Rising From The Ashes

In Greek mythology, a phoenix or phenix (Ancient Greek φοίνιξ phóinīx) is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.

In this case I am using the ''process'' of the Phoenix as a metaphor from the studies I have done on struggle and overcoming ''hard times'', I have noticed that Fire is always used to describe the period between the beginning and the end of our trials and tribulations. I am reminded of a blacksmith and his forge. A black smith would have to bring his fire to extreme temperatures in order to get the metal to the point where it is easier to shape and hardening no longer occurs. There is also a scripture in the bible where it speaks philosophically about the testing of fire and the purpose behind it. There comes many points in our lives where we are faced with a huge all consuming fire that we must travel through. Such is the way of life. I speak for myself also in this. I've fallen countless times while walking through the fire. I just wanted to lay there and accept it. Lacking motivation and the will  to go through. Then someone or something comes along and gives me encouragement and inspires me so I can do it. I then get up and begin by putting one foot forward. I think one of the most important things we can do in the fire is to find a focal point. Something to focus on. A reason to keep going and keep striving. Its too easy to let go and allow life to drag us. To lay down and stare into the still sky as everything around us blows past. We must march with intention in preparation. Our eyes must be open and our hearts filled with purpose. Because if we press through eventually we will overcome and rise from the ashes stronger, wiser, and renewed....  

“Up then, fair phoenix bride, frustrate the sun;
Thyself from thine affection
Takest warmth enough, and from thine eye
All lesser birds will take their jollity.
Up, up, fair bride, and call
Thy stars from out their several boxes, take
Thy rubies, pearls, and diamonds forth, and make
Thyself a constellation of them all;
And by their blazing signify
That a great princess falls, but doth not die.
Be thou a new star, that to us portends
Ends of much wonder; and be thou those ends.” 
― John Donne, The Complete English Poems

Its been awhile since I last blogged. I took the holidays off. I trust that you had a beautiful time with friends and family over the holidays. I had a good time. When it comes to holidays it's a process with me emotionally. I'm not used to allot of the family flare and sentiment. The great thing about this Christmas was that I spent it with my personal family: my wife and two children. We stood home and enjoyed each others company.  I remember in my addiction and past choice of lifestyle that I would always sabotage the holidays. I would do something to ruin it for those around me. I would put myself in a position that would somehow excuse my presence... that's what I thought at least. I didn't realize that the choices I made effected those around me also. Well! Glad to say it was a good one. For this year of 2013 my goals are to stay focused on those things that are most important to me.... Friends, family, and relationships. My recovery and sobriety and the ever present need to keep moving forward. I approach these expectations realistically now. Before I used to set myself up for failure and aim for perfection then when perfection was lost so was my resolve. Now I understand that there is no such thing as a perfect person... only their intentions. I understand that I may fall and slip or even slide from what I aim to accomplish, but if I keep my eyes on the prize and pick myself up and move towards the mark everything will eventually work itself out....( easier said than done I know!) Well, until tomorrow comes have a great day....