All Journal Entries Journals
Sort By:  

A NATIVE AMERICAN THANKSGIVING PRAYER

Nov 25, 2009 - 5 comments

Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People.

Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother

We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Waters

We give thanks to all the Waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms - waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of water.

Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants

With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs

Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning, they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

The Animals

We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one.

The Trees

We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many peoples of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds

We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds - from the smallest to the largest - we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds

We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.


The Sun

We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon

We put our minds together and give thanks to our oldest grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of women all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

The Stars

We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to all the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers

We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring Teachers.

Now our minds are one.

The Creator

Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

Closing Words

We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.

I love this prayer. It encompasses so much more than just the traditional things we remember to be thankful for. Sometimes I just like to look at the blue sky and remember just to be thankful to BE. Love to all my MedHelp friends to whom I am very thankful for. Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving with much love, Corey

RECOVERY SUGGESTIONS

Sep 16, 2009 - 0 comments



Overcoming Addictions
More than 20 practical steps to recovery, better relationships and success in life

    Please note: These steps are only suggestions. Some different or additional steps may be necessary. For addictions or psychological problems, it is strongly recommended that you see a highly-trained professional therapist who is familiar with your personal issues to help you decide what treatments are best for you.

Overcoming an addiction can be difficult, yet tens of thousands of have succeeded. You can, too.

Most people try and fail a number of times before they succeed. You do not want to use this as an excuse, but do not lose heart.

Admitting that there is a problem is a good first step (and a very difficult one for many people).

Even if you are "sober" now, realizing the potential problem is important. Your battle is often largely fought and won before your moments of weakness. There are many ways to strengthen yourself and make life more fulfilling, reducing addiction's attractiveness.

You are invited to print out this article as a "to do" list. I suggest re-reading it on a regular basis, to help you think of new, constructive things to do.

The more positive steps you take, the easier your success can be. Here are examples (some of which you may already be doing):

    *

      Attend support group meetings. Do not struggle alone. Group members provide encouragement, insight, accountability, and friendship. All this can be a powerful help. You can meet people who offer emotional support during times of temptation and weakness.

    Don't struggle aloneWhen you first quit your addiction, you will at times feel weak. It may be good to go to a support group daily - or even more often.

    Let others help

    There are many groups for specific addictions. See our Self-Help and Support Group Links. These organizations can   probably suggest a whole series of meetings in your local area. Set aside regular times for meetings. Keep a schedule of meetings handy for when you need extra  support.

    *

      Develop and strengthen your supportive relationships. This can include people you'll meet in support group meetings as well as others you already know. Take the initiative to stay in touch with loved ones but learn to avoid and defuse dysfunctional, addiction encouraging situations.

    Let friends know you are quitting so you can develop a support network.
    Stay in touch with people who matter to you. Work to improve your relationships. Many addicts tend to isolate themselves, but addictions are often fed by feelings of loneliness. (Additional suggestions on relationships are below.)

    *

      Increase your social interaction. Many addicts have imperfect social skills. Conversationally Speaking* by Alan Garner (McGraw Hill) suggests specific ways to improve your social interactions.
      
    *

      If you have a serious addiction to alcohol or drugs, it may be best to enroll in a de-tox or recovery program. Also consider moving temporarily into a treatment facility.
      
    *

      Check into other sources of help. When you have a difficult challenge, it's best to find many sources of advice.
      
    *

      Seek encouragement from Inspiring Quotes and Ideas and other sources.
      
    *

      Read books on addiction and psychology. One you will probably find helpful is Willpower's Not Enough* by Arnold M. Washton and Donna Boundy (Harper & Row, Publishers). There's important and interesting information in the first parts of this book, but you can just start with Part III, "Recovery." It's filled with practical steps and insights.

      There is a way outBooks can't deliver all the benefits of psychotherapy - but they can help.
      
    *

      Learn how thought processes and situations trigger addictive behaviors so you can defuse or avoid them. If you're a substance abuser, remove all traces of the alcohol or drugs from your home.

      A New Guide to Rational Living* by Albert Ellis and Robert Harper (Wilshire Book Company) provides valuable insights on how our thinking affects our moods.
      
    *

      Therapy and peer counseling can be very helpful for resolving emotional problems that cause self-sabotaging behaviors. It is hard for any of us to evaluate ourselves as well as a highly trained, experienced professional can. (See Do You Need Therapy? - How to Know ).

      When Talk is Not Cheap, by Mandy Aftel and Robin T. Lakoff* (Warner Books), can help you choose from many kinds of therapy and shows how to get more from it.
      
    *

      Get in touch with your emotions.  Emotions are powerful. They often affect us more than we consciously realize. Long- standing, deep emotional pain often drives addictions. There are ways to resolve this.

      Addicts are often hurt by strong, pent-up emotions such as anger, depression, and feelings of abandonment. (Our emotions are not negative. They’re part of life, but we need to find therapeutic, constructive ways to feel and express them.)
      
