As any newcomer can tell you when you point a finger at others, there are three fingers pointing back at you. Try pointing your finger and see.

Sobering up is so much more than just putting the plug in the jug. If that’s all you do, nothing much will change. You will still be acting, and thinking, the way you always have, except you won’t be medicating. And without self medicating you, and your family, are in for one very miserable experience.

To really sober up means not only does your drinking stop, but the new you is an improved and happier version, otherwise what’s the point?

A great recovery tool for this is DMI’s or Daily Moral Inventory.

By the way, this is your Daily Moral Inventory, not others.

It`s an honest look at what your assets (strengths) and liabilities (character defects) are.

For example, before I go to bed each night I take a few minutes and review my day. Was I to harsh or rigid? Did I have unrealistic expectations? Was I in self-pity or resentment? Am I blaming others for the way my day or life is turning out? Did I pout or act unkindly? Was my attitude overall positive or negative? Did I give back and help others? Did I stop and practice gratitude? Did I leave someone feeling better or worse, in their interactions with me? Was I abusive or intolerant? Did I practice patience and empathy?

By taking your inventory, you begin to realize you have a part in everything happening in your life. It really takes the fun out of blaming others.

As a matter of fact you stop.

For once you know something, it`s hard to un-know it.

Blame really is for folks who never learned to look at their part, or simply lack the courage to do so. Blame enables addiction and cripples recovery.

For everywhere I go…..

There I am.

The only common denominator in my life… is me.

Do you know how freeing this is?

No more victim.

For true freedom lies in finding, and harvesting, your own path. The one only you can walk.

Go to the mirror- there stands the most important person you`ll ever meet.

Take a good hard look.

Serenity comes not so much in others changing, but in making peace with you.

Wishing you all, another twenty four.