Channeled by Brenda Hoffman for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com

Summary of Brenda’s January 13, 2013 free, 15-minute, channeled “Creation Energies” show at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/brenda-hoffman:  The Universes have noted your concerns about not transitioning as rapidly as you would like and are sending additional energies this week to better help you create what you have wished for since December. For some, this is the inner knowing that you are indeed Lightworkers.

The title of last week’s “Brenda’s Blog” – her free, weekly, channeled blog for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com: “Introducing Your New Spiritual Manifestation Skills”

Brenda’s “Creation Energies” BlogTalkRadio.com show is different channeled material than “Brenda’s Blog” even though both might be about a similar topic.

Dear Ones,

This is indeed one of THOSE weeks. The energies are flowing in every part of your being.

Some of you will claim that such comments are a hoax. That your life, thoughts, sensations and emotions are no different from last year.

Perhaps you wish to be on the Lightworker stage but feel you are not worthy or that someone/something is stopping you. Neither belief is correct. You are a Lightworker. Granted, not everyone has or even wants the same skills in this new earth transition. But if you continue to deny the energies surrounding you –  and this week, almost pummeling you – then you are not ready to move forward.

Even though you are fully capable of being on the Lightworker stage waiting for the spotlight to find you, some of you have decided the stage is too frightening and have moved behind the curtain. That is your choice – not a choice created by the Universes – but by you. For you are a Lightworker.

Lightworkers who need proof will probably never receive it. Self-worth is generated from within. We cannot give it to you, nor can anyone else.

We have stated on several occasions that you would be clearing your most difficult pieces before transitioning into the 4th and beyond dimensions. And so it is. Spiritually, physically and intellectually you may be excited to move to other dimensions – yet your fears limit your options.

You would not be interested in exploring new earth materials if you were not a Lightworker/Wayshower/Starseed or whatever you wish to label those of you introducing earth to an age of joy and love.

It is your need to feel worth-less or unworthy that is forcing you from the stage of Lightworker fame.

Many of you state that you do not feel anything or that your life is just the same. Does that not sound like a child during summer vacation whining that life is boring? And as a parent do you not laugh at such statements and suggest several activities your child might enjoy? You are now the adult.

Then there are those of you who claim that you are just not clear enough, strong enough or good enough to be a spiritual leader. That somehow everyone “out there” is bigger, better and stronger. Shades of Old Age comparisons that hold no validity in this New Age.

You are not like anyone else – other than you are transitioning into love and joy. Your path is unique. To compare yourself to another Lightworker and their skills or sensations is like comparing apples to oranges. You are different for a reason. If all Lightworkers were the same, how could this transition expand beyond a small group of like-minded, like-acting, like-skilled individuals?

There is no time for modesty, fear of your power or an unwillingness to be a Lightworker –  if that is what your heart draws you to. In past lives, you could shirk the game plan created by you before you entered earth knowing that you could fulfill that obligation to yourself at a later time.

Such is not the case in this transition. Each of you is an important thread in this transition tapestry.

You may feel as if you have nothing to contribute. Quite frankly, if you allow that belief to penetrate your being – you do not. And if that is what you wish to continue to believe, it is indeed time for you to move behind the curtain and allow someone who believes in themselves to move center stage.

No one is going to cajole you into your role. No one is going to babysit you as you moan and groan about how you wish to participate, but you cannot because of this or that. No one has time to hold your hand as you whimper about how unqualified you are.

This is the time to accept your full power. That does not necessarily mean you will be a media star. Merely that you claim your power in whatever form gives you joy. And the first step in claiming your power is believing with every fiber of your being that you are a Lightworker. That is the energy we are sending this week.

For some that means a physical manifestation of something you have longed for. For others it is the knowingness deep within your being that you are a Lightworker with a role to play in this wondrous transition – a role you created before your entrance on earth.

Perhaps you are of the group who brought the New Age to earth. You have since shifted roles into beaming the joy of this transition to others. Meaning that not only must you accept that you are a Lightworker, you must display that you are in whatever way your inner-being dictates – whatever gives you joy from growing vegetables to becoming a media star.

You are who you are – as you created yourself before entering earth in this lifetime. Perhaps you are shy. That is entirely acceptable and exactly what you wish to be. But in your shyness you still will radiate the light of a Lightworker – if you accept your worthiness. This is not the Age to hide under a basket in fear or pain. But instead to shine your light in whatever fashion feels most joyful. You never have to be center stage – but you do need to accept that you have a place on stage before you can be a true Lightworker.

You do not need to channel, heal the sick, write books, make presentations, change the world, transport yourself to other parts of the Universes or create a new tool to be a Lightworker. You merely need to accept that you are a Lightworker and that you will move into your role – whatever that role is – when it is your time to do so.

Stop whining. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop make excuses for why you cannot be a Lightworker. Stop throwing up your hands in disgust because all of this is a hoax – and move to your place on stage. Your co-Lightworkers are moving toward their joy and have no need to care take you. Any more than you have a need to care take others.

You are a Lightworker of the greatest magnitude merely waiting for your role to begin. So be it. Amen.

http://www.LifeTapestryCreat
ions.com    If you would like to receive Brenda’s free blogs when posted, please click the Subscribe Button on the upper part of her subscribe and blog page and then click the – Subscribe to Brenda’s Blog by E-mail – line. Complete your subscription by entering your e-mail address and accepting the e-mail confirmation.

I am not a big resolution maker when the new year comes. To be quite honest, I am not a good self goal keeper at all. I usually accomplish for others, but not always myself. I think that is why I have found this so hard.

