Daily Motivations 4-23-2010

Friday, April 23, 2010

Today's Gift

Choices

The world can begin to change. All it takes is for a single fearful, angry person to shift her perception about a situation or a person, and then make a better choice about her own behavior. The idea that one person can make such a difference may seem far-fetched, but indeed, that is how any change, large or small, begins to materialize.

What this means is that every one of us, together and individually, can impact how the circumstances of the world continue to evolve. We can determine whether or not we will experience peace in our personal lives and, by our actions and example, bring about peaceful resolutions in the lives of others, near and far away.

Many will say it can't be done – there will always be cynics among us. But those who believe in the miracle of change live among us, too. Whenever any one of us recognizes someone else's anger for what it really is and responds with understanding and compassion, we all move closer to the peaceful existence that can be ours, here and now. "Nothing changes if nothing changes." We can be the change agents who will make a difference.

You are reading from the book:

Cultivating Hope

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Twenty-Four Hours A Day

Keep It Simple

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. --- Ernest Hemingway
It's hard to listen in a complete way. Often we listen, but we're still thinking about ourselves. We wonder, "How do their words relate to me? Do I have anything to add?" Often, fear is behind these questions. We fear saying the wrong thing. We fear looking stupid. Good listeners know how to let go of their fears. To listen completely, we step outside ourselves, and we're totally there for someone else. Sometimes we listen for only a few moments. Sometimes we don't even agree with the people we're listening to. But we let them know that they count. What a gift we give when we listen in a complete way!

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, teach me to listen in a complete way. Teach me to step outside myself and be their for others.

Action for the Day: Today, I'll listen to what the person says.

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One Day At A Time

Action

My whole attitude toward life and other people is changing.
For me, the first "A" in our name stands for attitude.
My attitude is changed by the second "A" in our name, which stands for action.
By working the Steps, attending meetings, and carrying the message,
I can be restored to sanity. Action is the magic word!
- Daily Reflections, p. 161

Thought to ponder . . .
Never mistake motion for action.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Accountable Actions.

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Daily Motivation

Jump up

A challenge is a chance to jump up to a higher level of performance. Take that opportunity and run with it.

If you haven't been as effective as you know you can be, a difficult challenge will change that. Because the challenge will leave you with no other choice.

Yes, it's inconvenient and uncomfortable and just plain hard work. But think of what will happen when you choose to run out and embrace it.

You'll make yourself stronger, more capable, with greater discipline, focus and effectiveness. Not only will you create something of great value, you'll then be perfectly positioned to create even greater value on top of that.

You'll run faster when you're chasing after something, or when there's something chasing you. You'll discover that you can do it, and you'll discover how great it feels to give your very best.

When a challenge jolts you awake, jump out of your slumber and hit the ground running. Be pleasantly amazed at where you can take yourself when there's a challenge pushing you forward.

-- Ralph Marston