BE SOBER.

Sobriety is more than just abstinence from intoxicants. It is a state of being present.  I think and speak positively. I listen to what I say. If I hear myself using negative or limiting words, I chnage them.

Pursuing Happiness...

CHANGE = Choosing Honesty Allows New Growth Everyday

A man of character finds a special attractiveness in difficulty, since it is only by coming to grips with difficulty that he can realize his potentialities. - Charles de Gaulle. 

The Game of Life - Winning and Losing

Once the games is over, both the King and the Pawn go back in the box. I was driving to the office this morning and thinking about winning and losing...As lawyers, we are all about winning.  When I practiced law in Chicago, I did not want to practice litigation because I could not bear the idea of losing.  As a runner, I never come in first.  In fact, I came in first once because I was the only runner in my age group.  Then it tuned out, another runner had beaten me but had not put his age in his registration.  When we win, a part of our character is revealed. When we lose, all of it is revealed. I am a winner because I do my best. I give it my all and I don't care about the result.

ACTION = Any Change Toward Improving One's Nature

My life used to be not that dissimilar to the woman in this picture and I could not change until I became willing to take action. Little by little my actions changed my thoughts which changed my feelings which changed my nature.

True Tolerance

I must suspend my judgment to stay sober.  If I start judging others, the next thing I know I am better or worse than everyone.  There is an old Hasidic saying, "In everyone, there is something precious found in no one else; so honor each man for what is hidden within him - for what he had and none of his fellows.

Never forget the pain ends...

Young people commit suicide because they do not realize that pain ends...They think their lives will never change.  When I was indicted for my mistakes, I though that my life would be over...I had no idea that it would be better than ever. I know today that pain ends.  I can endure anything today because I know that pain ends.