Weekend Retreat: Speaker's Meeting

Have you ever attended a "Speaker's Meeting" or "First Step Share" at a Twelve Step meeting? If so, aren't they fabulous?!

If not and you are curious...check one out. There may be one this weekend. These types of meetings are often at the end of the month. They are platforms for a member, sometimes a couple, to speak about what it was like before recovery and what it's like now. 

I have attended a couple of the last few years, and I have even shared a couple of times. Each time it is a new, enlightening experience. I feel honored to witness authenticity at its purest form. I thoroughly appreciate the men and women that open up their souls and bear all. 

Afterwards, I always stick around for some type of fellowship with group members. We laugh, sometimes cry, but always support one another, which is the biggest blessing of the entire recovery process; being accepted for whom we are-whether we are currently struggling or strong in our individual recovery journey.

I am attending a share this weekend. I highly recommend you check one out. The special meetings are generally listed along with general meetings.

Stay safe, sane, and sober this weekend!

Sincerely,

@A_B_L_E_Seattle
@DJBURR1022
www.ableseattle.com

Weekend Retreat

This weekend, I would recommend that you take a quick inventory of the current work that you are doing. It is important to always acknowledge your dedication to your personal recovery.

The weekends can be a time for fun, but also a time for reflection. I often give myself time to think about where I currently am in my process.

Am I on the path I outlined?
Am I listening to my Higher Power?
What is my next indicated step?
Do I have all the support that I need?
Do I know where to find the support that I need?
Am I doing the best that I can?

Most often my answer is 'Yes' to the above questions. Sometimes I have to reevaluate.  I wonder what your answers will be?

Spend the weekend enjoying what you have, but also looking at what else you might need.

Stay safe, sane, and sober!

Sincerely,

Weekend Retreat

Hi everyone! How was your week? I hope it went well.

I am sitting here thinking about what I want to do for this weekend and all I can think of is....NOTHING. Life has been super busy and sometimes I just want to take a break. While I am taking a much needed day off I will be spending time with my family, including my pets.

Enjoying the simple pleasures that life has helps me stay focused on sobriety. When I was acting out in my addictions I would often run away from the "simple" things because they weren't exciting enough.

So glad that I am in recovery. Sitting in front of me are several books that I could read or movies that I could watch. I think I will share my list. Maybe one of the books or movies will be something you might be interested in.

On my living room table I have:

The Migraine Brain by Carolyn Bernstein, M.D.----I hate migraines but I am trying to learn more about them. Part of my "get to know my body" routine.

Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.----educational and helpful in understanding my own issues.

The Intimacy Factor by Pia Mellody---Always a good read.

Create Your Writer Platform by Chuck Sambuchino----I am learning to create a writer platform so that I can build my audience and hopefully find success as an author.

Weekend Retreat

It's the weekend and I am ready for it. It's been a long and exhausting week, so I am grateful to put it behind me and move into the weekend! I have some awesome movie suggestions for you this week!


When a Man Loves a Woman(1994) brought us Meg Ryan, playing an alcoholic mother battling her addiction to alcohol and Andy Garcia, playing her co-dependent husband, trying to make his life, his children's lives, and his marriage all make sense.

It is difficult to be in a marriage or any relationship where addiction is present. It takes courage, strength, and hope, along with a loving Higher Power, to move through the grief and recovery.

Antwone Fisher(2002) is a powerful, heart-breaking film, that resonates so deeply with me. The anger that the main character, played by Derek Luke, holds deep within his being stalks him so deeply that he lashes out and harms himself and those around him. Good thing he has a good therapist, played by Denzel Washington. The power of healing is highlighted throughout this movie. You may also check out the book that inspired the film, Finding Fish. 

Whatever you do this weekend, stay safe, sane, and sober!

Sincerely, 

Weekend Retreat

Welcome to the weekend; to the end of January; and to the start of February!! I hope you all have been doing well. I have gotten a lot of great feedback about the posts, especially Weekend Retreat. Thank you :)

I love telling people about available resources. Just as much as I love having things to do over the weekend that coincide with my recovery process.  A few months ago, I stumbled upon one of the most heart warming films that I have ever seen and I was pleasantly surprised that it starred one of my favorite actors, Bruce Willis. The film is called Disney's The Kid.

In the flick, Bruce's 40-year-old character is brought face to face with his younger self. He learns a valuable lesson from his childhood, that I think we all could benefit from; we are never too old to heal old wounds.

