The year that was...the year that will be... (Part 2)

     Welcome back...let me state first and foremost that these blogs are not intended to generate sympathy or pity or anything like that.  This is how I process setbacks and failures and it gives me the ability to move on from them.  There are many people in the same situation and many more in much dire straits and how we deal with the situation determines whether or not we can successful meet and beat the challenges put in front of us...

     History will repeat itself if you allow it to...Coping mechanisms are great and mine have survived 20 years (God willing in April 2015) in my personal battle against drugs and alcohol... But coping mechanisms are reactions to setbacks.  In order to change the outcome of repeated behaviors you must change your thinking and become proactive to prevent the behaviors from occurring...It was in November of last year that I was introduced (through a very good friend of mine out here) to a company called Life Leadership.  It is a leadership and personal development company that sells CDs, DVDs, and books based on the subjects of Faith, Family, Friendship, Finances, Fellowship, Fitness, Freedom and Fun.  Their products are written by successful people who have been through the hard times and have achieved success in life by reading, listening to CDs, associating with successful people and implementing the teaching to change their approach to life.  The message is inspirational and the advice and techniques are proven...The fact that it is faith based appealed to me also because they don't preach one faith but teach you to embrace God in whatever you believe.  The major theme is develop a better you by personal development and then spread the message with your success.  The group is ultra-positive, ultra helpful and the team concept surrounds you with successful people helping you to succeed.  There is a home based business opportunity if that's the way you want to go.  I tried the Financial Fitness CDs and books and since November I have saved more money than I have in the past 5 years just by changing my view and implementing some techniques.  They teach you things that traditional schooling doesn't...practical things that help you make an educated choice, rather than choices that have not worked in the past,...(God knows I made a lot of those).  I call it the Encyclopedia Britannica of the 21st century...good information at your fingertips to make a difference in your life.  Change your thinking and you become proactive to prevent the setbacks and build on the positive...

     So, I was really looking forward to 2015 as a fresh start...and I got sick again!  Very bad cold that hung around for 2 and a half weeks...but again I survived.  Note to self...flu shot next year.  And in the spirit of change...(change is good if it's a positive move), I am returning to the land of the living at work.  One of our officers on the 2pm-10pm shift is leaving next week and I am taking it over.  The major appeal is that I will have Saturday and Sunday off for the first time since 2009.  It still allows me the chance to play golf in the morning and gets me back to sleeping at night and getting sunshine during the day.  I am very psyched to be able to deal with the living again...plus there is ample opportunity for more adventures during the evening shift.

     On a more serious note, I wish to send many, many prayers to Uncle Charlie and Aunt Joan as they deal with Charlie's recovery in Pennsylvania (told you there were people with more dire concerns).  I know that God will watch over them and I hope his recovery is swift and complete. I also send good wishes and prayers to all members of the family as they deal with this.  God Bless all of you and keep you in his protection.

     Thanks for reading along...I am on the road to recovery myself...my health has returned, my attitude is changing for the better, I have a new adventure at work...Life is good again and 2015 is going to be SPECTACULAR!