Florida Halloweenathon

National Geographic Adventure

One of the greatest magazines of all time is National Geographic and I loved when National Geographic Adventure was published.  I have not seen it on the newstands, but its website is one of my homepages on my computer.  I dream of being involved in all kinds of adventure.  We need adventure to remind us that sobriety is a journey and a fantastic adventure. 



http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/americas-best-adventures/photo-gallery/

Problems do not exist today...only opportunities.

This morning I was overwhelmed with all the challenges and problems I need to deal with in the next few weeks and just got started.  I had a friend drive me to the library so that I could get some work done while my Jeep was being repaired.  Then, I realized that I had left my mobile phone at her house.  I had no phone, no numbers, no way to go anywhere and needed to be available for many people.  So, I decided to run back to her house.  It was no further than any other run I had made.  I ran.  Now, I did not want to, but it was the best part of my day.

Acceptance...but racism too?

I am told in recovery that I simply had to stop fighting everyone and everything - but even racism, and with racism, I include homosexuality, misogyny and all other forms of hate.  But then I understood that, yes, even hate I had to stop fighting...The Power of Peace and Love conquers all.  When I am disturbed, I lose.  When I accept, I can move forward and change.

Athletics

I am not a great athlete.  I am not even a good athlete.  However, I am an athlete.  I work out and train every day and take my training seriously.  This year I am running 11 full and half marathons, several other 5k, 10k and 15k races and regularly surf, cycle, kayak and other activities.  I am now learning to do kiteboarding.  last week I am went windsurfing.  I may not be a great athlete or even a good athlete, but I am an athlete and I am proud of my effort and focus to do the best I can.  That is why sobriety is an adventure for me.

Perseverance and Gratitude.

We say that a grateful alcoholic or addict will not drink or drug; he would never even consider it.  I am so grateful that I am grateful.  If I look at my life objectively or comparatively, I would hate so much of it.  Nothing is really as I would have planned it or even wanted it.  Yet, I have learned that whatever it is sober, it is good and I am free to choose my attitude under any and all circumstances.  October, being the month of perseverance, I welcome the feeling of persevering and overcoming great odds.  Yet, God has a great sense of humor and great sense of timing. When I pray for perseverance, I actually receive more events, more challenges and more obstacles to overcome. 

This morning I ran 9 miles and did 1 hour of weight training - then abs workout.  I am emotionally and physically drained.  I am so tired.  I laughed and cried.  These are conditions of my endorphins off the charts.  I am so grateful that I have the ability to see the good in all things and to see suffering as optional.

I am so much better for the pain that I endure than the pleasure that I enjoy