I have even looked up the word several times in the dictionary and read it over and over.  This is what it says…

¹re·solve

 verb \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

Definition of RESOLVE

transitive verb

1

obsolete : dissolve, melt

2

a : break up, separate <the prism resolved the light into a play of color>; also : to change by disintegration

b : to reduce by analysis <resolve the problem into simple elements>

c : to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of

d : to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components

3

: to cause resolution of (a pathological state)

4

a : to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve doubts><resolve a dispute>

b : to find an answer to

c : to make clear or understandable

d : to find a mathematical solution of

e : to split up (as a vector) into two or more components especially in assigned directions

5

: to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep><resolve disputed points in a text>

6

a : to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote

b : to change by resolution or formal vote <the houseresolved itself into a committee>

7

: to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance

8

: to work out the resolution of (as a play)

intransitive verb

1

: to become separated into component parts; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis

2

: to form a resolution : determine

3

: consult, deliberate

4

: to progress from dissonance to consonance

— re·solv·able  adjective

— re·solv·er noun

 See resolve defined for English-language learners »

See resolve defined for kids »

Examples of RESOLVE

1. The brothers finally resolved their conflict.
2. The issue of the book’s authorship was never resolved.
3. His speech did nothing to resolve doubts about the company’s future.
4. They haven’t been able to resolve their differences.
5. She resolved to quit smoking.
6. He resolved that he would start dating again.
7. The committee resolved to override the veto.

Origin of RESOLVE

Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release — more at solve

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RESOLVE

Synonyms: choose, conclude, determine, figure, name, opt,decide, settle (on or upon)

Antonyms: join, link, unify, unite

[+]more

See Synonym Discussion at decide

Definition of RESOLVE

1

: fixity of purpose : resoluteness

2

: something that is resolved

3

: a legal or official determination; especially : a formalresolution

 See resolve defined for English-language learners »

Examples of RESOLVE

1. His comments were intended to weaken her resolve but they only served to strengthen it.
2. <a naval pilot who has been unwavering in his resolve to become an astronaut>

First Known Use of RESOLVE

1591

Related to RESOLVE

Synonyms: decidedness, decision, decisiveness,determinedness, firmness, granite, purposefulness,resoluteness, resolution, determination, stick-to-itiveness

Antonyms: hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness,irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation

[+]more

Learn More About RESOLVE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for “resolve”

Spanish-English Dictionary: Translation of “resolve”

I know it’s a lot, but you can see where my struggle has been.

Well, this is what I have come up with… 

“RESOLVED”

Paladin – Our 13-year-old Dog – Sick with Valley Fever

He has been sick now for almost 2 years. Each night I kiss him good night, give him love and a good scratch.  I am resolved to let him go and hope each day that he goes in his sleep.  He has to be carried outside to potty, as his back legs are paralyzed from this disease from the hips down. He is in no pain, but I know each day that he is as frustrated as I am that he can’t get himself around.  He is here in our home and surrounded by love each and every day.  :)

xo

There’s nothing quite as contagious as a yawn* (Photo: Emma J. Bishop, Creative Commons license)

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Grab forty winks. Saw logs. For a species that’s habitually short on shut-eye, we humans sure have come up with myriad ways to talk about it. We also spend a lot of time and money studying sleep, or the lack thereof. Yet, in spite of decades of inquiry, researchers still don’t have a good fix on why we—and just about every other living creature—need to nod off.  We’ve had better luck trying to understand other unconscious states, especially those employed by certain non-human species to deal with hard times.

Winter poses a critical challenge for animals who stay put rather than migrate to warmer climes. Thermoregulation requires calories, but many foods—especially fruits, nectars, vegetation, and insects—are scarce when the days are short. The ability to reduce one’s energy needs can be a life-saving adaptation. Hibernation does just that—it lowers an animal’s metabolic rate. If all goes well, this period of inactivity, which may last several days, weeks, or even months, depending on the species, will stretch stored energy reserves (aka body fat) long enough for the animal to survive until a greener season. “If” depends on many factors, such as the abundance of autumn food resources, the length and severity of cold days, and even the stability of the den site during repeated freeze-thaw-freeze cycles.

When a critter—let’s use the chipmunk (Tamias spp.) as an example—transitions into a state of hibernation, its body temperature drops to near freezing, breathing becomes so shallow as to be imperceptible, and the heart rate decreases dramatically, from 350 to 4 beats per minute.  Although we tend to think of hibernation as a season-long slumber, chippies and other hibernating rodents do wake up every few weeks to have a snack and take a potty break, even though these periods of activity, called interbout arousals, consume up to 90% of stored body fat. There are some champion nappers in this chisel-toothed group—including the groundhog (aka woodchuck, Marmota monax), who sleeps half its life away, setting the alarm for March when it heads to bed in September.

Other examples of sound sleepers include: insectivores like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and the tenrecs (Microgale spp.); the mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus)—the only hibernating marsupial; and the echidna (Tachyglossus spp.), a monotreme.  Biologist recently added the mouse lemur (Microcebus spp.) and the fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius) to the hibernator roster; prior to this discovery, we didn’t have any examples from among the primates. Additionally, since winter temperatures in their native Madagascar may reach 86° F (30° C), it’s become clear that hibernation isn’t strictly associated with cold weather. Nor is it limited to mammals; a bird called the common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) snoozes through at least some of the snowy season.

Ironically, that most famous of North American sleep icons, the bear (Ursus spp.), is the subject of many a drowsy debate over whether or not they are “true hibernators.” Bears often spend far more time sleeping than the so-called “trues,” so what’s all the fuss about?  Well, this is going to sound like nit-picking, but here goes. First of all, a bear’s heart rate drops, but not quickly enough to suit some scientists. Also, while the number of heartbeats may go as low as 8 per minute, the average is closer to 50 per minute. Moreover, during this time the bear’s body temperature remains pretty close to normal. This is a handy little idiosyncrasy that, should the need arise, allows the animal to wake up fast… and often cranky—a fact Santa (and anyone else) should keep in mind when planning a mid-winter visit to the den.

Taking to one’s bed for months on end could be seen as a rather over-the-top response to a simple cold front. It smacks of swooning characters in English romance novels from the late 1700s. Frankly, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and many wild critters take a more measured approach. Torpor is the term commonly used to describe these shorter, less dramatic forms of dormancy, although, technically, hibernation and other types of suspended animation are really subsets of torpidity. Call it what you will, there are examples of “temporary hibernation” in all the Classes of vertebrate animals—mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish—and it’s commonplace among the myriad spineless critters as well.

