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I know you talented, creative scsers can help me. I need some ideas....quotes, sayings or just plain words of encouragement for a recovering alcoholic (thank God for AA). My son is in the program and I would like to send him cards of encouragement occasionally. I am really proud of him and I have told him every time I speak to him, but I think a card every once in a while will help. :grin: Thanks in advance.
I wish I had some brilliant ideas, but I am fresh out! I think it's great that you are so supportive, and I think you're right--a card every once in awhile is surely something he will treasure!
I think something simple like 'Keep it up' or 'I'm proud of you' would be good.
If he has a sense of humor about it (and maybe if he's new to the program now wouldn't be the time...maybe a little further into the process would be better), you could do something like an umbrella/rain with 'Stay Dry' or a wagon set and something about staying on the wagon. (I hope you're not offended...that's just my warped sense of humor!)
That's great that he has taken this positive step--it's a hard thing to do, but so important.
We're who we're today not because of our successes and victories but because of how we responded to our challenges.
We stretch ourselves and expand our capacities when faced with challenges.
Embrace our challenges and be thankful for the challenges.
On 20/20 hindsight, they were helping us grow and evolve.
They were enabling us to become a better person.
They were preparing us to pursue our bigger goals and dreams.
Don't be frustrated by the challenges of life but use the opportunity to learn the lessons of life.
They come into our life at the right time and in the right way to pave the path for bigger and better things for us.
Witness the miracles that will happen in our life when we learn the lessons from the challenges and grow from them.
We live in a magical Universe.
-- Pas Paskaran
I love the ideas about the umbrella/stay dry and the wagon. I don't think you have a warped sense of humor...your suggestions are right in line with my sense of humor and my son's as well. We have used humor to get over a lot of bad times. Thanks again.
Wow, I knew I could count on you ladies to help me. Now, I have humorous ideas as well as serious. I figure I can alternate my card's messages. He will never know what to expect. Hey, kind of like life. O-o-o- I am so deep.
I was just pulling out my A Muse guitar guy stamp for a little notecard to my DH - I'm going to put "You Rock My World" (we're moving and have been living apart for 2 months now, and he needs a little encouragement, too!). I think it is so nice of you to do this for your son - I'm sure he will really appreciate it.
__________________ ~ Jennifer Ellefson Created From Paper, a paper crafting blog
Congratulations to your son for seeking recovery and kudos to you for all your support! The Hazelden website is a great resource for quotes and words of encouragement (in fact they have a Thought For the Day daily email you can sign up for that although aimed at those in recovery, can speak to anyone). Here are some other quotes that I found in my "stash" that you might be able to use:
That the birds of worry and care
fly about your head
This you cannot change
But that they build nests in your hair
This you can prevent.
-- Chinese Proverb
The Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
-- Chinese proverb
You had better live your best and act your best and think your best today: for today is the sure preparation for tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow.
--Harriet Martineau
One day at a time,
This is enough.
Do not look back and grieve over the past.
For it is gone. . .
And do not be troubled about the future.
For it has not yet come.
Live in the present, and make it so beautiful.
That it will be worth remembering.
--From the 12 Step Prayer Book
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly....
--Antoine de Saint Exupery
The winds of grace are blowing all the time.
You have only to raise your sail.
--Sri Ramakrishna
We have no right to ask, when sorrow comes, Why did this happen to me? unless we ask the same question for every joy that comes our way.
--Philip S. Bernstein
It only takes one person to change your life--you.
--Ruth Casey
Also, I have an AA/NA serenity prayer stamp. I'd be glad to send you some images if you'd like - just PM me!
I find that it is not the circumstances in which we are placed, but the spirit in which we face them, that constitutes our comfort.
-Elizabeth T. King
Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby.
-Ruth Renkel
Accept the pain, cherish the joys, resolve the regrets, then can come the best of benedictions: "If I had my life to live over, I'd do it all the same."
-Joan McIntosh
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
-Carl Bird
The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
-- Chinese Proverb
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." -- Charlotte Bronte
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow." -- Maya Angelou
The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears.
-- John Vance Cheney
Success is a journey, not a destination.
-Ben Sweetland
Change. It has the power to uplift, to heal, to stimulate, surprise, open new doors, bring fresh experience and create excitement in life. Certainly it is worth the risk.
-Leo Buscaglia
"The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination." Deborah James
I really want to thank all of you for your input. I have told many people about this site and how creative you all are, and how it seems like a big family. It is comforting to know that a person can come here and ask for help and get help and hugs. Thanks again.
Can't think of anything specific but you are welcome to check out my encouragement thread - maybe you can glean something from it. Praying the very best for you.
Do you have Happy Harmony? I like this saying from it and used it when my son was having difficulties in college. No where near what your son and family is going through, but several people like it. "Dreams come a size too big so we can grow into them." It also has "It's the little things that make life big."
Not trying to 'diss anyone here with their kind, gentle, uplifting words of encouragement. But just in case you're looking to be a little more lighthearted (ok, so maybe you weren't...I just can't shut up at this point!) here are a few that have worked for me. (Three family members in AA, one in NA, another dry but in partial denial, another still drinking and in total denial.)
- Congrats on kicking the bottle! It beats kicking the bucket, doesn't it?
- Let me know when I should replenish your chocolate, coffee and cigs.
- So. What're you gonna spend all of your newfound cash on?
- DUI: Definitely Underestimated the Influence
- Yup. Take it out on me. Until you feel stable, just think of me as "Mom: The Emotional Tampon." [or Sis, or _____, it doesn't have to be mom."
- Life, Part Deux -- Sobriety Rules!
- You don't need new glasses. I really did get old and fat while you were drunk.
- ODAT - who knew it didn't really mean One Drunken Angry Troll?
- It works when you work it...and I know it's working you over right now. I'm here when you're ready.
__________________ Hi...My Name is Kaylyn...I'm An Alphaholic.
[B]
I just read this as a tagline on an email (no author credited). I think it is appropriate for encouragement after a slip (so I hope you won't need to use it for your son) but I thought it was still inspirational so decided to share it:
People may fail many times, but they become failures only when they begin to blame someone else. Experience is determined by yourself -- not the circumstances of your life.
Thanks to all of you for your replies. Kaylyn, those little lines are really over the top. My son and I have a really great relationship and we are always kidding and jabbing at each other. Those lines fit right in for us. I think the serious lines that the others have given me will be great to slip in once in a while. I am sure he needs seriousness occasionally when silliness just won't do. The talent and caring of the people here at scs just amazes me. You ladies rock!!!
Encouragement
