I used to enjoy Quaker meetings a few years ago.
Each meeting lasted an hour during which time everyone would sit in silence unless someone felt moved/inspired to stand up and speak.
Sometimes people just stood up and spoke because they wanted to say something but that was not the point of it at all.
The idea is that spirit will prompt someone to speak and the message could be meant for that person but will more likely be for another member of the congregation.
I find it similar to reading posts on the gamcare diaries. Someone can write a post which may have little significance to them but could have a very profound effect on another person's recovery.
Vinnie recently wrote on her diary the following:
"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life. So tiptoe if you must but take that first step."
A great quote to start this thread with.
I like the following quote and as I will be watching groups of dancers perform tonight at the theatre, it has even more relevance for me today.
"Life is just learning to dance in the rain - Enjoy every drop and enjoy every pain!
Learn to dance in the storm so when life hands you stormy weather, you just glide through it.
It is better to dance in the rain than sit under a leaking roof."
Stephen x
Love and best wishes to gamcare friends who come in all shapes and sizes but are banded together by a common cause.
Life can be difficult at times and some may be struggling to cope with everyday life, trauma and relationship issues but I also sense that some of us are putting obstacles in our own paths unnecessarily.
It may well be important to make changes in our life as recovery progresses but for the time being, I feel that stopping gambling must be our number one priority and so must do everything in our power to make that a reality.
And whenever possible, it is good to be supportive and understanding whilst treating ourselves and others with compassion, kindness and respect.
Stephen x
We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams
Wandering by lone sea-breakers and sitting by desolate streams
World-losers and world-forsakers on whom the pale moon gleams
Yet we are the movers and shakers of the world forever, it seems
The Ode by O'Shaughnessy.
Today we should expect
To give ourselves some self respect
With kindness and a bit of love
Good guidance and a gentle shove
In the right direction whilst remaining gamble free
Knowing in our heart of hearts just where we want to be
Stephen x
A beautiful day in sunny Hull.
Gazing out over the Humber at the waters which just a few hours ago were in the North Sea but which are now flowing relentlessly up river towards the rivers Ouse and Trent.
It reminds me of my battle against gambling addiction, for although it may occasionally get caught up on sandbanks, the river keeps on flowing and so does my recovery.
And tonight is a full moon. I love being by the river on such occasions when the sky is clear and moon beams reflect off the tidal waters. It seems like the world comes alive and is full of beauty, hope and mystery.
Love and best wishes to all on the diaries.
Stephen x
Stay alert to gambling dangers
Or
Watch your loved ones become strangers
Who treat you with a contemptuous stare
Whilst friends you had no longer care
But gamcare shows us ways and means to brighten up our days
By learning from those with wisdom and hearing what they says
Love and best wishes to all on the diaries
Stephen x
