Daily Motivation 4-11-11

Monday, April 11, 2011

Today's Gift

I have learned this: it is not what one does that is wrong, but what one becomes as a consequence of it. —Oscar Wilde

There are countless ways to take shortcuts in life or to grab for pleasures. We could cheat on our income taxes, excuse a food binge, or lie to a loved one about where we've been. We say, "It won't hurt anyone!" "I wouldn't do it if it weren't for the other guy." Or, "Everyone does it." But if we are to like and respect ourselves, we need to live by the rules we believe in. Whether we get caught or not isn't the point. We cannot hold values and then repeatedly justify breaking them.

What does it do to us if we constantly fudge on our values? It undermines our self-esteem and damages the faith we have in ourselves. We do not expect to be perfect, but we must be accountable. If we are honest with ourselves, we admit our wrongs and reestablish our self-respect.

Today, I will take care to make choices that match my values.

From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©

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Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Walk in Dry Places

Motives

 

Helping Others

It may sound selfish, but you should always help others for no reason other than your own benefit. In giving assistance, guard against posing as an idealist or even a Good Samaritan. We are not saints, and our spiritual progress is interrupted the moment we begin to act more saintly than we really are.

 

Two things happen when we help others in the full knowledge that we are really helping only ourselves. First, we do not place the other person in a demeaning role or make him or her obligated to us. Second, we sidestep the swollen egotism that could arise if we view ourselves as rescuers.

In helping others, we are only passing on the good that has come to us. Any good action will always bring rich rewards in personal well-being. People we have helped will be grateful to us when it becomes clear that we don't demand their gratitude. They will also be inspired to follow this example, which is the true AA spirit that became evident with the first Twelve Step calls.

 

Action For the Day: I'll look for opportunities to help others in the same way that a businessman looks for ways to increase profits. I know that I grow as a person when I help others in the right spirit.

 

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One Day At A Time

Going to Any Length
If you have decided you want what we have
and are willing to go to any length to get it --
then you are ready to take certain steps. At some of these we balked.
We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58

Thought to Ponder . . .
The distance is nothing; it is only the first step toward it that is difficult.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H O W = Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness.

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Daily Motivation

An exquisite life

This can be the most beautiful, fulfilling day you’ve ever known. For that to happen, you have to allow it.

You have to let go of your obsession with struggling and striving for more, and enjoy the beauty of what already is here. You have to stop thinking that some new richness will fulfill you, and fully experience the richness that is already yours.

Instead of fighting your way through each moment, open yourself to the possibilities for joy. Instead of focusing so intently on what you need, dive deeply into the value of all you have.

There is a unique and exquisite life that is already yours. All you have to do, is thankfully and gracefully let it unfold.

Whatever your situation, whatever your circumstances, there is immeasurable value to be experienced in the authentic living of your life. In the beautiful truth of who you are, there are endless possibilities for magnificent fulfillment.

Let the full truth of your life unfold. And let this truly be the best day ever.

— Ralph Marston