Tag: steps

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Small Steps Away From Suffering

There is a belief that suffering is righteous. 

Suffering is only a vehicle for remorse and change. Yes, our actions can bring suffering, but staying in suffering doesn’t bring relief or a gold star. Staying in suffering usually happens because: 

  1. A person believes they cannot change.
  2. A child is taught that they are not worth the effort to live in joy, and they grow up believing it is true.
  3. An individual uses their suffering to control or manipulate others. 
  4. A person is in a physical or psychological situation that is beyond their control. 

Have you tried to move out of suffering before, only to fall back into misery? That is life, suffering.  But we are sent here to grow, not be destroyed by suffering. 

If you believe you cannot change, ask yourself what it would be like if you could change. What needs would be met that are not being met if I was no longer suffering? What is the smallest step you could take? Take it today. 

If you have been taught that you are not worth the effort to create a joyful daily life, when did it start? Is it true? Can you prove, 100% it is true? Let me answer that for you. NO. You are a child of the Most High God, the Creator of All. Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother created you. Look back at that negative memory and declare, “Who are YOU to tell Me that I am NOT worth it? I am a CHILD OF GOD. Where is your authority? Where is your glory? I am A DAUGHTER, A SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD.” Now feel that. This is truth. 

If you have used your suffering to manipulate people. Stop and ask yourself, “What am I lacking that I feel this is the way to get what I want?” Do you lack basic trust in your relationships or childhood? If you ever want to have lasting relationships or joy, you must change your patterns. If you are being manipulated I beg you to define in your mind the exact needs that are not being met. What can you do for yourself? Only trust the manipulator to fulfill the patterns they have completed in the past. Trust yourself to know what you need and what you will no longer tolerate. Define healthy boundaries for yourself and others will learn from how you treat yourself. 

However if you are in a situation that is physically or emotionally beyond your control. My heart breaks for you. We feel trapped. Here are some small suggestions beyond seeking professional help. (And I highly suggest you reach out to someone that can help you take steps.) 

Pray. Listen. Follow the impressions you receive. 

I’ve seen miracles with this formula myself. I have felt hopelessly trapped for decades, and it wasn’t until I took small guided heavenly steps that I was able to move out of fear. 

It is kind to move forward with the intent to change. 

Be as kind to yourself as you can. Every single day. 

Let God bring you change and blessings. 

Allow miracles to come. 

Suffer only to the amount that it brings you to a better place. 

Then let Christ show you a better way. 

Joy. 

The marriage of your sorrow and happiness. 

Smile. 

It is all possible for you.

“I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

“Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (Alma 26:11–12).

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The Resurrection Exhibit Opening Night!

May 5th, 2018 was a beautiful night.  The Cottonwood Heights City Building was perfect for the exhibit!  The most amazing thing about the whole event was how many people gave of their time and talents.  As I write this weeks later, I am still overcome with the generosity and kindness.  

Right off people came to set up sound systems, create beautiful food, and be ready to converse with people who wanted to know how to achieve recovery. 

Everyone worked together to present the best of their story, their journey, and the art that has come from their experience.   I was humbled by each of them. 

The art that was submitted had an honesty that I have rarely seen in gallery or museum.   Especially because not only did each artist need to present their story, but they had to find with in themselves the courage to speak about what they had been through.  What impressed me most was the abundance of positive messages from individuals that have been through hell and back.  I have nothing but respect for each artist and participant. 

None of this would have been possible with out the wonderful organizations and recovery centers that worked with me.  I would like to thank:  First Step House, Steps Recovery Center, Reach 10, Renew Wellness, Vanguard Revolution, Ascend Recovery, Kandy Graves, Empowered by Us, Wylene Benson, Addict to Artist, and Addict to Athlete.   They are doing phenomenal work.  

Then around 7:30 the live music began.  Each musician communicated, in a way that transcended words, their journey. 

