tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33087471087537315562024-03-13T18:04:24.757-07:00Creative Guide Through the 12 StepsCreative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-45678123594976348652013-10-30T18:40:00.001-07:002013-10-30T18:41:50.981-07:00Dia de los Muertos mask projectIn recovery, our addictions can be viewed as masks. We use our addictive substance or person to mask our feelings - even from ourselves. In this creative activity, I asked everyone to draw on a mask. With Day of the Dead approaching, they were invited to illustrate the outside of the mask Dia de los Muertos style - or simply as how they believe they portray themselves to the world.<br />
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Then, on the inside of the mask, they were asked to draw or write what they don't want others to see - whether feelings or character defects. It was a powerful assignment, for me, too.<br />
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Supplies:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ROE64U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000ROE64U&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">blank female white mask</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HK804K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001HK804K&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">blank male white mask</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0003WN0DO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0003WN0DO&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">permanent markers</a></li>
<li>flowers, like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U96AYU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001U96AYU&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">this silk one</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0099NYNCA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0099NYNCA&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">these felt flowers</a></li>
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Here is how a couple of the masks turned out:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpAjXE2h6xWr1m8y_1uTS6J-0k_ck0qnWk-N_f14V0NUBJGngGndLPjBgw0S1N71qUlL_tcyDdvQnwFr0gX6I-z9ucCW0IzZS5wUcm-zt4YMpTKur802nLvHY7MZvHIIbC33jdKJZjDM/s1600/day+of+dead+mask+for+tera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpAjXE2h6xWr1m8y_1uTS6J-0k_ck0qnWk-N_f14V0NUBJGngGndLPjBgw0S1N71qUlL_tcyDdvQnwFr0gX6I-z9ucCW0IzZS5wUcm-zt4YMpTKur802nLvHY7MZvHIIbC33jdKJZjDM/s320/day+of+dead+mask+for+tera.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
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The above mask actually used blank white masks from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/diy-white-face-masks-a2-25_1185.fltr" target="_blank">here</a>, but the consensus of our group was that the matte texture of the masks listed above and the shape were both preferable to these shiny texture, full-face masks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1QdeY-Sanyl4-9m2pZI3GTLXsWDmAnYolLEQXTR8msIKWjLB1NfvYE5pjRHtl3NzaClSeqjGLPQa71dRc0PhEeXeq3im254RJonK5-vf61MTHveaCoGuj6kGQz4RwSdHH75eiTQ8Qsg/s1600/my+day+of+dead+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1QdeY-Sanyl4-9m2pZI3GTLXsWDmAnYolLEQXTR8msIKWjLB1NfvYE5pjRHtl3NzaClSeqjGLPQa71dRc0PhEeXeq3im254RJonK5-vf61MTHveaCoGuj6kGQz4RwSdHH75eiTQ8Qsg/s320/my+day+of+dead+mask.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is a mask made with the blank masks listed under supplies.<br />
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Whether you celebrate the Day of the Dead or not, I hope you have a meaningful experience playing with masks.Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-21917177485692925982013-04-13T00:54:00.000-07:002014-08-31T13:09:28.717-07:00Step 8: Broken Plate Mosaic Mirrors<b><i>Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.</i></b><br />
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In this creative project, like in this step, we sort through the damage of our past to assess where we have been at fault. We don't actually make any amends in this step, but we look at what amends may need to be made. This process helps us to gain a clearer image of ourselves, thus my inclusion of the mirror element to this creative project. I chose attractive or meaningful ceramics to break, which also reflects my love for the people who have made it onto my amends list.<br />
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Supplies needed:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqsRAxm4Ne8iUlR1wyjOU7YWlWz8cVUUfkTfYFSFKA5BHdfPa6LF-nC486JecpRAz44ent8IXFkaluub8-GnU1fstLOYt-8E4H2fpGTXH78yRRXgwjcqOw_DVPSRbtY609AUAraCOzSw/s1600/01-mosaic+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqsRAxm4Ne8iUlR1wyjOU7YWlWz8cVUUfkTfYFSFKA5BHdfPa6LF-nC486JecpRAz44ent8IXFkaluub8-GnU1fstLOYt-8E4H2fpGTXH78yRRXgwjcqOw_DVPSRbtY609AUAraCOzSw/s320/01-mosaic+supplies.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>ceramic plates you're willing to break (swing by your local thrift store to find cheap ceramics)</li>
<li>rags you're willing to throw away (old t-shirts, towels, reusable bags, etc)</li>
<li>hammer</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FK5J4C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FK5J4C&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=I3BEV5JZFEJ2CIKU" target="_blank">tile nippers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L9L1CM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004L9L1CM&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">mirror tiles</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BO6RWK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BO6RWK&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">safety goggles</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H5OKN6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000H5OKN6&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Weldbond glue</a></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjd8T3hpRgseRFQGh5miuQ0tfu9FkY9Tb4U4MyvwK6Lw4e1eAPXSmQpKmnhVwikCebJVbjHO1aj7Q8s24VBjOau3v7FkjiA6bTYXRn2p0cp0-YPwMRP_m5hyphenhyphen2iupEINZqsu5zd3rotrc/s1600/02-mosaic+ceramics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjd8T3hpRgseRFQGh5miuQ0tfu9FkY9Tb4U4MyvwK6Lw4e1eAPXSmQpKmnhVwikCebJVbjHO1aj7Q8s24VBjOau3v7FkjiA6bTYXRn2p0cp0-YPwMRP_m5hyphenhyphen2iupEINZqsu5zd3rotrc/s320/02-mosaic+ceramics.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. Lay rag or bag out on hard surface (you may want to use a piece of plywood if you don't have a hard surface you are willing to potential leave marks on).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj6QRn3R3PP_JEt1mrV8nFKDQkRdc1ScORP3f-guRLbu6w2c8mnnR75El_cthnZNzvujU79oZ9nsWi5vg9iubsgezD9hks4z29GoBT5K_waNxHIqqxxbSGNLIlx6Hja8vG_J565v63EU/s1600/05-upside+down+plate+in+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj6QRn3R3PP_JEt1mrV8nFKDQkRdc1ScORP3f-guRLbu6w2c8mnnR75El_cthnZNzvujU79oZ9nsWi5vg9iubsgezD9hks4z29GoBT5K_waNxHIqqxxbSGNLIlx6Hja8vG_J565v63EU/s320/05-upside+down+plate+in+bag.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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2. <span style="text-align: center;">Place your ceramic plate, face down on the rag or in the bag. Wrap the plate in the rag.</span></div>
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3. Put your goggles on.</div>
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4. Hammer the center of the plate.</div>
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5. Unfold the rag to view your shards. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlOG2U1RjPO8w1dDvzX4RUDYqYHHQBD__JglSZqUST4202vk7KpuhxbQAjDz-j-48ntMMUZTBcO-QLCYHmAiMGTbFb-u2m8HfsFMSJUimwdKydflbVehWcBnIZHBLaDssoesdkHC16Hc/s1600/06-mosaic+plate-cracked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlOG2U1RjPO8w1dDvzX4RUDYqYHHQBD__JglSZqUST4202vk7KpuhxbQAjDz-j-48ntMMUZTBcO-QLCYHmAiMGTbFb-u2m8HfsFMSJUimwdKydflbVehWcBnIZHBLaDssoesdkHC16Hc/s320/06-mosaic+plate-cracked.jpg" height="298" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. If the pieces are still too large, you can hammer them again, such as with this cup:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_shn3fOW9GD_BYv4IOE8IB3TInGscG2hnSdbOXzbWKxkYrI9k05Hahpn6FXbf79AXx9TdyGwaVhyphenhyphenFtGBrBrf8eiJ1SG4o8dzyI74Phd4SzHZ2hcyeBWTfY1t5piZWlxhFmKSOvNtmP5A/s1600/07-cracked+mug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_shn3fOW9GD_BYv4IOE8IB3TInGscG2hnSdbOXzbWKxkYrI9k05Hahpn6FXbf79AXx9TdyGwaVhyphenhyphenFtGBrBrf8eiJ1SG4o8dzyI74Phd4SzHZ2hcyeBWTfY1t5piZWlxhFmKSOvNtmP5A/s320/07-cracked+mug1.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first crack at it, didn't break it into small enough pieces, so I repositioned the pieces and took a second crack at it:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6voUdRdBVX-Qw3mAW1aFaJ8Vd3c3FlObnIzi0sC3cNGKekUI74POP8FNjz92DFFCQo93FjX9GzH2cwBMdoJ373i0NM7__L5aZBqvqtUR80fGg3Qhrs-srEDLQ6k5LLscO-IDo9fmVjD4/s1600/08-repositioned+cracked+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6voUdRdBVX-Qw3mAW1aFaJ8Vd3c3FlObnIzi0sC3cNGKekUI74POP8FNjz92DFFCQo93FjX9GzH2cwBMdoJ373i0NM7__L5aZBqvqtUR80fGg3Qhrs-srEDLQ6k5LLscO-IDo9fmVjD4/s320/08-repositioned+cracked+mug.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the smaller items, I felt through the fabric of the bag to find the best place to hammer. For plates, I found the rims along the bottom to be the most effective target.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4R-pX1PXKM1wMp5Fol1Ymg2IiiCiQVpZ4TOsR5QZEA8Qj5slsYYGBMvtr0DPWvMekfPQCO-5ZroDyPDx_GZMCt3w5V_Fu9ZN54qCIYj3wdCx3eQljovjBvto86JMAlvY0NoqthopsKY/s1600/09-identifying+where+to+crack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4R-pX1PXKM1wMp5Fol1Ymg2IiiCiQVpZ4TOsR5QZEA8Qj5slsYYGBMvtr0DPWvMekfPQCO-5ZroDyPDx_GZMCt3w5V_Fu9ZN54qCIYj3wdCx3eQljovjBvto86JMAlvY0NoqthopsKY/s320/09-identifying+where+to+crack.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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7. To create even smaller pieces or more specific shapes, you may prefer to use the tile nippers. The tile nipper can be used to either break a large piece into smaller pieces or to nibble the edges of a small piece to create a specific shape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg973-ogXDo0OUOpfMe_71q__BU5HCeT3uLyD_ZIufrLIIinC1vIt9CaUE1hXFxRCipIb1axe3y3ZqwXobVzSFRB2Z_aMzHZbhOnciS0ZRcVorfaFh5iR5jUYxeWOB1r04aJJXCrA9TDd0/s1600/11-nippers+break+into+smaller+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg973-ogXDo0OUOpfMe_71q__BU5HCeT3uLyD_ZIufrLIIinC1vIt9CaUE1hXFxRCipIb1axe3y3ZqwXobVzSFRB2Z_aMzHZbhOnciS0ZRcVorfaFh5iR5jUYxeWOB1r04aJJXCrA9TDd0/s320/11-nippers+break+into+smaller+pieces.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div>
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8. Select your favorite shards for use in your mosaic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjPeLQCrvs0NeEnYXgck8MxSm_mt0Z2NEkoXZlKUkVZICxFqFrD5KntS6BywbmuWv6ySlvIRRz_SHO9xbcjgmZcz8pJWVqaVD7VYtlLXb4237bHmjJWnUV3sVX32LM8WHI7XKcVgrQCM/s1600/10-salvaged+cracked+plate+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjPeLQCrvs0NeEnYXgck8MxSm_mt0Z2NEkoXZlKUkVZICxFqFrD5KntS6BywbmuWv6ySlvIRRz_SHO9xbcjgmZcz8pJWVqaVD7VYtlLXb4237bHmjJWnUV3sVX32LM8WHI7XKcVgrQCM/s320/10-salvaged+cracked+plate+pieces.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. Lay your shards of ceramic on the beveled edge of the mirror tile. Use the tile nippers to shape them to fit together as best you can.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2I6F5F0YZH-SwgXXq_tMwGH_lptob5pe5DgOJUAolzCtvLQ9HTSPT-b7gQKzB3o9-yI2igaynX0ebRSfJ-NrLYlAuhspTiAPYtEDfDEU3HSLuliojL5bvRqcFFHrJOwJtN9DNlxrR6Q/s1600/12-selecting+shards+and+placement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2I6F5F0YZH-SwgXXq_tMwGH_lptob5pe5DgOJUAolzCtvLQ9HTSPT-b7gQKzB3o9-yI2igaynX0ebRSfJ-NrLYlAuhspTiAPYtEDfDEU3HSLuliojL5bvRqcFFHrJOwJtN9DNlxrR6Q/s320/12-selecting+shards+and+placement.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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10. Once you have your pieces in place, lift one at a time and apply Weld-bond glue to affix in place. Apply glue to both the ceramic piece and the mirror and press together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BDcaizat6KER3TNY5p0RukRxxJrfLWpfoyzKmOj-b-vUQo3CpkkGgbOZwoidrhLphkR6TYUOb9qT1ZDkaPj3BnOH-6FkVBKT_6FwOWIOV9Jhw2eh9tHPUTcMMlUNmPOiDxWnxuRZPh4/s1600/13-apply+glue+to+piece+and+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BDcaizat6KER3TNY5p0RukRxxJrfLWpfoyzKmOj-b-vUQo3CpkkGgbOZwoidrhLphkR6TYUOb9qT1ZDkaPj3BnOH-6FkVBKT_6FwOWIOV9Jhw2eh9tHPUTcMMlUNmPOiDxWnxuRZPh4/s320/13-apply+glue+to+piece+and+mirror.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div>
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11. Allow to dry for one hour.</div>
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12. Throw away the rag or bag you used to collect the shards of ceramic. Given the potential for cutting yourself with these shards, I do not recommend reusing these items.</div>
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Here is what my final mirror mosaic looked like:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGyZFBkW91pm2Sc33q67KtnhxczuIw34w-s4gOY0v3RCdXayHzcVdXsrrLf4oi4b6N_o5NjiK21VnARgefofQqm2-2_nOV92_qTDn_D6UljGTGo6KknpDZJKDViwTuvp1R7peJY8IuFY/s1600/14-final+mosaic+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGyZFBkW91pm2Sc33q67KtnhxczuIw34w-s4gOY0v3RCdXayHzcVdXsrrLf4oi4b6N_o5NjiK21VnARgefofQqm2-2_nOV92_qTDn_D6UljGTGo6KknpDZJKDViwTuvp1R7peJY8IuFY/s320/14-final+mosaic+mirror.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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This art project was very powerful for me and led to a dream where I made an amends that I was not able to make to the live person whom I'd harmed. The dream was very healing. Just like the harms I have done have harmed others, they always also harm myself. </div>
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Although I was nervous, breaking the pretty ceramics, I'm glad that I was able to turn the damage into something beautiful and in the process, develop a clearer reflection of myself - just like in practicing the 8th step!</div>
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Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-34335748738868652352013-04-11T18:57:00.000-07:002014-08-31T13:19:55.092-07:00Step 2: Filling the God-Sized Hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.</i></b></div>
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In recovery, there is often reference to what is called a "God-sized hole." What is being referred to is the space inside us where we feel our emptiness and loneliness most acutely. This is the space that we often attempt to fill up with our addiction of choice - whether that is through alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, or whatever compulsive behavior it is that we find most troubling. It is referred to as a "God-sized Hole," because none of those other things can fill that void. The only thing that can fill that void is our Higher Power.</div>
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For this project, I asked the group to use a box as a representation of their "God-sized Hole" and to fill it with representations of their Higher Power and/or of their recovery. This activity was inspired by artwork that can be found in a multitude of cultures - some refer to these boxes as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicho">nicho</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retablo">retablo</a>, or in secular culture, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblage_(art)">assemblage</a>.<br />
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Alternatively, I invited the group to create more of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diorama">diorama</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex-voto">ex-voto</a>, depicting a scene that highlights a miracle they have received as part of their recovery.<br />
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Supplies:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NW2DH8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NW2DH8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">cigar boxes</a> (or similar)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z8FGE2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000Z8FGE2&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">gold spray paint</a> (or paint of another color if you prefer) and old newspaper or another protective surface for painting onto</li>
<li>found objects from nature, spiritual objects, recovery stickers or any other items that can be used to represent your Higher Power</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsJ86d2UZnOzYSUcMjFRgpeJDEMqBkt9kqYbT7VcmjNz0la1yz2U5ztm25q9EXp7ZRdMhF9ioZu9D4DjxvDJVNfp9IPwSn6YOY5ZGdJB7OFq49hiRFyeDGY4d6eH96Cl1tPznIIUU5q4/s1600/nicho-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Some of the boxes were in better condition than others. Some I was able to provide to the group without modifying them. But for the large number of boxes that contained text or images that did not seem in alignment with the project. I spray-painted these boxes with gold spray paint." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsJ86d2UZnOzYSUcMjFRgpeJDEMqBkt9kqYbT7VcmjNz0la1yz2U5ztm25q9EXp7ZRdMhF9ioZu9D4DjxvDJVNfp9IPwSn6YOY5ZGdJB7OFq49hiRFyeDGY4d6eH96Cl1tPznIIUU5q4/s320/nicho-a.jpg" height="320" title="" width="204" /></a>I picked up a bunch of old cigar boxes and other boxes that I thought could serve well as a medium from which to create a "God-sized Hole."<br />
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Some of the boxes were in better condition than others. Some I was able to provide to the group without modifying them. But a large number of boxes contained text or images that did not seem in alignment with the project. I spray-painted these boxes with gold spray paint.<br />
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For my purposes, I used Rustoleum gold, as that is the spray paint I had on hand. But any type of paint will do, so long as you paint enough layers to cover the underlying text and/or images.<br />
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I recommend examining all sides of the boxes, including the insides. Some of my boxes only needed paint on 5 sides, but several had print and images inside the box, so I painted their insides as well.<br />
