Daily Motivation 10-4-2012

Thursday, October 4, 2012
Today's Gift

The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong. That block of granite is often nothing more than a decision. --Thomas Carlyle

Trails through national parks and forests are often clearly marked and well-maintained. But sometimes a heavy snowmelt or downpour can turn a trickling stream into a tricky obstacle that needs to be navigated in order to continue following the trail.

When this happens, hikers can turn around and postpone their hike until another day. They can attempt to create their own trail by rambling through – and possibly destroying – delicate forest undergrowth. They can slog through the water, soaking their footgear and creating discomfort for the rest of the hike. Or they can utilize the resources available to them, such as by positioning large rocks as stepping-stones to cross the stream.

How you navigate the trails of your life can be seen in similar terms. You must choose how to navigate these trails, both in times when the footling is good and when it is not. Be like the hiker who thinks first about how to handle the challenges, so you can continue safely along your journey.

Today I will make choices that will keep me on the path of life.

From the book 52 Weeks of Conscious Contact by Melody Beattie

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Twenty-Four Hours a Day

 

Walk In Dry Places

Self-esteem

 

Proving Ourselves

Long after a bitter failure, some of us still cling to the hope that we
can erase the defeat in some spectacular way. One dream is to
“prove ourselves” to those who scorned us or put us down.

 

This never really works, even when we do become winners at some
later time. For one thing, we may be proving ourselves to people
who never will like us. If we are striving to show others that we
can succeed, we are still dancing to their tune. We are accepting
their idea of what success should be.

 

But by finding sobriety, we  already have proved
ourselves to those who really count in our lives...... Including ourselves.

 

Action For the Day: I will live my life today without having to prove myself to anyone.

 

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One Day At A Time

 

Spiritual Concepts
Any alcoholic or addict capable of honestly facing their problems
in the light of our experience can recover,
provided they do not close their mind to all spiritual concepts.
They can only be defeated by an attitude of intolerance or belligerent denial.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 568

Thought to Ponder . . .
Keep an open mind.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H O W = Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness.

 

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Daily Motivation

Let each moment come

Allow time to pass and as it does, make good use of it. Allow life to unfold and as it does, treasure the richness of each moment.

Accept and be thankful for what has been, and for what is now. Fully and lovingly utilize the opportunity of this day you now have.

When the wind is at your back, use the occasion to make rapid progress. When the wind is in your face, take the opportunity to grow stronger.

Learn from those who share your opinions. And learn even more from those who disagree with you.

Embrace life as it comes to you. In the grand occasions and in the small moments, delight in the beauty and live the possibilities.

Let each moment come in a steady, empowering procession. And add your special joy to every one.

— Ralph Marston