Lost Love (Prompt Answers)

Write about a time you had to let go of something you loved or wanted. 
How did it change you?

"My ex-boyfriend because he would not get clean with me. He didn't stop so he died, but I lived clean now for 3 years." -Babygirl*

"I had to let go of my mother when she passed away. It was a difficult time for me. It took me a long time to get through her passing. It taught me to be strong and more self-reliant." -Epifanio I.

"I let go of a friend Mike and it really hurt. He was my recovery buddy. We'd always go to his house and talk, and play music. The day he died, he broke my heart. I have never loved someone like that again." -Sharon S.

"7 years ago I let go of living in Michigan - a place I love - to go to California. It was a long journey via bus, but it was beautiful and full of interesting people. I was stressed and worried during the trip, but laughing in the end. I lit up when I saw my sister though (even though it was 2:00 A.M. when I arrived). I gave up my singing and writing while I was there (4 months) turning into an even bigger recluse. By the time I got back to Michigan, I was depressed and a complete hermit. I didn't start to enjoy myself again until I went back to college. It turns out I'm less destructive in a semi-social atmosphere doing things I love than when I'm living for everyone else's needs. Go figure!" 
- Alanda M.

Life Prompt Answers: What do you deserve?

What do you believe you deserve in life?

"Honest people that are honest about recovery because my recovery is important and I dislike people that lie about recovery." -Sharon S.

"Peace and to be loved by my family and my boyfriend." -Babygirl*

"I deserve a stable home, a reliable vehicle, and the ability to help others when they need it. I deserve happiness from my creations, love from my family and friends, and a free lifetime subscription to Netflix." -Lyn M.

Learning From Mistakes *Prompt Answers*

What can you learn from your biggest mistakes?

"Never drink again - or use drugs." -Sharon S.

"Never letting someone with nothing bring you down to their life style again." -Babygirl*

"The one big mistake that I've experienced was my alcoholism. Being in recovery made me happy and more the person I want to be! It's a big part of my recovery." -Epifanio I.

"My biggest mistake was believing words over actions. It doesn't matter how often someone tells you they love you if they treat you like a commodity - and that's if they aren't completely dismissing you like you're a piece of dirt. Love should lift you up; it shouldn't drag you down. Love shouldn't be held up as a reward for being the way someone else wants you to be. It should be freely given sincerely for being yourself." -Alanda M.

*Names have been altered as requested*

Saying No

Make a list of everything you'd like to say "NO" to:

"I'd like to say no to anxiety & sugar. I'm tired of being controlled by a spiraling fear with no basis in logic. I wish I could say no without being treated as though I'm a colossal b**** - pain... I wish I could say yes to being mellow and happy, but my mind doesn't work that way." ~Alanda. 

"I'd like to say no to alcohol. I'd like to say no to not being adventurous. I'd like to say no to not having more fun!" ~Epifanio.

"Drugs. Men. Alcohol. Food." ~Babygirl*





*Names changed by request.*

Stronger Person (Prompt Answers)

What has made you a stronger person?

Answers:

"Not having family when I was on drugs. Now I'm clean they love me so much - all they want is my money." ~Babygirl*

"Feeling good about myself and working and going to meetings. Also doing meetings and working on my self esteem." ~Sharon S.

"I think being in recovery has made me the strongest person I could possibly be." ~Epifanio I.

"My sister made me a stronger person by giving me something to aspire to and good competition without looking down on me. My mother makes me stronger by loving and supporting me as much as she is able. My brother makes me stronger by helping me to laugh off stress. My children make me stronger by giving me inspiration and somewhere to put my abundance of love. My friends, Courtney and Nitia, help reinforce my strength by giving me a sturdy foundation for my day-to-day anxiety issues to be bounced off of. I am a stronger person because I have a wonderful and amazing support circle. I love you guys!" ~Alanda M.



*Names have been altered by request of the writers...*

Love Poem ~ By: Scott C.

I looked at her beautiful face
and knew it was beauty all the way through.
All I wanted to do was kiss her,
to make my dream come true.
I was trying to get the courage up to ask
her for a kiss and gasped.
That I-I-I could...
So I said,
"Can I please just have just have one
favor from you,
and nothing more?
And that is a kiss...
You are so beautiful,
it is not worth passing up."
She said yes.
I didn't hug or hold her,
I just kissed her and I said
"thank you, beautiful woman.
You made my day."
I told her to be a free woman,
like the seas and the waves...

A Quote of Encouragement & Inspiration