Daily Motivations 1-26-11

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Today's Gift

You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face, And show the world all the love in your heart,
Then people gonna treat you better.
You're gonna find, yes, you will,
That you're beautiful, as you feel.
—Carole King

"Act as if." There's magic in behaving the way we want to be, even though we don't yet feel it. The behavior seems to lead the way. The attitude, the mental state, follows.

Many days we may not get up with love in our hearts for our family, our friends, our co-workers. We may, in fact, want them to show their love for us first. But if we reach out, give love unconditionally; focus on another's needs, love will return tenfold. And the act of loving them will lift our own spirits. We will know love; we will feel love for ourselves and the many other persons close to us.

The attitude we cultivate, whether one of love or selfishness, inferiority or superiority, will determine how the events of our lives affect us. The principle is so simple. If we meet life with love, with a smile, we'll find love and something to smile about.

My attitude will make this day what it becomes. Meeting it head-on, with love, will assure me of a lovely day.

From Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women by Karen Casey

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Twenty-Four Hours A Day

 

Walk In Dry Places
 
Live and let live____Tolerance
For countless reasons, people with drinking problems blunder into conflicts with others. It's not unusual to hear that a person has not spoken to a relative for y ears as a result of some foolish misunderstanding. Some of us, sad to say, cling to old grievances even after we come into AA.

The key to peace in our lives is the slogan  "Live and Let Live."  If we reflect on this slogan a bit, we want to live freely, and we ought to let others choose their lifestyles without interference from us. After all, if there was anything we alcoholics resented, it was the busybody who tried to shape our lives for us. Nobody has the competence or understanding to tell us how we should live, nor  should we try to control other people. We have a big job to do in overcoming our own problems. We have neither the time nor the wisdom to run other people's lives.

"Live and Let Live," if followed by every person and nation, would bring universal peace.  We can use the slogan wisely to end conflicts in our lives and to terminate new ones before they develop into serious problems.

Action for the Day: I'll remember today that nobody appointed me guardian of my neighbors' manners and morals.  I have a full-time job keeping myself straight.

 

 

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One Day At A Time

 

Learning to Forgive
I was always taught to prepare for the journey through life,
never realizing until I came into AA
-- when I honestly became willing to be taught forgiveness and forgiving --
that life itself is a journey.
The journey of life is a very happy one,
as long as I am willing to accept change and responsibility.
- Daily Reflections, p. 185

Thought to Ponder . . .
Forgiveness is the key to moving forward.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A R T = Always Remain Teachable.

 

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Daily Motivation

Your inner artist

Creativity is not something you must force. You always create when you truly wish to create.

There is the opportunity for artistry in every facet of life. Give your love to whatever you are doing, and your own special art will come to life.

If you're just going through the motions, you're stealing life from yourself. Nothing has to be tedious, for everything is an opportunity to create new richness.

Complaining about your lot in life is an insult to your own amazing and powerful abilities. Instead of complaining, put just a few of those abilities to purposeful use.

All that you know, all you experience, all that you feel and love, will fuel your beautiful and unique creativity. Feel how good it feels to fully express your own perspective.

Allow yourself to passionately desire what you sincerely desire. Then follow the promptings of your inner artist and create the special masterpiece you envision.

-- Ralph Marston