REFLECTIONS-2008
As this year draws to a conclusion, I want to reflect back and also express the gratitude I feel.
The year started with a thought, an idea. I wanted to take some of the “consulting†things and recovery things I have been doing since the early ‘90’s, and turn them into a professional personal coaching business. In 2008 I read a great book called “Half Time†and it helped me clarify process and define purpose and mission. My purpose is to help others and my mission is to coach others to success one person at a time.
I have learned through the school of hard knocks, you don’t shift directions and start a new venture without lots of help, support from “friends†and patience coupled with hard work and learning. I have had these things in abundance and am happy to see Hope & Serenity and Coached to Success get some traction. It’s been a labour of love.
During 2008 I went back to school and received certification as a Life Coach and Addiction Coach. The spiritual portion of my life recovery journey helped me through this. I had a great teacher in Dr. Randin Brons. I have never written a 10 hour exam and who would have "thunk" I would have passed with a 95%! I am pleased that an old dog, through a power greater than him, could learn so much new!
I have been blessed by working with noted psychiatrist Dr. Hari Garbharran and the “Spiritual River†man Patrick Meninga. These men have helped me personally, and together we have developed the “Co-Creative Process of Life Recovery†which we believe has the prospects of upping the % of people who succeed in addiction recovery. As it is a holistic approach to good mental hygiene, it will benefit many others who are not addicted but want a better life for themselves. Along with Hari and Patrick, I have been blessed with the wisdom of several others who have trudged the road to happy destiny successfully for long periods of time. To these folks I owe a huge debt of gratitude.
I have my own coaches I have been coached by over this past year and have been able to break through some major barriers including mother and family issues and career issues. To Richard Cox, Victory Darwin, John Wellwood, Terry Szwec, Lori Hamm, and Gary Glasscock; you have helped me immensely and have made me personally experience what a difference coaching can make! I have put my talents to far better use because of your help.
I was blessed by finding a great recovery site, www.myrecoveryspace.com. This site has helped me stay grounded, has allowed me to be of service, has let me develop a relationship with “Kat†that has meant so very much, and introduced me to others such as Dennis, Karrie and Nia who are solid, have walked the talk, and are not afraid to kick me when needed. To all on the site, thank you for helping my journey in 2008.
I have always had huge support from my wife Diane. She is my friend and my rock. 2008 has been a great year because of the foundation she gives to my life!! My sister-in-law Josie gave lovingly in helping me build a web site, and my friend Igor, my virtual “techy†in the Ukraine has taken my web marketing and presence up a notch. My four adult children and their families continue to challenge me and keep me sharp and feeling loved!
There are so many that have helped my growth this year, and for me, 2008 has been a year of real personal growth. I started on a life recovery journey 14 years ago, and 2008 has been a banner year of life recovery progress for me.
The real folks that have played a starring role. Those men and women who have allowed me to be a part of their recovery of life journey in 2008. You make life so much richer for me! We have shared successes and failures. All have made progress and are using their talents or have increased awareness of their goals and what must be done to achieve. You are my heroes, and the trust you have placed in me is truly humbling. What is transpiring is truly through the grace of god, and to work with people in 5 different countries has been a truly enriching experience.
I am not a religious person. That being said, it is wonderful to know there is a power greater than me (and in a society of labelers I label that power god) that is within me, within all humans and in all that surrounds us. Every time I hear the prose “Footprintsâ€, I am reminded of the grace that has been so freely bestowed on me and I have been truly blessed. My life is lived knowing this truth daily.
2008 has been a year filled with challenges and change. There have been some bleak and dark moments; life has not been the proverbial bowl of cherries. Through the help of so may and of the god I know, 2008, upon reflection, has been a year of real growth and I know I have been blessed.
I have some goals for 2009, and we will face new challenges, including a major move. If I stay holistically fir, the year will be even better. For that I am responsible. I hope to be blessed with positively impacting the lives of others in even a larger way.
A 2009 of growth to all of us. May you be the best you can be! Thank you 2008!
Has it been a year of growth?
As any year draws to a close, we should reflect on how we have grown in sobriety. We should also identify changes during the year that enabled us to overcome bad habits and to move closer to better patterns of living.
Though we never are guaranteed favorable outcomes, we should always remember that sobriety is its own best reward. We want a full life, of course, but it must begin with a decision to seek and to maintain sobriety at all costs.
We find that with sobriety, lots of other problems seem to solve themselves. Even if they don't,we have the tools to move forward and to achieve goals that always eluded us while we were drinking. Every year in sobriety is a year of growth.
I'll be conscious today of recent improvements I've made in my life and all my affairs. With sobriety, these improvements will go on for a lifetime.
Tags: Progress Addiction Help Addiction Coach Life Recovery CoachCo-Creati Ve
