Here we go again! A knock at the door and our little dog Snitzel rips down the hall as fast as his little dachshund legs can maneuver, barking ferociously. Baby’s been asleep for thirty minutes but he’s absolutely awake now. How can one little puppy create such a disturbance? Part of me wants to ... Read More
“What Time House Close?” – Step 3 Trust in God
Several years ago we had an exchange student from Japan, Koichi, stay with us for week. While he was here he asked lots and lots of questions which I attempted to answer. There was a definite language barrier. There is one question he asked that I will never forget. It had been a crazy busy day of ... Read More
The Foundation of All Aftercare – Step 1
Last year I accompanied my nephew, Jonathan, to the hospital and waited while he had surgery on the collarbone he broke playing Ultimate Frisbee the first week of the new semester at the university. When the surgery was complete the doctor came in, showed me the x-ray of his mended bone, which was ... Read More
How Effective Is Your Self-Talk? – Step 11
In the world of popular psychology there has been much talk about “Self Talk.” It is generally advised that we keep the conversation that goes on in our heads positive. I find single-handedly holding down a “Positive Mental Attitude” to be a big order. In recovery I am learning to replace “self ... Read More
My Goodly Parents, Carrying the Message by Teaching “Somewhat” – Step 12
Today would have been my Father’s 80th Birthday. That’s hard to even comprehend, because when he left us thirty-eight years ago he was the forty-two year old daddy of two daughters and five sons, ages ranging from sixteen (me) to age three. I write this as a tribute to him and as a reminder to ... Read More
Perfectionism Is…
Perfectionism is the debilitating fear Of being in trouble with myself and Always being In trouble with myself And Blaming other people and circumstances For my private discontent By Nannette W. Posted Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending ... Read More
Christmas Eve Instruction on Finding the Perfect Gift – Step 1, 2, 3, and Perfectionism
If I wasn’t “finishing up” at Target or All-A-Dollar or Kmart at 5:45 on Christmas Eve I guess the season wouldn’t be quite the same. One December 24, 2002 I was given the following insight. It has made a difference in every Christmas Eve thereafter. Exhausted and touching on frantic, I completed ... Read More
“How Are You Doing?” – Short Answer or Essay
My answer to the world's most frequently asked question, "How are you?" use to be very simple. My reply was either, “I’m doing really good!” or the standard, “I’m fine" which meant, “I’m not doing so well, but I’m not giving details.” This answer was most often based on a single aspect of life. If I ... Read More