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Here is how they looked after their initial coats of paint. The box in the very front needed a little extra paint where you can see the underlying black showing through. Alternatively, you can paint a primer white over the boxes before using the colored paint, but I just doubled up on the gold paint in these areas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gy7eWnjLsTQtSo7fAS3oMoZRuhBpcDlSJP1mMVMlZx4hv1booaBHhXPDUrC2DUAE8DptZsNNO9KhCmZXO_nSLDyvTntddYih1ynhuGLx0nA7mNIA_m6h9BzbdmlY2KYivP48jPgTxaw/s1600/nicho-b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gy7eWnjLsTQtSo7fAS3oMoZRuhBpcDlSJP1mMVMlZx4hv1booaBHhXPDUrC2DUAE8DptZsNNO9KhCmZXO_nSLDyvTntddYih1ynhuGLx0nA7mNIA_m6h9BzbdmlY2KYivP48jPgTxaw/s320/nicho-b.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then, I provided a variety of "God-oriented" artifacts that could be used to decorate the interior of the box. I tried to be as inclusive of as many religious affiliations as possible, as well as include artifacts that would be appreciated by both the atheists and pagans in our group. The inexpensive objects I provided included:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063HAMXY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0063HAMXY&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Allah pendant</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/search?q=ankh&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&order=price_asc&page=0" target="_blank">Ankh</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LMNEN4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003LMNEN4&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Atheism symbol</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ESAFIS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002ESAFIS&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=73DXAVGSW5LBVPFT" target="_blank">Buddha beads</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C51DNK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006C51DNK&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Butterfly beads</a> (representing transformation)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/search?q=cross+pendant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&order=price_asc&page=0" target="_blank">Cross</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UKZ868/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008UKZ868&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Dragonfly</a> (representing self-realization & emotional maturity)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NC57SW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008NC57SW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Eyes</a> (representing the window to the soul, intuition or the Ajna shakra)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B7YTJP0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B7YTJP0&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Kwan-Yin</a> (representing comassion)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EV55532/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EV55532&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=F26KKSXCRGKRA2LC" target="_blank">Hamsa</a> (represengint protection)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XOTA4M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003XOTA4M&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">labyrinth</a> (spiritual tool for self-reflection and exploring within)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AUJ71XU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AUJ71XU&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">mandala</a> (spiritual tool as aid in meditation)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035YJ7KC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0035YJ7KC&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Milagro heart</a> (reminder of God's miracles)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CNWK1U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002CNWK1U&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Om</a> (representing the origin of life)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OWBG0C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000OWBG0C&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Peace symbol</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IO6MG8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001IO6MG8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Star of David</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008VFXPT4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008VFXPT4&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Virgin Mary</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008N19J7I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008N19J7I&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Yin Yang</a></li>
</ul>
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One could use whatever symbolism they choose that feels like the best reflection of their Higher Power. Your representation may be something entirely different than anything on this list.<br />
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Here is the God-Sized Hole box I ended up creating. The butterfly plays the central role of the box, as I have relied heavily on the butterfly's representation of metamorphosis and change to remind me of the better things to come as I continue in my recovery. The beads in the bottom of the box, below the butterfly are prayer beads I picked up while traveling in Egypt.<br />
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On the inside of the box door, I have Kwan-Yin to remind me to be compassionate with both myself and others. And the labyrinth around and leading to Kwan-Yin, reminds me to meditate and maintain conscious contact with my Higher Power.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5fqSJFYGixhTznwr2LhkG1iOqYHBHZhAyJPSfv_2WAXtao0_qX1DG1RUHvWUGa7bvk40RU3GM86ne3hQWT0PNsevuwDTCHJVwkWA82KRdLq1cT85B_8c78KKEflrKYiCW8iWlHbnEVw/s1600/my+nicho+open.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5fqSJFYGixhTznwr2LhkG1iOqYHBHZhAyJPSfv_2WAXtao0_qX1DG1RUHvWUGa7bvk40RU3GM86ne3hQWT0PNsevuwDTCHJVwkWA82KRdLq1cT85B_8c78KKEflrKYiCW8iWlHbnEVw/s320/my+nicho+open.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I put an abundance of butterflies on the front of the door to the box to represent the many miracles I have seen manifested in my life through my practice of the 12 steps in various programs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQw3ZpD9_W5EziuKr-c3a1P16LzzSpdpj8-54WEkJywOVwBedEe9ofXG9GFVDstkO2VcDrK7tmakX12fze_a0jZDyB71UO4BULZPkgfKjM59GC8G9wrd_g8dB7vsW-r4OQqLlKsTtc2s/s1600/my+nicho+closed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQw3ZpD9_W5EziuKr-c3a1P16LzzSpdpj8-54WEkJywOVwBedEe9ofXG9GFVDstkO2VcDrK7tmakX12fze_a0jZDyB71UO4BULZPkgfKjM59GC8G9wrd_g8dB7vsW-r4OQqLlKsTtc2s/s320/my+nicho+closed.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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What will you use to fill up your God-sized hole?<br />
<br />Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-67774427839668538802013-03-29T13:30:00.000-07:002013-03-29T13:42:20.418-07:00Step 9: Amends<b><i>Step 9: Made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.</i></b><br />
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I've worked several 9th steps in various programs. Out of all of the different ways of making amends, I find the face-to-face amends to be the most profound and healing. They are super scary to do, but the outcomes have without a doubt been worth acting through those fears.<br />
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In the process of preparing for my face-to-face amends, I've always written a script with my sponsor before meeting live with the person whom I owe the amends to. Usually, this has simply been a written script in the following format:<br />
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<ul>
<li>When __________ [I am specific about the time period, so the person knows exactly what I am referring to]</li>
<li>I ________________[action I did that harmed this person].</li>
<li>Since then, I've come to realize that I ______________ [state what exactly I am responsible for].</li>
<li>I'm sorry I did that.</li>
<li>Faced with this today, my intention is to ___________ [how do I plan to behave differently?].</li>
</ul>
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A lot of emotions tend to arise in this process. I always arrive early to make my amends, so I am able to center myself before the person arrives whom I'm making the amends to. It can be especially challenging to sit with uncomfortable feelings while I am waiting.<br />
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One creative process that has been helpful to me is to write out the dialogue like a comic and pay special attention to the facial expressions. Doing any kind of art that allows me to express my emotions is super helpful in allowing me to tolerate the emotion. Oftentimes, if I'm noticing an urge to run away from my feelings and check out with any addictive substance or behavior, if I write or draw that emotion in whatever way I can, I am much more capable of tolerating the feeling, at least for the duration of the writing or creative activity. Here is an example of a script I drew out while waiting to make one of my amends:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRwl30hRvDMH9aER1wZOOhuaYGYcBHpV3v51LJWUO8UuKQlM18WzU0l_6-ujTC4suL54kPPmnk-n6YlGyQj9q6WByaI5dVg0XBW9cGrOCkr0TukwE6geKGRQd2RgXCJq_YRy3aAZruds/s1600/8th+step-amends+preparation+comic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRwl30hRvDMH9aER1wZOOhuaYGYcBHpV3v51LJWUO8UuKQlM18WzU0l_6-ujTC4suL54kPPmnk-n6YlGyQj9q6WByaI5dVg0XBW9cGrOCkr0TukwE6geKGRQd2RgXCJq_YRy3aAZruds/s320/8th+step-amends+preparation+comic.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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What feelings come up for you when you think of making amends? What will you draw or doodle to express those emotions?Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-54798925178784529632013-03-28T13:22:00.000-07:002013-03-28T13:40:00.859-07:00Step 11: Labyrinth Walks<b><i>Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out.</i></b><br />
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One of my favorite ways to practice the 11th step is visiting labyrinths and performing a walking meditation. Public labyrinths can be found all over the world. You can use this <a href="http://labyrinthlocator.com/">World-Wide Labyrinth Locator</a> to find the labyrinth closest to you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm95co3kqUD_tUCZy9lOek-bpiWqlZ1B_XTmpiEyEggYBdAhNCzy1vfF2FAlXO8OgnbAGj12XXG66Z6PuBCATSJf35BuMNtPDzgoWM7gCaA_bQdjpmZM66ABjmvx9UoOLjyxIMbTH5Q8/s1600/labyrinth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm95co3kqUD_tUCZy9lOek-bpiWqlZ1B_XTmpiEyEggYBdAhNCzy1vfF2FAlXO8OgnbAGj12XXG66Z6PuBCATSJf35BuMNtPDzgoWM7gCaA_bQdjpmZM66ABjmvx9UoOLjyxIMbTH5Q8/s320/labyrinth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Labyrinths are an ancient symbol, representing wholeness. They are used as spiritual tools that aid in meditation and aid in our becoming mindful of our spiritual path in life. Labyrinths are circular; they spiral - in a meandering, but purposeful path - into their center. They are metaphors for life's journey. Walking the path of the labyrinth can be seen as a journey into the center of your deepest self and then back out into the world with increased understanding of who you are and where you are going. In this fashion, we are able to get out of our egos to the sacred place, "That Which is Within."Although labyrinths appear similar to mazes, there are no wrong turns nor dead ends.<br />
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I usually go and walk labyrinths as a solitary activity, but you could also make a field trip out of it for a small group.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfYd-gfTV0R9uAlsy1WmjsRsbB2r9qbTIgomuUC75qnrS4MwbDRiQhOwzGYAnsn2mGdwsFFsITPjo44S2nZ9_vBt57iOPQnxg7wm-LauGqq6qKHBpW6zeqe_N-TpsLIvRx7swastIDIg/s1600/Labyrinth-walking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfYd-gfTV0R9uAlsy1WmjsRsbB2r9qbTIgomuUC75qnrS4MwbDRiQhOwzGYAnsn2mGdwsFFsITPjo44S2nZ9_vBt57iOPQnxg7wm-LauGqq6qKHBpW6zeqe_N-TpsLIvRx7swastIDIg/s320/Labyrinth-walking.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://labyrinthlocator.com/locate-a-labyrinth">Which labyrinth is closest to you?</a><br />
<br />Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-85916568398622545322013-03-23T00:53:00.000-07:002014-08-31T13:23:11.076-07:00Step 10: Binding a 10th Step Journal<b>Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.</b><br />
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For step 10, our creative project was binding a 10th step journal.<br />
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Supplies needed:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DT8D0C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000DT8D0C&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=HY4YNAE5IY22UM5F" target="_blank">heavy cover stock paper</a> for the booklet cover</li>
<li>plain printer paper or pre-printed 10th steps for the inside pages</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MKREO6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002MKREO6&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">book binding twine</a> (or ribbon will do)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025TTKQE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0025TTKQE&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">binding needles</a> (optional - necessary if you create small holes, but not necessary if you create large holes for binding)</li>
<li>ruler</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025U13HW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0025U13HW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">bone folder</a> (optional)</li>
</ul>
<br />
AND something to create holes to bind the twine through:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007LS8CO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007LS8CO&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">awl</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E641LS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001E641LS&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">hole punch</a> < this one creates a smaller hole, but a standard-sized hole punch will do</li>
<li>hammer and a nail</li>
</ul>
<div>
Optional cover decorations:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>markers</li>
<li>collage supplies</li>
<li>stickers</li>
<li>stencils</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
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To start, I provided a print-out, compiling 13 different formats of 10th step inventories that I've collected over the years. For one of them, I added shiny star stickers simply to make completing that inventory more fun.</div>
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For the creative aspect of this activity, our time in the group was spent binding the covers. The members of the group then went home to fill out their 10th steps on their own.<br />
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1. We passed around the packet of card stock, so each person could choose which color they wanted for the cover.<br />
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2. We then folded the covers and ran the flat edge of the bone folder along the fold to sharpen the crease:<br />
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3. Next we placed binder clips on the top and bottom edges of our "books."<br />
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4. We then used a ruler and the pointed edge of the bone folder to draw a line where we wanted our front covers to open. If you are not using a bone folder, you can skip this step and simply use a pencil and lightly mark the book where you'll want the holes to be (see the next step).<br />
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5. Next we measured where we wanted our holes to go. These holes can be marked with the awl (the awl can then be used to create the hole) or by using a pencil. We placed one marking one inch from the top; the second marking was one inch from the bottom; and the third marking was in the middle of the book (at 4.25" mark of our 8.5" booklets).<br />
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6. Then we punched our holes. The hole punch I purchased had a marking on it, which made it easier to define exactly where the hole would appear.<br />
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7. Next we measured out our binding thread - four lengths of the edge of the book.<br />
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8. Then we thread the binding twine through the books.<br />
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For this process, we used <a href="http://www.booklyn.org/education/stab.pdf">binding instructions by J. Munkatchy</a> that I made just a couple of modifications to:<br />
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Our holes were large enough that with the waxed binder's twine, we did not need to use needles. By the time the twine made it's third cycle through some of the holes, we did sometimes need to use a pen to push the thread all the way through:<br />
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9. Like in the instructions, we finished the binding off with a knot:<br />
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10. Finally, we used markers to decorate our covers. I kept mine pretty simple.<br />
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Completed 10th step booklets, just as the one pictured above, are available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127331800/10th-step-booklets">my Etsy store</a>. Or have fun creating your own!</div>
Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-60547895312700506482013-03-19T10:56:00.000-07:002014-08-31T13:38:57.285-07:00Step 6: Letting Go Rituals<br />
<b><i>Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.</i></b><br />
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As I've said in prior posts, I prefer to think of my character "defects" more like "character defenses." I picked up these traits in order to survive stressful and/or traumatic experiences. I have simply outgrown their purpose and found newer and better tools to use.<br />
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The 6th step is about our readiness to have these character defenses lifted. We are not yet actually asking for them to be removed, simply examining our willingness.<br />
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Generally speaking, I recommend my sponsees review their fourth steps to reveal their character defects. But for the purposes of this group project, I brought a list of possible character defects with me and simply asked the group to select 5 of the defects to examine through this exercise.<br />
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Here is the list from which they chose their defects:<br />
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This list has been floating around 12-step rooms for over 50 years. The original author is unknown. But the on-line version where I downloaded this from can be found <a href="http://www.royy.com/step4.pdf">here</a>.<br />
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I like that this list provides not only the character flaws, but also corresponding character assets. I believe it is important to always keep a balanced perspective, instead of focusing 100% on the negative.<br />
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The first two rituals I will be describing were inspired by exercises in Stephanie S. Covington PhD's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1568385226/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1568385226&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">A Woman's Way through the Twelve Steps</a>. Her Step Six exercises had a profound impact on me and on my recovery. In fact, her providing these rituals helped to expand my definition of what it means to "work the steps." It was this thinking-outside-the-box that eventually led to my exploration of art therapy as a means of working all 12 steps. I've made some minor changes to her 6th step rituals, as follows.<br />
