Daily Motivation 5-3-2012

Thursday, May 3, 2012
Today's Gift

Honesty without compassion and understanding is not honest, but subtle hostility. —Rose N. Frarnzblau

Any good thing can be used in hurtful or destructive ways. Our honesty can become distorted and hurtful when we are not in tune with our motivations. A person who contradicts another to feel superior rather than to be helpful is being hostile. If we criticize people about things they cannot change, we are only hurting them. In making amends, we should not approach people who are better off without our contact, or who are better off without our confessions.

As we grow, we encounter more parts of ourselves that may be hurtful. We need to accept those parts too, not condemn ourselves for being human, and not hide our destructive impulses from ourselves. Then our honesty with ourselves and with others will not be tainted by dishonest motives.

I pray for honesty with myself first so my honesty with others will be pure.

From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men©

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Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Keep It Simple

. . . love is a great beautifier. --Louisa May Alcott

Meeting life head-on, with a smile, attracts to us people and situations. Our attitudes shape our world--which is not to deny that problems do occur. However, problems can be viewed as special opportunities for personal growth. As gifts, more or less, that we are ready to receive. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. The stumbling blocks we encounter push us beyond our present awareness. They teach us that we are stronger and more creative than we'd thought. Problem-solving is esteem-building.

Negatively confronting the day is sure to complicate any experiences. A simple misunderstanding can be exaggerated into a grave situation, requiring the energy of many people to handle it. On the other hand, a patient, trusting, loving attitude can turn a grave situation into a positive learning experience for all affected.

We can beautify the day by smiling, at it and throughout all the experiences it offers us. The expression of love to everyone we meet guarantees to make us more lovable in return.

Action for the Day: How great is my influence today! I can go forth feeling love, if I choose to--guaranteeing an enjoyable day for me and everyone I meet.

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One Day At A Time

Acceptance
My life today is second to none. . .
When I started accepting what life was sending my way instead of trying
to bend the world into a position that I felt would be comfortable for me,
life became the adventure I'd always wanted but never knew how to seek.
I wouldn't trade this for the world. . .
This isn't anything that I signed up for, but it is exactly what I was looking for.
I no longer feel isolated, alone or without purpose.
I feel like life is going somewhere, and I don't feel like I have to know where.
The AA Grapevine, May 2012

Thought to Ponder . . .
Life is an ongoing miracle.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Adventurers Anonymous.

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Daily Motivation

More than just getting by

You can do just enough to get by, but then all you get for your trouble is to stay where you already were. With a little more effort, you can make your efforts truly count for something.

As long as you’re doing the work, you might as well use the opportunity to create meaningful value. As long as you’re putting in the time, you might as well get some significant rewards from what you’re doing.

If your attitude is to just get by, you’re setting yourself up for frustration and resentment. When, on the other hand, your goal is to give your very best, even the obstacles become opportunities to move forward.

Instead of calculating how little you can get by with doing, get enthusiastic about how much you have the opportunity to accomplish. Instead of feeling trapped by your obligations, choose to feel empowered by your ability to make a difference.

There is nothing to be gained by making yourself miserable about what you must do. There’s everything to be gained by fully investing yourself in the work you’re doing.

Do yourself a big favor, and go beyond just getting by. Rise above your obligations, and transform them into opportunities for spectacular achievement.

— Ralph Marston