When a person drowns himself in negative thinking he is committing an unspeakable crime against himself.
—Maxwell Maltz
Negative thoughts can rule our lives as compulsively as an addiction. The feelings of power we get from holding a dismal and gloomy outlook deprive us of the positive and pleasant parts of life. Some of us have said, "If I expect the worst, I won't be disappointed. If I think the worst about myself, no one else can cut me down." It is like taking a driving trip and looking only for trash and garbage in the ditches, ignoring the beauty beyond. Indeed, what we see may be real, but it is a very limited piece of the picture.
When we have relied on negative thinking, it feels risky to give it up. We cannot do it in one day. We can begin by imagining ourselves with a more open attitude toward the world and ourselves. Then we can try it out as an experiment in little ways, with no commitment. Finally we reach the point where we can take a risk and entrust our Higher Power with the outcome.
Today, I will experiment with hopeful and positive thoughts about what happens.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men©
You must look into people, as well as at them. ---Lord Chesterfield
When we were using alcohol and other drugs, we only looked at people.
us get high, or how they got in our way.
their feelings and thoughts.
again. We can have relationships.
and love. We see bits of ourselves and our Higher Power. What a miracle life is.
Help me see You in others.
talk with a friend. And I’ll really listen.
Rebellion dogs our every step at first.
When we have finally admitted we are powerless over alcohol,
we are apt to breathe a great sigh of relief, saying,
"Well, thank God that's over! I'll never have to go through that again!"
The we learn often to our consternation that this is only the first milestone
on the new road we are walking.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 73
Thought to Ponder . . .
My life hereafter is from this moment on.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A B C = Acceptance, Belief, Change
Daily Motivation
Making even more
Strength does not get used up when you use it. In fact, it grows.
Sharing your wisdom with another person does not take that wisdom away from you. It actually deepens your wisdom, and makes it even more profound.
Giving your love does not in any way diminish the love you have. It makes your love richer and more meaningful.
You can speak the truth all day long, and at the end of the day that truth is more plentiful than it was at the beginning. You can exercise compassion for month after month, and you’ll end up with even more compassion.
Some of the most powerful and valuable things in life are the things that never get used up. Indeed, those things such as love, integrity, truth, compassion and wisdom become more plentiful the more they’re used.
As each moment passes, make full, joyous and meaningful use of life’s goodness. When you do, you’ll be making even more.
— Ralph Marston
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