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<b>Ritual #1: Letting the Leaves Fall Where They May</b><br />
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Supplies needed:<br />
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<ul>
<li>leaves from a beloved plant</li>
<li>pen</li>
<li>elevated place from which to drop the leaves (i.e. second story window, balcony, deck, roof)</li>
</ul>
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This is my beloved plant. We have had a very special relationship over the years. This plant has been with me through a divorce, through the death of one of my dearest cats, through remarriage and the adoption of my current cats. I've used this plant for multiple sixth step rituals, as I will describe below.<br />
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I always choose leaves that have already turned yellow, out of compassion for my dear plant. But any leaves will serve the purpose. As all leaves are quickly biodegradable.<br />
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For the ritual, we simply wrote a single character defect on each leaf.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdH_sHMveJ834Ky3AThYYR0Sw5pmyRa0glc2B3jaxFU0cjFyfsNXkb83jmQOuKq1yS6KwY44dEl_MhcyjxVPHS-R8307nrbvobOafl1c8Sb-KKSnklcBoqh1W2lOqmNPCKpokZ5Yq4NNI/s1600/6th-leaves+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdH_sHMveJ834Ky3AThYYR0Sw5pmyRa0glc2B3jaxFU0cjFyfsNXkb83jmQOuKq1yS6KwY44dEl_MhcyjxVPHS-R8307nrbvobOafl1c8Sb-KKSnklcBoqh1W2lOqmNPCKpokZ5Yq4NNI/s320/6th-leaves+done.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
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Then, standing in an elevated place, we released one leaf at a time, to fall where it may. It is always interesting to me to notice which defects are harder to let go of than the others.<br />
<br />
<b>Ritual #2: Stones in the Water</b><br />
<br />
Supplies needed:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YJ2XXO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YJ2XXO&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=WOKLXWRHRCU6PNN6" target="_blank">stones</a></li>
<li>sharpie marker - either <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QYLCWK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QYLCWK&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=KO2FWM3IMFFSEFSQ" target="_blank">black</a> if the stones are light colored or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009RAX4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00009RAX4&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=AKPKOFTRXZPZFKOH" target="_blank">silver</a> if the stones are dark colored. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VQ9M04/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003VQ9M04&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=37Z75I6GPWMYBX7W" target="_blank">Oil-based paint pens</a> take longer to dry, but can appear more dramatic against the stone.</li>
<li>a body of water into which the stones can be thrown (i.e. lake, river, ocean, pond, creek)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihou-VsXQ4vL0xrSFiaJoM1wPeNciYZCRz7Syn8GCXs7zEb5moP4Py8rh9jMwy5XHNNFvRPrBfAQSJg6Ymk1cIXgztG25rbcWIkBqTquC_yfXrFxU8M8lcsi3nUjWZFv6NtznbdfjeNWU/s1600/6th-stone+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihou-VsXQ4vL0xrSFiaJoM1wPeNciYZCRz7Syn8GCXs7zEb5moP4Py8rh9jMwy5XHNNFvRPrBfAQSJg6Ymk1cIXgztG25rbcWIkBqTquC_yfXrFxU8M8lcsi3nUjWZFv6NtznbdfjeNWU/s320/6th-stone+supplies.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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For this ritual, we wrote a single character defect on each stone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMQgGb3rLpovtRmp3evhX8sl76uYPmNxA87LZMlIU8QFUF9qwcaH1YtZk_c2Pkea96pEu6uNCbWdNXfEAIy_HfOi9LkuQg9k3RYqtAahxoguWC9wAMkzZ3UOHq2UTQDaI0XChMwjX-8g/s1600/6th-stones+completed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMQgGb3rLpovtRmp3evhX8sl76uYPmNxA87LZMlIU8QFUF9qwcaH1YtZk_c2Pkea96pEu6uNCbWdNXfEAIy_HfOi9LkuQg9k3RYqtAahxoguWC9wAMkzZ3UOHq2UTQDaI0XChMwjX-8g/s320/6th-stones+completed.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, standing along a body of water (safely away from other people or animals), we threw the stones into the water - one at a time. Again, I always find it interesting to notice which stones I'm not ready to throw in and hang onto until the end of the ritual.<br />
<br />
<b>Ritual #3: The Writing in the Sand</b><br />
<br />
Supplies needed:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>stick or other object to write in the sand with</li>
<li>body of water where waves lap safely onto the shore (not recommended in areas prone to rogue waves)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
This is a ritual that I have only performed on my own, not in the group setting. However, it could also be done with a group.<br />
<br />
Find an area of the sand that is wet, where the waves still seem active. Using your stick, write your character defect in the sand near the water's edge. And wait.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkuaCly_35fpaYod8GsXADv-mUkwXMAQQ9RXT1JYcwb47cUsDaIPt1W-5ezsuw1jGAFIjOkIp4LWenYx8ab3sM6a7UdqPJgGWyjIrpZeRsIWlXDGb44vCr-LZucy7DVhL1sFbinCj33E/s1600/6th-writing+in+the+sand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkuaCly_35fpaYod8GsXADv-mUkwXMAQQ9RXT1JYcwb47cUsDaIPt1W-5ezsuw1jGAFIjOkIp4LWenYx8ab3sM6a7UdqPJgGWyjIrpZeRsIWlXDGb44vCr-LZucy7DVhL1sFbinCj33E/s320/6th-writing+in+the+sand.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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This ritual is more close to reality in that you must wait for the defect to be lifted (or in this case, washed away). It happens in Higher Power's time (and the ocean's time), not in our time. There were times I barely finished writing the word before it got washed away (sometimes way before I was ready to let it go). Other times, I had to wait several minutes before the defect got washed away.<br />
<br />
If you're self-conscious, you can look up the tide schedule. For highly populated beaches, you may want to choose to do this activity when the tide is coming in. This provides a greater confidence that you won't have to wait hours for the waves to wash your defect away.<br />
<br />
What character defects are you ready to have lifted?Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com121tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-46914192231715748202013-03-17T11:59:00.000-07:002013-03-24T07:40:03.581-07:00Step 1: Abstinence Inspiring Buttons<b><i>Admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable. </i></b><br />
<br />
When I was initially going through withdrawal, I wrote a list of 10 reasons to abstain from my addiction. I taped this list near my computer to remind me of why I wanted to hang in there through the worst of withdrawal. This project was inspired by that tool. However, we extended the list into a creative art project by designing a pin-back button to remind us of the items on this list. The buttons, unlike the written list, can be displayed in a public place without breaking our anonymity. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<u>Supplies needed:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>paper</li>
<li>pen</li>
<li>colored pencils</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001685KSM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001685KSM&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20">DIY snap-together pinback buttons</a> (no button machine necessary)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyTcfmSNwSxO3JVj5Ugv6NYAo2yZ2b29QZr0gF5SVl_PGYJWskHP1ifEIktUyL_sYnSHMSzIsBvR1Wuiu3GgyR3T4P6CqTRgMYYQTgTVQvXp0EdjZ-EMX9CC2XJo7bA9Km4kk7NRndYc/s1600/blank+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyTcfmSNwSxO3JVj5Ugv6NYAo2yZ2b29QZr0gF5SVl_PGYJWskHP1ifEIktUyL_sYnSHMSzIsBvR1Wuiu3GgyR3T4P6CqTRgMYYQTgTVQvXp0EdjZ-EMX9CC2XJo7bA9Km4kk7NRndYc/s320/blank+button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We started by writing our lists of the 10 reasons we want to abstain from our addictive behavior. I have multiple addictions, but for the purposes of this exercise, I decided to focus on my sugar addiction. Here is the list I came up with:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLype0YxfxpsZI8dRadbTY0liVM-3Vk3Yvw6htSHe5A27CLj3G1sELuSrxk83o90iGFGFs8h3tcWKAGPRjyIU_0PHc6ogBwVjeGS_zPyQTnM4IEhAT9JtwmoHqGngD1JDTuP3U4cFB8A/s1600/10+reasons+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLype0YxfxpsZI8dRadbTY0liVM-3Vk3Yvw6htSHe5A27CLj3G1sELuSrxk83o90iGFGFs8h3tcWKAGPRjyIU_0PHc6ogBwVjeGS_zPyQTnM4IEhAT9JtwmoHqGngD1JDTuP3U4cFB8A/s320/10+reasons+list.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we came up with our list, we then designed our pinback buttons to remind us of why we want to abstain from the addictive behavior. Here is the button I made:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinawfHw2bEkzHEbtpHK9kBRWhflM1EeeeDM7AlH0-3ZUC_byQFbWV1R1zHgNrgWqcEARrFDf1fcMPkxJEP9Sk4ke98E2s6dHc_pUcsMFr6q-oCbi5X3WycCE3woQKFR0sg_eeFlpOQDrg/s1600/button2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinawfHw2bEkzHEbtpHK9kBRWhflM1EeeeDM7AlH0-3ZUC_byQFbWV1R1zHgNrgWqcEARrFDf1fcMPkxJEP9Sk4ke98E2s6dHc_pUcsMFr6q-oCbi5X3WycCE3woQKFR0sg_eeFlpOQDrg/s320/button2.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The image I created for my sugar-addiction reminds me of several of the reasons on my list. The yoga pose reminds me that I want pain-free hips. The meditative hand gestures remind me that abstinence helps me remain connected to my Higher Power. And the thin frame of the character reminds me of my vision for my body at a healthier weight.<br />
<div>
<br />
What are your 10 reasons for abstaining from your addiction?</div>
Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-9432925636691808042013-03-16T14:15:00.000-07:002014-08-31T14:02:22.756-07:00Table of ContentsTo make it easier to locate art projects according to whatever step you are currently working on, I've created a Table of Contents for this blog. As I continue to post more activities, I will update this Table of Contents. Eventually, there will be at least one project for each step. Please also take the time to explore the many other projects that are not specific to a particular step. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/introduction.html" target="_blank">Introduction</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 1</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-1.html">Step 1 Activity Ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/03/abstinence-inspiring-buttons.html">Abstinence-Inspiring Buttons</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 2:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-2-activity-ideas.html">Step 2 Activity Ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-2-activity-create-altar-in-your.html">Create an Altar in Your Home</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/04/step-2-filling-god-sized-hole.html" target="_blank">Filling the God-Sized Hole</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 3:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-3-create-god-box.html">Create a God Box</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 4</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/03/step-4-decorating-as-inspiration.html">Decorating Your 4th Step Journal</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 5</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/12/5th-step-project-votive-candles.html">Votive Candles</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 6</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/03/step-6-letting-go-rituals.html#">Letting Go Rituals</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 7</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/03/step-7-card-project.html">7th Step Card Project</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 8</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/04/step-8-broken-plate-mosaic-mirrors.html">Mirror Mosaic</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 9</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/03/step-9-amends.html" target="_blank">Draw or Doodle Your Emotions</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 10</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/03/step-10-binding-10th-step-journal.html">Binding 10th Step Journals</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 11</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-11-activity-coloring-mandalas.html">Coloring Mandalas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/03/step-11-labyrinth-walks.html">Walking Labyrinths</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 12</span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/02/step-12-puzzle-project.html">Puzzle Project</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Projects that are not associated with a specific step:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-sided-program-dice.html">12-sided Self-Care Dice</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/02/affirmation-boards.html">Affirmation Boards</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2013/10/dia-de-los-muertos-mask-project.html" target="_blank">Dia de los Muertos masks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/diy-personalized-recovery-chips.html">DIY Personalized Recovery Chips</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanks-giving-art-project.html">Gratitude Art Project</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-music-of-my-recovery.html">Music that Inspires Recovery</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/recovery-music-for-tolerating-sadness.html">Recovery Music for Tolerating Sadness</a></li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-years-vision-art-project.html">Visions Writing Project</a></li>
</ul>
Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-45599113261001875862013-03-16T14:07:00.001-07:002013-03-16T14:08:18.001-07:00Step 4: Decorating As Inspiration<b>Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.</b><br />
<br />
For our group's 4th step project, I provided a column format of the 4th step. This column format was created by a step-group I was part of. We came up with this format based on the AA Big Book, but with modifications added from literature from various different 12-step programs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx2bGhIEFfFJZ9a8uyCmmV7Gj3lrk0gTP__14hvccInYEPAvE00hP4Nq4R6FCEPbFteGe7UNiNfroure-PIP_RfWp7YE7d5eSDpDi5j0KlMny6ZzrTtHUx79weOfSLhvZh2P5YU1I2xY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-16+at+1.14.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx2bGhIEFfFJZ9a8uyCmmV7Gj3lrk0gTP__14hvccInYEPAvE00hP4Nq4R6FCEPbFteGe7UNiNfroure-PIP_RfWp7YE7d5eSDpDi5j0KlMny6ZzrTtHUx79weOfSLhvZh2P5YU1I2xY/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-16+at+1.14.03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For our creative 12-step meeting, I printed this table into small booklets:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9lDNwu3-Bff9tbK_low7x8GLGcdBgUgHY-H0SIspAibwrq7Pv2lpscCxz1U0pNKcVHmZLL1V7WD4vkl8bqQeUz8pmB-fUetONAwP-Qj-OXctL4UXHzh-irT-an-aE7iy7dxnn9IazM4/s1600/4th+step+blank+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9lDNwu3-Bff9tbK_low7x8GLGcdBgUgHY-H0SIspAibwrq7Pv2lpscCxz1U0pNKcVHmZLL1V7WD4vkl8bqQeUz8pmB-fUetONAwP-Qj-OXctL4UXHzh-irT-an-aE7iy7dxnn9IazM4/s320/4th+step+blank+book+cover.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJWaSHlXRS2NCQUd9AEzLHLJoMKTEEKo1sF0Akh8f8GIvXHEoKLviWpJX0VOWELrL4-CL_sg2aVhI0fNUTaWzO9k0lBDDf9ceFVUXdkUcPFiOTPiVZAsA85ChFUtlYBSvhSvSYpdogAE/s1600/4th+step+book+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJWaSHlXRS2NCQUd9AEzLHLJoMKTEEKo1sF0Akh8f8GIvXHEoKLviWpJX0VOWELrL4-CL_sg2aVhI0fNUTaWzO9k0lBDDf9ceFVUXdkUcPFiOTPiVZAsA85ChFUtlYBSvhSvSYpdogAE/s320/4th+step+book+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
During the meeting, our focus was on decorating the covers of the books.<br />
<br />
The 4th step can be very emotionally-heavy and intense. In order to make this experience brighter and more pleasant, I have often made an effort to make the books that I write this step work in appear attractive. Here are some examples of the covers I've decorated:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4ZJZU3futVhui7Qcdd9Al_nw4xmuGW_9uAv-IA7lbH87c7o5TsUv7ua5T9dyM_D8kdB31rHcy2DQgR45TulHQVE0IUhnxXkFetHiJFTNIlVt73HTuTUI_qKejbh3qKpyB8FF6KxHsEA/s1600/4th+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4ZJZU3futVhui7Qcdd9Al_nw4xmuGW_9uAv-IA7lbH87c7o5TsUv7ua5T9dyM_D8kdB31rHcy2DQgR45TulHQVE0IUhnxXkFetHiJFTNIlVt73HTuTUI_qKejbh3qKpyB8FF6KxHsEA/s320/4th+final.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
BIG NEWS!<br />
<br />
I've opened an Etsy shop at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Creative12Steps">www.etsy.com/shop/Creative12Steps</a>. Here you can purchase a blank version of the fourth step booklet described above. I will keep you posted as new items show up in the shop for sale.<br />
<br />
What resentments are you ready to let go of today?Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-4304703748448420082013-03-16T11:00:00.001-07:002014-08-31T13:42:21.194-07:00Step 7: Card ProjectStep 7: Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.390625px;">"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen." We have then completed </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.390625px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Step Seven</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.390625px;">. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.390625px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.390625px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">-A.A. Big Book p.76</span></i><br />
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For our group, step seven was more of a writing project than a visual arts project. The only supplies we needed were:<br />
<br />
-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OE51AU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001OE51AU&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">colored index cards</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QYLCWK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QYLCWK&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Sharpie marker</a><br />
-pens or writing instruments<br />
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On the blank sides of the index cards (unruled), we used the black Sharpie marker to write a character defect we identified ourselves as having. We wrote this one word in the middle of the card. I personally prefer the term "character defense." All of these "shortcomings," are behaviors that served me at some point in my life. These traits enabled me to survive stressful and/or traumatic circumstances when I was unaware of having an option to turn to another more positive tool. Where the term "defect," implies a degree of judgment, I prefer thinking of these behaviors as "defenses" that no longer serve me.<br />
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We then drew a line dividing the card into an upper half and lower half.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_CWsPCOlnGXOxEluR8D9yNGnBinZMRUR1gwevdVGZFWgPbsslmCXP31uiWf-8W84tjI2lq99UdsF8ga7Nq545EdU2LRiqIIghldQi0EWOLb2G4isKnMmU0cfQxVaQGHGq_GLRxSybJE/s1600/7th+step+cards-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_CWsPCOlnGXOxEluR8D9yNGnBinZMRUR1gwevdVGZFWgPbsslmCXP31uiWf-8W84tjI2lq99UdsF8ga7Nq545EdU2LRiqIIghldQi0EWOLb2G4isKnMmU0cfQxVaQGHGq_GLRxSybJE/s320/7th+step+cards-front.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the top half of the card, we added other words that represented character defenses or "shortcomings" that we believed we had that were somehow related to this main theme.<br />