In recovery, healing our 'inner child' is often talked about subject. The work involves looking at the painful past; identifying what really happened; identifying the feelings we had way back then; and then look how it impacts us in the present. I cried while watching so you may want to have your Kleenex handy!

The other option you have for this week is to read Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie. Most people in recovery circles have read this eye opening book on codependence. Melody has been providing readers tons of information on the topic for decades. Her books have sold millions! You may even read her daily affirmations that can be found online or in several books. To find out more about Melody check out her website.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, remember to love yourself!


Sincerely,

Weekend Retreat

Welcome to the weekend!! I have some books for you. Alright, so after this post you may now refer to me as Pia Mellody's biggest fan! I just have to let you know about the best book I have ever read about codependence: Facing Codependence! I credit this book and author with getting me on the path to recovery.

It all started when my sponsor recommended it. I told myself that I wasn't a book reader so why bother, but I am glad I didn't listen to that negative internal voice. Of course I am a book reader. Hell, I am even a book writer.

I started down the journey of reading Facing Codependence and it was hard! The material was so true to my core that it was so difficult to stomach at times. Pia Mellody truly captures that essence of what codependence is, where it comes from, how it can destroy lives, and most importantly, how to recover from it. She highlights topics including setting functional boundaries, self esteem, family of origin, and much more!

After completing the book and reviewing the companion workbook, Breaking Free, I started a six month therapeutic treatment group at my counseling practice using the tools that Pia laid out. Phenomenal success! I know that these two resources will give you what you need on your journey.

Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,

Weekend Retreat

Welcome to the weekend! We are dedicated to bringing you important posts throughout the week. On the weekends, most of us get time to relax and enjoy our family and friends. I hope that is the case for you as well.

Weekend Retreat will bring you a new movie, book, or other related media that is pertinent to your recovery journey.  The goal is to have options for the weekend so you can stay focused on your recovery goals.

Recovery is 24/7 and we want to help you stay focused and sober from all your addictive behaviors. We are always open to suggestions for different media to present so leave a comment and let us know what your needs and wants are. Thank you!

In this revised and updated version of Facing Love Addiction, bestselling author of Facing Codependence and internationally recognized dependence and addiction authority Pia Mellody unravels the intricate dynamics of unhealthy love relationships and shows us how to let go of toxic love. Through twelve-step work, exercises, and journal-keeping, Facing Love Addiction compassionately and realistically outlines the recovery process for Love Addicts, and Mellody’s fresh perspective and clear methods work to comfort and motivate all those looking to establish and maintain healthy, happy relationships.  

Facing Love Addiction ranks #8 on Amazon's best seller list of books on codependency. I have used this book in my counseling practice as a tool for clients to work through issues of codependence and love addiction. Pia's work is inspirational, thought provoking, and uplifting. It provides readers with hope for a new day.

The journal exercises allow for thorough exploration into your own addictive behaviors around relationships and love. Grammy Award winning Alanis Morisette discusses love addiction and Pia Mellody in this video. 

I think anyone, including celebrities, can benefit from reading this book. Take a look for yourself and let us know in the comments what your experience was with Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody.

Greetings

Hi there! Welcome to the new and improved ABLE Life blog.  I wanted to let you know what you can expect from the ABLE Life blog over the next year. I plan to roll out a series of blogs that will go out daily, Monday-Friday. We will be launching the new posts starting January 1, 2014 at 5am!

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Mondays will highlight information about the 12 Steps of Recovery. I will provide detailed information about The Steps and add personal anecdotes as relevant. Each month will highlight topics from each Step. January is up first so we will be talking about Step One all month long!

There is nothing more interesting than random topics about recovery. Topics will range from self-care to sobriety, to sponsorship to codependence, to relationship issues and much more. Have a topic suggestion? Email me. 

It's hump day and who won't need a pick me up! Here I will showcase empowering quotes, slogans, and recovery words of wisdom. Let's make it to the weekend!

Tools are a recovering addicts best friends. I want to provide you every tool I can possibly think of to help you on your journey. Stay tuned and get that toolbox ready! 

It's Friday and the start of the weekend. Each week I will give you some recommended books, movies, etc., that you can utilize over the weekend to keep you on the path of recovery. A retreat doesn't have to be doom and gloom. Invite some recovery friends over or join a book club with our recommended readings. Whatever you do, give it your best shot.

Well, that's the run down of what's coming up for the ABLE Life blog. New posts will start going out at 5:00 o'clock am PST starting Wednesday, January 1, 2014. 

If you have any suggestions send them my way. See you all in the New Year!

Sincerely,