Daily Motivation 7-24-2012

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Today's Gift

Denial is a powerful tool. Never underestimate its ability to cloud your vision. --Melody Beattie

Be aware that, for many reasons, we have become experts at using this tool to make reality more tolerable. We have learned well how to stop the pain caused by reality - not by changing our circumstances, but by pretending our circumstances are something other than what they are.

Do not be too hard on yourself. While one part of you was busy creating a fantasy reality, the other part went to work on accepting the truth.

Now, it is time to find courage. Face the truth. Let it sink gently in.

When we can do that, we will be moved forward.

Higher Power, give me the courage and strength to see clearly.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©

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Twenty-Four Hours a Day

 

Keep It Simple

 

For this is wisdom; to live, To take what fate, or the Gods, may give. --Laurence Hope

We can't control the events of our lives, but we do have mastery over our attitudes. The chances will be many, today, to react negatively or positively to circumstances we find ourselves in. We can consider that each circumstance has something special in it for us.

 

Positive expectations regarding the planned as well as spontaneous activities of the day will influence the activity's flow, our involvement with it, and our interactions with the other people involved. A positive attitude seems to breed positive experiences. In other words, we attract into our lives that which we expect. How often do we get up angry, feeling behind when the day has only begun, short-tempered with our children, "ready" for a tough one at work? And we generally find it.

The Serenity Prayer offers us all the knowledge, all the wisdom we'll ever need. We can accept what has to be, change what we can, and not get confused between the two. We can inventory our attitude. Are we taking charge of it? Our attitude is something we can change.

Today's Action: I won't get trapped today by a negative attitude. I will accept the challenge of turning my day around.

 

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One Day At A Time

 

Differences
That sense of being different, which had long plagued me, disappeared
when I saw the threads that run through all of us.
Sharing our stories, it is the areas where we are the same that impress me.
The differences are but delightful flourishes on the surface,
like different-colored costumes, and I enjoy them.
But the basic ways we are human, the basic ways we simply are,
stand out to me now. I came to see that we all are really one,
and I no longer feel alone.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 347

Thought to Ponder . . .
The road to recovery and spirituality is always under construction. But there are many signs to help you through it.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Y A N A = You Are Not Alone.

 

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Daily Motivation

Focus on results

Progress comes when you focus on results. Progress happens when you visualize the results you desire, when you expect those results, and then work to make them happen.

Focus on results, and you can figure out how to bring them about. Focus on results, and you have a way to know, in each and every step, whether or not you’re making progress.

Good intentions are nice, and sophisticated methods are impressive. What really count, though, are the end results.

Any effort you undertake will use your precious time and resources. Make sure you get the most value in return by staying focused on the results.

Don’t allow yourself to remain stuck in mediocrity. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re doing great when you’re really doing not much at all.

Clearly and specifically define the results you seek, measure your progress, and weigh each action, each effort, accordingly. Focus on results and you’ll get the very best ones.

— Ralph Marston