Love Yourself Now

During one of my drinking days in one of the darkest periods of my life, I remember being crushed under the weight of guilt and shame because I had, once again, despite all of my resolve and great intentions, had too much to drink. I can’t remember what had triggered this awful state of mind … maybe I’d fought with one of my children or my ex-husband, but I felt completely defeated. I locked myself in my bedroom, and took out the journal I had hidden in the drawer of my bedside table.

As I lay on the bed, pouring my self-loathing onto the page, I suddenly felt the unmistakable presence of someone surrounding me with love … some wayward angel sent to comfort lost causes. But the feeling was powerful … much stronger than I’d felt before. The loving energy overwhelmed me, running through my mind and down into my hand holding the pen.

Love yourself now, the presence urged. I felt a wave of compassion wash over me, and I was overcome with the meaning behind the words.

Love yourself now, when you feel least worthy, when every indication from the outside world shows you that you are nothing, when you feel no one could love you in the condition you’re in, when you doubt that even God, if there is one, could forgive you for making such a mess of life — yours and those entrusted to your care.

Love yourself now.

Through the eyes of this incredible compassion, I saw myself as filled with light … as beautiful and as innocent as a child. I could see how wrong I was to ever judge myself as lacking or injured or inadequate or not enough. I was wrong to see myself as anything less than a perfect loving child of God.

I am here because I have been called. I am here because this is where I am supposed to be, and the only thing I need to do at this moment in time is to gently lift myself up, open my heart, and let the truth of who I am be received by me.

Elton John: Must See!

I’ve always loved Elton John, who’s very open about his struggle with addiction. I’m teary-eyed this morning, watching this Elton John Holiday Commercial.

It occurred to me that you could make a commercial of anyone’s life, and it would be just as beautiful and touching.

The Truth About the Wine Lovers’ Club

Photo by Burst on Pexels.com

For anyone who follows Belle at Tired of Thinking About Drinking, you know she’s got some great podcasts and resources for people trying to give up drinking. Her post today caught my eye because she’s talking about people who say they love wine online but are secretly struggling with their intake. It gives you a new perspective on all those holiday posts of your friends, raising a glass of wine on Facebook. Here’s the link:

Stated Out Loud, In Case You Are Mistaken: You Are Not Alone with This

“If You Fall” from Storm in a Wine Glass

This is Anna from Storm in a Wine Glass.  I just read her post where she talks about being able to help friends, now that she’s sober.

Read If You Fall on her site for a take on how good it feels to finally keep promises.

 

Ghosts of the Lake

The lake is spectacular this time of year. In the early morning, the cool air creates misty ghosts that rise from the water and wander in circles with every swirl of air. Sometimes they march right past the dock. Other times, they circle off in the distance.

I’ve never been able to capture them in a photo. They are as elusive as a smoke, burning off as soon as the sun rises above the tree line. But while they’re here, I love to watch them wander past like the souls who lived and breathed before me, now hurrying off to who knows where.