
The most recent thing I’ve learned is that I’m moving through life too fast by my own volition. I have a great energy source within me – it’s a beast, and I have no idea where it came from. I seem to be riding it bareback and when I’m not busy trying not to slide off, I’m so focused on what’s out there ahead of me that I’m missing a lot of what I’m passing. This is not a good thing because every time I reach what’s ahead – I become aware of the next goal – out there on the horizon – just out of reach. And if I’m always grasping for something just out of reach how am I ever supposed to appreciate what’s in front of my face?
I just realized that I need to learn how to slow down my beast.
This is important for so many reasons. I want to slow down so I can smell a flower here and there, or focus more on doing something right rather than just getting it over with, or maybe discover something new like an all purple rainbow or a Hippocorn.

I want to greet some of the folks I’m passing or even dismount my beast for a minute and share a meal or two with them. Exchange some stories and walk away a bigger person because I learned a thing or two about an experience that is not part of my life.
Here’s what I know – it’s my beast, I’m riding it, and it’s my job to train it. There. I’ll figure it out.
Everything is not an emergency. Right? So why have I been treating things things like they are? Practicing delaying gratification is really important. It demonstrates self-control and maturity and grace and dignity. I find myself very impressed with this sort of behavior. I want to demonstrate this behavior more and I want it to be noticeable.
So many new lessons in early sobriety … I’ve got this! ๐