Reset Your Peace
Discover the power of taking a moment to reset your peace amidst the chaos of daily life.
By grounding yourself, embracing mindfulness, and letting go of unnecessary stress, you can create a sanctuary of calm within.
Whether it's through deep breathing, meditation, or simply pausing to appreciate the present moment,
resetting your peace is essential for mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Embrace Nature's Healing Energy Step outside and reconnect with the natural world to rejuvenate your spirit.
Nature has an incredible ability to ground us, offering a tranquil escape from the demands of modern life.
A quiet walk in a park, the soothing sound of waves, or the rustling of leaves can work wonders to refresh your mind and restore balance.
Let nature be your guide to rediscovering serenity and recharging your inner peace.
Coming Soon!
"Your potential for transformation is infinite."
Welcome to AndAmandaSaid.com!
Step inside and join me as I share my thoughts,
experiences, and insights on navigating the complexities of life.
Here, you'll find a space for open conversation, where I delve into topics close to my heart – from personal growth and navigating challenging experiences like trauma and addiction, to exploring the beauty and humor that threads through our everyday moments. Consider this your invitation to connect, learn, and perhaps even find a bit of guidance or shared understanding.
I'm thrilled to have you here, and I hope you find something that resonates with you. Let's explore, learn, and maybe even share a laugh or two, together. Another key focus of AndAmandaSaid.com is fostering meaningful relationships in an increasingly disconnected world. Whether it's strengthening family bonds, deepening friendships, or building romantic connections, I reflect on the power of vulnerability, communication, and authenticity.
Together, we'll tackle the challenges of modern relationships and uncover ways to create deeper, more fulfilling connections with the people who matter most.
This picture of me to the right was myself 3 months clean in 2024. I will try to find a photo so you can see how my health was deteriorating and the progress I made in my health and hygiene, but also my heart and brain has transformed into such a happy person. I am back to being myself again. I can laugh and enjoy the simple things in life once again.
TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY
Thought for the Day
For awhile, we are going back to the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, and pick out passages here and there, so that they may become fixed in our minds, a little at a time, day by day, as we go along. There is no substitute for reading the Big Book. It is our "bible." We should study it thoroughly and make it a part of ourselves. We should not try to change any of it. Within its covers is the full exposition of the A.A. program. There is no substitute for it. We should study it often. Have I studied the Big Book faithfully?
Meditation for the Day
All of life is a fluctuation between effort and rest. You need both every day. But effort is not truly effective until first you have had the proper preparation for it, by resting in a time of quiet meditation. This daily time of rest and meditation gives you the power necessary to make your best effort. There are days when you are called on for much effort and then comes a time when you need much rest. It is not good to rest too long and it is not good to carry on great effort too long without rest. The successful life is a proper balance between the two.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may be ready to make the proper effort. I pray that I may also recognize the need for relaxation.
Welcome to and Amanda said!!
"Start your day with a coffee or tea, and meditate on a good read." - Amanda
I don't sell books but I did provide an Amazon link if you'd like to explore that option through an outside source.
"MADE A LIST . . ."
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77
When I approached the Eighth Step, I wondered how I could list all the things that I have done to other people since there were so many people, and some of them weren't alive anymore. Some of the hurts I inflicted weren't bad, but they really bothered me. The main thing to see in this Step was to become willing to do whatever I had to do to make these amends to the best of my ability at that particular time. Where there is a will, there's a way, so if I want to feel better, I need to unload the guilt feelings I have. A peaceful mind has no room for feelings of guilt. With the help of my Higher Power, if I am honest with myself, I can cleanse my mind of these feelings.
Responsible recovery
Page 230
"...we accept responsibility for our problems and see that we're equally responsible for our solutions."
Basic Text, p. 97
Some of us, well accustomed to leaving our personal responsibilities to others, may attempt the same behavior in recovery. We quickly find out it doesn't work.
