This post is part of #JusJoJan Daily Prompt – January 19th, 2018.

As a recovering alcoholic and cocaine addict I have heard the statement above hundreds of times. Unfortunately it make take multiple times before the dawn sticks. The fact of the matter is that until this darkness comes most of us who struggle will not take the first step in admitting there is a problem.  But once we do and we truly mean business the dawn and new and fulfilling life without alcohol and drugs is very possible. We just have to work extremely hard, rid ourselves of PEOPLE – PLACES – THINGS, surround ourselves with a support system that is unfailing, get into some support program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or any type of program that will work for us. I attend online meetings with Global Steps Alcoholics Anonymous through IntheRooms.com which is a great accompaniment to face to face meetings. I also have The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, 24 Hours a Day, According to Bill, Daily Reflections, Living Sober and several more books that are personal stories of those who came before me.

This blog is not nor will it ever be a religious preachy blog. But I will tell you that you may often read items about my faith and how it intertwines and continues to mold my life. The great thing about 12 step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous is that they are SPIRITUALLY based but they are not religious. For those struggling with their spirituality anything or anyone can be their Higher Power. I choose to call my Higher Power God because I am a very spiritual and faithful Catholic. That does not mean that my faith has not been tested and shaken because of my personal demons. I do know that when I am right with my faith and my spirit all things are possible through my Higher Power.

I am a work in progress – PROGRESS not PERFECTION and that is all I can be on a daily basis. I once had 2 1/2 years clean and sober. Over the last year and a half I have changed my sobriety date more times than I care to admit. Today I have 45 days clean and sober. I know that when I went to my ACTS Retreat 11/30 -12/2 I had a most extraordinary faith affirming, transformational and life changing experience. I have said in previous posts that I have heard many times to leave your burdens on the alter. At that retreat I prayed, I meditated and I left my alcoholism and cocaine addiction on the Alter of the Tabernacle. Since the retreat I have been blessed to not have the incessant crippling obsession – no desire – and no thoughts. That being said I am still working my program and continuously asking my Higher Power to assist me in remaining clean and sober.

JUST FOR TODAY, I WILL REMAIN CLEAN AND SOBER!!!

That is what is in My Rattled Cage today!