Well after a journey which took me through 4 states in 11 days and 4000 miles of driving, I am back home.
As some of you know, I too attended the Serenity in Yosemite conference along with other members of this site.
Needless to say, I saw so much. What a big beautiful place is our planet. How much perspective I got while driving through vast, expansive plains in remote places where I would not see another car for long stretches of time. Gave a whole new perspective to just exactly how "big" I am.
I learned a definition for the word serenity, on a speaker tape I had with me. Serenity is being totally in the place you are at. And wow, this trip did that for me. For nearly the whole trip, I did not think about work, finances and most amazingly, I did not invite dischordant thoughts about my ex-wife into my consciousness.
Instead, I focused on what was around me: The stark beauty of West Texas along the Rio Grande, The Forests of Western New Mexico and Arizona, The wonder of the Petrified Forrest (wow!)... the beautiful pastel colors of the nearby Painted Desert. The awe inspiring size of the Grand Canyon...hard to get a grip on the size of that ditch!!!!! Driving through the vineyards and orchards of California. Driving down "The Street of Bakersfield" Ca, and the suprise of how big it is (not the feel I got from Dwight and Buck) . And the beautiful country surrounding Yosemite...with its lovely small towns and winding roads! The crowning jewel...Yosemite! My paltry ability to communicate does no service to the place. Truly beautiful! Magnificient........Spiritual.
As I stood in Yosemite valley looking up at the enormous granite face of "El Capitan" I felt so drawn towards it. I walked through the forrest as close as I could get to it before the brush became to thick and felt so humble. As if I were standing before God himself......I think I might have cried a little...just from the overwhelming joy I felt....so free....so peaceful!
Serenity in Yosemite? You betcha.... if you can ever go....do so.
I could end here but that would not be the whole story either because it gets better!!! I got to meet some very special people. Wonderful, wonderful people that those of you who have been here on this board and in the chatroom know and I have no doubt love in our very special way. I spent time getting to know them better, though in all honesty, I felt as if I already did. Special people each and every one of them...they and their families and dogs and cats and chickens and even one turkey! Leaving behind my special friends to come back home was hard. I wish I could have stayed longer and been with each of them more. But I am so grateful for the time I had with each and every one of them.
What a gift I had the courage to give myself..... to leave my little world alone... and venture out to find adventure and boy did I find it! Adventure and love. Love of the beautiful world my HP has given me to live in and love of and from the beautiful people He has filled it with.
What a wonderful gift is the program of Al-anon and Alcoholics Anonymous. The old Dave would never have had the courage to make this trip. And it really proves to me that things do happen for a reason, that all of the trials I have had in my life lead me to this place in time, to this place I am today full of endless possibilities for peace, happiness and love if I can but open my eyes and heart to the beauty of the things around me. Don't sweat it when that busy guy driving next to you on I10 talking on his cell phone decides to change into your lane in the precise spot you are currently occuping. Be grateful you are in the moment, not distracted with something in your head, as you apply your breaks to let him in. Try real hard to remember to appreciate the beauty of his nice white Mercedes....instead of flipping him off
Hi David-
I am thankful for digital cameras and your gorgeous pictures!
Wow, great scenery and great meetings--sounds like the best trip!
Hope your vacation mentality stays with you thru out the year!
Jeanne
captcodee said
Nov 23, 2005
What a beautiful Post! I am so jealous! :)
Thanks for including your pictures. You have a beautiful gift of being able capture a feeling in your picture.
I went to Quebec once (I am from Alberta) and forgot my camera. I wanted to be able to remember that trip forever, so I ended up framing a small maple leaf (I was there in May).
It is nice to be able to recal the place you were at inside when you look at a picture/object that was captured when you were there. Thanks for posting. I loved to live through your story!
Aron
Karilynn said
Nov 23, 2005
David,
Welcome back. Between your pictures and Megan's I've felt like I've been there with you. I'm thinking for your next act of courage, you'll climb El Capitan! A friend of mine did, and had a ball.
Thanks for your beautiful post. Happy Thanksgiving.
Live strong,
Karilynn
Jill said
Nov 23, 2005
Hi David, Congrats! Did you anticipate such an experience when you entered Alanon? It keeps getting better.
I loved your pictures, and I appreciate your insight on handling whacky drivers as I set off on the busiest driving day in the most crowded highway. Alanon tools will get me there.
thanks --- Jill
bob6502 said
Nov 23, 2005
Heya,
Isn't it funny how we recieve gifts of serenity from HP when we least expect them?? And how wonderful they are when we are aware of them?? You brought back more than pictures David, you brought back serenity.
So glad you had fun,
SenoraBob
Diva said
Nov 23, 2005
Hi David and welcome back!! The pics are great. Thanks for sharing them and the running commentary on the trip. Have a happy Thanksgiving.