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On the bottom half of the card, we considered the question: If I were to remove fear from this shortcoming, might there be a positive character trait that I might want to keep? For every "defect," we were able to identify some positive aspect to the trait, which had been corrupted by fear, turning it into a defect.<br />
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Then, on the backs of the cards, we used the black marker to write a positive character trait that represents the opposite of the shortcoming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj_h4ADQDOJLUMyUh3mSzQTYobHmDQftiB7XJLrtB4dqwBFYw5OtM5YJN2YuVWk8nFPd3N1uHV7yaY_sRIJ3iMSM-0ORinetzrO1IrdTSQqkLH8CqZV7ckCqNKvJUGVgN7QoyzLgGitg/s1600/7th+step-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj_h4ADQDOJLUMyUh3mSzQTYobHmDQftiB7XJLrtB4dqwBFYw5OtM5YJN2YuVWk8nFPd3N1uHV7yaY_sRIJ3iMSM-0ORinetzrO1IrdTSQqkLH8CqZV7ckCqNKvJUGVgN7QoyzLgGitg/s320/7th+step-back.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were no right nor wrong answers for any of these writing exercises.<br />
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Finally, underneath that positive character trait, we wrote a prayer to our Higher Power, humbly asking God to remove this shortcoming.<br />
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I keep these cards in my <a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-3-create-god-box.html">God Box</a>. This is a gesture of turning this process of character transformation over to my Higher Power. This also allows me to refer back to them. I can then read the prayer when I notice a character defense rearing its ugly head in my every day life.<br />
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What character defenses of yours do you believe you have outgrown? Which ones have already been lifted?Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-23941504988643145962013-02-23T18:06:00.002-08:002013-02-23T18:06:18.956-08:00Step 12 Puzzle Project<b>Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to the addict who still suffers.</b><br />
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For our Step 12 project, we used the following supplies:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdtqltjg8sFSF2b25053qplioC6asAf_fSR3QTXmVd0p11nNGLD8Dfy9vJpuC_a0U5zMsPxoDAw5YSCTrYIbDOwW-48ENGCAISaPD7Vvstsz9xynIlfLiC5GNzoHPYutUEg4Q-VSwXms/s1600/12+step-supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdtqltjg8sFSF2b25053qplioC6asAf_fSR3QTXmVd0p11nNGLD8Dfy9vJpuC_a0U5zMsPxoDAw5YSCTrYIbDOwW-48ENGCAISaPD7Vvstsz9xynIlfLiC5GNzoHPYutUEg4Q-VSwXms/s320/12+step-supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00598K8H8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00598K8H8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">blank puzzle cards</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IEET/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006IEET&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">colored pencils</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SZ1SJW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007SZ1SJW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">gold and silver Sharpie markers</a></li>
</ul>
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My instructions to the group were to first think about what tools have helped them in arriving to a spiritual awakening or to the 12th step. Write or draw one tool on the backs of each of the puzzle pieces. Just as there are twelve steps to recovery, there are many tools that when used together can aid us in staying sober. These puzzle pieces all work together to create a whole self. Here is what I wrote on the backs of my puzzle pieces:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPunNOpLB8o2JVogmldxrxaaPL4VgOCshC0NCBraklbfMs8HJmyAQ-GGuZjsibeXcqzxEUWwswSiFnGGbWBgQv182o7GGOWHVBSnr7ZBzr-n2qPvw-T_LfgtCKWF330tybUkoySGITnU/s1600/12+step-puzzle+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPunNOpLB8o2JVogmldxrxaaPL4VgOCshC0NCBraklbfMs8HJmyAQ-GGuZjsibeXcqzxEUWwswSiFnGGbWBgQv182o7GGOWHVBSnr7ZBzr-n2qPvw-T_LfgtCKWF330tybUkoySGITnU/s320/12+step-puzzle+back.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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Next, I asked the group to think about the terms "spiritual awakening" and either draw or write about what that has looked like or if you haven't had a spiritual awakening yet, think about what you hope that spiritual awakening will look like.<br />
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I experienced what I consider to be my spiritual awakening about 3 years into my recover. One night, I woke up from a dream that I was in a hurry to get to a female friend, to see her before she went away, possibly died. I was rushing and was nearly giving up hope of getting to see her when I finally arrived. I saw an old woman (apparently, the woman I was searching for). She was outside, squatting down, tending a garden. She looked up at me with a beautiful look of peace on her face. In that instant, I knew that she had been waiting for me, and for a long time, and that she would have waited no matter how long I took to get there.<br />
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Although I never had a goddess image of my Higher Power prior to this dream, immediately upon awaking, I recognized that the old woman represented my Higher Power. I recalled when I first hit a bottom, at only 13 years of age. At that time, I had felt abandoned by God and felt very angry about having been abandoned. I gave up on the religion that I had been raised under up until that point. And I realized in this moment, waking up from this dream, that I was the one who had turned away from my Higher Power. My Higher Power had not been the one to abandon me after all. Afterwards, I realized that I had also abandoned myself. When I woke up, this realization felt so profound, I was moved to tears and sobbed for several minutes before going back to sleep. This dream would forever change my life, my recovery and my feelings about my Higher Power.<br />
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So here was what I put on my puzzle:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTPgM10ClHzQ-gJbmxApwkzMuuHRGIw8gAYm0g3PUgLN01xy8cFLt1J3czdJxgpoMLHtwqWR4wNwaErspCK4N-DBCBL5GtzLHQE2Erog7F89AmBahRwYxESCpk9vUdHkS6EQunBSa4uQ/s1600/12+step-puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTPgM10ClHzQ-gJbmxApwkzMuuHRGIw8gAYm0g3PUgLN01xy8cFLt1J3czdJxgpoMLHtwqWR4wNwaErspCK4N-DBCBL5GtzLHQE2Erog7F89AmBahRwYxESCpk9vUdHkS6EQunBSa4uQ/s320/12+step-puzzle.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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What will you put on your puzzle?Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-30317781267717865072013-02-09T10:56:00.000-08:002014-08-31T13:55:24.885-07:00Affirmation BoardsWhen I started out in recovery, my sponsor encouraged me to write affirmations to help get me through withdrawal. I would write the affirmations using a Sharpie on a piece of blank paper and tape them to my bedroom walls so I'd see them as I fell asleep and when I woke up in the morning. Here are just a few of the affirmations that I posted on my walls during those first months:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I will be okay. God still loves me. Be curious.</li>
<li>Ask for what I want and turn the outcome over to HP.</li>
<li>Thank God for one thing that I'm grateful for today.</li>
<li>Feel worthy from within. Other's behaviors and opinions are not my business.</li>
<li>The struggle is the blessing.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
Over the years, the affirmations I needed to tell myself have changed according to my needs of the day, month, week or year. But I still find them to be an essential tool for my recovery.<br />
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Thankful to my recovery, my life has become more abundant and I have moved into a new, nicer home. I've been resistant to taping pieces of copy paper onto my walls.<br />
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In preparing for my wedding (another gift of working my program), I saw these little chalkboards people were making to use as signage at their weddings. Although I didn't do this for my wedding, it occurred to me that they would be perfect for my affirmations! I have multiple chalkboards in different rooms of my home and can change the affirmations whenever I want. And they just look like home decor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK3mg4Qqug8wQ049c5c3dQ4mSmBgu3zzxaWjcR9pp0owcWbqriHpiNcsW2oEbCj_sFRfpK0TlDq8lIcVn_hS6mabKqshi-QIAYe5k8Y_hSO9vwwhPZySk_TSNgUkPqMaM1Dn9DGIDaYU/s1600/photo+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK3mg4Qqug8wQ049c5c3dQ4mSmBgu3zzxaWjcR9pp0owcWbqriHpiNcsW2oEbCj_sFRfpK0TlDq8lIcVn_hS6mabKqshi-QIAYe5k8Y_hSO9vwwhPZySk_TSNgUkPqMaM1Dn9DGIDaYU/s320/photo+(18).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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That quote is not mine. And I'm afraid I do not know the author. But I have been sick lately, so that is the message I've been needing to hear. It's reminded me I can do phone meetings, even if I am too sick to get to a live meeting.<br />
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For the art project for my meeting, I decided to turn this into a group project. I prepared the chalkboards in advance and had the project focused on decoupage for the frames. But the actual conversion of a standard picture frame into a chalkboard could have been the art project, too. But I wanted to focus on the affirmation aspect of the project. I will describe both processes, but you can choose to do one or the other or both.<br />
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<u>Tools needed</u>:<br />
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<ul>
<li>picture frames: I just picked up a bunch from thrift stores and gathered some from around my home that I wasn't using, to keep the cost low. As photos become more and more electronic and less and less physical, frames seem to be showing up more and more in thrift stores. Any frame will suffice, so long as it has glass or a wooden surface to convert into a chalkboard.</li>
<li>primer paint (I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BWORRW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002BWORRW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">spray primer</a>, but you can use canned primer, as well).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006BAEI6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0006BAEI6&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">chalkboard paint</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BYPDY6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002BYPDY6&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=R7LDBTMIZDOXBOAD" target="_blank">mini paint roller</a> or paint brush</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L89OBC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000L89OBC&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">paint tray</a> (if you are using the roller)</li>
<li>protection for surface you'll be painting on: I used a roll of heavy paper I picked up at a thrift store and a large box that I broke down into a large surface. A disposable tablecloth would also work.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042Y450Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0042Y450Q&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">chalk</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<u>IF doing decoupage on the frames you will also need</u>:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q3KHCM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000Q3KHCM&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">glue</a> to apply the images to your frame</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00178QQJ8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00178QQJ8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Mod Podge</a> to cover the images with when you are done. This will hold the images in place, prevent them from peeling off and harden them into a sturdier surface.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQO82Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BQO82Y&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">paint brush</a> to apply Mod Podge with</li>
<li>OPTIONAL: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z47W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004Z47W&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Sandpaper</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PEX73Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002PEX73Q&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">sander</a>, if your frames are painted with a gloss paint</li>
<li>images to apply to frame may include:</li>
<ul>
<li>old magazines that can be cut up</li>
<li>images printed from a laser printer</li>
<li>images printed from an ink jet printer and then covered with hairspray to fix the ink in place</li>
<li>stickers</li>
<li>fabric or ribbon</li>
<li>anything else you want to use to decorate your frame that can be glued to its surface</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZH5Y8G/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005ZH5Y8G&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">scissors</a> to cut the images out with</li>
<li>OPTIONAL: an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V1QV7O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000V1QV7O&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Exacto knife</a> to cut images out more precisely - only if you are doing this project at home alone (not recommended for group activities)</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br />
1. Find a space to work and lay down your protective surface.<br />
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2. Wash the picture frames, especially if they are used. I just used Lysol wipes. You simply want to get off any debris that would get caught in the paint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08f8KNgGSsj0siAdqPM8r56onbhQms_fsv6lC1N_fM2ughP7tiHpnDPFgpFtFkRRxfMY1_6xuqu0IZsiKUx_FNHyr8TV6pYK6ZbimD9BkZGMe51LtjPtwtFYBfAYwvGXznQ1bwGRXnCc/s1600/ab1-wash+frames.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08f8KNgGSsj0siAdqPM8r56onbhQms_fsv6lC1N_fM2ughP7tiHpnDPFgpFtFkRRxfMY1_6xuqu0IZsiKUx_FNHyr8TV6pYK6ZbimD9BkZGMe51LtjPtwtFYBfAYwvGXznQ1bwGRXnCc/s320/ab1-wash+frames.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Separate the glass from the frames. As you can see in the photo, the bottom frame was glass, but the top frames actually contained some artwork that I was willing to sacrifice to the cause. Since they were painted on wood, that surface worked well for the chalkboards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohzf__QEdfQBPqq4HeQ21U2zMBluMw5dfR9Vn1vXbSpnvVnIFMMY34hEnIXiiOheZh8sHIT7w6NSsDWbO_s7DFIJ6lVIEqxJd-Mz_lVZeBHCD9c0GW_2s_-3ByTqlO-JY-wt4k40EW6c/s1600/ab2a-separate+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohzf__QEdfQBPqq4HeQ21U2zMBluMw5dfR9Vn1vXbSpnvVnIFMMY34hEnIXiiOheZh8sHIT7w6NSsDWbO_s7DFIJ6lVIEqxJd-Mz_lVZeBHCD9c0GW_2s_-3ByTqlO-JY-wt4k40EW6c/s320/ab2a-separate+glass.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. IF you are planning to decoupage the frames, you may want to sand any of the frames that are painted in a gloss paint to help the primer and decoupage adhere to the frame. If you are satisfied with the appearance of the frame and don't plan to decoupage it, then you can skip this step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPvCLI5hrkQgXhVZQEaKnvnwZF_ElJDhFjMm-AugSmyZpsKtgGjxY5GJ_5_pDB1_Fn0-BsyZmBz9wPpL8saEKQMTAAwtMB0cm2rIBoITlQ9lPE0t7a_tbcLl4meUeeInyQkrK7O4jd_0/s1600/ab2b-sand+if+needed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPvCLI5hrkQgXhVZQEaKnvnwZF_ElJDhFjMm-AugSmyZpsKtgGjxY5GJ_5_pDB1_Fn0-BsyZmBz9wPpL8saEKQMTAAwtMB0cm2rIBoITlQ9lPE0t7a_tbcLl4meUeeInyQkrK7O4jd_0/s320/ab2b-sand+if+needed.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Before painting, be sure your pieces are all laid out on the protective surface with room between them to get to the sides of the frames and to avoid spraying on any nearby surfaces you don't want painted. If you are using spray primer, as I did, add more room than you think you need. I ended up spraying our patio carpet. So again, add even more room than you think you will need. The spray paint went beyond the paper you see in the photo below, so use MORE space than this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOKUFVMd9gfiMYfF3gJqG6onFwOVno7ghxJMh-Rfjbv3lg4_j1ZdtjMCmBjOpegdBQ7oPVSGfmaNEMHVfNGXoH1JteKJD54KJcPxD4ZayHgI1QvbM3x35yT2MyCHwcbqqkZdbi8HF9II/s1600/ab3-lay+out+pieces+on+surface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOKUFVMd9gfiMYfF3gJqG6onFwOVno7ghxJMh-Rfjbv3lg4_j1ZdtjMCmBjOpegdBQ7oPVSGfmaNEMHVfNGXoH1JteKJD54KJcPxD4ZayHgI1QvbM3x35yT2MyCHwcbqqkZdbi8HF9II/s320/ab3-lay+out+pieces+on+surface.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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5. Read the instructions on the paints you purchased. My paints may be different from yours, so follow the instructions on your specific paint supplies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2b2GDxVh8QV4RAzOn4YQKd3RDeGXcnIE0WisUsXlRMQ-k82b_0ExCmbf2mKOOEEyIKeueWg3Focz7xIKPOHVD_BmP3B-QY9s1CEsuH9CXntt0ZAeaCbRtEkucGLySQpiS0S1XFwT_Og/s1600/ab4-paint+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2b2GDxVh8QV4RAzOn4YQKd3RDeGXcnIE0WisUsXlRMQ-k82b_0ExCmbf2mKOOEEyIKeueWg3Focz7xIKPOHVD_BmP3B-QY9s1CEsuH9CXntt0ZAeaCbRtEkucGLySQpiS0S1XFwT_Og/s320/ab4-paint+supplies.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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6. Primer: If you are not decoupaging your frames, you can simply apply the primer to the glass or area you will be applying the chalkboard paint. But if you plan to decoupage your frames, you will want to apply primer to the frames as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPkIgpXk3no97W5LeGG9ecg8vOI7fcfantOD-You6gSi7IimeGmco0cAJwRd4bOJUJcS_TLTsK_Cg8PsFsmMV1xTtThzprD8SddHlkob4XHedBrrRyYpmbwj05gdKl-zXxdCKEmX6pR0/s1600/ab5-apply+primer+to+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPkIgpXk3no97W5LeGG9ecg8vOI7fcfantOD-You6gSi7IimeGmco0cAJwRd4bOJUJcS_TLTsK_Cg8PsFsmMV1xTtThzprD8SddHlkob4XHedBrrRyYpmbwj05gdKl-zXxdCKEmX6pR0/s320/ab5-apply+primer+to+all.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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7. Apply chalkboard paint. Do NOT apply to frames; only apply to surface you want to be able to use as a chalkboard. Again, follow the instructions on your paint can. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA7oJzv0Aauw_fx5Ddnss7q51yL4ZuEka-69dqyQaIatV12OENsOEyNBq1DFY1L8ADAsEMB0VTUwMnweigHQZxW4dvbfTnqo8dAsItZ8EgOtwTQFgq0rbip3gGi835VmjhxgarHdVJYM/s1600/ab7a-primed+and+chalked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA7oJzv0Aauw_fx5Ddnss7q51yL4ZuEka-69dqyQaIatV12OENsOEyNBq1DFY1L8ADAsEMB0VTUwMnweigHQZxW4dvbfTnqo8dAsItZ8EgOtwTQFgq0rbip3gGi835VmjhxgarHdVJYM/s320/ab7a-primed+and+chalked.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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8. Allow to dry (again per your paint can's instructions). My chalkboard paint had to dry for 4 days before the chalkboard surface could be used. So be sure to allow time for this before presenting your project to a group or as a gift.<br />
