This week, Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book, after 70 years, is being released in its original form. Included in The Book That Started It All is founder, Bill Wilson’s hand written edits from the manuscript, making for a fascinating story of how the organization was shaped in 1939.
Alcoholism touches millions of lives.
I am the child and grandchild of alcoholics. Yet, like most teenagers, I never imagined that my hard-partying “good times” at 15-years old would eventually land me “at the bottom” by the time I was 21. But they did. In a courtroom, faced with drunk driving charges, possibly pregnant by one of two men, I could trace the demise of my life to my first drink in high school. Before “binge drinking” was popular, I drank more than anyone else—a common thread among alcoholics. Unlike most of my friends, I was never too hung over not to drink the very next day. And for years, I blacked out or passed out almost every time I drank. The signs were all there, yet I wouldn’t admit that I even had a problem, much less identify myself as an alcoholic…until I stood in front of a judge.
Because I wasn’t sentenced immediately, I had time to think about my future. But after only a few hours alone with myself—I felt trapped. I wanted out of my addiction and out of my predicaments, but I had nowhere to turn. I’d burned all my bridges—lying, deceiving, and betraying people whenever it allowed me the opportunity to get high. I considered suicide. Instead, I drove to a church. I was looking for something or someone to save me—literally. And I actually found someone. The janitor. He was newly sober. Having lost his job as a schoolteacher, the only job in town he could get was a church janitor. It was more than a coincidence.
Because of the janitor, I found hope that day. I asked and received forgiveness that day. I felt release from my shame and guilt as I began to walk through the first few 12 steps, “I can’t, God can, I’ll let Him.”
I’ve since spent over 32 years gratefully sober (as my friend likes to say). I’ve spent as many years telling my story to students and adults who struggle—it’s called the 12th Step. And almost every year near January 28th, I go to an AA meeting and get my “chip” as a symbol (and a reward) for the battle I’ve won for my family—past, present, and future—ending the legacy of alcoholism in my family with my generation.
I, for one, am extremely grateful for Bill Wilson and his friends who paved the way for the millions of us who have struggled with addiction. I’m a beneficiary of the stories and steps these men and women articulated 70 years ago, reminding us that empathy and support is often best understood and most freely given by other strugglers. And I’m genuinely impressed with the timelessness of the 12 Steps that continue to give a pathway to men and women—across the world—on how to live sober, love others and give back.
It should be no surprise that Little Changes Big Results™ is built on a similar foundation as Alcoholics Anonymous:
Once you become aware that you have a problem, you can receive courage and hope to change by admitting to God and others that you need help. And big results will come with the accumulation of little changes achieved one hour, one day at a time. Most importantly, long lasting change is sustained by accountability to others—especially to fellow strugglers who know when to lift us up, call us out, encourage us to attend a meeting, get on our knees and humble ourselves in a prayer, or make amends to those we’ve hurt.
I hope you are encouraged,
Becky
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Robotripping--a new, cheap high among students!
Today, a new trend among students is Robotripping—taking cough medicine from a parent’s medicine cabinet and getting high.
When I was growing up, we simply drank our parents’ liquor that, similarly, was neither hidden nor locked up. We knew where to find it and how to replace the amount we took with water.
Yes, kids have always been doing risky and dangerous things, but if you're a parent today, you can protect your kids and their friends by making three little changes that will have big results:
(1) Discuss then Role Play: Talk about the daily news reports that discuss drugs and alcohol. Don’t assume your kids are oblivious to these stories. Instead consider each scenario a teaching opportunity. For example, this week, a young starlet failed another drug test after only a few weeks out of jail and rehab. Discuss the details. Ask simple questions, such as, “Do you know anyone who does this stuff?” Don’t accuse, just discuss. Then “role play” with your kids: What would you say if you were asked to try a substance or do something illegal? What would you do or whom would you call if your friends weren’t ready to leave a party and you didn’t have a ride home?
Additionally, talk about your past. You don’t have to give specific details as much as identify with the pressure of being in an uncomfortable or scary situation or the importance of friends who have similar values. Don’t underestimate the importance of your concern and interest in your kids’ culture.
(2) Be a Role Model: As a Life Coach and former athletic coach, I have consistently raised the bar for my own life so that I am presenting the possibility to students that you can be fun and sober and live by your convictions, even if your peers or coworkers or family members do not hold those same values.
