Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to make a little post in graitude for recovery and abstinence. I've been feeling a bit lonely and empty lately. After being physically abstinent from SFW for the past couple of years, I am making some changes in behavior in other areas like money and romance. In these early days, I am experienceing some uncomfortable feelings. In the past, I would have used some food substance or some other substance or behavior to change my feelings; now that I know that doesn't really work, I'm using the simple kit of spiritual tools that has been laid at my feet. Today I felt particularly empty, but I prayed, ate my abstinent meals and went to church to get ashes for Ash Wednesday. I felt so satisfied during the service that I didn't even need to think about eating or using anything else.

The mere idea that praying and asking God to fill up my emptyness would work was so completely foriegn to me just a few years ago. I can't say how grateful I am to all of you for helping me to stay on the path and do things that don't seem like they will work but for some reason do work.

It's so great to be free today and it's worth whatever I have to do to keep it.

Love,
Kasey

Hi Kasey,

Thanks for posting.

Seems like the path gets narrower are we go further into recovery. In my experience this is normal because I cannot get the same hit from activities that used to distract me from myself and the God shaped hole. Not using alcohol and drugs, addictive food, superfluous relationships, spending and debting, there isn't anywhere else to go but within.

And your discovery is really inspiring - that there can be peace and contentment in this life without going on self destruct.

H

Kelly,

Thanks for posting. I love your posts.

I agree. I'll do whatever I have to do to keep what I have today.

Last night at church I saw a man that had lost a lot of weight. I hardly knew him. I told him how good he looked. I said, "you"ve lost a lot of weight." He said, "yes, but it's so hard. The discipline is so hard."

I know that feeling well. I'm so grateful it' not hard anymore. I still think our program is a miracle.

Mary Rose in Houston

You guys are all so inspiring. Thanks for your post, Kasey - you especially motivate me with your honesty and clarity.