Friday, September 11, 2015
Today's Gift
I used to think I'd never know the difference between serenity and depression because depression subdued me. —S.H.
Depression is familiar to us all, and less incapacitating than it used to be. We have made progress - we can be assured. "This too shall pass" is not an empty slogan.
Each of us can recall, with ease probably, a period we thought we'd never survive. Maybe our problem was family-related, or a tough on-the-job situation. Or maybe we felt inadequate and lacking in strength to cope with all situations. But we managed. Here we are today, taking charge of our lives and moving forward in search of serenity.
Serenity no doubt eludes us, again and again, throughout the day. But we can let our minds rest. We can give our thoughts to the wind, and serenity will find us. Serenity's peace nurtures us, strengthens us to withstand the turmoil ahead. There is always turmoil ahead. Life's lessons are found there. The irony is that a life with no problems doesn't offer the opportunities we must have if we are to grow.
I will let the serene moments wash over me. I will cherish them. They soften me. And the blows of today's tumultuous storm will be lessened.
From Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women by Karen Casey ©
********************************
Twenty-Four Hours a Day
We should be thankful we can never reach complete serenity. If we could, we would never have the need to improve ourselves. We would stop growing, because there would be no reason to learn any more than we already know, and we would become bored. Even the things which seem so serene in nature usually contain a struggle within. A lake, with a swan gliding slowly across it, seems a perfect picture of serenity. But, unseen below the surface, fish, turtles, and frogs struggle each day for survival.
Action for the Day: The important thing is to accept the struggles as a part of the beauty of life, not as blemishes on it.
************************
One Day At A Time
I must forgive injuries, not just in words, or as a matter of form, but in my heart.
I do this not for the other persons' sake, but for my own sake.
Resentment, anger, or a desire to see someone punished, are things that rot my soul.
Such things fasten my troubles to me with chains.
~ Daily Reflections, p. 88
Thought to Ponder . . .
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
T G I F = Thank Goodness I'm Forgiven
**********************
Daily Motivation
When things go wrong, don’t despair. You can make a difference, so get busy and do it.
Don’t be afraid to acknowledge and accept what has already happened. Because you can take what is, whatever it may be, and use it to make a positive difference.
There’s no need to worry about whether or not you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. It is always the right place and the right time for you to make a difference.
Making a difference demands much of you in the way of time, effort, skill and commitment. Fortunately, you’re entirely capable of giving all that and more in the service of making a meaningful difference.
Everything that happens is an opportunity for you to make a difference. Rather than wasting your energy on judgment and remorse, put that energy into making a difference.
Every one of your abilities gives you the ability to make a difference. Hold true to your vision of the best that life can be, and make a difference to make it so.
— Ralph Marston
No comments:
Post a Comment