For instance, we are considering making a change in our lives, so we call our sponsor and ask what we should do. Under the guise of seeking direction, we are actually asking our sponsor to assume responsibility for making decisions about our life. Or maybe we've been short with someone at a meeting, so we ask that person's best friend to make our apologies for us. Perhaps we've imposed on a friend several times in the last month to cover our service commitment. Could it be that we've asked a friend to analyze our behavior and identify our shortcomings, rather than taking our own personal inventory?
Recovery is something that has to be worked for. It isn't going to be handed to us on a silver platter, nor can we expect our friends or our sponsor to be responsible for the work we must do ourselves. We recover by making our own decisions, doing our own service, and working our own steps. By doing it for ourselves, we receive the rewards.
Just for Today: I will accept responsibility for my life and my recovery.
Copyright (c) 2007-2023, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Below are some of my favorite reads, I personally couldn't put them down.
The Community
My name is Amanda, in case the website name didn't already tell you that haha. I have been a part of my sober sisters and brothers for more than a year now. Throughout my time spent with my fellow crazy, fun-loving friends, I am so proud to say we are a community. We lift up each other when one is down and we are always a phone call away.
In the fabric of our lives, collective strength shines through when individuals choose to connect and offer steadfast support. It's the shared laughter that pushes back the shadows of doubt, the outstretched hands that break a fall, and the whispered encouragement that fuels a weary spirit.
People, in their beautiful diversity, possess an innate capacity to lift one another, to shoulder burdens together, and to illuminate paths that would otherwise remain shrouded in darkness. This unity, this act of lifting, isn't just a fleeting moment; it's a testament to the enduring power of human connection, a reminder that we are stronger together than we could ever be alone.
Help is available, NO SHAME!!
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Substance use support
In Crisis?
In times of increased stress and uncertainty, these resources can help provide much-needed support.
I need to talk to someone. Who can I call if I am going through a crisis?
You are not alone. Reach out to the following support hotlines for immediate help. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.
- Text HELLO to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
How can I get access to naloxone?
Most states make naloxone available for purchase in pharmacies without a prescription. Visit Safe Project to read your state's rules on naloxone. Below are a few resources on how to obtain free naloxone kits.
- Visit National Harm Reduction Coalition, a national nonprofit serving people who use drugs. They offer naloxone and syringe access, harm reduction trainings, and connections to local groups.
- Find Naloxone in your state with Recover Together with Google, an interactive tool with helpful addiction resources and naloxone locator.
- Next Distro is an organization focused in advocating for addiction health resources and naloxone distribution in the U.S. They provide free to low-cost Naloxone access all over the nation.
- Free Naloxone Kits in NYC: Obtain Naloxone (Narcan) from a New York City Opioid Overdose Prevention Community-Based Program (PDF).
- Get a FREE Emergency Overdose Rescue Kit from the NYC Emergency Overdose Rescue Kit Program (PDF)
Where can I do a substance test for nonprescribed fentanyl?
Due to individual state laws, rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS) are not widely available. Below are organizations that can assist you further.
- Visit Harmreduction.org, a coalition centered on science-based strategies with and for people who use drugs. Their website provides a breakdown on all you need to know about fentanyl.
- Get free fentanyl test strips from Fent Check, an organization solely focused on providing tests strips in the state of California.
- APLA Health is an organization seeking to bring equitable health care services to members of the LGBT community. They provide free fentanyl test kits in California. Visit https://aplahealth.org/fentanyl/ to learn how to receive yours.
Services, groups, meetings and more below!
Only you can decide whether you want to give A.A. a try. Admitting you might need help, or admitting that you’re an alcoholic, takes courage. Check for upcoming events!
The Narcotics Anonymous message is “that an addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use and find a new way to live.”
The activities here are incredible! I have done many myself!
Today, an A.A. presence can be found in approximately 180 nations worldwide, with membership estimated at over two million. There are more than 123,000 A.A. groups around the world and A.A.’s literature has been translated into over 100 languages.
A.A. is made up of alcoholics helping alcoholics recover.
Al-Anon Family Groups is another Twelve Step program of recovery. Their members are made up of people concerned with someone’s drinking problem.
In Al-Anon members have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar problems.
