Monday, September 13, 2010
Today's Gift
No person could save another.
--Joyce Carol Oates
We encounter the experiences we need in our lives. It's sometimes hard to believe that when we're grappling with disappointment, anger, or loss. Yet everything that comes our way is material for our growth.
Many of us entertain a fantasy that some person can complete us. We don't believe that we're complete in ourselves. Only when we do will we become able to share in a life-enhancing partnership with another person. Only when we love ourselves can we love others realistically, instead of seeing them as fantasy figures, projections of our own desire.
No one can hurt us emotionally unless we allow the hurt. We're full partners in everything that we do, and taking responsibility for our actions and our desires is our first step toward being fully lovable.
The only one who can save me is me.
--Joyce Carol Oates
We encounter the experiences we need in our lives. It's sometimes hard to believe that when we're grappling with disappointment, anger, or loss. Yet everything that comes our way is material for our growth.
Many of us entertain a fantasy that some person can complete us. We don't believe that we're complete in ourselves. Only when we do will we become able to share in a life-enhancing partnership with another person. Only when we love ourselves can we love others realistically, instead of seeing them as fantasy figures, projections of our own desire.
No one can hurt us emotionally unless we allow the hurt. We're full partners in everything that we do, and taking responsibility for our actions and our desires is our first step toward being fully lovable.
The only one who can save me is me.
You are reading from the book:
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Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Keep It Simple
When angry, count to ten before you speak: if very angry, a hundred.
---Thomas Jefferson
When angry, count to ten before you speak: if very angry, a hundred.
---Thomas Jefferson
Sometimes we just want to yell. Maybe a family member or a friend messed up, and we want to “set them straight.” Start counting. Maybe we got chewed out at work and we want “to get even.” Start counting.
We get drunk on anger. We may feel powerful when we “set someone straight.” But like an alcohol high, an anger high last only a short time and can hurt others. We must control our anger. This is why we count.
Cool down. Think out what you need or want to say. Use words that you’ll not be ashamed of later. Learning how to respect others when we’re angry is a sign of recovery.
Cool down. Think out what you need or want to say. Use words that you’ll not be ashamed of later. Learning how to respect others when we’re angry is a sign of recovery.
Prayer for the Day : Higher Power, teach me to respect others when I’m angry.
Action for the Day: Today, when I feel angry I’ll count. I’ll work at not controlling other with my anger.
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Habits
Our drinking/using was connected with many habits -- big and little.
Some were thinking habits, or things we felt inside ourselves.
Others were doing habits -- things we did, actions we took.
In getting used to not drinking, we have found that we needed new habits
to take the place of those old ones.
- Living Sober, p. 1
Thought to Ponder . . .A new world came into view.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
N E W = Nothing Else Worked.
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Daily Motivation
Daily Motivation
A moment at a time
You can accomplish great things, yet you must always do it one moment at a time. Today is filled with a wealth of those moments.
Great value is created steadily and diligently, one moment at a time. Live with respect and appreciation for each small moment, and that value will be yours.
If you fill a moment with resentment, nothing of value will come of it. If you hurry through the moment, anxious about what is next, you'll leave behind the opportunity you could have had to make a difference.
You can easily stay focused, you can easily persist, and you can easily stay positive for just one small moment.
And when that beautiful, effective moment is over, you'll be ready and willing to do it all again.
In the confines of a single moment, what possible place could there be for worry or despair? After all, it's just a moment, it's yours to use, and while you have it you can take a few positive steps forward.
Pour the fullness of your love and positive purpose into each little moment. By calmly and positively living a moment at a time, you'll bring your true greatness to life.
-- Ralph Marston
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