Can you see the road up ahead? Does it look different than you expected? Change and transformation has a way of changing perception and perspective. Have your priorities changed through the course of this journey? It’s a new day and there is much to celebrate! You now have the tools and are developing the wisdom to embrace life on life’s terms. You now can step forward with a bounce in your stride. Consider the distance you have traveled and all you have overcome. Even if you are currently in a storm with unknown outcomes, you know where to go for strength to find your way through. You know how to avoid destructive choices or reacting to stresses and trials in a way that is dishonoring to life or to yourself. You can look upward and onward with a smile in your heart.
Into the Unknown
Explorers through North America’s history embodied great courage in seeking out new lands. After climbing through uncountable mountains, valleys, and plains, eventually they caught site of the Pacific Ocean. Before they could see the actual ocean, the smell of salted air filled their noses. How they must have been invigorated by that smell. If they had walked a mile or two to get to that destination it would have still been a nice view, but not a life-changing event. But after thousands of miles and countless difficulties, including losing loved ones along the way, coming to those shores was nothing short of epoch.
In the movie The Shawshank Redemption, the character Andy Dufrane, after 20 years in prison, crawls his way out through 300 yards of sewer pipe. Coming out the other side, he looks up, arms raised into the pouring rain, utterly exhausted. He would not accept the stamp that society wanted to give him. He believed in his innocence. Even though he had to keep his head down and endure the sufferings that unjustly came upon him, he held on to hope! He kept looking up.
Wisdom
Wisdom is a term that brings people to different places. Most think of knowledge, the tried and true, things that are best, ancient philosophy, people who have learned from their mistakes, embracing life, etc…
Here’s a video on the characteristics of wisdom and those that are wise.
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Do you have wisdom? You may have more wisdom within than you realize!
Have you learned to manage expectations and let go of controlling outcomes?
Are you ready to live your life in a way that appreciates beauty embracing gratitude?
This video uses old images to help illustrate the qualities of the wise. The principles expressed though are quite accurate and applicable to the modern world we live in. There is one portion of the video that shows the large expectations we have in order to be happy that are almost never met. Then, the contrasting humility of being satisfied with basic needs and health first and finding real contentment. There is an awareness the wise have that looks out to the horizon knowing the storms of life will come. The wise seek to be ready for those storms.
Planting a Seed
The precious treasure of wisdom within calls to be shared with the world, starting with those closest to you. This seed can be planted in fertile ground and grow into something beautiful that will bring fruit and food for others, and yourself. Will you plant the seeds of your goals and your future by the waters of wisdom? Will you water and protect that seed? Will you guard it with your life? Will you treat your sobriety like it too is a precious treasure?
I like the quote we saw in a previous lesson that said:
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second-best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
You are putting down roots that run deep. Give this new way of life time to take hold. 
It may not bring the immediate results that our modern culture often expects, but the results will be long-lasting and far-reaching. All the reflection questions, writings, and actions that have come from them are a part of this growth. You have intimate knowledge of yourself. Life itself knows you and is bringing you into deeper connection with it. Seek this connection with a smile in your heart. Think about all the wonderful moments you will share with others. Think about the transformation you have experienced! Can you see the smiles on the faces of those coming into contact with the life and wisdom you have gained?
Conclusion
Life is a gift. Life is truly challenging. We all have a choice in how we approach the hills and trials. We have the choice to remain sober or not. We spend time in reflection and get determined in consistent action. Following through and working towards a better life each day opens us to a sky above our heads and a solid ground beneath our feet. We ask the big questions like what is most important in this life? We find practical applications to accomplish the work ahead of us. Remember to breathe through the moments that give you great pause. You have and will be tested. Let the warrior within fight the battles of life with love and wisdom. There is great joy in store for those that overcome.
Helpful Links
www.intotheclear.org