Daily Motivation 12-1-11

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Today's Gift

 

Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression. --Dodie Smith

 

When we change our lives, we give up old patterns. Some of these old patterns, as harmful as they may have been, were like our best friends. We could turn to them for comfort and escape. After giving them up, and after the first elated feelings of liberation, we may also have to deal with depression and grief of loss.

 

What should we remember at these times?

 

First of all, depression has a beginning, and it has an end. In the midst of it, we may feel that nothing will ever look good again. That is not so. The loss of energy, the dark mood, the hopelessness – all will pass and we will regain our vitality and joy of life.

 

Second, it helps to stay active. Physical activity is one of the best medicines for a depressed mood: vigorous walks, physical labor, or a good workout at the gym. Another kind of activity is helping others, reaching out to those in need of companionship and a helping hand. It is surprising how good it feels to make a difference in another person’s life.

 

The third thing we can do is stop our negative thoughts. We can simply interrupt a train of thought in the same way we might interrupt a conversation and change the subject. Finally, we can take comfort in the faith that our Higher Power will provide what we need in the long run.

 

Today I will take good care of my mental well-being.

 

From the book Wisdom to Know by Anonymous

 

 

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Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Walk In Dry Places

Understanding life

Why do bad things happen?
No one has been able to explain why pain and misfortune must be part of the human condition. Bad things can and do happen to everybody, and sometimes there's no way to explain it. Even in sobriety, AA members have misfortunes---times when it appears that our Higher Power is hiding. We even hear members share such experiences at meetings.

Many of us have found ways to use misfortunes constructively, however, by seeing how the program helps us deal with it. In some cases---but not all---we even learn that a misfortune was a disguised blessing.
Most important, by using the program, we are eliminating the drinking and/or drugging that has been the cause of many misfortunes in our lives. That alone makes our immediate world a much better place for everyone.

Action for the Day: My life today can be both easy and hard. It gives me great comfort to know that I am not making conditions worse for myself and others. 

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One Day At A Time

 

Listening
My prayer time is more for listening than for talking.
I know today that if I cannot change the wind, I can adjust my sail.
I know the difference between superstition and spirituality.
I know there is a graceful way of being right, and many ways to be wrong.
- Daily Reflections, p. 314

Thought to Ponder . . .
Learn to listen; listen to learn.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Always Aware.

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Daily Motivation

Getting ahead

To get ahead, work ahead. To enjoy bigger rewards later, make an extra effort now.

When you’ve already done what must be done, take the opportunity to do more. When you’re on a roll creating value, keep on rolling as long as you possibly can.

Productive, meaningful effort adds real and lasting richness to your world. Never pass up an opportunity to engage in it.

It can be tempting to sit back and rest on your past efforts and accomplishments. Keep in mind, though, that when you’re not moving forward you’re falling behind.

Look at the work you do not as a burden or as a punishment. See it for the immensely valuable opportunity it is.

With your work, with your efforts, you can create meaningful and substantial value. Embrace the work, build the value, and move straight ahead in the direction of your dreams.

— Ralph Marston