The Defenders

The License

45 Life Lessons

I'm not one to usually post these kinds of things, but I really like this one...

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the "45 lessons" life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time some time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

(hat tip to Patty for sharing this)

Betty Bowers Explains "Traditional Marriage"

From www.bettybowers.com, America's Best Christian takes time to explain to less informed Christians the curious details of the Lord's concept of marriage.

I'm On a Pink Cloud

Three weeks into my sobriety and I'm on the theoretical "pink cloud." I read an article on ezinearticles.com by Jonathan Huttner which describes it well:

"The “pink cloud” is best described as a period of time where the addict or alcoholic experiences a reprieve from the struggles associated with early recovery. These struggles are generally associated with the feelings of depression, anger, resentment, self pity and the realization of where their drug addiction or alcoholism has taken them.

Upon experiencing this phenomenon for the first time, the addict or alcoholic is understandably excited. They begin to believe they now “hold the key” to their recovery. This is where the seed for relapse is planted. They begin to believe more in themselves than in the process they have been following. Without the pain as a daily reminder, they tend to forget about what it took for them to embrace recovery. Denial rears its ugly head and they minimize how devastating their drug addiction and alcoholism really was and that they have a disease of drug addiction and alcoholism that requires attention on a daily basis. Relapse prevention becomes an afterthought as the person becomes defiant and rebellious regarding suggestions contrary to their desires. Without resorting to drugs or alcohol, the individual in recovery is one step away from relapse. Remember, relapse is not an event, it is a process.

The relapse prevention plan that is designed while in addiction treatment or drug rehab is a plan for recovery when a person is feeling elated, depressed or anywhere in between... The relapse prevention plan is comprised of recognizing one’s triggers, unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors with recommendations on how to best address them. The addict and alcoholic are not used to feeling good about themselves. While most individuals would cherish high self esteem, the addict / alcoholic relishes self pity and low self worth. When there is no shame, they create it. So, when a recovering person starts feeling good about themselves, they need to work harder and practice what has been working for them. This will provide them the opportunity to break an old pattern of self sabotage and establish a new pattern of developing self worth. No matter how one is feeling, rely on the relapse prevention plan that has been developed for you."

I think I'm taking wise steps to prevent relapse, but of course, only time will tell. For now, however, life is good!

Fucking pancreatitis!

On Wednesday morning, I had to leave work early because of severe abdominal pain. Two hours later I drove myself to the emergency room. Three days later I drove myself home. This is not something to be messed with; the pain is excruciating - and it's not totally over. I think quitting alcohol will be much easier now.

Simply. Beautiful.

(hat tip to John Cole)

LOLCats were for Obama, too!

If the Mormon Church insists upon injecting itself into political issues from the pulpit, then by law it has no right to claim tax exempt status. Click here to sign to sign the petition. As a former Mormon, this is just one more reason why I'm glad I left.
(hat tip to BillInExile)

Marriage Equality For All - I Supportz It

(hat tip to VoenixRising)