fact my husband does not drink) and basically have lived a charmed life compared to most. BUT....I have learned so much from reading your posts....compassion, living in the present, etc. etc. So you see you touch many people and I thank you for this.

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    1. Thank you for being here. I don't write as much as I used to do. I guess that is because I am busy enjoying all the other activities of life. LOL.

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  3. That is something I believe so deeply: "Every day matters". Good hearing from you again, Syd

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    1. Mary, always good to hear from you. I think of you as your spring approaches. And we are sliding gently into Fall here.

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  4. Love you Syd. So glad you are here sharing your life with us.

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  5. Syd,

    Your photographers eye is getting better and better.

    I am so glad you are continuing to share your story. To so many people trying to find there way it is helpful with a guide. You are a wonderful guide.

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  6. It's so good to be able to comment again Syd !! Congratulations to both of you on your many years in both programs.
    BTW, also thanks for putting such a good spin on your home area of Charleston. My granddaughter graduated from NC State but spent one semester in Charleston and loved it. She is getting married at the end of October and chose to have the wedding in Charleston although she lives in Tampa now. With the horrible shootings there I had almost dreaded it but people like you make me look forward to once again visiting your lovely city and especially for such an uplifting occasion.

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  7. Hi Syd! We've always been on the same page. Beautiful, true post, and those pictures, wow. Stay well.

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  8. Beautiful photos. I'm glad you and your wife are enjoying life now.

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  9. Syd send me some of your Fall, a season which seems to pass us by, and I'll send you some winter, a season which too rapidly comes and overstays its welcome.

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  10. Syd,

    I love your photos. It is obvious that they are taken by someone who appreciates nature. I agree that everyday matters. Have you heard of 'one second everyday'? It is an app where you video everyday; just a favorite moment and then add it to that day's calendar. By the end of the year, it is turned in to a movie or a brief 'trailer' of your last year. You would be good at it. Congrats on nine years. My husband and I are working our way to emotional sobriety-- and are making progress at year -5-. I am looking forward to enjoying everyday moments.

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  11. Thank you for the reminder to stay in he present. I think I needed it this week.

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  12. Happy 9 years. That's awesome.

    Your photos, as always, are beautiful.

    Love, Mary Christine

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  13. Hi, Syd! Congrats! ~T~

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.