Daily Motivation 1-23-2012

Monday, January 23, 2012

Today's Gift

 

Only when we humbly ask for help are we ready to receive it.

 

On occasion, our problems seem overwhelming, and we don't know where to turn. Our job is stressful. Our health is failing. But many of us face no truly threatening situations, and we still have problems. Being alive, being human, means having experiences that trouble us.

 

It's hard to ask for help when we are in a troubling situation because we fear that means we are inadequate. After all, we are grown men and women who have taken care of others and ourselves for years. We don't have the wisdom to handle every situation, and yet we think we should.

 

Seeking guidance from friends, family, and our Higher Power gets easier with practice. Asking for help is a learned behavior. And practice we must!

 

But just as important as the seeking is the receiving. Are we actually open to the wisdom offered? Do we want it badly enough to truly listen to the guidance?

 

I will open my heart to my Higher Power's wisdom today and find help for whatever troubles me.

 

From the book A Life of My Own by Karen Casey

 

 

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Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Walk In Dry Places

 

Raising self-esteem

Thinking well of ourselves
Although there may have been conceit and cockiness in our past behavior, most of us suffered from feelings of low self-esteem. We often felt alone and unworthy. Often, we had memories of parents and others who reminded us of our shortcomings or compared us unfavorably with others.

Whatever our past problems, we can raise our self-esteem in the present. We can begin by forgiving ourselves and others for past wrongs and mistakes. We must become willing to give up any belief or practice that causes us to dislike ourselves. We can remember that our self-esteem does not depend on achievements or on winning in competitions with others. Despite our failings, now and in the past, we are worthy...

If we think well of ourselves, in the right sense, others will tend to think well of us, too. With proper self-esteem, we will not be crushed or dismayed when someone seems to dislike us. Our feelings about ourselves will be much more than a mirror of others’ opinions.

Action for the Day: I will think well of myself today, I will not put myself down, even jokingly.

 

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One Day At A Time

 

Imperfection
There would be no music if high C were the only note,
no art if spectrum red were the only color,
no joy in pleasure if pleasure were the only feeling -- and paradoxically,
there would be no perfection without imperfection.
What does this mean to me? Well, first it means that *I don't have to be perfect.*
All I have to do is grow at a pace natural to me --
and that is all I have a right to expect of others.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 1], pp.60-61

Thought to Ponder . . .
Give me the courage to be imperfect.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
G R A C E = Gently Releasing All Conscious Expectations.

 

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Daily Motivation

Create

From the possibilities, you can create. From those things you create, come many more possibilities.

You can take what is, and make it into what has never been before. Starting with just an idea, you can create objects, expressions, and experiences that flow from that idea.

With what you are able to create, you can make a positive and meaningful difference in the world. With what you create, you can bring great fulfillment to your own life and to the lives of those around you.

The amazing ability to create is an ability that has no limit. No matter how much value you’ve already created, there is always more for you to create.

In an endless process of creation, life is always renewing itself. With your life, you can do the same.

With your time, with your thoughts, with your efforts and resources, create. There’s always a way to bring more meaning and richness to life.

— Ralph Marston