It’s okay to put your own needs first. That’s why it’s called a selfish program.
Boundaries are good. They’re important.
There is no such thing as too many meetings.
It’s okay to need people.
“No” does not require an explanation.
If you don’t mean it, don’t say it. If it comes out anyway, be prepared to make amends.
Always follow through.
It’s okay to be human; mistakes happen. What’s important is the getting back up part.
Call your sponsor.
Stop worrying about what other people think of you. It’s none of your business what they think of you.
Do the best you can; at the end of the day that’s all you can do.
Pray always. Pray about everything, the little things and the big things. Say thank you, regardless of what happens.
Never take the steps out of order. They were written that way for a reason.
Let go and let God.
Breathe. Breathe again.
Remember that you can’t save anyone, not even yourself. That’s God’s job.
Stop trying to control the moon and the stars. They were here long before you, and they function quite fine without your help.
People are who they are. Accept that and avoid much heartache.
Love them anyway.
Live big. Dream big. Laugh long and hard.
Have goals. Change them as necessary.
Always love and know that someone loves you.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: I reserve the right to add to and edit this manifesto as I grow and learn more about myself and this thing called life.
Recovery Along Route 66 
hi my name is Elaine, could do with a friend to chat, can relate to everything you talk about, 53 yrs old and I want to break free, I miss the old Elaine, on disability, every day is a struggle,
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I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to this when you wrote Elaine. I have no idea of how you are doing now, but if you’re anything like me you have lots of ups and downs. I’m on disability too, did you know that? Yep, for over 20 years. Most of the time I’m okay with it, I tell myself I need it because I’m ill–I paid into the system and now I’m getting back what I paid into. Fair is fair, right? But then I’ll hear the almost “fable-like” stories about other people with bipolar disorder or severe anxiety disorders who manage to work a full-time job, if not at least a part-time job. That’s not me, and I guess it’s okay. Or when I get around my family, where two of my brothers are self-made millionaires, and I know EXACTLY what they think about people who get either state or federal help. Anyway, I guess we have to take it just a day at a time, right? There’s not much more we can do. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s going to take a lot longer to change some attitudes of people on this planet we call earth.
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Thanks Chris….I enjoyed and thank your for sharing your revovery wisdom!
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LOL—wise? Not really. Thank you though. Just a survivor, like all of us. Hang in there, hey?
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Love the manifesto! I am enjoying, and learning from reading your posts. Thanks 🙂
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I’m really glad you are enjoying it! I haven’t kept up with it in a while; family and personal issues. But it’s gratifying to know that it’s helping someone out there. 🙂
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Hi there! Glad I found this.. I am re doing step 3 as I am a “self counselor” My sponsor says I think I can sponsor myself.. lol I like your blog.. I will visit often!
Stop trying to control the moon and the stars. They were here long before you, and they function quite fine without your help. <— I like this!
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Shannon,
I’m so glad you found me. I have been thinking of giving up because I feel like I have nothing to say anymore (i.e. I feel like I have to have all the answers -lol, sound familiar?) I’m determined to write a post today – it’s been a while – so stay tuned!
-Chris
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That’s a fine manifesto. “No” does not require an explanation. Thanks, I tend to talk to much 😉
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Oh, me TOO, which is why I had to make it a declaration. And I still slip sometimes, especially with family members – trying to defend my “no.” But still–a no is a no is a no. LOL Stay strong, we can do this!
–Chris
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