For some of the busiest bodies, torpor is a daily habit. Hummingbirds (Trochilidae), for example, have such a high metabolic rate that they need to ingest a steady stream of non-carbonated sugar water (i.e., nectar) during their waking hours or they’ll become hypoglycemic and too exhausted to fly. Can’t fly? Can’t feed—a vicious circle that will ultimately lead to the bird’s death without some kind of intervention. As you might imagine, this need to constantly refuel creates an enormous problem when night falls and these feathered perpetual motion machines must rest. Without some way to temporarily lower their metabolic rate, hummingbirds would never be able to get out of bed in the morning. Never fear—torpidity to the rescue!

Swifts (Apodidae), chickadees (Paridae), nightjars (Caprimulgidae), and doves (Columbidae) are just a few of the other avian species who go torpid under various conditions. Generally speaking, these birds are fruit-, nectar-, or insect-eaters, and they tend to be on the small side (less than 80g). The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), at 1600-2950g is one exception to this rule, and biologists recently added a second, when it was confirmed that the tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) goes torpid during Australian winters.

Personally, I find these new insights into animal behavior thrilling, because they reassure me that what we know about wild creatures is still a drop in the bucket compared to what we don’t know—there are worlds upon worlds waiting to be discovered on this blue gem of a planet we call home.

Of course, cold is not the only hardship wild things would rather sleep through. Periods of drought are just as serious a threat to survival, especially for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. When a lake, pond, or stream goes dry, the inhabitants need to dig in. Literally. Turtles and tortoises (Testudines), crocodiles (Crocodylidae), frogs and toads (Anura), salamanders (Caudata), and some crustaceans will aestivate (also spelled estivate)—a drought-driven form of hibernation. They sink down into the mud before it dries completely, sealing themselves in a mucous capsule until the rains come again. If ever there was a time to be glad you can absorb oxygen in the soil through your skin, this is it, because the air in your boggy bubble won’t last very long.

Researchers are intrigued by these alternate forms of sleep and how they might offer clues for solving a variety of human health concerns. Honestly, I understand their fascination but I don’t know how they stay awake long enough to collect any data. Just writing about dormancy has my eyelid feeling so… heavy. I guess it’s… time for…. me to turn… in.

…..Hit the  [YAWN!]  hay.

……….Catch some…..…zzzzzzzzz

.

*Pop Quiz:  How many times did you yawn while reading this?

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[FYI: Upcoming changes in employment and residency have caused Next-Door Nature to go into hibernation for a little while. I'll re-publish some past posts while the critters are snoozing to help readers ward off cabin fever, and re-emerge sometime in February (when I hope to get back to a regular posting schedule again). Thanks for your patience!]

There’s nothing quite as invigorating as finding a little Next-Door Nature in your email inbox—click the “subscribe”  link in the upper right-hand corner of this page and receive notifications of new posts!

© 2011 Next-Door Nature—no reprints without written permission from the author. Thanks to these photographers for making their work available through a Creative Commons license: SearchNetMedia (prairie dog); Pau Davidy (polar bear); Tatiana Bulyonkova (rock dove); Michael Ransburg (turtle); and Pat Gaines (snowy owl).

Channeled by Brenda Hoffman for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com

Summary of Brenda’s January 6, 2013 free, 15-minute, channeled “Creation Energies” show at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/brenda-hoffman:  Change has always been part of earth existence. The difference was that you arrived in joy only to be enmeshed in earth density and fear. You’re transitioning to arrive in joy and remain in that state throughout the time you are of earth.

The title of last week’s “Brenda’s Blog” – her free, weekly, channeled blog for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com: “You’re Not Responsible for Everyone and Everything”

Brenda’s “Creation Energies” BlogTalkRadio.com show is different channeled material than “Brenda’s Blog” even though both might be about a similar topic.

Dear Ones,

This energies of this week will open you to enhanced forms of manifestation.

The manifestation we are speaking of is perhaps different from what you envision. Manifestation indeed creates – but most of you think of objects or things, instead of emotions or non-visible entities and harmonies.

While it is true that your physical manifestation capabilities may also be enhanced this week, it is your spiritual being that will first embrace enhanced manifestation skills, then your emotional being and finally your physical being. Meaning that those pieces that are not of a physical nature will manifest more rapidly this week than is true for those outside your inner-being.

Your physical body is necessary for one life, one incarnation. It is not designed for longevity. Granted, you are now living longer for a number of reasons and your physical being is strengthened accordingly. But because your emotional and spiritual beings last forever, they are the most durable elements of your being. You do not need to negate or denigrate your physical being. Merely understand that your physical being was not created for longevity.

Each new skill you develop or acknowledge on the new earth will follow a similar pattern of spiritual development, emotional development and finally physical development.

For those of you believing that you cannot possibly be a Lightworker as you did not note any shift on December 21 or the days that followed, internal shifts did occur that you are not yet aware of. One of which is your new spiritual manifestation skill.

Of course, you have always had the ability to manifest in all three areas of your being. It is just that your manifestation skills have been upgraded to levels you have not yet experienced on earth in large numbers.

Many of you naysayers will state to yourself and others that such is not the case – that your skills are no different from what was true in November. We beg to differ. You now have a broader spectrum of manifestation skills. Believe and accept that.

This manifestation shift is somewhat like the difference between driving a 1930′s automobile and one of today. Both vehicles transport you from point A to point B, but today’s vehicle does so with much more ease and comfort. So it is for you.Your manifestation skills have been enhanced in ways you could not have envisioned a few years ago.

Is it not true that many of you have GPS devices in your automobiles to help you find point B, that you are not surprised by seats that are heated with a touch of a button or cameras that allow you to back-up more easily?

Your new spiritual manifestation skills will be a pleasant surprise for many. And as you accept new manifestation happenings as a common part of your repertoire, other skills will follow.

