Thursday, December 27, 2012
Today's Gift
Try not to become a person of success. Rather become a person of value. —Albert Einstein
The marketplace and fashion entice us in countless ways to indulge our individual pleasures. Some say that success will be with the person who follows those seductive beckonings. Even sacrificing long hours by working two jobs to become a financial success or to achieve high career goals can be self-centered activity. It may be time and energy spent seeking power and glory at the cost of time with our family and friends - time for enjoying each other and growing. Sadly, external success leads to superficial pleasure but never to peace within ourselves.
However, when we pursue the values of honesty, humility, and service, we will find enduring self-respect and close friendships. This path provides a genuine experience of life's greatest rewards rather than the glitter of passing excitement.
Today, I will strive toward the greater values rather than superficial successes.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men©
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Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Keep It Simple
You saved me once, and what is given is always returned. We are in this life to help one another. --Carlo Collodi, The Adventures of Pinocchio
As the end of this year approaches, we think about endings and beginnings. This past year brought us both difficulties and happiness, both pain and healing. It has been a year of growth because we are sober.
Let's think about the year that is ending and be thankful for its gifts. We need to take time to rest before the next year begins. We shouldn't worry about what the next year will bring. We can simply know that next year will bring us the chance to help other addicts who still suffer. We have been saved. We are living a new life. Let's be grateful, and let's plan to reach out next year to share the wealth of sobriety. After all, we are in this world to help one another.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, remind me each day that I am needed. By living well, staying sober, and helping others through the program of recovery, I am fulfilling an important purpose in life.
Today's Action: When did I last reach out to a newcomer in recovery? Today I will make a plan for how I will share my experience, strength, and hope through the next year to help save someone else's life.
A Spiritual Path
Following this spiritual path made a major difference in my life.
It seemed to fill that lonely hole that I used to fill with alcohol and/or drugs.
My self-esteem improved dramatically,
and I knew happiness and serenity as I had never known before.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 287
Thought to Ponder . . .
May the road always lead where you need to be.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
T H I N K = The Happiness I Never Knew.
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Daily Motivation
Make yourself
Make yourself make your life better. You know what you must do, so go ahead and get yourself to do it.
You have power over your own thoughts and actions. Use that power to make a rich and fulfilling life for yourself.
Instead of making excuses, make yourself busy creating real value. You can choose to do it, and now is the time you have.
No matter what problems or distractions may come, you can make yourself move in whatever direction you choose. Choose to make yourself move steadily and persistently toward your highest goals, visions and dreams.
The quality of your life is determined by what you make yourself do. Now is when you can make the very most of that opportunity.
Make yourself into the person who is joyfully and successfully living your most treasured dreams. In every moment, choose to make yourself the best you can be.
— Ralph Marston
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