Daily Reprieve

Loved

I feel loved when my daughter chooses to spend time with me because it reminds me that I matter to someone.

Angry

I feel angry when I see people manipulate or exploit others because fairness is important to me.

Satisfied

I feel satisfied when I complete my daily walk because I honored a commitment to myself.

Frustrated

I feel frustrated when I have a clear vision but fail to follow through because I know I am capable of more.

Grateful

I feel grateful when I sit in an AA meeting because I have been given another chance at life.

Rested

I feel rested when I allow myself to nap without guilt because my body receives what it needs.

Tenacious

I feel tenacious when I return to spiritual and recovery work after setbacks because giving up is no longer an option.

Joyful

I feel joyful when writing flows freely because I experience creative freedom.

Embarrassed

I feel embarrassed when I remember times I abandoned my own voice because I wish I had spoken more honestly.

Ambivalent

I feel ambivalent when entering new relationships because I desire connection and fear entrapment at the same time.

Disappointed

I feel disappointed when I fail to complete a project because I wanted to bring something meaningful into the world.

Confident

I feel confident when helping a sponsee because experience has taught me I have something useful to offer.

Shame

I feel shame when I remember behaviors that conflicted with my values because I wanted to be better than I was.

Thoughtful

I feel thoughtful when contemplating mortality because it reminds me how precious life is.

Ashamed

I feel ashamed when I use escape behaviors instead of facing life because I know I am capable of greater integrity.

Trusted

I feel trusted when someone asks for my guidance because they believe my experience has value.

Hopeful

I feel hopeful when I make small daily improvements because change is occurring one step at a time.

Grief

I feel grief when I think about years spent suppressing creativity because those years cannot be reclaimed.

Humiliated

I feel humiliated when I remember situations where I felt powerless because my dignity felt threatened.

Abandoned

I feel abandoned when I perceive spiritual silence because I long for a closer sense of communion.

Playful

I feel playful when imagination is allowed to wander because there is no pressure to perform.

Humorous

I feel humorous when I recognize the absurdity of my own overthinking because life is often stranger than my fears.

Betrayed

I feel betrayed when institutions distort truth because honesty is deeply important to me.

Inspired

I feel inspired when I encounter great ideas or stories because they awaken possibility within me.

Accepted

I feel accepted when I share honestly in fellowship and receive understanding because I do not have to hide.

Guilty

I feel guilty when I neglect commitments because I know others may be affected.

Pleasure

I feel pleasure when I enjoy good food, conversation, or creative work because being alive can be enjoyable.

Fascinated

I feel fascinated when exploring spiritual mysteries because I am drawn toward understanding.

Irritated

I feel irritated when repetitive distractions interrupt meaningful work because they pull me away from my purpose.

Pleased

I feel pleased when I finish a writing project because effort has become something tangible.

Loving

I feel loving when I think about my children because I want their lives to flourish.

Excited

I feel excited when a new creative idea arrives because it feels like discovering unexplored territory.

Serene

I feel serene when walking in Orr Park because nature slows my mind and settles my spirit.

Safe

I feel safe when surrounded by trusted fellowship because I do not have to defend myself.

Enthralled

I feel enthralled when contemplating the mysteries of consciousness, God, and existence because they fill me with wonder.

Recurring Themes in my own ACA work:

Connection vs. abandonment

Expression vs. suppression

Wonder vs. certainty

Discipline vs. avoidance

Communion vs. isolation

I feel most alive when I am creating, connecting, and exploring mystery, and I suffer most when I feel silenced, isolated, or separated from what I love.