Getting High on Recovery

The other day I was talking to my mom. Mom’s have a way of sharing something important in bite-sized chunks. She said just what I needed to hear. For most of us, we learn that as we age that the important stuff is usually dolled out in sentences, between the stories and the commercials. Mom’s have that special ability.

I thought I would share what my mom has to say with you. If you listen, you will find something that might help you live a life that is just a little fuller than yesterday. And in reality, that’s what recovery is all about, living a fuller life than what your personal drug or disorder has in store for you.

Here is a little distilled wisdom, courtesy of my mom:

I’m 78 years old and I’m just beginning to see things clearly

I am trying not to please other people.

And not to be so sensitive.

I am trying to pray more.

Don’t be afraid to stop doing something. Ask yourself if you really want to do the thing in front of you. You can always say no.

If you can’t do something because of your health, you can’t do it.

Accept your limits.

I can’t do all of the things I used to, but I can still live a life that I value.

You can always get stronger, physically. Never be afraid of injury. At 78, I have a physical trainer and I am the strongest I have ever been. You will be surprised by how you can still develop yourself.

I wish I could remember more. But no matter what, I can be grateful for what I do have. Like my health… the ability to be kind, and the opportunity to comfort other people.

I have put my card making supplies away for now and I am spending more time in the sun room. That’s my favorite place in our house.

It’s time to clean up the garage.

Take time to remember, because remembering can make you grateful: for laughter, for dessert with friends, for the years that you have had, and still have ahead of you.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things that you will do. Know that the thoughts will sometimes come back. Don’t let yourself go there.

When people say things that hurt you, don’t hold onto it. Don’t allow other people to ruin things for you. Love means that you let go of hurt. Even at 78, I still have to let the hurt go. Don’t allow what others do to wound you.

Collect quotes. They teach you. They encourage you. They enrich you. If you forget them, you can always read them again. When you write something down, then you can take it with you.

And you can say whatever you want to say about me. When I go you can have my quote book.

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Putting this piece together was an honor for me. It brought tears to my eyes, especially the photos. Mom, this one is for you. Thank you for raising Kevin and I to be good men.

If you enjoyed this article, you will want to see some of my other writing:

Are You on the Fast Track to Unhappiness?

How Will Traveling Lite Open You Up to the World?

Dwelling on What Was Will Rob You of What Is

I write articles about wellness, leadership, parenting and personal growth. My hope is to deliver the best content I can to inspire, to inform and to entertain. Sign up for my blog if you want to receive the latest and best of my writing. If you like what I have to say, please share my work with your friends.

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Keep it Real

Photos courtesy of those who love mom