Just last week, I spoke for my son’s non-profit organization that serves the Latino community in our county. As I told the students and their parents about my own struggle with alcohol as a teenager, my consecutive years of sobriety, and how difficult it was to be a sober parent and raise a child in a sex-crazed, binge-drinking culture, my son began to wipe the tears streaming down his cheeks. His tears reminded me just how difficult it was for both of us during his high school years—to have a parent not really fit in nor align herself with the partying culture of society. There was a cost for both of us. Parents and kids must know that there will be lonely times when you determine to live differently than the cultural norms.
(3) Clean the House: This little change is pretty simple. In the recovery world, when you get sober, you clean—and it starts in the home. Based on recent reports, household meds are today’s drug-of-choice for kids. Do you have medicines in your cabinets that others can freely access--everything from prescription drugs to over-the-counter medicines? Or do you have a case of beer or wine in your garage? Would you even notice if a bottle or two were missing? Remember, it may not be your kids who want what to experiment with what you have in your house—their friends might be the savvy and sneaky ones.
Whether or not you have kids of your own, this young generation is looking for caring adults who will take an interest in them by offering them wise advice, a role model to follow, and a safe house in which to live or visit.
Be encouraged,
Becky
When I was growing up, we simply drank our parents’ liquor that, similarly, was neither hidden nor locked up. We knew where to find it and how to replace the amount we took with water.
Yes, kids have always been doing risky and dangerous things, but if you're a parent today, you can protect your kids and their friends by making three little changes that will have big results:
(1) Discuss then Role Play: Talk about the daily news reports that discuss drugs and alcohol. Don’t assume your kids are oblivious to these stories. Instead consider each scenario a teaching opportunity. For example, this week, a young starlet failed another drug test after only a few weeks out of jail and rehab. Discuss the details. Ask simple questions, such as, “Do you know anyone who does this stuff?” Don’t accuse, just discuss. Then “role play” with your kids: What would you say if you were asked to try a substance or do something illegal? What would you do or whom would you call if your friends weren’t ready to leave a party and you didn’t have a ride home?
Additionally, talk about your past. You don’t have to give specific details as much as identify with the pressure of being in an uncomfortable or scary situation or the importance of friends who have similar values. Don’t underestimate the importance of your concern and interest in your kids’ culture.
(2) Be a Role Model: As a Life Coach and former athletic coach, I have consistently raised the bar for my own life so that I am presenting the possibility to students that you can be fun and sober and live by your convictions, even if your peers or coworkers or family members do not hold those same values.
Just last week, I spoke for my son’s non-profit organization that serves the Latino community in our county. As I told the students and their parents about my own struggle with alcohol as a teenager, my consecutive years of sobriety, and how difficult it was to be a sober parent and raise a child in a sex-crazed, binge-drinking culture, my son began to wipe the tears streaming down his cheeks. His tears reminded me just how difficult it was for both of us during his high school years—to have a parent not really fit in nor align herself with the partying culture of society. There was a cost for both of us. Parents and kids must know that there will be lonely times when you determine to live differently than the cultural norms.
(3) Clean the House: This little change is pretty simple. In the recovery world, when you get sober, you clean—and it starts in the home. Based on recent reports, household meds are today’s drug-of-choice for kids. Do you have medicines in your cabinets that others can freely access--everything from prescription drugs to over-the-counter medicines? Or do you have a case of beer or wine in your garage? Would you even notice if a bottle or two were missing? Remember, it may not be your kids who want what to experiment with what you have in your house—their friends might be the savvy and sneaky ones.
Whether or not you have kids of your own, this young generation is looking for caring adults who will take an interest in them by offering them wise advice, a role model to follow, and a safe house in which to live or visit.
Be encouraged,
Becky
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Find LCBR on YouTube!
Because research shows that it takes AT LEAST 60 Days to change a habit, I'm committed to helping you change your life in 60 seconds, 60 minutes, and in 60 days!
My latest one-on-one "LIttle Changes Big Results" Life Coaching package is called STARTING OVER. It is a 60 day series that will be designed with you and specifically for you to reach your goals. If you want more information, click here.
If you want to join my upcoming LCBR Online Coaching Group, we begin on October 1st. We are going to change our lives in 60 minutes a day--a practice I have followed myself for over 25 years! Our theme? Play, Plan, Pray! Click here for more information or to register.
And finally, I am adding a regular feature to the Little Changes Big Results weekly blog--a weekly VLOG (video log) on the Little Changes Big Results TV channel! Whether I'm in California or on the road, I'll be posting a "little change" for you to make each week that will add up to "big results" in every area of your life. This week--clear the clutter and conquer the chaos by timing your least favorite tasks. Click here and visit the LCBR TV page at LittleChangesBigResults.TV this week, and every week, for your free, weekly LCBR TV TIP!