<br />
9. Unfortunately, I didn't take photos of the decoupage process, as this was all done within the anonymous walls of my meeting. But here are some basic instructions:<br />
<ul>
<li>OPTIONAL: Separate chalkboard from frame again. We skipped this step and just did our best to avoid getting glue on the chalkboard surface.</li>
<li>Cut out images you like</li>
<li>Glue images to the frame</li>
<li>Smooth the images out as best you can on the surface of the frame</li>
<li>Using a paint brush, apply Mod Podge to entire surface, again, avoid getting it on the chalkboard. It will look white, but don't worry. Mod Podge dries clear.</li>
<li>Allow to dry. Mod Podge should dry in approximately 15 minutes.</li>
</ul>
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10. Prep your chalkboard surface before writing on it. Read the instructions on your paint as to how to condition the surface. For my paint, I was instructed to run the chalk length-wise over the entire chalkboard and erase, leaving a layer of chalk dust on the board. Then I could write on the board. If I wrote on the chalkboard without conditioning it first, I was informed the words may not erase completely.</div>
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<div>
Here is my final Affirmation Board:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaItWKsydpN_r9lEAYPR_0K7z6cpT7u9H98eDSsKegVim6z1XI3oZuxrJK024WDOdFPhYHM8uWag4VJWvhE2-rj3BhVPbisdyBOE63LOLuQVF8Er-_wOgMEJmbfL1OPgZxuD_fqq0cSc/s1600/ab8-final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaItWKsydpN_r9lEAYPR_0K7z6cpT7u9H98eDSsKegVim6z1XI3oZuxrJK024WDOdFPhYHM8uWag4VJWvhE2-rj3BhVPbisdyBOE63LOLuQVF8Er-_wOgMEJmbfL1OPgZxuD_fqq0cSc/s320/ab8-final.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
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Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-74918862300852229492012-12-29T15:54:00.000-08:002013-02-23T18:13:46.249-08:00New Year's Vision art projectFor this week's art project, we focused on creating a vision for what we want to accomplish in 2013. To get our creative juices flowing and to break through any limitations we impose on ourselves, we used a couple of exercises from the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399162704/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399162704" target="_blank">Wreck This Journal</a> by Keri Smith.<br />
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NOTE: This is not conference-endorsed literature.<br />
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I find New Year's resolutions to be very restrictive. I often resolve NOT to do something. Last year, I resolved NOT to eat sugar. One year, I resolved NOT to spend more than $50 a month on-line shopping. I have nothing against these sorts of resolutions. But for 2013, I want to move past what NOT to do and move towards bigger dreams. In some programs, they refer to these positive actions as "top lines" or "outer circle" behaviors. So this week's exercise was about thinking big in envisioning a life-changing 2013.<br />
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The exercises I used from Wreck This Journal (and yes, I bought multiple copies to protect copyright) included:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>rub this page with dirt</li>
<li>scribble this page wildly, violently, with reckless abandon</li>
<li>poke holes in this page using a pencil</li>
<li>tear strips out of this page - Rip it up!</li>
</ul>
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I also came up with my own "Wreck This Journal" type of exercise. I printed out a very simple mandala:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ne5tfGKjDaYZetR7RXXRxoHoGapqpdmXI82CTYq_WzAvA7D_N5Mj2VDteWHsKUXkSZvv9N1IlS_9UYwINqlS1xB9foo1FdcvJ3g5sqFnyWXRRjH1pTpxPWx7f5SaBefDPROsWYowXtw/s1600/coloring+mandala.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ne5tfGKjDaYZetR7RXXRxoHoGapqpdmXI82CTYq_WzAvA7D_N5Mj2VDteWHsKUXkSZvv9N1IlS_9UYwINqlS1xB9foo1FdcvJ3g5sqFnyWXRRjH1pTpxPWx7f5SaBefDPROsWYowXtw/s320/coloring+mandala.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div>
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And provided the instructions to: "Intentionally color outside the lines."<br />
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Interestingly enough, that latter exercise, coloring outside the lines, was impossible for at least one member of our group.<br />
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But these exercises helped me to break through expectations and other people's rules to help me to envision what I want for myself. I hope it did the same for the other members of the group.<br />
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Finally, I provided a table to write out some visions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOEpUwYqEXcFJFjsNaCUOkHrU1flJlCRvzK2LsjZ7bxOKKe9WrqyhX-08DafFIKJqkxt5hexNJ71JbIrnBmcxbypXA3ji2YRWZf_lf4u_Q_PvOuWBtcanUwW_GqyKj4NVJ8lLbrPYssg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-29+at+3.47.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOEpUwYqEXcFJFjsNaCUOkHrU1flJlCRvzK2LsjZ7bxOKKe9WrqyhX-08DafFIKJqkxt5hexNJ71JbIrnBmcxbypXA3ji2YRWZf_lf4u_Q_PvOuWBtcanUwW_GqyKj4NVJ8lLbrPYssg/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-29+at+3.47.15+PM.png" width="256" /></a></div>
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Not only was there space to commit to some actions to take towards our specific visions in 2013, but also space to acknowledge steps we already took in 2012 towards that vision. That column, acknowledging progress we've already made, was very powerful for me and I filled that column up the most.<br />
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If you'd like to break through some of your own limitations, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399162704/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399162704" target="_blank">Wreck This Journal</a>, though again, it is NOT specific to 12-step nor endorsed by any 12-step program.<br />
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WARNING: Although there are four different appearing covers with the same title, "Wreck This Journal," they all contain the same material. So if you purchase this item, select the cover you like best. But unless you want to repeat all of the same exercises, do NOT order all four, as the content is identical in each.<br />
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What are YOUR visions for 2013?<br />
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Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-13768817446275302382012-12-23T21:06:00.001-08:002013-02-23T18:15:51.308-08:00Step 5 Activity: Votive Candles<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">December 21st, being the shortest day and longest night of the year, seemed the perfect day to do some candle ar</span>t with our group. During our shares, we opened up about our own dark sides and what brings us hope and light when things get the toughest in our recovery. <br />
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Multiple sponsors have suggested that I light candles during various points of my step work. During my 5th step, where I admitted to God "the exact nature of my wrongs," I read my 4th step out loud to a candle. For this reason, candles have held importance to me throughout my recovery.<br />
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Supplies needed:<br />
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-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Q9CP5K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003Q9CP5K" target="_blank">clear glass votives with candles</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TDZH10/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TDZH10" target="_blank">tissue paper</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008BVEV3W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008BVEV3W" target="_blank">glue</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLWS7yfIIYU9z9kVxlsvsNk2qkW9iTXonlrZdCB5LjbfZB6sBRY28BcxxdMux3ky_9MOrHN2qvR1k5YGrF370tHNVKxMUleI1RepzmwbjxaOX0FlZd0i4jMS2t2yQgIiDg08if3CNbV8/s1600/votive-supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLWS7yfIIYU9z9kVxlsvsNk2qkW9iTXonlrZdCB5LjbfZB6sBRY28BcxxdMux3ky_9MOrHN2qvR1k5YGrF370tHNVKxMUleI1RepzmwbjxaOX0FlZd0i4jMS2t2yQgIiDg08if3CNbV8/s320/votive-supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was able to purchase the votives at a bulk rate. I washed the outside of the glass votives before setting up for the group, as I didn't want any potential greasy residue to impeded the glue from adhering to the glass.<br />
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We then ripped the tissue paper into small pieces and adhered the pieces with the glue to the glass. This created something of a stained glass effect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeso6RMLHO2Ah3JLFtBdH6kK1R0ODtemOV6ru9kXlwA9Fd_uVTwqgSqiNIqjALzd1tX7HlkyoV1ArYBP_brMK_dVBVobccdebqjixMv1nfntN3kiG7k2xUSHQJR_ZKfF46Ajna1i37-EY/s1600/votives-finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeso6RMLHO2Ah3JLFtBdH6kK1R0ODtemOV6ru9kXlwA9Fd_uVTwqgSqiNIqjALzd1tX7HlkyoV1ArYBP_brMK_dVBVobccdebqjixMv1nfntN3kiG7k2xUSHQJR_ZKfF46Ajna1i37-EY/s320/votives-finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also used glitter glue, which you can see at the top edge of the votive on the left. though once the candle is lit, the glitter only appears in silhouette, so it didn't quite have the effect I was hoping for. I think the candles are lovely without the glitter glue. We also had stickers left over from our <a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-3-create-god-box.html" target="_blank">God Box</a> project, which some people stuck on their votives, as well. But again, the stickers mostly appear as silhouettes of blocked light when the candle is lit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVR0BFA4H_YfdGzyUD8yhWwV9A_tqqZ9ok-hnQxxOCaUwtD4LJGpShV15q_iTJlAiBNR5uTN0hMfsQlghAfsaUm7ft-nx7gx-yw3iF2tQ7SXrYMybZdIiCqV1LWlvY6gmVFUfbiYvPLU/s1600/votives-lit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVR0BFA4H_YfdGzyUD8yhWwV9A_tqqZ9ok-hnQxxOCaUwtD4LJGpShV15q_iTJlAiBNR5uTN0hMfsQlghAfsaUm7ft-nx7gx-yw3iF2tQ7SXrYMybZdIiCqV1LWlvY6gmVFUfbiYvPLU/s320/votives-lit.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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Here is how the candles appear when lit. I definitely feel a much more personal relationship with these votives than with just an ordinary candle. For me, this personal touch helps to bring me closer to my Higher Power while reading my 5th step.Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-5700782626540806912012-11-19T17:40:00.001-08:002013-02-23T18:15:27.661-08:00Step 11 Activity: Coloring Mandalas<br />
<b>Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with a Power greater than ourselves, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power the carry that out.</b><br />
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Supplies:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Print out of a mandala or use a child's coloring book</li>
<li>Crayons or colored pencils or markers</li>
</ul>
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What does it mean to meditate?<br />
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The word meditation may have originally come from two Latin words. Meditar means to think, to dwell upon and to exercise the mind. Mederi means to heal. The sanskrit term medha, which may also be associate with the term meditation, means wisdom.<br />
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When we hear the term "meditate," most of us imagine a spiritual practice where someone is sitting down, with their eyes closed and attempts to empty their mind. The goal of meditation is to relax, find an inner sense of peace and connect with a Higher Power. I like to think of prayer as talking to Higher Power and meditation as listening to Higher Power.<br />
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The term meditation covers a broad range of practices, in the same way that the term sports covers a broad range of activities. Yes, many people do meditate by sitting still in a quiet place and attempting to quiet the chatter in their minds. However, other people may meditate by gardening, jogging, spending time in nature, listening to music or guided imagery. Any activity which is engaged in mindfully, free from a lot of mental chatter, may serve effectively as meditation practice. For some people, a repetitive activity like washing dishes may be a meditation. <br />
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In Zen Buddhism, meditation done while walking is known as kinhin. Meditation done while engaging in a simple task mindfully is known as samu. Samu might include cooking, cleaning, gardening, or chopping wood.<br />
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For this 11th step activity, we will be performing a samu meditation in coloring mandalas. The entire process from choosing colors to the gentle, repetitive motion of your hand on the paper can serve to quiet your mind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LNQ7IkK3TILIBX3QD2nnYuToe_OPGxTWmDqQgU705bOBfxnf4PgdiRyzSpHyRgVGz2mglz_sTXCRH64sJp0QI2n-wGg_CAt0VR76m5LZMAKNoanKRssmScKRo6I_ey1QjdpWsNxUElg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-19+at+4.36.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LNQ7IkK3TILIBX3QD2nnYuToe_OPGxTWmDqQgU705bOBfxnf4PgdiRyzSpHyRgVGz2mglz_sTXCRH64sJp0QI2n-wGg_CAt0VR76m5LZMAKNoanKRssmScKRo6I_ey1QjdpWsNxUElg/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-08-19+at+4.36.32+PM.png" width="302" /></a></div>
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The word “mandala” is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit, which loosely translated means “circle.” However, a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself. Circles appear in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family and community. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas are employed for focusing attention, as a spiritual tool, for establishing sacred space and as an aid to meditation.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Feel free to print out the mandala above. Or there are an abundance of coloring mandalas that you can download from a variety of websites:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://coloringmandalas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coloring Mandalas Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.colormandala.com/" target="_blank">Color Mandala</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.coloringcastle.com/mandala_coloring_pages.html" target="_blank">Coloring Castle</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.coloring-book.info/coloring/coloring_page.php?id=209" target="_blank">Coloring Book website</a></li>
</ul>
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<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Or you can buy a coloring book of mandalas. There are several to choose from:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570625832/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1570625832&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Coloring Mandalas 1 by Susanne Fincher</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590300866/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1590300866&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Coloring Mandalas 2 by Susanne Fincher</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590303024/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1590303024&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Coloring Mandalas 3 by Susanne Fincher</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486456943/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486456943&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Mystical Mandala Coloring Book by Alberta Hutchinson</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1560440147/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1560440147&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book by Monique Mandali</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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Here is a mandala I colored:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CxsTtMDPxAMCqBLldesL0skdodZ-dTdz0GsIRYdskiiBZCPLWoP5PQshG4n1Iz6Wv9EytMu5L3fU7f5Mp0-62IM7JxQWTCJn_VN6lycLmGYRVEbE1NNUyJ0wKi7hKcGjjK0fpuETUlw/s1600/my+colored+mandala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CxsTtMDPxAMCqBLldesL0skdodZ-dTdz0GsIRYdskiiBZCPLWoP5PQshG4n1Iz6Wv9EytMu5L3fU7f5Mp0-62IM7JxQWTCJn_VN6lycLmGYRVEbE1NNUyJ0wKi7hKcGjjK0fpuETUlw/s320/my+colored+mandala.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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What do you think of coloring for recovery? What other activities have served as a samu meditation for you?</div>
Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-4362087848953146282012-11-18T14:02:00.000-08:002012-11-21T13:59:15.810-08:00The Music of My Recovery<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">"Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness." ~ Maya Angelou, <i>Gather Together in My Name</i></span></h4>
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<div>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">I find music to be an excellent tool for recovery. Music has the potential to bring forth just about any emotion. Some songs trigger me and make me want to turn to my addiction. But when chosen consciously, I have the ability to turn to music that instead inspires me to continue on in my recovery work. I have multiple playlists on my iPhone that I use at different times. As I've mentioned before, my recovery has been largely about learning to tolerate uncomfortable feelings. I think of recovery as strengthening weak muscles of emotions. If I can tolerate feeling sad for the duration of a song, that delays me - at least for the duration of that song - from turning to a substance or addictive behavior to numb out from that feeling. I have created playlists for each of the following:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/recovery-music-for-tolerating-sadness.html" target="_blank">Feelin' Blue</a> (sad songs)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Forgiveness (songs that inspire me to let go and forgive)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Laughter is the best medicine</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Listen up! (songs I listen to when I think I need a firm talking to)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Meditation (guided, musical meditations)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Meetings (this playlist is not music, but simply MP3 recordings of meetings I can listen to anytime, anywhere)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Pissed (my mix I listen to when I am feeling angry)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Whole Not Hole (that's the name of my primary recovery mix)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Here is a sampling of songs from my <b><i>Whole Not Hole</i></b> playlist, which is the one I turn to the most often when I'm noticing I'm slipping away from my recovery.</span><br />
