Entry #48: Just For Today

Dear All:

Thank heaven for autumn's rainbow. The season's golden sunlight, calm breeze and baby pumpkins give us the joy of a new season and the hope for today. The falling leaves have begun their dance party of ruby red and sunset yellow, giving us a glimpse of Fall's spectacular firework show!

As the chirpy Robins and darling Sparrows try to dazzle us today, our hearts are heavy because we miss our beloved family member who entered heaven only 20 days ago. But now she can be the fierce (fighting for the good) and tender angel she was always meant to be. We know that she is safe in the arms of the brightest light of all. 

I am thankful to my family, friends and community who have shared their understanding of the principles (prayers) associated with Narcotics Anonymous. The prayer Just For Today has helped millions of people stay substance abuse free and attain emotional control for their well being. Is emotional control-- calm, and peaceful happiness? I am not sure, but it is a good start. 

Just For Today

1. I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my life problems at once.
2. I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
3. I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot.
4. I will improve my mind, I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.
5. I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not to interrupt when someone else is talking.
6. I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.
7. I will do something positive to improve my health, maybe take a brisk walk, even it's only around the block.
8. I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

I received a gift recently, The Birthday Almanac Book, written by Sophia Kendrick. This personal revelation's book summarizes our actual birth date and favorable character traits. My first look was Samantha's birthday, which I found to be very precious and telling of --her.

July 18th -- Compassionate Character

"With three-quarters of their birth influences, their female polarity, water the Moon-heightening their powers of receptiveness, intuition, and empathy, it is a small wonder that 7/18 individuals are so understanding, and forgiving, of others' human emotions and weaknesses. How they act on their responsiveness is down to the individual--some may enter the caring professions or volunteer work, which others may express their compassion through creativity--but in so doing, all demonstrate their characteristic determination."--The Birthday Almanac

I could not enter another post without honoring our beloved Sam (a devoted follower and contributor to this blog), whose free spirit, curiosity and determination lead her life--always. Many of us on this blog, loved her completely and very dearly, no matter what was happening with her on any given day! Her journey was unique here and I only wish that when her days felt less hopeful, she could have called any one of us for the comfort and guidance she needed.  

With tears streaming down my face, I want to thank you all for reading in your busy days. Let's pray for the young adults, women and children who need our fierce and determined protection at all times.

Sincerely,

Kristen

Entry #47: The Monarch Butterfly Dance Party, Oysters--The Environmental Hero and Dismissing My Ego

Dear All:

Thank heaven for summer's fun. The season's eternal sunlight, dry heat and lucky rainfall gave us the best surf, swim and moonlighting of a lifetime!  The garden has just about peaked and the princess Dahlias ( a remarkable flower) are now pink velvet magenta which is causing a tizzy with her friends, the Zinnias.  Cheers to early September's happy shining ways! 

Throughout the day's journey, I peak out the window to the zen of monarch butterflies. As they dance from flower to flower, I observe their quiet rhythm and movement, which takes my breath away. This dance party is a "nectar sipping cocktail" extravaganza that takes place on the full violet butterfly bushes, just outside the window. I am in awe of their flutter and the way it makes me feel. 

Tweet(s)

1.  "The birds and flowers give me hope." --Susan Campisi 
2. Let's hear it for the monarch butterfly dance party! (9/3/12). 

As the early autumn gets its "golden" on, I am thrilled to learn that environmentalists are slowly winning a war with water contamination. I learned on Yahoo News that the farming of oysters is effectively cleansing the most polluted waters, right here in NY! Yahoo News reports, "The Oyster Restoration Research Project, (A NY based nonprofit umbrella group, partners with the NY/NJ Bay keeper ecology advocate working at the Bronx site, and the US Army Corps Engineers) has built an oyster reef on Governors Island off Manhattan." An advocate confirms, "The oyster is the perfect aquatic engineer for the job. It pumps water to feed, retains any polluted particles and releases the rest--purified. Each one filters about 50 gallons of water a day." This is so encouraging! Dennis Suszkowski, the Science Director of the non profit Hudson River Foundation says, "Having oysters improves the whole aquatic habitat, attracting fish and other marine life to the area." Let's hear it for the oysters! 

As the butterflies dance in the garden, I am surprised how my ego fails me time and time again. It is such a non productive use of my time! If I allow my ego to be in charge, then what does it say about me? Do I like to be in a state of negativity, ever? No thank you!

If I dismiss my ego 1) I lose all negativity  2) I let go of a petty conflict, immediately (especially with Todd) 3) I accept an apology with forgiveness  4) I am of free shit talking (oh that again) 5) I am observing my actions (except for Brady) 6) I am truthful with my loved ones in a thoughtful way 7) I am listening without interrupting (oh god!) 8) I am owning my mistakes 9) I am not comparing my actions to others' actions and 10) I am not looking for what my loved ones have "not done" for me. So, if my heart is in charge, and I am losing all negativity while living in a state of loving forgiveness, that way I am "for real", right?

Tweet(s)

1. My ego failed me today, but tomorrow will be better. (9/3/12)
2. How did sincerity save me from myself today? (9/3/12)

If we can celebrate the Monarchs journey today, and congratulate any type of restoration project going on anywhere, while I am dismissing my ego and its super destructive ways, then nothing can go that wrong right? 

Let's pray for the soldiers, children and animals who need our determined and fierce protection at all times.

Sincerely,

Kristen