Blog Posts from Karen Casey

What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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September 26, 2009

Detachment is giving up outcomes. . .

Perhaps you have heard this wise phrase: "our job is the effort, not the outcome." How often do we embrace it fully? Generally, we want to “secure” the result that we have imagined is the perfect one. And to do this, we assume we have to shepherd the project or the situation, or the person, down the path that leads to our definition of the “natural conclusion.” But the correct conclusion, God’s will, might not even resemble our will. That’s not an easy adjustment to make in our thinking. Hindsight is so revealing. For just a moment, recall a situat[...]

Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself

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September 24, 2009

Cultivating hope in ourselves and others is a worthy endeavor. . .

Get a small notebook that you carry with you everywhere and be ready to use it. Begin noting how others on your path demonstrate their hope. Do this for a month. Imitate them, in fact. Keep track of the times you extended love/hope to some one else over a seven day period. Note what effect this extension has on you. Practicing gratitude cultivates hope and a changed heart. At the end of each day for thirty days, write about your experiences. What changes in yourself do you see? List the times you know, without a doubt, that God was present in your li[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 23, 2009

There are many miracles in one's life. . .

The Miracle of Sponsorship My more than three decades on this spiritual path have convinced me there is a mystical element in sponsorship. Sponsoring someone means to guide them, to offer one’s experience, strength and hope, and to be available to simply listen when there is a need. And the result is that two people get better, a great deal better, not just the one who is seeking the guidance. Indeed, what we give away does come back to us ten-fold. Let’s back up a bit, however. Why are we even interested in exploring this topic of sponsorship? I th[...]

Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself

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September 22, 2009

Some suggestions for creating an interesting day, every day. . .

1. Look carefully at all the people you interact with over the next few days. Take a moment at the end of each day and write down some reasons you think certain people crossed your path. 2. The people who trigger anger in us are teaching us the most, some would say. If this is true, what have you recently learned and how has your world view changed? 3. Some one who disagrees with you is giving you an opportunity to broaden your mind or make the choice to remain quiet. Have you experienced either response recently? Write in your journal how it felt.[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 21, 2009

We are exactly where we need to be. . .

I just returned from a wonderful experience in Augusta, MO. I have been facilitating a writers' workshop at the F.R.E.S.H. Renewal Center for 9 years and each time I think, "How could it ever be better than this?" Once again, we closed the event on Sunday with tears streaming down our cheeks. What a glorious group of women and men and the writing was awesome. I know that's an overused term but I can think of no other that describes the level of writing that was done. I know I needed to be there, and it gives me such relief to know that I am always where I[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 18, 2009

The decision to experience peace is the first step. . .

I was rereading something I had written in the late 70's and it reminded me that I have been saying the same thing for years but unfortunately not always remembering to live the words. In the Today's Gift message from Hazelden today, my book Each Day A New Beginning was suggesting that we "act as if" if we're not feeling hopeful or peaceful or loving, etc. Acting as if helps to create the attitude we want to model to others. It does work. It always has worked. My first sponsor suggested it when I got sober in 1976. I want to remember it today if the ex[...]

What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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September 16, 2009

A new day, a new opportunity. . .

Letting yesterday go, whether it was a wonderful day or one that tripped us up, is the only way we can experience the joys that await us today. This is not an easy transition for many of us. For decades I lived in the past, feeling sorry for myself and judging everyone for their part in my anguish; or in fear of the future. When I first heard the slogan: One Day At A Time, I scoffed. My life was too important to live just for this next 24 hours! And now I relish this slogan and gather in the peace it offers me every day. As a little card I picked up at[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 14, 2009

Change of any kind requires commitment coupled with practice. . .

Are you currently trying to make any kind of change in your life? Perhaps you are trying to commit to an exercise program or take time for daily prayer and meditation. Maybe making a life style choice about eating healthier foods is at the top of your list of desired changes. I have made a lot of changes over the years. I quit drinking nearly 34 years ago. I followed that with giving up cigarettes just a few months later. Making a daily practice of prayer and meditation was harder. I could get the prayer part down. I learned from reading The Magica[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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September 13, 2009

Hopelessness need not be a condition without end. . .

There are innumerable personal situations that can cause creeping hopelessness. You have been diagnosed with a terminal illness with only months to live or a parent dies unexpectedly. Maybe your troubled teenager is on the run again and you feel you have no where to turn. The job you have loved for years suddenly gets cut with no forewarning. Or the boss who always understood your personal struggles and insecurities and willingly worked with you, gets transferred. Or the situation that every one dreads, your relationship partner informs you that he wants t[...]

Circle of Family and Friends - You and Your Personal Community

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September 12, 2009

Our purpose is clearly defined, if. . .

I was at a wonderful meeting this morning. We talked about God's will and life's purpose. The sharings were intimate, as they always are in a setting like that. And the messages were clear and heart-felt. If there had been a new-comer present, he would have heard that God's will is loving thought. In other words, if you want to align yourself with God's will, as we are asked to do in twelve step groups, be a constant expression of love to the others on your path. I believe this to be true, so completely. I also believe that if it feels hard to express[...]