I hope you’re having a beautiful day. ♡
Today, we’re celebrating another ¤ JohnnyO Gratitude Day! ¤

Prompt received from Matt Salis October 31, 2023
“Why Me?”
Prepared for November 6, 2023 Shout Sobriety Group

It is appropriate that I received this prompt on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Halloween, my 1037th day of Sobriety, because the mask is gone.I recently heard a quote from the great Dr. Andrew Huberman, who himself was quoting Dr. Paul Conti, “Quote” Generational Drive is “Our” and I, John Olander, emphasize OUR…..“Generational Drive is our desire to create, build, and contribute to the World in a meaningful way, AND… appreciate the process to get there, and BOY, do I ever appreciate the process. Dr. Huberman wraps up this succinct kernel of wisdom by stating, “So being able to access That ‘Generational Drive’ on a regular basis is really what this thing we call “Mental Health” is all about.” To restate that one more time, “to create, build, and contribute to the World in a meaningful way” is what Mental Health (which, in my case, correlates directly with Sobriety) is all about.” So, to the prompt, “Why Me?” Rather, “Why ME!!!!” Because the Holy Spirit, the Muse, the Tao, the Force that was with me in the depths of my despair during the Christmas season of 2020, gave me a Gift, the Present. I am still here to create, build, and contribute to the World in a meaningful way. I just have to do it Sober as a beacon of hope, like the proud peacock, dot-connecting change agent I am. My Community, family, and life were the bar for many years. Now, the venue has to be different. There will be no alcohol, no mind-altering substances, no wine pairings…Just great food and even a GREATER Community. I recently Graduated from Civic Academy, sponsored by DRCOG, The Denver Regional Council of Governments, and had the privilege to present my Individual Action Plan for the entire region.

Another wise man I heard recently, Stephen Ritz, said, “I am just one pencil trying to make a mark.” Another wise man said, “If we can all be just 1% better daily, we will all positively impact the World.” (James Clear)

So what’s next?

Why Me?
5 things
1) Creating Food and Community by connecting existing dots.
2) Zeroing in on my own physical health so that I know I am capable of my Best efforts each day, even as I age.
3) Being comfortable that, as a result of my Sobriety, both directly and indirectly. The right people are and will continue to be attracted to me.
4) I will be the recipient of unexpected Blessings and Serendipity.
5) Each day when I wake, I will acknowledge my “Rules for a Perfect Day.” Begin with the 3rd Step Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is “God, I offer myself to thee, to build with me, and do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self so that I might better do THY will. Take away my difficulties so that Victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of THY Power, THY will, and THY way of life. May I do THY will always. BABY. Amen.

Why Me? Why NOT Me?????