Some of you wonder why your manifestation skills are being enhanced this week. Even though your calendar year has little meaning for the Universes, the processes your completed up to and thru December 21 invited your new manifestation skills in. And so it is that you rested and processed for a few days. It is time to once again shift and change.

Perhaps the past few weeks have not been that restful for you. Maybe you were involved with many 3D world activities or rested via a minor illness or fretted over something as silly as you are not a Lightworker. All avenues to allow your earth being to adjust to the new being you are becoming.

Eventually, you will enhance your manifestation skills at all levels but for now – this week for many – it is time to add your spiritual manifestation skills.

Nothing is required of you – it will just happen. We are merely informing you so you can note your new skills in joy and laughter, instead of fear or anxiety. Your new being is progressing wonderfully in stages correct for you. Allow that to be.

Do not compare yourself to others for you are progressing at the right pace.

Some of you have already accessed your spiritual manifestation skills. Others may not do so for a few weeks. It does not matter. Anymore than it mattered if a young boy’s voice changed before or after others in his age range for it was inevitable that his voice would change.

The only frustration was for those boys who wanted their voices to change sooner or later than others. Some who were choirs members and or involved in other activities requiring higher pitched voices were upset when their voice changed. Others were upset that they were “late bloomers.” All of which was forgotten in a few years. Few adult men ruminate about trauma related to their voice change. So it is for you now.

It does not matter if your spiritual manifestation skills bloom this week or in three months – it will happen. What matters is that you are prepared for the resulting joy of experiencing new spiritual manifestation skills and any other level of manifestation that is or soon will be occurring. So be it. Amen.

http://www.LifeTapestryCreat
ions.com    If you would like to receive Brenda’s free blogs when posted, please click the Subscribe Button on the upper part of her subscribe and blog page and then click the – Subscribe to Brenda’s Blog by E-mail – line. Complete your subscription by entering your e-mail address and accepting the e-mail confirmation.

Tattered and Torn (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It will be a short post today.  My lovely internet is down at home.  So yeah, I am posting at the office.  This topic isn’t even in my list! But…

I had a situation happen over the weekend that had potential to turn pretty toxic.  We’ll just call it, “people who can’t let go.”  Anyway, there just comes a time when we have to say GOOD-BYE.

When we try to beat the square peg into the round hole, the square peg becomes worn… tattered… exhausted.  The round hole has moved on and so should probably the square peg.

For whatever reason, sometimes people who really want to be together just cannot be together because the relationship is toxic.  Maybe there is drugs involved, alcoholism, abuse, mistrust… the list goes on as to what could make a relationship toxic.  What makes it worse is when neither party recognizes the toxicity.

What makes it worse than that is when only one person recognizes the disaster masked with the word “love.” One person is desperately trying to hold on while the other is subtly trying to move on.

We will be touching on this topic in the coming months. Have a great week everyone!  Regularly scheduled blog posts will resume tomorrow.

Peace…

Related articles

• Are You In A Toxic Relationship? (newyork.cbslocal.com)
• Letting Go Of A Toxic Relationship (jharnisch.com)

Cheteshwar Pujara received his much deserved maiden ODI call up after some great performances in domestic cricket. The rest of the squad which recently lost to Pakistan was retained for the first 3 ODI’s against England.

The performances of B Kumar and Shami Ahmed meant that they retained their spots for the England series too. Ishant was India’s second best pacer in the series against Pakistan behind B Kumar and seemed to have gotten his groove back. R Jadeja too retained his spot with a good all round show in the final ODI against Pakistan. Dinda and Mishra who were in the squad against Pakistan were also retained for the series against England.

The biggest concern for India has been their batting over the past few months and the addition of Pujara to the lineup seems to be an effort to strengthen the fragile top order. It will be interesting to see though if he gets in to the X1 though. Sehwag’s absence means that Rahane will open the batting with Gautam Gambhir. Kohli will come in at number 3 followed by Yuvraj, Dhoni and Raina. Jadeja and Ashwin will be the specialist spinners in the squad followed by B Kumar, Ishant and Shami Ahmed.

India will hope that their batsmen get into some sort of form against an English attack which got better of them in the just concluded test series. Virat Kohli’s form will be a big concern as he was India’s best player over the past two years in the 50 over format. The bowling looked in decent shape against Pakistan in the just concluded series and the bowling of young B Kumar and Shami Ahmed was particularly impressive with the new ball.

This will be an interesting series as England is not known to be a great ODI squad but have had a great 2012 in terms of results in the shorter format. India though had pretty mixed 2012 and hasn’t begun 2013 on a great note. Both teams will go all out and it will be interesting to see how the Indian batting lineup fares against a good English pace attack.

Indian Squad:

MS Dhoni (capt), Cheteshwar Pujara, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ashok Dinda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shami Ahmed, Amit Mishra.

Probable X1 for the first ODI:

Gautam Gambhir, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni(Capt), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, B Kumar, Shami Ahmed, Ishant Sharma

Image: givecourage.net

One day at a time.  Isn’t that really the only way we can live?  When we were in our addiction, we were caught up in our past aches, resentments and fears.  But that wasn’t enough.  We had to worry about the future!  What will tomorrow bring? Will I still have my job?  What about a place to live?

Since I am inherently skeptical, this whole one day at a time thing puzzled me.  After all, I was a being who only thought about what would become of me along with all the crap of yesterday.  Well, I couldn’t change yesterday and had no control over tomorrow.  Still don’t.  Never will.

Before I got sober, I remember thinking about never being able to drink (or drug) again.  That thought overwhelmed me to the point of anxiety.  How would I function?  Where would I hang out? What about my friends?  All of these are serious questions to the still sick and suffering alcoholic.

The first couple weeks of my sobriety were a rough lot.  I lived one minute at a time rather than one day at a time.  I could not think about the future.  Again, it was entirely too overwhelming.  And holding onto the past was what got me in such a shit storm.  So I focused on keeping my brain occupied.  I should have kept a journal, but I didn’t.  Instead I consumed mass quantities of Pop Tarts and watched the Military Channel.  I only left my apartment to get cigarettes.

