Adversity introduces a man to himself. —Anonymous
After difficult or challenging times we often say, "I never would have chosen to go through that, but I learned a lot from it." It could be a job situation, a failed relationship, or trouble with the law. When we bump up against something hard something that pushes back at us, our strength is tested, forcing us to draw on unknown reserves. A mountain climber standing on a safe ledge finds it difficult to move forward onto a more frightening spot. After he has completed the route, he looks back and feels good about himself because he met a challenge. We meet these challenges in many ways in our lives, and they help us build our self-respect.
Whatever difficulty is facing us today, we may have to deal with it ourselves, but we do not have to be alone while we do it. We can reach out for support while we do what we must. This difficulty is part of being human and can help us see more fully who we are.
I pray for the courage to face my adversity when I must and the ability to learn from it.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©
To make the world a friendly place One must show it a friendly face.---James Whitcomb Riley
We are beginning to learn that we get what we expect. Why? If we believe that people are out to get us, we'll not treat them well. We will think it's okay to "get them" before they "get us." Then, they'll be angry and want to get even. And on it goes. It's great when we can meet the world with a balance. We are honest people. We can expect others to be fair with us. We get the faith, strength, and courage to do this because of our trust in our Higher Power.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, I put my life in Your care. Use me to spread Your love to others.
Action for the Day: Today, I'll spread friendliness. I will greet people with a smile.
Asking for Help
Putting my ego aside to ask others for help still doesn't come naturally,
so I've made it a part of my Tenth Step inventory, asking,
"Have I failed to ask for help when I needed it today?"
I am astonished how often the answer is yes. Not asking, it seems,
is a deeply ingrained trait, as most of my character defects are.
But the rewards of asking for help -- increased humility, connection, and trust --
are well worth the effort.
- AA Grapevine, April 2011, p. 21
Thought to Ponder . . .
Simply asking for help seems to be a help in itself.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H E L P = Hope, Encouragement, Love, Patience.
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