Daily Motivations 8-13-2010

Friday, August 13, 2010

Today's Gift

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity. People who do not experience self-love have little or no capacity to love others. —Nathaniel Branden

We cannot hang on to feelings of shame and guilt and still hope to become better people. How did these feelings begin? If we were treated badly by people, we need to be honest about what happened so we can resolve it and move on. Have we perpetuated our feelings by acting disrespectfully ourselves? Then we need to take a thorough inventory of our wrongdoings, admit them, make repairs, and let them go.

We may wallow in shame because facing it feels too frightening. Often, we believe our shame is greater than that of others. This belief is usually untrue and grandiose. It's part of how we isolate ourselves. We don't have to face it alone. We have the help of other men and women who can listen to our pain and tell us about their experiences.

Today, may I find the courage to face my shame and assert my right to self-esteem.

From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©

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Twenty-Four Hours A Day

Keep It Simple
 Once it[a spoken word] flies out, you can't catch it. ---Russian proverb

We've said many mean words. Our words often hurt the people we love. We can never really take back the words. But we're learning now to speak with care . We know the words have a lot of power. What do we say when we're angry? When we want something? When we're trying to be kind?
Now, think about this: people will remember out words. If we're honest and careful in our speech, people will respect us. But if we say things to force our will, we may be sorry later.

Prayer for the Day:  Higher Power, speak through me today.

Action for the Day:  Today, I'll ask one question of the person I love the most: "How have my words hurt you in the past?"

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One Day At A Time

A New Beginning
I knew I had to have a new beginning, and this beginning had to be here.
I had to let go of the past and forget the future.
As long as I held on to the past with one hand
and grabbed at the future with the other hand,
I had nothing to hold on to today with. So I had to begin here, now.
- Came to Believe . . ., p. 46

Thought to Ponder . . .
There are no endings -- only new beginnings. AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
S I T = Stay In Today.

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Daily Motivation

Your time to do

Go ahead, jump in, make the effort and make it happen. Now is your chance to get it done.

If you're worried that there will be too many problems, quit worrying. There will be plenty of problems and you'll work your way through every one of them.

If you're wondering whether it will be worth the effort, stop wondering and start doing. You're much better off doing something than doing nothing.

Are you waiting until you're sure you can get it perfect. Stop waiting, start doing, and though it may not be perfect, it will be done, and you can then improve on it all you wish.

Do you seem to be encountering too many distractions? Remind yourself why you have chosen to move forward, and re-focus your efforts.

You will achieve when you choose to do. This is your time to do.

-- Ralph Marston