But it worked for me.

Of course these days, I do think about the future and there are times when the past creeps in or I see something that brings back a fond (or not so fond) memory. But when it comes to not picking up, one day at a time, one minute at a time, even one second at a time is the best way to live.

How do we live one day at a time in recovery?

We go to meetings.  We get a sponsor.  We read approved literature. We talk to people in recovery (this is so important). We share at meetings (this is something I need to do more). We keep our minds occupied with things besides drinking (or drugging).

I have met so many creative people in the rooms of AA.  I have met many artists, writers and generally people who are doing what they want to do with their lives.  How cool is that?  Maybe they were always creative or maybe they found their creativity while living one day at a time.

Related articles

• Recovery #1 (sallytudor.wordpress.com)
• Revealed: Addict’s journey from drugs hell to becoming a Harley Street rehab guru (dailyrecord.co.uk)

Image: faithoncampus.com

Once we realize that we are powerless and cannot get through sobriety (or anything for that matter) without a higher power, we are now in the position of knowing what to do.  There is a saying (and I am ad-libbing here): “Once you know, you can never not know.”

This picture above is also a magnet.  I saw it at Barnes & Noble one day and snatched it up.  It is on my refrigerator as a stark reminder to do just what it says. And I live by this rule in a selective way.

I’ll explain.

There are times, of course, when we need to give up.  If my car isn’t starting and I am about to crank it for the umpteenth time, I need to give up.  When drinking and drugging are leaving you feeling beaten down repeatedly.  Because doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is insane.

Ya hear what I’m sayin’?

If you or someone you know is struggling with staying away from a drink or a drug (or any other addiction) the most important thing to remember is “just don’t pick up.”  Because picking up is giving up.  Picking up is giving up on your sobriety, giving up on yourself, giving up on the potential that you have!

This is something I think about from time to time. Of course, being an alcoholic, a drink will flutter across my mind like some deranged, chaotic butterfly.  It is a fleeting thought and it flutters out as fast as it entered.  Behind the thought of a drink comes all the memories of the insanity I called life at one point.  That is what keeps it green for me.  Going back to the life of hell I once lived would be insane.

Here are some ways to push through:

• get to a meeting.
• call someone.
• go for a walk.
• write.
• listen to music.
• pray.
• draw.

How have you pushed through?

Related articles

• Recovery #1 (sallytudor.wordpress.com)
• Why I Still Go (beepea.com)

Reblogged from My Thoughts:

Image: lostandtired.com

Asking for help is difficult.  It means swallowing our pride and admitting we cannot do it alone.  There are many places to get help for the still sick and suffering.  The most effective is the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.  I must be careful talking about that, because it is Anonymous.  Although these days with social media and Facebook Group Pages, there is no longer much anonymity.

God was who I first asked for help.  When I got sober in May 2006, I started in the basement by myself.  I had detoxed off of pain meds and quit drinking along with other substances.  I can honestly say God was with me the whole time, even though I felt like hell, I knew he was there.  There is no way in hell I suffered through that agony alone.  Alone in body, maybe, but not alone in spirit.

The second person I asked was my kids’ social worker at Bucks County Children and Youth.  After the detox, I called the County and they got me in an outpatient group.  I had one counseling session a week with a guy who never had a drug problem and was slightly condescending.  Along with that, I had three outpatient groups a week.

And so it went.  I would ask people for help at the group.  The caseworker always picked up the phone when I called.  For me to reach out my hand was difficult being a woman always hell bent on self-will.

Swallowing my selfish pride and asking for help was the best thing I could do for myself.  There are many places to ask for help.  Visit www.aa.org to get started and find a meeting.

Image: sabacooperative.org

“Step One: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable.” This is taken from the Big Book and the Twelve & Twelve.

This is the only step we have to do perfectly.  To have an attitude that we “can drink once in a while” or “take a break” is dangerous.  Of course, this is something we alcoholics find out the hard way.  We have all at one time or another, woken up in the morning (or maybe we hadn’t even been to sleep) and said: Man, I am never doing that again! Only to be right back where we were, less than twenty-four hours later.

And let’s face it: admitting we are powerless over anything is tough for us humans.  We have this thing called “pride” that whispers in our ear that we can beat anything.  It whispers that giving up is for suckers and wimps. Our egos and pride tell us that people will laugh at us if we admit we cannot drink (or drug) anymore.

We had come to realize that once we put a drink in our bodies, we could not stop. That first drink rendered us helpless every time.

We tried to drink successfully.  We made empty promises (with good intentions!) that we would only drink beer, or that we would only drink on the weekend or that we would stop drinking at 11 pm. It may have worked for a little while, but ultimately it didn’t work at all.

We could not drink successfully.  We could not stop after one drink.  The minute we put that first drink in us, our bodies and minds crave more and we drink until we are either passed out, puking, in jail or in a crazy situation.  And yes, these crazy situations may make great stories (if we live through them) but they leave us with shame and regret.

The unmanageability of our lives may be that we keep showing up late for work (or not showing up at all), we aren’t paying our bills, we are cheating on our spouses or partners, we are getting in fights, driving intoxicated and ending up in jail.  It is one or some or all of these things.  We could not manage our own lives, we could not manage our drinking, we could not manage anything.

Step One is the only step we have to do perfect.  If we do that one step perfectly, we will begin the road to recovery and our lives will begin to change in a positive way.

Image: hal-pc.org

There comes a point in each addict/alcoholic’s life when they feel like there is no way things could get worse.  Whether they are in deep debt, being evicted, homeless, selling sex for drugs/money… the list goes on.

The darkness swallows us, like that giant monster we swore was in our closet as small children.  Only this monster is real.  It is real and it is ugly and it devours us every day making life worse while we try to drown or numb the pain.