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Angry Anymore by Ani DiFranco (good song for letting go of anger towards my parents) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M65EoJUKgAY" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062IO3DO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0062IO3DO&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Be Kind & Remind by Rogue Wave (reminds me to be kind and compassionate towards others and towards myself) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54jzkmxCOM4" target="_blank">youtube</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Beautiful by Christina Aguillera (reminds me that other people's opinions of me are none of my business) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAfyFTzZDMM" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006CXXU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006CXXU&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Better Now by Collective Soul (Take the time to reflect back and see the progress I've made) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13mYOXESv18" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YN47TI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YN47TI&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Better Things by The Kinks ("Hoping something better comes tomorrow... I know that better things are on the way...") <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdCVlmmnOzA" target="_blank">youtube with lyrics</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C3JTYM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001C3JTYM&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Breakable by Ingrid Michaelson (We are all fragile. Men have feelings, too.) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgZ_tu8s5Wk" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001736FQ2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001736FQ2&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Bright Glittering Gifts by Laura Veirs (There are unbelievable gifts found when facing my darkness) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNdG5KNN1CQ" target="_blank">youtube</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Change by Blind Melon (When life is hard, you have to change" or join a 12-step program!) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn1WbBaWTdc" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TE92VA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TE92VA&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Closer To Fine by Indigo Girls (helps me move away from black-white thinking) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUgwM1Ky228" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00137OJC4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00137OJC4&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Conversations with my 13-year Old Self by Pink (Great inner child song) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjToU8KAXyg" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XXY79O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000XXY79O&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Count Your Blessings by Rosemary Clooney (reminds me to practice gratitude) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th-DlJ3XsEI" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SF9OOU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000SF9OOU&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Crazy by Gnarls Barkley (reminds me I'm normal, even if I am a little bit crazy at times) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq_37nS7lBo" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013JXF86/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013JXF86&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Divine Intervention by Taking Back Sunday ("An act of God and nothing less will be accepted.") <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0pZ2fB8PgI" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VEEW4C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003VEEW4C&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Drive by Incubus (Reminds me not to let "my fear take the wheel and drive.") <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00137GALM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00137GALM&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Your Ex-Lover Is Dead by the Stars ("Live through this and you won't look back" lyrics remind me that this, too, will pass) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55FMOJMhV9s" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QM63QW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QM63QW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Feel So Different by Sinead O'Connor (how can I not love a song that starts with the Serenity Prayer?) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfYGfJmTy78" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TE917U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TE917U&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Feeling Good by Nina Simone (reminds me to appreciate solitute instead of feeling isolated and lonely) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8tuTSi6Sck" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W11EO8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W11EO8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Float On by Modest Mouse (things will work out however they will) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTAud5O7Qqk" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013FYKJS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013FYKJS&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">For No One by Zap Mama (no one is worth losing my sobriety over) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tir1pr-RjNo" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SEW46G/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000SEW46G&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Forever and Ever Amen by 8mm (We all have our ghosts and we all have that emptiness inside that only our HP can fill.) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAePNjeVGYI" target="_blank">youtube with lyrics</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I59AQG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001I59AQG&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Freak Me Out by Weezer (the line, "I know you don't mean no harm; you're just doing your thing" helps me ALL of the time. I sing this to myself even in small moments of frustration like when I miss a bus) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rATaLO7xx3A" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W2009M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W2009M&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Get It Together by India Arie (to heal my body I need to reveal the pain from my youth) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XKirCbflZU" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W11MFE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W11MFE&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Get Off the Internet by Le Tigre (I use the internet to check out a lot, so I like this reminder to unplug now and then and live my life) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUmQf6rIB2w" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007G0P7AA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007G0P7AA&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Get Right with God by Lucinda Williams (a happy upbeat song about turning my life around) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_9aTfGgF0c" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W1Q3U8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W1Q3U8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">If I Need to Move On by Ladybug Mecca ("There are times in your lif when you have to learn to let go. Embrace the experience so you can continue to grow. If your boat rocks, before it docks, you better still stay in the flow.") <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_ZasTyCJzU" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000US8BU8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000US8BU8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">In the Sun by Joseph Arthur (The AA Big Book suggests praying for people whom we are mad at. This song helps me do that.) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QotZ7TIaztw" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008U8HY5S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008U8HY5S&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">La La Lie by Jack's Mannequin (I've got [program] friends who will help me pull through.") <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGxPteSAZBE" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122B8SI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00122B8SI&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Laugh About It by Racoon (reminds me to find the humor in unpleasant situations) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOpVyu4FWhw" target="_blank">youtube</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Nervous Breakthrough by Luscious Jackson (reminds me that there are gifts that come from falling apart) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8Ky14_OWsc" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TDAZIA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TDAZIA&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Out of Time by Blur (reminds me to slow down and "feel he sunshine on my face") <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRkX1Up1vnc" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008WVLD/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00008WVLD&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Part of the Process by Morcheeba (reminds me progress, not perfection) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx6g0hVxCWU" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000095JWH/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000095JWH&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Promise by Mirah ("Promise to be kind" reminds me to be compassionate.) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3WH4d--FEM" target="_blank">youtube</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Searching by Blackalicious ("The struggle is the blessing.") <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0Z96fsMi2I" target="_blank">youtube</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Sit Down by James (reminds me to go to a meeting and sit down next to people like me) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew7Zkkucos8" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W19616/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W19616&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Strength, Courage and Wisdom by India Arie (encourages me to look inside for the courage to live the HOW of the program - Honest, Open & Willing) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK_bTOCLmN4" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W15BI8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W15BI8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Things Are What You Make of Them by Bishop Allen ("I was spending my days with my demons. They had taken up inside my heart. They were trying to keep me entertained; they were tearing me apart." Reminds me to hug my demon or it'll bite me in the butt as Pia Melody says.) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv2GoarIeD8" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QVXKFK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QVXKFK&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Today Has Been Okay by Emiliana Torrini <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFt7VKK6OP8" target="_blank">YouTube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010YLPRW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0010YLPRW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Today Will Be Better, I Swear! by Stars <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ena8xQckseo" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TPWLHQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TPWLHQ&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">What We Hate, We Make by The Rocket Summer ("I know that's not enough - to say 'I'm sorry."" This song helps me to find some forgiveness for myself.) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RGg7iqaxM" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052GVXCQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0052GVXCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Whether You Fall by Tracy Bonham (Reminds me to do the next right thing and accept when I work my program imperfectly). <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StPs0K3ilzg" target="_blank">you tube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OFR544/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001OFR544&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Wise Up by Aimee Mann (Keep coming back!) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_goEernujW8" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XTWTCM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008XTWTCM&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20">Amazon</a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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What songs inspire you to work your program and stay on your journey of recovery?</div>
</div>
Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-87437662658443130242012-11-17T10:46:00.002-08:002014-08-31T13:58:13.438-07:00Thanks Giving Recovery Art ProjectA common component of recovering from addiction is learning to practice gratitude. And what better month to honor that practice than the month of Thanksgiving.<br />
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For this week's recovery project, I asked the group to decorate canvas potholders in expressions of gratitude.<br />
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Supplies needed:<br />
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<ul>
<li>plain canvas potholders (available from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?requestURI=processProductsCatalog&categoryId=377320&sku=48/2148&BP=10879&ms=search&source=google&cm_mmc=google-_-PLA1-_-48/2148-_-productads-sku^48%2F2148-adtype^pla-adid^16304791568&ci_sku=48/2148&ci_src=17588969&ci_kw=&kwid=productads-sku^48%2F2148-adtype^pla-adid^16304791568" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Company</a>, currently for $13 / dozen)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0003WN0CA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0003WN0CA&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=IL7O2WARM67YGB5J" target="_blank">colored, fine-point permanent markers</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fmTSOpXiLn2kt5WcnUOu_Ni4_m9bE8iXhEWXmkRsnUysC4Yy0-rSFlYaiS8oLGMR6OaAm9jyGprZtIQuqeWMIdcKtECunixaXpVVyPCrLYaD_CVjNfwNJbf5Rk1kzxzITbz1jwF1DPw/s1600/potholder+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fmTSOpXiLn2kt5WcnUOu_Ni4_m9bE8iXhEWXmkRsnUysC4Yy0-rSFlYaiS8oLGMR6OaAm9jyGprZtIQuqeWMIdcKtECunixaXpVVyPCrLYaD_CVjNfwNJbf5Rk1kzxzITbz1jwF1DPw/s320/potholder+supplies.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
I introduced the activity: "This is an activity to recognize and acknowledge Thanksgiving. Holiday's can be a very challenging and triggering time for addicts. So it's important that we recognize them in our own ways. I encourage you to focus on the gratitude aspect of this holiday. And as the holiday tends to be focused on food, we are acknowledging that in using potholders as the medium on which to express our gratitude."<br />
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I was a bit nervous that the men in the group would think the project too girlie. But I was pleasantly surprised that they all participated. We invite people to participate in the art projects, but no one is required to. Some people prefer to use the time to do writing or simply meditate, and I support people in using the time in whatever way best meets their needs. We give everyone 15 minutes to work on the project, 5 minutes to wrap up or clean up and then return to a regular meeting format of sharing.<br />
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Here are a couple of examples of the work that came out of this week's group:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6TEmbfM4Zu5PgEJ1vsY-yGXWrqC_SCUts0MNTraFLKqZcN7Nd6hLU-Vu6U6YX-4kZ-9FBPV7O6PZjuDERtJ7BssORuCGVl66-kqc0W9t_Crmka0fFK5VcYzhk0Iq0PdemX5ac6hyphenhyphenSM8/s1600/finished+potholders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6TEmbfM4Zu5PgEJ1vsY-yGXWrqC_SCUts0MNTraFLKqZcN7Nd6hLU-Vu6U6YX-4kZ-9FBPV7O6PZjuDERtJ7BssORuCGVl66-kqc0W9t_Crmka0fFK5VcYzhk0Iq0PdemX5ac6hyphenhyphenSM8/s320/finished+potholders.jpg" height="320" width="199" /></a></div>
Again, as I've mentioned before, we encourage people not to focus too much on creating "art," but just expressing themselves creatively, as a child might.<br />
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What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-47508391732412559842012-11-16T22:24:00.000-08:002014-08-31T13:32:54.722-07:00Step 3 Activity: Create a God Box<br />
<b>Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.</b><br />
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God boxes have been around and in use way before Mary Lou Quinlan popularized them with her book, The God Box, released in 2012. I have assigned this task to each of my sponsees working on their third step since I first began attending 12 step meetings in 2005. And I learned about them from my sponsor who learned about them from her sponsor and so on. Their tenacity within 12 step programs likely comes from how effective they are in aiding us in turning our lives over to a Higher Power (HP). I find the use of my God Box to be the most tangible way of turning my will and my life over to the care of my Higher Power. The physical act of handing a piece of paper over to God has deepened my understanding of what it means to turn something over, to surrender.<br />
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You can use any box or basket or bowl as a God Box. All you need is something that can contain little slips of paper. However, I think the act of decorating a God Box makes it more meaningful for me. These boxes (or baskets or bowls) are basically the equivalent of a mailbox for God. I collect boxes all year long. Generally, I save any box smaller than a shoe box (though people have used shoeboxes and even larger boxes). I have used business card boxes, candy boxes, jewelry boxes, medication boxes, cell phone boxes, cigar boxes, boxes that small electronics come in (headphones), boxes that fancy skin products have come in, stationary boxes, cigar boxes, gift boxes, small shipping boxes and even baby wipe boxes.<br />
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Supplies:<br />
-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001767QPS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001767QPS&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=X24WKAID6VEE2J6D" target="_blank">boxes</a> (again, any kind or size will do)<br />
