The loss of a pacifier....

As I walked my usual path this morning

I saw this pacifier sitting on the ground.

I wondered how the child it belonged to responded when

they realized it was no longer there.

I am guessing it was either discarded in a moment

when the belief was that it was no longer necessary

or that it was dropped accidentally.

Learning to live in recovery is very much like

learning to live without a pacifier.

No matter how you became addicted to either a substance 

or a behavior really doesn't matter.

The only thing that matters is the relief that is felt

when the pacifier is used.

It is not my intention to simplify

what is a very painful way to live; however,

sometimes taking something back to its simplest

level can help begin to heal it.

For an infant/toddler putting the pacifier in your mouth 

brings instant gratification.

There are times when all of us could use a quick fix

to deal with painful circumstances in our lives.

The problem lies in the FACT that the quick fix

is a contradiction.

It may be quick but it does not fix. It does
nothing to heal the long term; only the moment.

Did that child's parent/caregiver race out and replace it,

did they have a backup so there would be no

discomfort?

I believe the answer lies in the question,

was the child ready to try to accept life without it.

I will never know, and it is not my place to know

as that child's journey is not my own.

What I do know is that each and every one of us

on this earth and beyond have chosen to self-soothe

at one time or another with something/someone/someway

that probably wasn't the best choice at the time.

What I also know is that today is another day

and tomorrow is another day and the next and the next

and the next.

Although tomorrow is not promised to anyone,

giving up today because tomorrow may not come

is very simply unacceptable.

Your life is worth way more than that;

whether you see it or not.

We have to make the decision for ourselves

when we are ready to leave the pacifier of

instant gratification for long-term gratification.

Choosing to pacify yourself with people places and things

that are healthier and love you more than

any substance, shopping trip, big win at the casino

or anything else that doesn't serve your higher purpose

is always going to lead you closer to inner peace.

Today, my prayer for you is

that your life overflows with 

an abundance of loving kindness.

That the joy and happiness

loving kindness brings 

helps sooth your every need.

Finally, That you may find in this life

everything you need for your

spirit to soar!

May the merciful God of all creation

guide you toward a path of peace

today and always

xoxk