My darkness was in a basement in Bucks County, PA.  I had lost my children, was unemployable and was living in the same house as my enabler (my ex-boss).  He and his wife had let me stay with them after I had been evicted from a house in Philadelphia.  I was in debt, could not find work and lived there under the prerequisite that he would give me drugs and money and I would repay him accordingly.

All of my “I never’s” were coming true as I sat in that basement listening to him lumber around upstairs, praying to high heaven he wouldn’t come down those steps.

My two daughters lived there with me and slept in the room on the other side of the basement.  Their precious little faces looked so peaceful when they slept.  My God, what had I done?

No one could tell me about my darkness.  I had to figure it out by myself.  That is the sad truth about addiction and alcoholism.  We always have to find out the hard way.  All those interventions, the threats, the promises the deals… none of it works.  I mean, it may work for a short while, but we just have to feel like there is nothing left.  We have to get sick and tired of being sick and tired.

It is that moment in time, that darkness before the dawn, that loss of hope, that are you freaking kidding me…. that is when we look at ourselves in the mirror and beg God for help.

Channeled by Brenda Hoffman for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com

Summary of Brenda’s December 30, 2012 free, 15-minute, channeled “Creation Energies” show at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/brenda-hoffman:  Some of you are concerned that you’re not a Lightworker, you’re not moving fast enough  or that gods and angels from above will show you the way – all continuations of Old Age beliefs. You’re inner-voice is your personal GPS system. 

The title of last week’s “Brenda’s Blog” – her free, weekly, channeled blog for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com: ”You’re a Pied Piper of Joy”

Brenda’s “Creation Energies” BlogTalkRadio.com show contains different channeled material than “Brenda’s Blog” even though both might be about a similar topic.

Dear Ones,

What will 2013 bring? What traumas, shifts and changes will you endure? When does world joy begin? Who are you? All logical questions given what you have experienced in the past few months.

We are not your crystal ball. We cannot tell you how your individual lives will shift. But we can and will provide a global perspective.

You are part of the new earth. You will continue to transition and shift until you are done doing so – which is never. Prior to this New Age/new earth, you did not stop shifting. You changed physically, emotionally and spiritually until your earth death. There was not a day on earth in which some part of you, including your cellular structure, did not change.

The difference between then and now is that everyone shifted in similar ways. You knew what to expect when you reached the ages of 30, 50 or 90. Not everyone aged the same, but there were enough indicators so you knew your shifts were within the “normal” range. Such is no longer the case and that is your trauma. What should you expect if this or that happens? No one knows or sometimes can even guess for not enough Lightworkers have transitioned while on earth to create patterns.

Will your skin turn blue? Will all known animals disappear? Will your loved ones become so boring or so enmeshed in the Old Age patterns that you will not wish to be around them? You want us to provide concrete answers in a shifting world.

Think in terms within your current understanding. College graduates expect to receive job offers in their field. But not all will as those job offers incorporate many variables such as the job market, field of study, interviewing skills, community in which the applicant graduates and on and on. All acceptable variables in your Old Age thinking.

Something similar is now happening. All of you reading these materials are interested in and perhaps studying New Age philosophies and techniques. But that does not necessarily mean you will earn financial or even emotional reward in that particular area of study.

The philosophies you are so excited about today may be boring or even outdated tomorrow. You and your world are indeed shifting. Perhaps you remember typewriters.  An exciting invention in the early 1900′s, but out-dated by the year 2000. And so it is for your new interests in your new life.

Do not be fearful about not understanding the “right” information for your life, world or transition. Now that you have moved into the New Age, pieces will be presented to you as you are ready. And so will it happen for all beings, structures and entities now on earth.

There is no need for you to spend hours contemplating governmental changes – unless you find it joyful to do so. It is a waste of your time to create new academic systems unless doing so gives you great joy and on and on.

Was there ever a time in the Old Age when you felt responsible for all parts of the world? Did you not live your life to the best of your ability and attach your thoughts and concerns to those areas important to you?

You are now in a similar place –  only you do not yet know what is “normal” or expected. Many of you are worrying about this or that – not because it gives you joy to do so, but because you feel you – as a Lightworker – are responsible for all aspects of this New Age transition.

Logic would tell you that such is not the case, nor could it be. But because you do not yet have a pattern of expectations, you fear that you are not doing enough to change the world.

Your role – and only role – is to do what gives you joy. Similar to deciding which high school classes were your favorites. The difference is you no longer need to take courses you do not like or find boring. Other Lightworkers interested in that area will be only too joyful to step in.

You may be Lightworkers but that title does not carry the responsibility of shifting/saving all Old Age parts of  earth.

You are not responsible for everyone and everything. Your only role is to move in the direction of and finally claim your joy. You are not beholden to the Universes, earth, family or anyone else to live, move or shift in any direction because of a need no one is filling or someone tells you that you should.

Your slate was wiped clean on December 22. Allow that thought to move about your being. You truly have the freedom to be you. If you find joy planting flowers in your garden, that is the important role you have in this New Age. If you are fascinated by teleportation, that is your area of study and joy. Listen to yourself. Where does your physical, spiritual and emotional being lead you?

Listen to your inner-voice and you will the perfect Lightworker for this age and every age thereafter.

Your only responsibility is to listen to your inner-voice and allow it to lead you to joy. A joy that may seem trivial to you, but so important to this transition.

You completed the first phase on December 21. Allow your gentle inner-voice to lead you to the next. And please do not fret if you feel the need to rest, move or do what is right for you.

This New Age is freedom and joy – neither of which can be achieved if you feel the need to “plow” through a political system when you would rather be on a beach; or if you follow the lead of your significant other to be on a beach when you would rather be creating an Internet show.

Listen to yourself and you will create your New Age patterns in joy. Listen to others or shoulds – no matter who generates those shoulds – and you will move away from joy and the completion of your next New Age role. So be it. Amen.

http://www.LifeTapestryCreat
ions.com    If you would like to receive Brenda’s free blogs when posted, please click the Subscribe Button on the upper part of her subscribe and blog page and then click the – Subscribe to Brenda’s Blog by E-mail – line. Complete your subscription by entering your e-mail address and accepting the e-mail confirmation.