-collage materials (magazines, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BN03F2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001BN03F2&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=76GBVBOBBXIZIVMN" target="_blank">origami paper</a>, wrapping paper, old calendars, stickers, scrapbooking supplies, old greeting cards, books, colored paper, etc)<br />
-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B55RGY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002B55RGY&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=QA3BSH73GOX74KDH" target="_blank">glue sticks</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCJQNFVyGXy243mnj4KoCb47iy3iz7Sh86hN3SFXCmFNnkqkDYrE234Vi_xYT8jSj1dEJMx1U6yPuDHfRpZvhQZYeyoGBm8kzQQqVf4hMY4GekosDM2KWMMZ_W6Ktb481N7EQevCMc-k/s1600/boxes+for+god+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCJQNFVyGXy243mnj4KoCb47iy3iz7Sh86hN3SFXCmFNnkqkDYrE234Vi_xYT8jSj1dEJMx1U6yPuDHfRpZvhQZYeyoGBm8kzQQqVf4hMY4GekosDM2KWMMZ_W6Ktb481N7EQevCMc-k/s320/boxes+for+god+boxes.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
OPTIONAL (require use of a liquid glue such as Elmer's):<br />
-small beads,<br />
-rhinestones,<br />
-feathers<br />
-glitter or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KW068I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001KW068I&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=GN24ZKJ7IWHSJ5L5" target="_blank">glitter glue</a><br />
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The instructions are easy - have fun decorating your boxes! Here are how a few of mine have turned out:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEz5jaxn0cLmQWm9C_ybNmvsacQH5yPhVGRHHtdlYFamFZz-5ij8nd8DO2qV-kSb1ZSxlfh9A4NOsW_koPP2SVvz3YDwwcowtzzm04zQxqC8Li6JLKymaoJpduKDsBrDkZeg3Mphmuik/s1600/god+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEz5jaxn0cLmQWm9C_ybNmvsacQH5yPhVGRHHtdlYFamFZz-5ij8nd8DO2qV-kSb1ZSxlfh9A4NOsW_koPP2SVvz3YDwwcowtzzm04zQxqC8Li6JLKymaoJpduKDsBrDkZeg3Mphmuik/s320/god+boxes.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
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So, now what do I do with this God box? Basically, the idea is to write down anything you are worried about and put it into the box, asking God to take care of it for you. Of course, like with any prayer, placing the item in the box, you are releasing HOW your Higher Power will go about taking care of the problem for you. You must let go of the outcome. Here are some examples of things I put into my God Box:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxjNY948ysocum5ZTO_GnrwZuCoBidavCGk-Sj6fvn0cVrb7kpMfTvbNbpTPaqsFI5c6O4YXgWyA7UNPI2pPk-XLSZBEUUrR4R_iC2AxNKtXomDZmD_rP0Zz-t_fRhYc7L9YuIMvileE/s1600/god+box+contents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxjNY948ysocum5ZTO_GnrwZuCoBidavCGk-Sj6fvn0cVrb7kpMfTvbNbpTPaqsFI5c6O4YXgWyA7UNPI2pPk-XLSZBEUUrR4R_iC2AxNKtXomDZmD_rP0Zz-t_fRhYc7L9YuIMvileE/s320/god+box+contents.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some people write out the things they are turning over as a full prayer. They may write out, "Dear God, please help me with... Thank you. Love, ME." But I find I have lots of things I want to put in there, so I just get right down to the issue. Again, reading from my items in the photo above, you can see I don't ask for a specific outcome. I wrote "whether or not my family likes their Christmas presents," not "Please make my family like their Christmas presents." The act is turning the outcome over. The request is really, "Dear HP, please help me stop worrying whether or not my family will like their presents."<br />
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Although some people suggest never revisiting the items placed in your God box, I have a ritual that I have found very meaningful. Every New Year's, I empty the contents of my God box. I unfold each piece of paper, read it and toss it in a fire. What I love most about this ritual is seeing the things I spent so much time worrying over and realizing how they all worked themselves out. It's a good reminder that I don't need to worry so much, especially when I turn things over to my HP.<br />
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Links to others' stories about their God boxes:<br />
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<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/relationships/inside-god-box-00000000045743/index.html" target="_blank">Inside the God Box on Real Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegodboxproject.com/" target="_blank">The God Box app by Mary Lou Quinlan</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2170055_god-box.html" target="_blank">eHow to make a God Box</a><br />
<a href="http://recoveryemporium.com/Shop/God%20Boxes.htm" target="_blank">pre-made God boxes</a><br />
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What do you want to put into your God box today?Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-48732441934155288552012-11-15T20:31:00.000-08:002013-03-16T09:55:49.847-07:00Step 2 Activity: Create an Altar in your Home<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Step 2: Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">This is an activity that is usually somewhat on-going. I have multiple altars in my home and the items on them tend to rotate. I add new items as I feel different needs arise and move items away as other issues fade into the background.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 30px;">A personal altar can serve multiple purposes. Mine serves as a reminder to stay connected with my Higher Power. The actions of moving objects on and off of the altar helps to provide a physical action that represents my intentions in my life. For instance, if I am noticing I'm taking life too seriously and feel the need to add more play into my life, I will move a small toy or stuffed animal onto my altar. When I am going through a large change or life transition, I add a </span><span style="line-height: 30px;">butterfly</span><span style="line-height: 30px;"> to my altar to symbolize metamorphosis. An altar can simultaneously be a spiritual experience and a creative outlet.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Steps for creating your altar:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">First, ask yourself a few questions - what does Higher Power mean to me? When I think of Higher Power, what symbols or colors come to mind? What feelings and attributes do I associate with my Higher Power - love, devotion, protection, partnership?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Collect or create meaningful items for your altar. Select things that are personally meaningful to you. Some items that are commonly included on altars are candles, incense or essential oil burners, crystals, scarves or sage. But choose what items are meaningful to you personally. You may not use any of these items on your own altar.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Next, ask yourself where you want to set up your altar. I have an altar in my bedroom where I see it as the last thing before I fall asleep and the first thing as I wake up. If you will be meditating by your altar, you may want to choose a place where you can set up a meditation cushion.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 30px;">Choose which of your objects will be the focal point of your altar. If you follow a </span><span style="line-height: 30px;">religious</span><span style="line-height: 30px;"> practice, this item might</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;"> be religious symbols such as a cross or </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Buddha statue or statue of the goddess Lakshmi. You may have photos of important religious figures such as the Dalai Lama or Mother Theresa. You may have religious books such as the Koran, Bible or Torah. Alternatively, if you affiliate Higher Power strongly with nature, you may choose to use a natural element such as a rock, flowers or water as your focal point. (See the list below for other ideas, any of which may be the focal point for you - again, choose something that is meaningful to you personally).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">You may want to meditate, at least briefly, before setting up your altar. Then simply trust your intuition as to where you want your items to be placed on your altar.</span></li>
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Ideas for objects that may honor your connection with nature:</u><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">f</span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">lowers as a symbol of what can grow up and blossom out of mud and dirt, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">l</span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">eaves </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">a live plant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">dried rose petals (Collect your own from an old bouquet or available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=dried%20rose%20petals&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20">Amazon</a>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">gem stones</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">shells (Collect your own or available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=sea%20shells&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20">Amazon</a>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -24px;">If you want to have an altar focused on </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -24px;">the</span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -24px;"> elements, you can </span><a href="http://crystal-cure.com/element-stones.html" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -24px;" target="_blank">read information on which stones represent which elements</a><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -24px;"> and choose stones from each element (earth, wind, fire and water).</span></li>
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<u style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -24px;">To symbolize your commitment to your recovery:</u><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Recovery literature as a reminder to stay in the solution, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">written notes, affirmations or slogans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">your <a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/diy-personalized-recovery-chips.html" target="_blank">recovery chips</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-3-create-god-box.html" target="_blank">your God Box</a></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>A nod to Step 11: Prayer & Meditation - Prayer beads</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">Prayer beads are used in many different religions. Regardless of what religion you affiliate with or if you consider yourself non-denominational, prayer beads can be a nice addition to an altar. Here is a list of the types of beads used in some religious practices:</span><br />
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<li style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Catholics - </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=rosaries&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">rosaries</a></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Eastern Orthodox Christian - </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=prayer%20ropes&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" style="text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">prayer ropes</a></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Greek worry beads called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=komboloi&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">komboloi</a></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Hinduism & Buddhism - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=japa%20mala&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Japa Mala</a> (also 108 beads)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Islam - beads representing 99 Names of Allah referred to as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y6LZKU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004Y6LZKU&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Misbaha</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SFZDAO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005SFZDAO&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Tasbih</a> or Sibha</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lutheran Church - Pearls of Life</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">Sikhism - mala of 108 beads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">Tibetan Buddhism - </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=prayer%20beads&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">prayer beads</a></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Please share with us - what objects have you placed on your recovery altar?</span>Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-32872519014761151472012-11-14T10:24:00.000-08:002013-02-23T18:16:53.223-08:00Step 2 Activity Ideas<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For our second step recovery activities, we will explore what our Higher power means to us each as an individual. We will also explore what it means to be "restored to sanity."</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 30px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">DRAMA</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">: Take out two
socks from your sock drawer. One sock is
to represent your addictive / “insane” self and the other sock is to represent
your recovered / “sane” self. Put one
sock on each hand and have them talk to one another. Even if they say only one sentence each, what
do they have to say to one another? If you're feeling really inspired, you can decorate the socks to make it more obvious which one is the "insane" one and which is the "sane" one.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">MUSIC: Write a song,
learn to play / sing a song or make a music playlist</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">that you can listen to that describes insanity. Make another song/playlist </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">that reflects your image of or feelings toward a Higher
Power. This can be a standard love song
that you interpret as a song to your Higher Power rather than a song to a human
love interest.</span></li>
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<!--EndFragment-->Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-83523447934759872602012-11-13T22:49:00.000-08:002014-08-31T13:50:17.564-07:0012-Sided Recovery Dice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We will be creating a 12-sided dice. On each of the sides, you will write or draw something representing a tool of the program. Then, when you are struggling or tempted to engage with your addiction, you can roll the dice and use a tool instead.</div>
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Supplies:</div>
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<ul>
<li>paper with template printed onto it</li>
<li>a pen or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K9DKIA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000K9DKIA&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=MCRQ4JQ6ELY62PTW" target="_blank">colored markers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NHU2Y4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NHU2Y4&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">double-sided tape</a> or a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E69WBW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001E69WBW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=ECAAMSEXVBJC46ZF" target="_blank">glue stick</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002M9EUO4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002M9EUO4&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20&linkId=X5JVWQXNV4RXFIU5" target="_blank">scissors</a></li>
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The template for the 12-sided dice comes in the workbook. However, if you don't have the workbook, you can print out the image above as an 8.5" x 11" document. You can select whatever tools of hte program you want to use. </div>
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Here is a long list for you to choose from:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyNsYTYS3WXVY8j98dkKnpzHcQD73jrGDjmOEivWMEUa6Yaf_tFNnjjMrOvW20Wh1lKBpELUMZkhg-pJXDs_17KdTHO0uUqZEBxdBXJeUSLbeaOTgUhpjf1sBAFY_b7gZb4Wia8b0jYY/s1600/12-sided+dice+template.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyNsYTYS3WXVY8j98dkKnpzHcQD73jrGDjmOEivWMEUa6Yaf_tFNnjjMrOvW20Wh1lKBpELUMZkhg-pJXDs_17KdTHO0uUqZEBxdBXJeUSLbeaOTgUhpjf1sBAFY_b7gZb4Wia8b0jYY/s320/12-sided+dice+template.jpeg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Get Current / out of isolation:</div>
<ul>
<li>Go to a meeting</li>
<li>Make a program call</li>
<li>Go to therapy</li>
<li>Spend time with a friend</li>
<li>Share at a meeting</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Writing:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Write a gratitude list</li>
<li>Write a tenth step</li>
<li>Journal</li>
<li>Work on steps with a sponsor</li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-3-create-god-box.html" target="_blank">God box</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Connect with HP:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Pray</li>
<li><a href="http://creative12steps.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-11-activity-coloring-mandalas.html" target="_blank">Meditate</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read program literature:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1893007170/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1893007170&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">AA big book</a> or main text of any program you're in</li>
<li>Read the first step in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0916856011/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0916856011&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">AA's twelve and twelve</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be of service<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Volunteer work</li>
<li>Offer to sponsor someone</li>
<li>Call a newcomer and ask how they're doing</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Self-care:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Exercise</li>
<li>Go for a walk</li>
<li>Get a massage</li>
<li>Take a bath</li>
<li>Make a healthy meal</li>
<li>Cuddle with a pet</li>
<li>Address HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)</li>
<li>Take a nap</li>
<li>Go to a yoga class</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use Slogans:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>“Easy does it”</li>
<li>HOW (honesty, open-mindedness and willingness)</li>
<li>Count sobriety days</li>
<li>“One day at a time”</li>
<li>“Progress Not Perfection”</li>
<li>“Stick around for the miracle”</li>
