New Beginnings

By popular demand, the file below contains a printable Wallet Card that lists common beauty and cleaning product ingredients to avoid. This card can be a handy reference while shopping, and it can be a fun marketing tool to hand out to current and potential clients.

WalletCard_CleanBeauty_0209

I know that I’ve mentioned many times that I am a 12 stepper, as well as a Buddhist.  I think I’ve even shared some resources that I found helpful while trying to figure out my spiritual and recovery paths. I haven’t, however, updated this theme in a couple of years. Nor have I really expanded on how the two paths are really only one.

This past weekend I had the privilege of spending a couple of days at the first annual 12 Step Buddhist retreat at Breitenbush. What started as an uncomfortable and awkward endeavor transformed into a revealing, peaceful, amazing journey of fellowship, recovery, and spirituality. I left on Sunday feeling refreshed and committed. I left with a sense of purpose with my own personal path, but also a sense of understanding and companionship in my relationship with my husband that wasn’t there before.

If you’re looking for a way to integrate your recovery (or the recovery of someone you love) with the principles of Buddhism, I highly recommend Darren Littlejohn’s book, The 12-Step Buddhist: Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction. And if you have the opportunity to participate in any of his classes, meditations, or groups, I suggest you go. His retreat was my first and I promise it won’t be my last.

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An interesting article, if a little over stereotypical in it’s attempt to be the opposite. Yes, AA was started by middle class, middle aged, white guys. Yes, the language from the Big Book doesn’t speak directly to us. But (big fat but), the program has a solution for us, too. Especially, with the help of [...]

So here’s my question of the day: If we become alcoholics after gastric bypass (or other WLS) surgery and then call it “addiction transfer,” aren’t we shortchanging ourselves from proving that we suffer from a medically-based disease? I think we are…what do you think? For the record, I don’t deny the very obvious psychological components [...]

Uh, no. Just a little Internet research will tell you that Natural Flavors are, in fact, created by scientists in labs. Because something is synthesized or created in a laboratory does not necessarily make it evil or bad for you. However, it does make one wonder how safe our food labeling is if MSG can [...]

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Monte Wolverton – Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com – Email this Cartoon

My family has been making a slow, but steady progression away from keeping up with Jones’ and working towards becoming (sometimes kicking and screaming)  a happy and well family that believes in loving the planet, keeping things simple, and getting real.  I’m still a working parent that makes a living trying to get people [...]

My families’ Earth Day 2009 pledge is to start composting and get our organic veggie garden up and growing. I’d like to keep both projects simple and easy to maintain. I know that all worthwhile endeavors take time and effort, but I would like the kids (and me) to enjoy and look forward to [...]

In light of all the scary news we’re seeing in the media today, I would like to remind you to search within in yourself to find the beauty waiting there. Life is not without its struggles (does Cobra really have to cost $1000/mo?) and hurdles, but I refuse to be defined by my pain and [...]

So my biggest problem has always been laziness. And low self esteem. Laziness and low self esteem. Those two character traits combined can turn procrastination into an art form. At times, I have been paralyzed by it. At worst, it’s helped to create a myriad of disorder and financial chaos around me. To battle [...]

Now would be a good time to buckle your seat belt, simplify, and hold tightly to those you love most. It’s time, my friends, to relearn gratitude and appreciation for the things we do have. Fear leads to terror, so let’s practice hope and generosity.  This collective change that we are somehow impacted by can [...]

Can I get an “amen,” my friends? Seriously, I’m sure god has better things to do than listen to our political ads and bartering, but this lead in line from a news article this morning gives me more joy than anything:
The turn-out was record high. The voters: a rich palate of American diversity [...]

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Okay, I know it’s time for me to suck it up, put on the big girl undies, and come out of the closet as an Obama supporter. Let the permanent record show that I will alway be a tried and true card carrying Clinton supporter.  F o r e v e r . But…big butt…I [...]

Some days I’ll be going along, minding my own business and I’ll suddenly be overwhelmed by the saddness that I can’t drink. Normal people don’t think like that. They don’t dress their kids for school, get to work, and suddenly it pops into their head that they’d really love a shot of tequila. Usually, it [...]

I haven’t heard from my sponsee in almost 3 weeks. She won’t return my calls or text messages. She dropped off the radar as soon as she decided to take a fulltime caregiver job. Everyone thought it was a great idea; everyone but me. Such is life. I won’t give up, but I can’t help [...]

I had the privelage and honor of escorting an old dear friend back into the program yesterday.  She seems open and completely willing to participate in her recovery this time around. The hope and love in her children’s and husband’s eyes is obvious. I’m so glad I can be there for her. I missed her [...]

The lead in for the current Faces and Voices of Recovery newsletter I received today is:
Last night, the US Senate passed The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act as part of The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act on a vote of 74 to 25.
Obviously, I’m all for the measure, but [...]