January (Photo credit: Deadly Tedly)

The Introduction

Happy New Year!  Welcome to the The Daily Woman.. a blog dedicated to living sober and giving life all you got!  I signed up for the Ultimate Blog Challenge just in time for 2013… The month of January is dedicated to living life sober, getting help, working the steps and tons of other useful information and links.

My goal is to post each of the 31 days. 

A lot of us wrapped up in alcoholism and addiction have made resolutions (or goals) of sobriety for 2013.  Most of these will be broken if the right help is not sought.

Now, I am not a doctor and I don’t even play one on TV, but I do know what has worked for me and hope to do some sort of twelfth step work through my blog. I have reached a point in my sobriety that what keeps me sober is doing the next right thing and putting my hand out to the next still sick and suffering alcoholic/addict.

Thanks for climbing on board and Happy New Year to you all.

May the happy times full yout life!

Twitter @travelingbook

Reflect (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As 2012 comes to a close… I have looked through my Penzu journal, gone through old notebooks and basically stepped back and looked at the canvas of my life.  It hasn’t exactly been a spectacular year… but then it has been a spectacular year.  I fell down a cliff on a quad, I celebrated six years of sobriety in May, I started going to Al-Anon (which changed my life!) and I ended a six year, toxic relationship never dreaming that I’d enter into a new relationship with a man who I am pretty sure was made just for me.

I read somewhere that when we order up the life we want to exact specifications, we just might get it.  Well, I seem to be on my way.

The Old:

Procrastination – Insecurity – Self-loathing – Laziness – Self-doubt – feeling unworthy in most situations.  Ahhh.. those old ugly beliefs and bad thoughts that I wish I could beat with a hammer.  However, thoughts are not tangible so I have to beat them with positive thinking!

The New:

Get it done! I am beautiful! I can and will prevail! Successful author!  I have to fake it ’til I make it – and my advice to all of you is to do the same.  Faking it ’til we make it is like a mental affirmation of determination that only we know about.  It kinda goes along with that whole “The Secret” thing.  Trust me – it freaking works.

How about you? What is your out with the old, in with the new for the coming year?

Related articles

• Daily Reading – November 15, 2012 (12stepsthinkaboutit.org)
• Relationships in recovery (findingthewaytogod.wordpress.com)

Channeled by Brenda Hoffman for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com

Summary of Brenda’s December 22, 2012 free, 15-minute, channeled “Creation Energies” show at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/brenda-hoffman:  You advanced Lightworkers are like a child contemplating fun activities during summer vacation. Your slate was wiped clean 12/21/12 and you’ve become joy beacons for those who wish to follow you into new dimensions.

The title of last week’s “Brenda’s Blog” – her free, weekly, channeled blog for www.LifeTapestryCreations.com: ”Your New Earth Game Plan Starts 12/22/12″

Brenda’s “Creation Energies” BlogTalkRadio.com show contains different channeled material than “Brenda’s Blog” even though both might be about a similar topic.

Dear Ones,

Many of you celebrated your transition this week. Many did not. Such is right and true. For indeed, not all could transition into another dimension at one time,  nor would wish to.

Those of you sensing or feeling differently are the first large grouping to complete this transition. Think of a seed reaching maturity and bursting forth into the sunshine. Some of you experienced that. Others merely planted their seed in December. And others are contemplating whether they wish to do so.

This channel will address those whose seed has burst forth into a glorious new being.

Do you look, act or feel different? Perhaps, perhaps not. Yet you are more accepting of 3rd dimension actions and activities.

That last statement is difficult for many to understand. But then, we are not addressing those who reside in duality.

Those of you who have transitioned accept duality, but are not interested in it. You are observing – not participating and most likely, not judging.

Duality is what it is. You accept that and know that others will feel the same in the near future. You probably used to be enmeshed in political debates or “he said she said” conversations. While you might still take part in such activities, you do so without the rage or interest you once had. As if those discussions/beliefs were playtime activities – just as you pretended to be a doctor or a fireman as a child.

It is not that you will become instant dimensional beings or that you will ignore those who wish to remain steadfast in their 3D world, but instead, that you are more of an observer.

There will be times when those of the advanced Lightworker team will re-engage in 3D traumas and chaos. When you do, you will feel that such activities are wrong for you – not for others, but for you.

What if those around you continue to barrage you with 3D fears, chaos and trauma – if they attempt to return you to their 3D world? Of course, that is always your choice. But you will not feel right doing so. Do you remember how you felt when you did something your parents told you not to? Most of you had guilty, sad feelings. So it is now for those of you advanced Lightworkers. The difference is your feelings are generated from within – not society, family or friends.

It is not that you need to isolate yourself or surround yourself with only those who have transitioned into 4th or beyond dimensions. But that you are the New Age adults of this transition. You wish to experience a world that does not include the duality that has been your life for eons.

Will you be thought of as odd? Perhaps. But that will not matter to you. For if you are surrounded by those who wish you to return to their 3D world, you will find a need to move beyond that group. A bit like those of a political party feeling uncomfortable around those who adamantly advocate for the opposite party.

Some of you feel you are alone in your beliefs, that those in your life believe the 3D world is all there is.

You are not alone. If you are physically surrounded by 3D beings, you can expand your connections via the internet, books, classes and like-minded groups in your community. There are many resources to help you better understand yourself and this transition.

That is not to say you need to negate those of the 3rd dimension. Instead, you will merely observe, but no longer wish to take part in the duality that is their life. You will find others who feel and respond as you do. This transition is a group activity. Unlike other Masters who have assisted earth in earlier transitions, you have many earth equals, spiritual or not-of-earth assistants and a rapidly increasing number of earth entities who wish to move beyond 3D.

You are the new earth. You are the trendy ones. You are not alone now and will be less so with each day, month and year. Think of the first entities to believe the Vietnam war was not correct for the United States. The beliefs of those few ended the United States participation in that war. Something similar, but more awe-inspiring,  is happening now.

