Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Today's Gift
Misery is optional.
We may have learned to be miserable, but we can choose to unlearn it. Though we can't control what happens to us, we can determine how we will interpret and react to what happens. We can moan about the things we don't like, using them as excuses for self-pity ("poor me"), or we can implement the Serenity Prayer, accepting what we can't change and changing what we can.
In the past, we often made ourselves miserable by over-doing things. Now, how often do we continue to invite misery by thinking we ought to be able to control other people? What part do unrealistic expectations play in the creation and continuation of our misery?
When we're hurting, we need to do something about it. A physical hurt may require a doctor; an emotional pain may call for a therapist or friend, and spiritual distress may indicate the need for more prayer and meditation, closer contact with a Higher Power. We can accept responsibility for our feelings, become willing to go to any lengths to get well, and choose not to be miserable.
Responding with misery is not on my list of options for today.
We may have learned to be miserable, but we can choose to unlearn it. Though we can't control what happens to us, we can determine how we will interpret and react to what happens. We can moan about the things we don't like, using them as excuses for self-pity ("poor me"), or we can implement the Serenity Prayer, accepting what we can't change and changing what we can.
In the past, we often made ourselves miserable by over-doing things. Now, how often do we continue to invite misery by thinking we ought to be able to control other people? What part do unrealistic expectations play in the creation and continuation of our misery?
When we're hurting, we need to do something about it. A physical hurt may require a doctor; an emotional pain may call for a therapist or friend, and spiritual distress may indicate the need for more prayer and meditation, closer contact with a Higher Power. We can accept responsibility for our feelings, become willing to go to any lengths to get well, and choose not to be miserable.
Responding with misery is not on my list of options for today.
You are reading from the book:
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Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Keep It Simple
Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not words.---Alfred Adler
Being sober is an event. Being sober also means movement. We go to meetings. We find and meet with a sponsor. We talk with friends. If we don’t act in these ways were not sober.
Our actions also tell us if we’re leading a spiritual life. What do you do when you see someone in need? Spirituality means helping. It’s not just kind words.
In Step Four and Ten, we check out our action, not our words. Our actions will tell us if we’re on the recovery path.
Our actions also tell us if we’re leading a spiritual life. What do you do when you see someone in need? Spirituality means helping. It’s not just kind words.
In Step Four and Ten, we check out our action, not our words. Our actions will tell us if we’re on the recovery path.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me to not hide in words. I pray for the strength to take the right action. Help me walk a sober path.
Action for the Day: Today as I work Step Ten, I’ll focus only on my actions How have I acted sober today?
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One Day At A Time
Threads
That sense of being different, which had long plagued me,
disappeared when I saw the threads that run through all of us.
Sharing our stories, our feelings,
it is the areas where we are the same that impress me.
The differences are but delightful flourishes on the surface,
like different-colored costumes, and I enjoy them. . .
I came to see that we are all really one, and I no longer feel alone.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 347
Thought to Ponder . . .
I'm not alone anymore.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Y A N A = You Are Not Alone.
That sense of being different, which had long plagued me,
disappeared when I saw the threads that run through all of us.
Sharing our stories, our feelings,
it is the areas where we are the same that impress me.
The differences are but delightful flourishes on the surface,
like different-colored costumes, and I enjoy them. . .
I came to see that we are all really one, and I no longer feel alone.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 347
Thought to Ponder . . .
I'm not alone anymore.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Y A N A = You Are Not Alone.
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Daily Motivation
Daily Motivation
Live life now
The joy and fulfillment you seek, are here now for you to experience. If you are not fully present in this moment, when will you ever be?
Don't waste another minute by waiting for conditions to improve. The opportunity to live the best day of your life is here and now.
Embrace this moment just as it is, and taste its richness. Step confidently forward just as you are, and fully live life now.
Obsessing over what could have been or what should have been won't bring you any value. Following your positive purpose in this moment is what will create value.
You are now free from all the limitations you had imposed on yourself in the past. You can now see your best possibilities and act to fulfill them.
There is so much richness right here and now. Open yourself to the beautiful experience that is yours to fulfill.
-- Ralph Marston
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