    *

      Learn to overcome depression. Many addicts suffer bouts of serious depression - especially after they stop their addictive activities. But you can overcome depression.

      If you are depressed, you will not be able to appreciate all the good things life has to offer. And it does. As you work through what may be blocking you, you will have many opportunities to share deeper, more fulfilling, supportive relationships with others.

    *

      Consider doctor-prescribed medication. I believe even pharmaceutical drugs should be used only when necessary, but if you are seriously depressed, you might consider a prescription for anti-depressant medicine. This can help you to think more clearly. Then you can work more effectively to get to the roots of your depression and frustration.

      Some people consider the herb St. John's wort to be a desirable alternative. (However many herbal remedies have not had the rigorous, double-blind testing that supports the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical drugs. If your situation is serious enough to consider even herbal remedies, it is probably serious enough to seek professional help.)
      
    *

      Feel good about much good you do. Don't be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes - even serious ones. Learn to relax more and "smell the flowers." Savor the experiences of a clear mind in the "sober" life.
      
    *

      Make helpful checklists. See Specific suggestions for your checklists. Refer to your lists regularly - particularly when tempted to forget.
      
    *

      Cultivate hobbies and interests as fulfilling alternatives to your addiction.

    *

      Join activities you find interesting. It is a good way to meet new people you already share an interest with. You may not meet someone special every time, but at least you can enjoy the activity! Sharing an activity makes it easier to get to know new people.
      
    *

      Meeting like-minded people can bring new, emotionally supportive friendships.
      A good example of uplifting fellowship is a Bible study/prayer group. "Organized religion" may seem out-of-style, but you can find warm, caring people who will help you grow in spiritual and practical ways. You can find great power in others praying with and for you. Let friends know you are quitting so they can develop a support network.

      You may want to visit several congregations before you find one that feels best for you. Of course, beware of cults and fanatics that offer a quick and easy fix if you surrender blindly to their leaders.

    *

      Get involved in volunteer activities where your contributions are meaningful and appreciated. Helping others is a good way to help ourselves. It provides meaning, structure and an additional reason to be strong.

      Volunteer work provides plenty of contact with others. (see Volunteering).
      Avoid volunteering where there is close contact with temptations. For example, an ex-alcoholic should avoid volunteering next door to where drinking buddies hang out.
      
    *

      In fact, be aware of "aids," (apparently irrelevant decisions), like an ex-alcoholic driving by a bar he liked because that's a more scenic route or a sex-addict taking a "short cut" through an area with prostitutes.
      
    *

      Many addicts find it necessary to end contact with addiction buddies.

    *

      Take care of yourself. Eat better. Exercise. Have appropriate concern for your appearance.

      Just as fixing up run-down neighborhoods often brings lower crime rates, our own personal surroundings can affect our behavior. You need not spend a lot to make your home more beautiful and comfortable. If it is messy, clean it up.
      
    *

      If you believe, God can be a powerful source of help. If you don't believe, try asking God for help, anyway. This can help focus you on positive belief in change. And feel free to tell Him about your doubts and frustrations.
      God can do anything, the Bible assures us, but you have to ask - and be open to Him and His solutions for you. Ask God for the wisdom to know what's right to do - and for the ability and opportunity to succeed.
      
    *

      Meditation can be a source of relaxation.

If you find yourself giving in to your addiction, remember that every moment is an opportunity to resume your recovery. Do not beat yourself up. This only leads to more emotional pain and the temptation to give in again - a vicious cycle.

Congratulations on the steps you have already taken to overcome your addiction. Reading this letter shows you want to change. Each step you take brings you closer to success.

Keep trying. Victory is within your reach

RELAPSED LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT MAKING THAT 1 YEAR

Aug 02, 2009 - 9 comments

So no excuses or whining about how I feel. I relapsed again and am setting my day back to 1. I was dealing with lifes stressers pretty good but kinda got slammed with more than I could handle and just then, the oppertunity for getting some drugs was there. Can't believe I did this but I can't dwell on it either.
I'm going to look into some counceling this time. Just wanted to share my experience and let evetyone who has helped me on here know where I'm at.
Also hoping all of the new perple who come on here and think they are out of the woods after a few weeks or  a month NOT. This is a lifelong process. Guard up all the time. If you do get pulled back into this addiction get right back out as fast as you can. You have to tell on it.
Thank you all for your continued support. Thank's Lese, For always being there for me. With friends like you I know that I'll be OK. Love, Corey

The Two Wolves

Jul 01, 2009 - 11 comments

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson
about a battle that goes on in all people.
He said, my son,
the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is EVIL. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow,
regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment,
inferiority, lies, false-pride, superiority and ego.

The other is GOOD. It is joy, peace, love , hope
serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy,
generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute'
then asked his grandfather, Which wolf wins?
The wise old Cherokee simply replied,
The one you feed.

I posted this before on a thread when I first came on here. It really made me think about what I was feeding when I was in active addiction. Alot of people really liked it then so I thought I would post it again. Hope you like it:o))