A few of you, in relation to the world population, are feeling differently. Others will wish to know why you no longer find 3D habits and behaviors interesting. As they do so, they will wish to learn more about this transition. And so it will continue in the next few months until the majority of earth entities transition into new dimensions.

It is a process that is well underway. The capstone was the energies of love and joy you shared on 12/12/12 and 12/21/12. You laughed at the fun of it and marveled at the experiences.

Others will follow. Not because they have to. Not because it is stylish. But because it feels so wonderfully joyful not to judge themselves or others. Not to follow the shoulds of society. Not to be someone they think they should be, but to be themselves in all their new glory.

Go out and play. Do not be afraid to interact with all people – whether of 3D or other dimensions. You have an internal sense of what is right for you – not for anyone else but for you.

Now that you have placed the capstone on the New Age, your internal sense is operating at full strength. If you feel uncomfortable with someone or something, ask yourself why. You will have your answer and a direction. And as you follow that inner-voice, you will find yourself in more and more joy. A joy that will be tantalizing for those who are enmeshed in 3D or are just beginning to shine their light.

You are the future. You are a glorious beacon that will draw others to you to determine what makes you shine, what makes you laugh, what gives you joy. You are not a guru. You are not a rule maker. You are merely you laughing and skipping down the street like a pied piper of joy. So be it. Amen.

http://www.LifeTapestryCreat
ions.com    If you would like to receive Brenda’s free blogs when posted, please click the Subscribe Button on the upper part of her subscribe and blog page and then click the – Subscribe to Brenda’s Blog by E-mail – line. Complete your subscription by entering your e-mail address and accepting the e-mail confirmation.

This was in 1999 when Pakistan and India met in bilateral series after a hiatus of 12 years. There was a lot of hype around the series and the first test was held in my hometown, Chennai. As a young cricket fan I had two wishes, one to watch my idol Sachin Tendulkar score a hundred live and the other to watch team India win a test match.

The Chennai test was an incredible one, completely worth of all the hype surrounding its start. Pakistan team was filled with great bowlers and incredible batting line up and India prior to this series were unbeatable at home. The battle of Sachin with Waqar, Wasim and Saqlain was much talked about prior to the series. The game began and both teams were neck and neck after the first innings. India gained a slender lead of 16 after the first innings and Saqlain Mushtaq enhanced his reputation of being the best young spinner in the world at that time with a 5 wicket haul.

Pakistan began their second innings on a positive note and in spite of losing wickets at regular intervals, it seemed like they would set India a huge total to chase. Afridi was great with a brilliant hundred and with useful contributions from Ijaz and Inzamam, Pakistan was well on course for a huge total. At 275/4, already leading by 259 India’s chances seemed glum when Venkatesh Prasad probably bowled one of the best spells of his career. He took 6/33 as Pakistan collapsed to 286 as their last 6 wickets fell for just 11 runs. India began their second inning needing 271 to win with more than 2 days to go.

Indian second innings did not get to an ideal start as Waqar dismissed both the Indian openers with just 6 runs on the board as Sachin Tendulkar joined Rahul Dravid in the middle. Both these players took India to safety without further loss and it was all set for a brilliant 4th day at the MA Chidambaram stadium. This was when I got a chance to go to the stadium. I had watched the first 3 days on television and my uncle who could not go to the ground on the 4th day, offered me the ticket and along with my cousins I headed to the ground with lots of expectations.

We reached the ground early and watched the players practice. This was my first visit to any international match and it was really exciting to see the players warm up ahead of a great game of cricket. The crowd cheered as Sachin and Dravid walked out to bat, to continue India’s chase. Wasim Akram’s peach on the fourth morning went through the wall’s defenses as India was in early trouble at 50/3. Azhar and Ganguly got out to poor decisions to leave India tottering at 82/5 when Nayan Mongia walked out to join Sachin Tendulkar.

Both these players saw India through to lunch and in a sedate partnership took India to tea with 5 wickets still in hand. The match was in balance and we in the crowd knew that a wicket at that point will mean that India had no chance. After tea though the mood changed, Sachin and Mongia had decided to attack and the runs flowed quickly and India were racing towards the target. It was exhilarating to watch the proceedings as the bowling attack of Pakistan was brilliant and the world’s best player was involved in a fierce battle to win the game for his country. It was a privilege to watch Sachin counter Saqlain on a wicket which was turning square. He was battling back spasm too in the middle of all this which made this innings even greater. Sachin reached one of his best hundreds and I was in the stands applauding. This was one of the best moments for me as a cricket fan.

India was 218/5 with just 53 to get and we could see Pakistan losing hope. They had taken the new ball to no avail as Mongia and Sachin were scoring runs at a fair clip. This is when Mongia decided to display one of the biggest brain freezes of his career. Trying to loft Wasim over the top, got himself caught at mid-off leaving a struggling Sachin to take India to victory along with the tail. Sachin got out to Saqlain trying finishing the game with only 13 needed and the Indian tail collapsed in a hurry as India fell short of the Pakistan total. It was a heartbreaking loss and a very hard one to take as an Indian fan. It was so near yet so far for the Indian team.

When the game was over unlike all the other grounds in India, in spite of an Indian loss the crowd stuck around. Then one of the most brilliant thing happened when even now when I think back makes me proud of being an Indian. The Chennai crowd rose in appreciation of the Pakistan team as the victorious neighbors took a victory lap in India. Who would have thought that it was even possible? It was a brilliant moment as the fans clapped till the end and it was a victory for the game. Chennai is considered as one of the most knowledgeable crowds in India and I saw it with my own eyes for the first time. Even though there was a disappointment of an Indian loss that evening, I was proud as a cricket fan. Cricket is a sport and it’s beyond borders and the crowd that day proved the same. I got one of my wish granted that day but had to wait for another 3 years to watch India win a test match but that memory will forever be etched in my mind.