Daily Motivations 12-17-2010

Friday, December 17, 2010

Today's Gift

 

Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another. —Erma Bombeck

The most precious time we will ever have we give away by doing volunteer chores to help others get more out of life. There is no material wage for this kind of work, but a host of emotional rewards. The height of volunteer giving is doing an act of kindness or love so quietly that none but ourselves will ever know we had a part in it.

What great humility this can bring to us, who live in a world where selfish people often insist on credit for all their deeds - often things they had nothing to do with.

All we need do is think of all we have received without deserving it or asking for it. By taking part in the giving end of life, we find the true wealth of our own generosity.

What secret gift can I give today?

From Today's Gift: Daily Meditations for Families ©

 

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Twenty-Four Hours A Day

 

Walk In Dry Places
 
Raising Self-Esteem

The Fear Of Loneliness
The fear of being alone brings strange results.  It may cause us to cling to arrangements and relationships that are unsatisfactory or destructive.  Some of us become enablers for loved ones who are still drinking; quite often this can involve putting up with abuse we shouldn't have to endure.

We endure such relationships because we fear we'll be alone and defenseless without them.  We may even put up with friends who are manipulative or treacherous because we can't visualize having happier, healthier friendships.

 

When we recognize that we are holding on to unsatisfactory relationships for such reasons, we need to apply the program more diligently in our own lives.  Usually, we need more self-esteem--a belief that we deserve satisfactory relationships.  We do not have to be alone, but neither do we have to endure what amounts to abuse and rejection.

Action for the Day: Whether I'm with people or alone today, I'll know that all of my relationships should be satisfactory for everybody involved.  I'll let my Higher Power guide me to the relationships that are right for me.

 

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One Day At A Time

Choice
Like so many, I do not always surrender completely;
I allow the cares and worries of the day to distort my thinking.
But as soon as I get back on the right track, I realize I have everything I need.
Whatever problems confront me, large or small, they can be solved wisely.
Or they can be solved my way. The choice is mine.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 60

Thought to Ponder . . .
Wisdom is knowing what to do, virtue is doing it.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
W I S D O M = When Into Self, Discover Our Motives.

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Daily Motivation

 

One decision away

 

You're just one decision away from being free of the limiting demands of your ego. Living your life at the highest level is a choice you can make right now, in this moment.

 

Accept the positive power that has always been yours. Take the initiative and make full use of the unique power that comes with being you.

 

In times of unquestioned joy you've glimpsed your true purpose. Take the opportunity now to express that purpose and bring great new value to life.

 

Worry and fear can no longer pull you down or hold you back. Though life is relentlessly demanding, you have chosen to be even stronger.

 

Because you have chosen to persist, you will. Because you know why you must succeed, you do.

 

Every moment is a decision, and therefore every moment is an opportunity of incalculable value. Decide now, and again and again, to bring your highest possibilities to life.

 

-- Ralph Marston