If you like a flower, you pluck it. If you love a flower, you water it daily.

This is the end to the first week of a new semester for me. It has been a rough week with a lot of unplanned events, mostly extraordinary, and challenging none the less. Our community continues to grow weekly, and for me that is very fulfilling. I have said it a million times, that without people who participate, the community fails.

We had an excellent meeting today, with some of the most exceptional and strong people I have had the pleasure of meeting. So many people that come to the meetings, bring others with them for their first time. Usually most people do not have an idea of what they are getting themselves into. I do my best to make them feel at home immediately, and so far things have worked out for the newcomers. They seem to return, so something is happening correctly. Tonight we did the equanimity meditation. Everyone loved it, and as we approached the five minute of silence, I made mention of it. I did a majority of the guidance without the book. I still have to read from time to time, but I am getting better.

I have also strongly encouraged everyone to begin work on their inventories. This is an important part of Recovery in a general sense. When we see something on paper, it allows us to reflect, adapt and move the fuck on. Correct our negative behaviors and manipulate our expectations, for the moment, and address the issues. I am still working on mine, and that is okay. I also stepped away from my hard charging this week on the suggestion of one of my peers. Their warning label specifically stated “concern for burn-out” and I ultimately realized that it had the potential. I have put a lot more into the program than necessary, and I was looking for more involvement. They saw some warning signs and told me to take a break from my motivation.

They were right. I just chilled out for a little bit, and did what I “needed” to do, instead of what I wanted to do. It made me a lot more at ease and less worried about stuff. And for that I thank you (you know who you are). In closing, I just want to say that I never expected this to be as excellent as it has been both for my personal recovery, and the ability to help others. It truly is the proper path for me, it keeps my mind occupied, focused on staying sober and most of all, humble and peaceful. See you all Monday at 6:00 pm for some feeling tone.

Namaste

~e