Rest In Peace, Vinny... you rascal

“A lot happens in one day, both negative and positive. If we do not take the time to appreciate both, perhaps we will miss something that will help us grow.” IP No. 8, Just for Today ––––=–––– Responsibility, responsibility—the responsibilities of life are everywhere. We’re “supposed to” wear seat belts. We’re “supposed to” clean our homes. We’re “supposed to” do certain things for our spouse, our children, the people we sponsor. On top of all this, we’re “supposed to” go to meetings and practice our program as best we can. It’s no wonder that, sometimes, we want to run from all these tasks and escape to some far-off island where we’re not “supposed to” do anything! At times like these, when we’ve become overwhelmed with our responsibilities, we have forgotten that responsibility need not be burdensome. When we have a desire to run away from our responsibilities we need to slow down, remember why we have chosen them, and pay attention to the gifts they bring. Whether it’s a job we normally find challenging and interesting, or a partner whose personality we are usually excited by, or a child whom we naturally like to play with and care for, there is joy to be found in all the responsibilities of our lives. ––––=–––– Just for today: Each moment is special. I will pay attention, grateful for my responsibilities and the special joys they bring.

A friend and colleague of mine was in a fatal car accident recently. I will miss his valued contribution to my business, but most of all I will miss my friend. It hurts to lose another friend right now. Honestly, I don't know what my life is going to be like with out him. We worked together and we laughed together. We got into arguments and we had each other's best interest at heart. We spoke about our significant others through love and loss. We spoke about our parents. We spoke about our struggles with addiction. I knew him and I let him know me (flaws, fears, and all). In the 5 years or so that I've known him, we grew together. I will miss you, Vince... you grumpy little prick ;) I would not be where I am in my professional or personal life with out you. I will mourn you and the loss of your laugh in my life for a very long time.