Gabe Beckstead!  Logan Larkin!  Mclean Taylor!  Jessica Sellers!  Tim Halls!  Austin Madsen!  and Issac!  You all rock!  Literally <3  

That’s when the news crews showed up!  Channel 4 and 2 sent over teams.   I thoroughly enjoyed doing the interview and seeing the validation that these news spots brought for people who had been through so much already.  Thank you 2 and 4 for your amazing coverage.  

Important hugs!  Massively heart felt support!   Thank  you to all that came, you are truly serving (Step 12) because you were kind, you showed up, and you put your caring into action.  

You are welcome to contact me about participating in next year’s show for friends and family of individuals with addiction experience.  

Prints etc can be found by pressing the corresponding button.  

PS.  If you share this link and tag me I’ll discount your entire order by 30%.  

12 Step Prints

The Resurrection Exhibit goes to the end of May.  Hope to see you there at the Cottonwood Heights City Building. 

Monthly Updates!!!

For monthly updates about the next exhibit, sales, or other events please subscribe using the button to the side <3 

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The Resurrection Exhibit

After seeing my son’s recovery after years of addiction, I knew I had to share the hope.  So many people have talked with me about their family and friends.  They just want to see happiness, and self worth in their loved one’s eyes again.   

“Let Go and Let God” was the inspiration piece that started it all.  I knew that others needed to express their victories, and that my series combined with art work from those in recovery would be extremely powerful.  Not only for individuals in a program, but also for friends and family who have felt so helpless.

This exhibit is being hosted by the wonderful Cottonwood Heights Arts Council.  It will be held at the  City Building.  The exhibit will run May 1-31st.   The opening night will be held on May 5th 7:00-9:00 pm. 

(map and directions at end of post)

There is more to life than living in fear and numbness.  
 
Resurrection is possible.
 
Recovery from addiction is similar to dying and coming back a whole new person.  Let’s communicate this in the most authentic and hope filled way possible.
 
The purpose of this exhibit:
 
1. To encourage communication and connection.  (The opposite of addiction is connection.)
 
2. To empower individuals in their recovery program.
 
3. To educate about addiction recovery and programs that are available
 
How it comes together! 
 
1. Ten addiction recovery organizations will partner with the exhibit.  
 
2. Their advanced program participants and graduates will have the opportunity to participate. 
 
3. All recovery programs will gain heightened public awareness of their services and successful clients.  
 
* In addition the participants that exhibit and sell their art will receive a check for the full amount of their asking price.  They are encouraged to apply the funds toward their recovery program.
 
The Resurrection exhibit  benefits all involved.
 
 

Participants need to  . . . 

1) submit their artwork through the link below

(Artwork will need to be delivered to The City Building on May 1st.)

2) make sure their artwork fits the theme of the show
3) have family friendly images, as the venue is public
4) have artwork ready to hang or display
5) 2D or 3D
6) keep the art under 4′ (height, width, depth)  
7) images submitted in JPG, PNG, a website, or URL

Participants may also choose to submit artwork anonymously.  Profits will be processed through Paypal or Venmo.  The public will not have access to your name – just your work. 

Submit Work

               Submissions accepted:     Jan 15 – April 22nd at midnight. 

Organizations that wish to participate need . . . 

1) a recovery program – or a vested interest

2) graduates or clients that are committed to working their program – or personal experience – a reason for them wanting to be a part of the show

3) to select/support participants that have an interest in communicating through art.  An art background is not  a requirement.  Other businesses are welcomed to participate as well. 

The Resurrection Exhibit is an opportunity to serve in whatever way feels best for you or your organization. 

Service examples include: 

– Posting about this exhibit on social media.

– Helping a recovering teen artist to prepare art for the exhibit.

– Advertising The Resurrection Exhibit.

– Become an exhibit sponsor, donating toward the exhibit for teens who would be amazed to realize that they are of incalculable value. 

 

The greatest advocates of recovery have been through their own refiner’s fire, and want to help others who are currently feeling lost, alone, or hopeless.  They don’t judge, they don’t shame.  But they don’t enable either.  These are the warriors and healers that are needed for our youth.   

I invite you to  click on the link and explore how to give back, or pay it forward.

Be a warrior. Be a healer. Serve.

                                                        Feel free to share the love!