Have you ever had someone who has helped your personal growth or development blossom despite all odds? I have had a good handful of them. Herb would be one of them and its fabulous. He has helped teach me a few things about myself and life that I think would have taken me a lifetime to figure out!
For Herb, a giant reason he is so knowledgeable about life is because he has been around since 1914!! December 5th, 1914….you do the math! Well Herb is also a recovering alcoholic. He claimed sobriety in 1960 and joined AA. His story of how he quit was a funny and sad one. One day he was at a pub and had been drinking all day. He ended up drinking to the point of blacking out, jumping on a train and waking up in New York City! He was so confused as to what happened that for him, it was his turning point.
He has been so touched by the AA 12 Step Program that he has taught me some of the lessons he learned the hard way. What an awesome program! The best piece of advice yet, was about being honest with yourself. That is the start.
Being honest with yourself is a hard thing for humans. It allows one to critically look at themselves, critique and accept their faults and failures. Build upon where they fall short of the Glory of God. We all fall short but, it is how we handle our short comings, what perspective we keep, and how grounded we can accept ourselves for who and what we are. Each of us was designed differently. Uniquely. Special ordered with a designed mission. If we are really being honest with ourselves, we realize what matters the most in our life–because that becomes very apparent. We realize what can be eliminated because in the end it is only fluff. We also may not know what mission lies ahead, but that is alright because we are secure with ourselves.
I know where I stand. I know WHO I am. I know what possibilities lie ahead and most of all I have complete faith in God and myself to know I place my own limitations on what I can and cannot do. God challenges them daily. I never thought that in certain circumstances I would be doing all of the stuff I am doing and still surviving! Coaching, volunteering, working full time…finding time for spiritual growth and family time, social time, and rest and relaxation. It’s an interesting dynamic. All about balance.
EEPPP! Importance of balance....
When you finally are honest with yourself, things become very clear. I have been so blessed to have many people helping me grow in all facets of my life. Being grounded, being honest with yourself, and realizing your worth are the first steps to finding that balance. Next step saying no! 🙂
Now, today is Tuesday. I am a one woman wrecking crew. I may be super honest with myself in saying this but I feel like I am drunk! I am taking everything out in my path. I slipped and almost fell on my butt walking out to start my car, dumped my drink all over my notebook and desk, Herb called at 8:30am, I was told by a friend that tonight was the only night before the new year that would work for him to get together (I have to work and his gift isn’t ready yet!), and I really wished my voice was solid. 🙂 My case of the Munday’s came a day late…about par for the course! Today I smile at the chaos going on and thank my lucky stars I am alive!
Song of the day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOZuxwVk7TU
Have a great day!
CatMan
As told by CatMan, The Rose Bandit 