<li>“Keep coming back, it works”</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After you have written or drawn something on each of the twelve sides, you will need to cut out the edges of the dice. Be careful not to cut off the tabs along the edges, as you will need these to glue your dice together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After you have cut the template out, next you will fold the tabs all down and make folds wherever there is a printed line from the template. As you fold, you should see how the dice will be coming together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After you have made all of your folds, then you can begin to tape or glue the tabs beneath the adjacent pentagons. Nobody's cube ever turns out perfectly. But in the end, you should have something that looks similar to this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW52ofcbwly3Te4VxPwhoHyVKCqp8mPp4RfEZLRVbxlmNqPIZYIUQmKx-NM7s2HZVDDviKFu68LN-oNLGAKJDO5RGzMTudkaa3jaOD0LK6LyCR4ClBkHQ8w45-cw023BVr_B_D_clnLk/s1600/12-sided+program+dice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW52ofcbwly3Te4VxPwhoHyVKCqp8mPp4RfEZLRVbxlmNqPIZYIUQmKx-NM7s2HZVDDviKFu68LN-oNLGAKJDO5RGzMTudkaa3jaOD0LK6LyCR4ClBkHQ8w45-cw023BVr_B_D_clnLk/s320/12-sided+program+dice.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you're finished...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Try rolling the dice. Isn't using the tools more fun this way?</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-77130562526253366762012-11-12T10:04:00.000-08:002013-02-23T18:17:42.588-08:00Step 1 Activity Ideas<b>Step 1: We admitted we were powerless [over our addiction] - that our lives had become unmanageable.</b><br />
<br />
Part of recovery and coming out of withdrawal from a substance or addictive behavior - one day at a time - is learning to tolerate uncomfortable feelings. Here is a list of some creative activities that are focused on finding safe ways to express our emotions. One of the most dangerous emotions for alcoholics and addicts is anger or resentment, so I will focus on that emotion in this post, but you can do any of these same activities for any other emotion, such as sadness, loneliness, or fear. You may have heard the nemonic HALT (<span style="color: red;"><b>H</b></span>ungry, <span style="color: red;"><b>A</b></span>ngry, <span style="color: red;"><b>L</b></span>onely, <span style="color: red;"><b>T</b></span>ired), so try to be especially mindful when feelings of anger or loneliness come up, as we are more vulnerable to acting out in our addictions during these times.<br />
<br />
Creative Activities:<br />
<br />
1. MUSIC: Make a playlist of songs that you can listen to, dance to and/or sing along to when you are feeling angry. I have found songs and playlists very useful, as they give me a specific, limited period of time during which I can practice tolerating an uncomfortable feeling. I also feel less alone, as I hear someone else's voice describing through music what I am feeling. If you are musically inclined, you could alternatively write your own song or learn to play or sing a song that expresses anger.<br />
<br />
2. POETRY: Try making a Haiku about anger. Haikus are poems that have a rhythmic pattern. The first line has 7 syllables, the second line has 5 syllables and the last line has 7 syllables. You do not need to write in complete sentences. You can select nouns and adjectives to reflect your angry mood.<br />
<br />
3. SPOKEN WORD: Volunteer to be a speaker at a 12-step meeting. Tell the story of why you came to 12-step. What are you powerless over and how has it made your life unmanageable?<br />
<br />
4. VISUAL: Draw, paint or photograph an image to go with this quote by Pia Mellody: "Hug your demons or they'll bite you in the @$$." Here is a simple little illustration I created as an example:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QwECHETnnThbZ3LJn_j9dUBYvdDcfjJNSe2W7AHdo-npZDTg-_WTEn_QweR-XpXv68T6MBp6EhOafKRv47tB66Aj2pIjKRmSMbrdxiD3mB90yxLvt0L74oONdvDaALwW0aJt28-dmSk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-18+at+5.56.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QwECHETnnThbZ3LJn_j9dUBYvdDcfjJNSe2W7AHdo-npZDTg-_WTEn_QweR-XpXv68T6MBp6EhOafKRv47tB66Aj2pIjKRmSMbrdxiD3mB90yxLvt0L74oONdvDaALwW0aJt28-dmSk/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-11-18+at+5.56.28+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
5. WRITING: Make a list of 10 reasons NOT to engage in the behavior you have turned to 12-step to seek help for. This can be 10 reasons not to drink alcohol, 10 reasons I don't want to use drugs, 10 reasons not to gamble, etc. For some programs, especially those for problem behaviors, you may want to be more specific. For instance, if you are in Debtors Anonymous, you may want to write 10 reasons not to use a credit card or 10 reasons not to watch the QVC shopping channel on tv. For sex addiction, you may want to make a list of 10 reasons I don't want to look at porn or 10 reasons not to contact my qualifier whom I've been cheating on my spouse with.<br />
<br />
6. <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">DANCE / DRAMA: Consider inviting a friend to join you
in this activity.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">This activity may also
be used in a group setting.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Like
charades, without words or sounds AND without facial expressions, use your body
– through movement or dance – to convey specific feelings.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Focus on keeping your face neutral while
letting the emotion out in your body.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Have your partner guess what emotion you are conveying.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Take turns.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Between the two of you, make sure you convey these three: angry, sad and
scared.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">You may choose other emotions as
well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Do you have any other ideas for using the arts to work your first step? If so, please share them as well!</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-38066505090818393862012-11-11T23:44:00.000-08:002012-11-21T14:40:42.552-08:00DIY Personalized Recovery ChipsRecovery chips, also referred to as AA coins or 12-step medallions, are given out in honor of one's period of sobriety. Different programs offer chip meetings, though chips are not generally given out at smaller meetings. Chips for smaller periods of abstience, such as 24 hours, 1 month or 3 months are often made from plastic. Longer periods may be in aluminum, such as for 6-months, 9-months or a year. Past that, anniversary or birthday chips are often made from bronze.<br />
<br />
One side of the chip may read, "To Thine Own Self Be True" and show a triangle with Unity, Service and Recovery on each of its sides. On the back, you will often see the Serenity Prayer:<br />
<br />
God, grant me the serenity<br />
to accept the things I cannot change<br />
the courage to change the things I can<br />
and the wisdom to know the difference.<br />
<br />
Our Self-Expression meeting, where I lead our art projects, does not have a 7th Tradition large enough to fund offering chips. However, for many, this is their home group and those people expressed a desire to receive a chip at their home group meeting. So to accommodate this wish, I decided we would make our own chips using Shrinky Dinks! This project was a little more difficult to orchestrate as I had to borrow a toaster oven so we could bake our chips during the meeting.<br />
<br />
Supplies needed:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002H9RS66/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002H9RS66&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Shrinky Dink sheets</a> (currently available for $22 / set of 50 sheets)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=colored%20pencils&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">colored pencils</a> - do NOT use colored markers as the colors will fade</li>
<li>any round object, roughly 3.25" in diameter (if you want to make them turn out roughly the size of a standard chip)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CVTT3Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002CVTT3Y&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">toaster oven</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
OPTIONAL (if you want to turn them into key chains):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001DT3ZE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001DT3ZE&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">hole punch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007UOYYYM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007UOYYYM&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">1.25" split key rings</a> (currently available for $1.90 / 24 rings)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrYqDk6bHVr7pigPbj4DhGP2JBWGbZNsf6iVOwE2rUt1iCeIVKOg0aao3pPu9_zza7pek0FgUbhnxjzNioHEn-ZaDQtkOaIuKU_FbWUQBcnOOPchy4EZ-Lrce9j8c3_0hHnDiFIvHBwA/s1600/shrinky+dink+prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrYqDk6bHVr7pigPbj4DhGP2JBWGbZNsf6iVOwE2rUt1iCeIVKOg0aao3pPu9_zza7pek0FgUbhnxjzNioHEn-ZaDQtkOaIuKU_FbWUQBcnOOPchy4EZ-Lrce9j8c3_0hHnDiFIvHBwA/s320/shrinky+dink+prep.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
Instructions:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Trace the outline of your 3.25" diameter round object (I used the base of a drinking glass).</li>
<li>Cut the round chip out.</li>
<li>OPTIONAL: If you are going to want to make key chains, you will need to cut the hole before baking. I used a standard hole-punch and cut an area equal to 3 hole-punch holes to create a hole large enough to accommodate our split key rings.</li>
<li>Color and write on your chip. Any areas you leave uncolored will appear somewhat translucent so I recommend coloring in as much of the plastic as you can. I wrote down my specific anniversary dates for my programs and then the current number of years I've been in each program. But you can also simply write a meaningful slogan that inspires you to remain sober. Here are some sample slogans you might choose to use:</li>
</ol>
<div>
<ul><ul><ul>
<li>Stick around for the miracle.</li>
<li>This too shall pass.</li>
<li>You are not alone.</li>
<li>Turn it over.</li>
<li>Progress, not perfection.</li>
<li>But for the grace of God.</li>
<li>Attitude of Gratitude.</li>
<li>Courage to Change</li>
<li>Easy Does It</li>
<li>One Day at a Time</li>
<li>Just for Today</li>
<li>Happy, Joyous and Free</li>
<li>Let Go and Let God</li>
<li>Keep Coming Back</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pre-heat the toaster oven (or conventional oven if you don't have a toaster oven) to 325 F</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Cut a rectangular shape out of a brown grocery
bag and turn one corner up (turned up corner will be the handle you will use to
remove the Shrinky Dink from the tray or cookie sheet)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Place Shrinky Dink pieces, colored side up, on
brown paper and place on tray or cookie sheet. Put into pre-heated oven.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Watch as your Shrinky Dinks shrink. Bake
approximately 1 to 3 minutes or until pieces lay flat (they will initially
curl during the process as they shrink).</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If pieces are too large, they may curl and the edges may adhere to
itself permanently.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Remove paper from tray or cookie sheet.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Lightly press flat with a folded paper or a
pad of paper until pieces have cooled (approximately 15 seconds).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">OPTIONAL: If you are making key chains, I advise putting the chips onto the slip-rings as soon as possible. The warm plastic will allow the chip to slip more easily onto the ring with less risk of the chip cracking in the process.</span></li>
</ul>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Your final chip should look something like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf_TFresSgz0tEQHnfOdIjK5P4dMXsgkt9GzITzwWrXRLuCbPxVWsazXyKTy5VsEf18qvCS_TuIzAbOCmUmqMSUilpa5Hv-Y4sh8Ja41t3ZeJxu-LdABfp-JniFy_K2V0mFtQ0LsKNmc/s1600/shrinky+dink+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf_TFresSgz0tEQHnfOdIjK5P4dMXsgkt9GzITzwWrXRLuCbPxVWsazXyKTy5VsEf18qvCS_TuIzAbOCmUmqMSUilpa5Hv-Y4sh8Ja41t3ZeJxu-LdABfp-JniFy_K2V0mFtQ0LsKNmc/s320/shrinky+dink+chips.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
We wish you a Happy Birthday or Anniversary however long you've been in recovery - whether for 24 hours or 24 years, whether for less or for even more!Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308747108753731556.post-22656250680415576912012-11-10T14:29:00.000-08:002012-11-21T14:33:15.145-08:00Recovery Music for Tolerating Sadness<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">He who hears music, feels his solitude peopled at once. ~Robert Browning</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">I find music to be an excellent tool for recovery. Music has the potential to bring forth just about any emotion. Some songs trigger me and make me want to turn to my addiction. But when chosen consciously, I have the ability to turn to music that instead inspires me to continue on in my recovery work. I have multiple playlists on my iPhone that I use at different times. As I've mentioned before, my recovery has been largely about learning to tolerate uncomfortable feelings. I think of recovery as strengthening weak muscles of emotions. If I can tolerate feeling sad for the duration of a song, that delays me - at least for the duration of that song - from turning to a substance or addictive behavior to numb out from that feeling. I have created playlists for various emotions. Here is a sampling of the songs on my <i><b>Feelin' Blue</b></i> or sad playlist:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">A Better Son / Daughter by Rilo Kiley </span><a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rilokiley/abettersondaughter.html" style="font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">lyrics</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0sy7y54XAE" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015K81HI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0015K81HI&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Breathe Through by Annie Stella <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxOxatWgtl4" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I3MIWG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001I3MIWG&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Colorblind by Counting Crows <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0s7ycdUcHk" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W0YOUA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W0YOUA&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Crying by Roy Orbison <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSrdWK4t3XY" target="_blank">youtube with lyrics</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Crying%20Roy%20Orbison&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>For the Damaged by Blonde Redhead <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUPBj6yso3g" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WATF8G/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WATF8G&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Good Day by The Dresden Dolls <a href="http://www.dresdendolls.com/downloads_n_lyrics/lyrics/good_day_vanilla.htm" target="_blank">lyrics</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BigHGSqg68E" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011ZR3MQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0011ZR3MQ&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>I Didn't Mean to Hurt You by Spiritualized <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwL3siS5OUI" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013AL7H6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013AL7H6&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>I Haven't Been Me by Once Blue <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJCULGHMhZ4" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FA8R8Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003FA8R8Y&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>I'm Safer On an Airplane by Copeland <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHcXhqopGRM" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P8HI10/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006P8HI10&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>In Spite of Me by Morphine <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CUT9m3fGqM" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RZ2G7M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001RZ2G7M&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Lest I Forget by The One AM Radio <a href="http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858651998/" target="_blank">lyrics</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pesrTnLViDk" target="_blank">youtube</a></li>
<li>The Littlest Birds by the Be Good Tanyas <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIhpkEkC4c" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UVJ6KG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003UVJ6KG&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Loro by Pinback <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_qqTxhXy7k" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HRRMN8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001HRRMN8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Nobody Knows Me At All by the Weepies <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBzA76QGgz8" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X44US8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003X44US8&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Ocean Night Song by Laura Veirs <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0H24N6BUGo" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001208X4M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001208X4M&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack by the Liars <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvTkTT_Ht80" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SZKS7W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000SZKS7W&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Shame by Smashing Pumpkins <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqwsO4SQBGU" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TDYSOW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TDYSOW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
<li>Sometimes I Still Feel the Bruise by Trembling Blue Stars <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCPbr8iLXE8" target="_blank">youtube</a></li>
<li>Son of a Bi+(H by Eels <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1KtBjx6SWc" target="_blank">youtube</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OAX6YW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001OAX6YW&linkCode=as2&tag=creguithrthe1-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></li>
</ul>
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If you are feeling blue, but having a hard time sitting with those feelings, check out the songs from this list or consider creating a sad playlist of your own.<br />
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What songs would you put on your sad playlist?</div>
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Creative Guide thru 12 Stepshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369916747845075945noreply@blogger.com1