Good Books/reads/thoughts (and A Few Other Things)

Good morning all - hope you all had a great weekend..........

Am reading this great book right now, and wanted to share a bit of it, where I am at and what I am into.......AND hopefully pick up some more ideas from you folks on what some really good reads might be right now.

As many of you already know me, what I about (lol), where I am at, etc. etc.......I am close to 11 months clean (coming close to my year point!) and not only am I working/progressing on my recovery (slowly but surely, at my own pace - which I admit is a life long process anyways), I am also reading a bunch of great (spiritual) books, on finding myself, digging deep, soul searching, excavating all my 'crap' etc. etc., because not only am I in the process of healing from my recovery, I also recently separated from a long term relationship which I am still very much dealing with and trying to heal. I gotta say I am 32 years old, and this is the very first time in my life I am actually doing this - the 'work' necessary to become a better person, to really dig deep and find out where I am, how I got here, etc. In the past, I've ran and hidden everywhere and anywhere I can, jumped from one relationship to another, without taking the necessary time to heal, etc. etc.. Not this time. But I admit, what a humbling experience indeed. Not an easy experience, but I am in unchartered teritory in my life, and yeah - for sure it's scary - but a good scary. I have this feeling in my gut that as difficult as it may seem, or as difficult as it truly is - stay my course, don't give up (as much as their are days I kinda want to), good things are waiting ahead of me. God is with me on this journey of mine....

Everyone is different on their approach to recovery, and I love my approach. I also love the fact whether is be working my steps, reading recovery related materials and books, separation stuff, and/or spiritual materials on finding myself etc. - I love the fact that most of it all overlaps at one point or another, and I myself need that, because I question everything (addict? lol), and if I read the same thing or close to the same thing from different sources (instead of just the same point of view etc.), I get different views and opinions, different perspectives.........then I myself can take bits and pieces from where I want, because in all reality, they are saying the same thing, just differently.

A great book I am in the middle of right now is called "In the Meantime". What an awesome book, maybe even one of the best I have ever read. Such an interesting read, just the way the lady writes, very captivating etc.. So I am at this part in the book where it ain't just about reading anymore, I can't just read it through - she is starting to ask many questions that really makes you think, makes me put the book down and really search for answers or whatever. First question she asked was "Where am I?" Not in the physical or geographical sense, but where am I in life. I am healing right now, among many other things - trying to find myself, etc. Sure, that question took a little thinking, but was kind of easy for me because it's what I am right in the middle fo working on anyways. But the next question, not so. I am giving myself a few weeks for this puppy. lol The next question she asked is "How Did I Get Here?" OMG. How did I get here. Where do you want me to start? You answer that question for yourself. I'd like to see any addict answer that one. WOW. So that is what I am focussing on (and can see myself doing it for quite some time), and I am sure once I got this one figured out, she has a few more questions. Haven't read ahead to see what they are, but if they are anything like this latest one, they'll be good. So I know how profound this was for me, so I wanted to share it with all my friends on here.

Another great read that I think everyone (from addicts to normies, to the guy who delivers your mail) should read is called "Change Your Mind and YOur Life Will Follow". Going thourhg it for the 3rd time already. My 'bible'. Amazing.

So what thoughts and/or books (or whatever for that matter) would you like to share me with/us??? Please feel free. Love hearing from you all.

Thanks for for reading this if you did, and I look forward from hearing from you all.

God Bless!!! Chris
Hi, chris...who are the authors of those books? My daughter is newly sober and I am looking for uplifting material for her to read...give her new things to think about and new ways to lift. Thanks for sharing and good luck in your recovery...One year is an awesome gift to give yourself. P.s. If you do nothing else, follow through on your committment to know yourself before the next relationship...once you know yourself and like yourself, you are going to attract a love like no other.
Dear heartache,

The books I recommend and will always do so:

Title: Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow
Author: Karen Casey

Title:In the Meantime
Author: Iyanla Vanzant

Cannot go wrong with either one, or BOTH. I recommend both.

And kudos to your daughter. God Bless her and I can just imagine what is going on in her world and her mind right now. Bet you it's a very confusing place for her right now. But it does get better......much much better.

And thank you very much for your words of support, they are greatly appreciated. That is my plan, to stay the course. Might be a lonely little path at times, and without trying to be too cheesy - I can only imagine what it's going to be like once I walk out of the forest, and see that beautiful sun shine down. What keeps me going.......

God Bless.
Thanks Chris...off to the mall to get them for her. Yes, she is just approaching the 60 day mark and has mentioned feeling a little scared...so hopefully these books will make her realize there are new ways to think about life and yourself.

Chris, keep reminding yourself how far you've come starting from the hole you were in...armed with all your new knowledge and taking the time to put this work into yourself is going to silently turn you into the person you were meant to be. You take care and keep recommending these books..one never knows where the jewel will come from. luv corrinne

P.s. thanks for your speed reply.
Thanks Corrinne. You're an awesome Mother for your daughter. Not a lot of us are as lucky as your daughter to have that kind of support. One day, if your daughter isn't there already, will see and appreciate all this.

God bless.
Hello,
Quick question, is the Author of "In the Meantime" Iyanla ? Is she the same Counselor seen on "Starting Over". I haven't had a chance to read the complete post, I will later, but I was curious? Thanks for the recommendation. Take care, Best Wishes
Yes, the author of 'In the Meantime' is Iyanla Vanzant. I don't know about 'Starting Over' though. Is that a book or a program?

Take care, Chris
Hello,
Yes it's a TV program on, one-hour monday through friday, reality T.V. with woman. I watch it whenever I get a chance. Have a great day. Take care, Best Wishes
I think I've actually heard of that show before. Will have to check it out if I get a chance.......

Thanks!
Chris, just back from the bookstore. I got "meantime". it's going to be good for my daughter..she's not in a very good relationship right now..this may open her eyes. thank you. She has always looked to boys to make her feel better about herself..and I want her to know she only needs to look within.

Hope you're feeling better this evening. I know you hurt right now. Believe me, one day you're going to look back and see that you only had what you wished it was..and this will leave you open to get it for real. Love shouldn't hurt. It can irritate the heck out of you and anger you at times..but not hurt a lot.
Love shouldn't hurt. It can irritate the heck out of you and anger you at times, but not hurt alot.
It's the strangest thing, Corrinne. Sometimes out of the blue, I will read a message here that had absolutly nothing to do with me, but that sticks in my head like a sentence written just for me to see.
Just wanted to send you some apreciation for that.
Love, Kat
Hi, Kat..haven't we all been down that road? My daughter is currently stuck in a hurtful relationship...and, unfortunately, we all learn the hard way. My guy now can irritate me to no end..but no hurt. Why don't I know your story Kat? or am I so old I've forgotten? I'm telling you I feel like the mind's fading by the minute some days...could be a good thing though.
dear heartache..

okay since this thread is on reading material..i would highly recommend the book " Men who hate women and the women who love them" ( sorry guys)
It is absolutely manditory reading for any woman finding herself stuck in a bad especially abusive relationship ( verablly or otherwise )

Hugs,
Ali
Corrinne........I am glad you picked up and found that book for your daughter. It is just awesome. It has helped me through so much through my separation and with recovery, as it has some very important overlapping topics. Really is making me look deep within myself, and certain stuff that I don't want to see or admit, but I have to. Awesome books, cannot say enough about it.

Thank you very much for your words of support as well.

God Bless.

Chris