To know oneself, one should assert oneself. —Albert Camus
We learn about ourselves by bumping up against something solid. By throwing ourselves into a project, meeting an obstacle we can't overcome, perhaps making some mistakes, we learn what we are capable of and what we are not. We are not here to live a comfortable and placid life. Our task is to grow and learn, to make a contribution, and to have some tranquility while we do. The only way we can achieve those goals is to assert ourselves, find out where the solid limits are, and assert our right to make mistakes in the process.
When we first learn to drive a car, we over steer and hit the brakes too hard or too softly. In the process we learn how to feel what is just right. When we are learning to ask for what we need and to make a place for ourselves, we may ask too demandingly at times. That is not bad. It is how we will learn to do it well.
Today, I will have opportunities to assert myself. I will take the risks required to learn.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men©
In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.---Friedrick Nietzsche
All of us have a child inside. We may see that child as a friend or as a enemy.
Many of us were taught that growing up meant doing away with our inner child. It was as if being a child was bad and being an adult was good. If we try to be only an adult, the child cries, ”Let me run free and show you the beauty of the world.” If we try to be only a child, we find the adult in using us saying, “It’s time to grow up.”
Let’s find a balance. Remember, the adult needs the wonder found in the eyes of the child. Remember, the child needs the loving care of the adult. The child lives where we find our spirit. Our Higher Power is the prefect balance of the two.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me be both the child and the adult. I need both.
Action for the Day: Today, I’ll make time to be a child and to be an adult.
When I talk with a newcomer to AA, my past looks me straight in the face.
I see the pain in those hopeful eyes.
I extend my hand, and then the miracle happens: I become healed.
My problems vanish as I reach out to this trembling soul.
- Daily Reflections, p. 274
Thought to Ponder . . .
Life will take on new meaning.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
T L C = Tears, Laughter, Caring.
Daily Motivation
What you do
You cannot always control what you get. What you absolutely can control, though, is what you do.
The actions you take will indeed bring results. However, there can often be other factors that influence those results.
Focus your energy on pointing your actions consistently and persistently in the direction of your dreams. Those actions will, one way or another, move you in that direction.
What you can control is what you do, so make the very most of that opportunity. Although other factors may at times work against you, there is great benefit to having your own considerable strength working for you.
Fashion and evaluate your goals in terms of real, specific actions you can take. There is plenty that you can do, so don’t let any adverse outside influences stop you from doing it.
Life can sometimes be arbitrary and unfair, and yet your authentic purpose and intention give you the upper hand. Do your very best no matter what, and your positive, living purpose will surely prevail.
— Ralph Marston
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