I'd love your feedback AND if you ask me a question at the new home of LCBR.TV I will be sure to answer you by email.
Be encouraged,
Becky
My latest one-on-one "LIttle Changes Big Results" Life Coaching package is called STARTING OVER. It is a 60 day series that will be designed with you and specifically for you to reach your goals. If you want more information, click here.
If you want to join my upcoming LCBR Online Coaching Group, we begin on October 1st. We are going to change our lives in 60 minutes a day--a practice I have followed myself for over 25 years! Our theme? Play, Plan, Pray! Click here for more information or to register.
And finally, I am adding a regular feature to the Little Changes Big Results weekly blog--a weekly VLOG (video log) on the Little Changes Big Results TV channel! Whether I'm in California or on the road, I'll be posting a "little change" for you to make each week that will add up to "big results" in every area of your life. This week--clear the clutter and conquer the chaos by timing your least favorite tasks. Click here and visit the LCBR TV page at LittleChangesBigResults.TV this week, and every week, for your free, weekly LCBR TV TIP!
I'd love your feedback AND if you ask me a question at the new home of LCBR.TV I will be sure to answer you by email.
Be encouraged,
Becky
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Who's the Teach?
Most of us get hooked on one or more “reality” TV shows each season. Whether we are fascinated by clothing design, food preparation, competitive games, or weight loss, a huge variety of content is available to the average TV viewer. But not very often is there a show that inspires us to give back to society, especially to today’s young generation.
I've come across such a show, starting in October that I think will do just that!
At 59 years old, Tony Danza, TV and Broadway actor, is also a graduate of University of Dubuque (Iowa) in History Education. Though he never taught school after graduating from college, he has taken on the challenge now—teaching at the largest high school in Philadelphia—10th grade English! The A&E Network will be airing his journey—the tears, the challenges, the inspirational stories this fall.
Assigning work that included poetry contests, short stories, and relatable life lessons from classic books, Danza, in this week's edition of Parade Magazine, shared that he was the one who was most changed by the students he grew to love saying, “You have to be a father, a mother, a social worker, a psychiatrist. The kids need to know someone cares.”
His goal? To inspire other adults—young or old—to be teachers.
When he contemplated the impact that one person, one teacher has on a classroom or campus or community, rather than being discouraged, he realized that changing ONE life is incredibly important to that ONE child.
You don’t have to be a college-educated teacher to teach. You can make a little change in the way you spend your free time and see a big result in someone else’s life!
In every community, there are organizations, ranging from the Boys and Girls Club of America to local community or church tutoring programs that are always looking for adult volunteers. One caring adult can become a teacher, mentor, or foster grandparent to help one student read more proficiently, have someone special to talk with about their struggles, or just provide rides to after-school activities. In fact, some school districts offer emergency credentialing for adults who are willing to teach specific subjects in which they have expertise.
Take time—this week—to research what your local community needs from you. Become a volunteer for special needs children, disadvantaged students, or go big and return to school in some capacity. This is not just a good idea. This is a challenge!
Be encouraged,
Becky
I've come across such a show, starting in October that I think will do just that!
At 59 years old, Tony Danza, TV and Broadway actor, is also a graduate of University of Dubuque (Iowa) in History Education. Though he never taught school after graduating from college, he has taken on the challenge now—teaching at the largest high school in Philadelphia—10th grade English! The A&E Network will be airing his journey—the tears, the challenges, the inspirational stories this fall.
Assigning work that included poetry contests, short stories, and relatable life lessons from classic books, Danza, in this week's edition of Parade Magazine, shared that he was the one who was most changed by the students he grew to love saying, “You have to be a father, a mother, a social worker, a psychiatrist. The kids need to know someone cares.”
His goal? To inspire other adults—young or old—to be teachers.
When he contemplated the impact that one person, one teacher has on a classroom or campus or community, rather than being discouraged, he realized that changing ONE life is incredibly important to that ONE child.
You don’t have to be a college-educated teacher to teach. You can make a little change in the way you spend your free time and see a big result in someone else’s life!
In every community, there are organizations, ranging from the Boys and Girls Club of America to local community or church tutoring programs that are always looking for adult volunteers. One caring adult can become a teacher, mentor, or foster grandparent to help one student read more proficiently, have someone special to talk with about their struggles, or just provide rides to after-school activities. In fact, some school districts offer emergency credentialing for adults who are willing to teach specific subjects in which they have expertise.
Take time—this week—to research what your local community needs from you. Become a volunteer for special needs children, disadvantaged students, or go big and return to school in some capacity. This is not just a good idea. This is a challenge!
Be encouraged,
Becky
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