With best wishes, Diva
lin0606 said
Nov 23, 2005
My my - a long drive, all by yourself, and then an alanon conference at the end of it. Sounds like heaven. I hope you spent at least some of the time singing along real loud ot your radio!
nmike said
Nov 23, 2005
Welcome back david62! Isn't that great. What I liked about your post was that you were able to forget your woes and have great experiences. I live near the Grand Canyon. Isn't it an inspiration? Aren't you glad we have Alanon?
In support,
Nancy
david62 said
Nov 23, 2005
Lol... Lin0606....you bet i sang along with the radio.....dern near lost my voice by the time I got home! Music just added to the whole trip... in so many special ways! And to Nancy....It sure is and I sure am!
Howdy Y'all!
Well after a journey which took me through 4 states in 11 days and 4000 miles of driving, I am back home.
As some of you know, I too attended the Serenity in Yosemite conference along with other members of this site.
Needless to say, I saw so much. What a big beautiful place is our planet. How much perspective I got while driving through vast, expansive plains in remote places where I would not see another car for long stretches of time. Gave a whole new perspective to just exactly how "big" I am.
I learned a definition for the word serenity, on a speaker tape I had with me. Serenity is being totally in the place you are at. And wow, this trip did that for me. For nearly the whole trip, I did not think about work, finances and most amazingly, I did not invite dischordant thoughts about my ex-wife into my consciousness.
Instead, I focused on what was around me: The stark beauty of West Texas along the Rio Grande, The Forests of Western New Mexico and Arizona, The wonder of the Petrified Forrest (wow!)... the beautiful pastel colors of the nearby Painted Desert. The awe inspiring size of the Grand Canyon...hard to get a grip on the size of that ditch!!!!! Driving through the vineyards and orchards of California. Driving down "The Street of Bakersfield" Ca, and the suprise of how big it is (not the feel I got from Dwight and Buck)
. And the beautiful country surrounding Yosemite...with its lovely small towns and winding roads! The crowning jewel...Yosemite! My paltry ability to communicate does no service to the place. Truly beautiful! Magnificient........Spiritual.
As I stood in Yosemite valley looking up at the enormous granite face of "El Capitan" I felt so drawn towards it. I walked through the forrest as close as I could get to it before the brush became to thick and felt so humble. As if I were standing before God himself......I think I might have cried a little...just from the overwhelming joy I felt....so free....so peaceful!
Serenity in Yosemite? You betcha.... if you can ever go....do so.
I could end here but that would not be the whole story either because it gets better!!! I got to meet some very special people. Wonderful, wonderful people that those of you who have been here on this board and in the chatroom know and I have no doubt love in our very special way. I spent time getting to know them better, though in all honesty, I felt as if I already did. Special people each and every one of them...they and their families and dogs and cats and chickens and even one turkey! Leaving behind my special friends to come back home was hard. I wish I could have stayed longer and been with each of them more. But I am so grateful for the time I had with each and every one of them.
What a gift I had the courage to give myself..... to leave my little world alone... and venture out to find adventure and boy did I find it! Adventure and love. Love of the beautiful world my HP has given me to live in and love of and from the beautiful people He has filled it with.
What a wonderful gift is the program of Al-anon and Alcoholics Anonymous. The old Dave would never have had the courage to make this trip. And it really proves to me that things do happen for a reason, that all of the trials I have had in my life lead me to this place in time, to this place I am today full of endless possibilities for peace, happiness and love if I can but open my eyes and heart to the beauty of the things around me. Don't sweat it when that busy guy driving next to you on I10 talking on his cell phone decides to change into your lane in the precise spot you are currently occuping. Be grateful you are in the moment, not distracted with something in your head, as you apply your breaks to let him in. Try real hard to remember to appreciate the beauty of his nice white Mercedes....instead of flipping him off
Sheese.....Life! What a trip!!!
Yours in Recovery,
David
What a beautiful Post! I am so jealous! :)
Thanks for including your pictures. You have a beautiful gift of being able capture a feeling in your picture.
I went to Quebec once (I am from Alberta) and forgot my camera. I wanted to be able to remember that trip forever, so I ended up framing a small maple leaf (I was there in May).
It is nice to be able to recal the place you were at inside when you look at a picture/object that was captured when you were there. Thanks for posting. I loved to live through your story!
Hi David, Congrats! Did you anticipate such an experience when you entered Alanon? It keeps getting better.
I loved your pictures, and I appreciate your insight on handling whacky drivers as I set off on the busiest driving day in the most crowded highway. Alanon tools will get me there.
thanks --- Jill
Heya,
Isn't it funny how we recieve gifts of serenity from HP when we least expect them?? And how wonderful they are when we are aware of them?? You brought back more than pictures David, you brought back serenity.
So glad you had fun,
SenoraBob
Welcome back david62! Isn't that great. What I liked about your post was that you were able to forget your woes and have great experiences. I live near the Grand Canyon. Isn't it an inspiration? Aren't you glad we have Alanon?
In support,
Nancy
Lol... Lin0606....you bet i sang along with the radio.....dern near lost my voice by the time I got home! Music just added to the whole trip... in so many special ways! And to Nancy....It sure is and I sure am!
Thanks for the responses everyone!
David