Thursday, January 24, 2012
Today's Gift
I look in the mirror through the eyes of the child that was me.—Judy Collins
The child within each of us is fragile, but very much alive, and they interpret our experiences before we are even conscious of them. It is our child who may fear new places, unfamiliar people, strange situations. Our child needs nurturing, the kind they may not have received in the past. We can take their hand, coax them along, let them know they won't be abandoned. No new place, unfamiliar person, or strange situation need overwhelm them.
It's quite amazing the strength that comes to us when we nurture ourselves, when we acknowledge the scared child within and hold them, making them secure. We face nothing alone. Together, we can face anything.
I will take care of my child today and won't abandon her to face, alone, any of the experiences the day may bring.
From Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women by Karen Casey©
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Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Walk In Dry Places
Raising self-esteem
Thinking well of ourselves
Although there may have been conceit and cockiness in our past behavior, most of us suffered from feelings of low self-esteem. We often felt alone and unworthy. Often, we had memories of parents and others who reminded us of our shortcomings or compared us unfavorably with others.
Whatever our past problems, we can raise our self-esteem in the present. We can begin by forgiving ourselves and others for past wrongs and mistakes. We must become willing to give up any belief or practice that causes us to dislike ourselves. We can remember that our self-esteem does not depend on achievements or on winning in competitions with others. Despite our failings, now and in the past, we are worthy in the sight of our Higher Power.
Growth in the program usually brings growth in self-esteem. If we think well of ourselves, in the right sense, others will tend to think well of us, too. With proper self-esteem, we will not be crushed or dismayed when someone seems to dislike us. Our feelings about ourselves will be much more than a mirror of others' opinions.
Action for Today: I will think well of myself today, I will not put myself down, even jokingly.
Patience
I was like the proverbial "kid in a candy store."
I couldn't wait to get to Step Twelve; it was surely only a few months' work,
or so I thought!
I realize now that living the Twelve Steps of AA is a lifelong undertaking.
- Daily Reflections, p. 73
Thought to Ponder . . .
The Three P's -- Patience, Persistence, Peace.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P U T = Patience, Understanding, Tolerance.
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Daily Motivation
A more beautiful world
You’re connected to other people, places and things in ways you don’t even realize. Everything you do has influence that goes far beyond you, and that eventually comes back to you.
You cannot successfully cheat others, because eventually with such attempts you end up cheating yourself. What you can do, though, is continually inject your own unique value and goodness into life.
When you do, it grows in ways you cannot possibly imagine. It grows, and spreads, and lifts your whole world.
With every little positive action, you can make a difference. Because whatever you do is multiplied throughout the whole of life.
You don’t need to undertake some grand and glorious project to make the world a better place. The very best way to make the world a better place is to make yourself a more joyful, purposeful, loving, creative and effective you.
The way you live, in each and every moment, matters very much. Live well, with goodness, integrity and love, and you’ll find yourself living in a more beautiful world.
— Ralph Marston
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