Thursday, December 1, 2017
Today's Gift
Understanding life
No one has been able to explain why pain and misfortune must be part of the human condition. Bad things can and do happen to everybody, and sometimes there's no way to explain it.
Even in sobriety, AA members have misfortunes---times when it appears that our Higher Power is hiding. We even hear members share such experiences at meetings.
Many of us have found ways to use misfortunes constructively, however, by seeing how the program helps us deal with it. In some cases---but not all---we even learn that a misfortune was a disguised blessing.
Most important, by using the program, we are eliminating the drinking that has been the cause of many misfortunes in our lives. That alone makes our immediate world a much better place for everyone.
Action for the Day: My life today can be both easy and hard. It gives me great comfort to know that I am not making conditions worse for myself and others.
Progressive Illness
All of us felt at times that we were regaining control, but such intervals—usually
brief—were inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and
incomprehensible demoralization. We are convinced to a man that alcoholics of
our type are in the grip of a progressive illness.
Over any considerable period we get worse, never better.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 30
Thought to Ponder
When we try to control our drinking, we have already lost control.
AA-related 'Alconym'
D E A D = Don't Ever Admit Defeat
Glowing on the inside
In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. —Albert Camus
Sometimes we suddenly see or sense opposite emotions within ourselves. The cold of winter presses in on us, and we may feel tested by its bite. Yet, when we think we cannot bear it a moment longer, we find a counterforce within, an inner reassurance that comes like a summer breeze and says we can do what we must. Perhaps it comes in a time of dark despair, and we realize that at least we've made it this far. We are pretty tough. In our deepest sadness about the loss of a love, we may find a more meaningful contact with our Higher Power and connection with the Universe.
The opposites in our lives may tempt us to fight them. One side may be very clear and obvious while the other side is hidden. When we are open, these extremes are spiritual teachers for us. As we think about life and our feelings today, what opposites do we find?
Today, I will remember that I have an invincible summer at the deepest part of winter in my life.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©
From: Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation - Thought for the Day http://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/recovery/thought-for-the-day
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Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Walk In Dry Places
Why do bad things happen?
Why do bad things happen?
Understanding life
No one has been able to explain why pain and misfortune must be part of the human condition. Bad things can and do happen to everybody, and sometimes there's no way to explain it.
Even in sobriety, AA members have misfortunes---times when it appears that our Higher Power is hiding. We even hear members share such experiences at meetings.
Many of us have found ways to use misfortunes constructively, however, by seeing how the program helps us deal with it. In some cases---but not all---we even learn that a misfortune was a disguised blessing.
Most important, by using the program, we are eliminating the drinking that has been the cause of many misfortunes in our lives. That alone makes our immediate world a much better place for everyone.
Action for the Day: My life today can be both easy and hard. It gives me great comfort to know that I am not making conditions worse for myself and others.
From: Bluidkiti's Alcohol and Drug Addictions Recovery Help/Support Forums Daily Recovery Readings - http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2
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One Day At A Time
All of us felt at times that we were regaining control, but such intervals—usually
brief—were inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and
incomprehensible demoralization. We are convinced to a man that alcoholics of
our type are in the grip of a progressive illness.
Over any considerable period we get worse, never better.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 30
Thought to Ponder
When we try to control our drinking, we have already lost control.
AA-related 'Alconym'
D E A D = Don't Ever Admit Defeat
From: AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AA-Alive.net) http://www.aa-alive.net/index.html
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Daily Motivation
Excerpt of The Daily Motivator
by Ralph Marston
How can you fill the day with ambition and focused action without erupting in stress and anxiety? Care greatly while also not caring at all.
Give personally without taking it personally. Involve your body, mind, spirit in the effort while detaching your ego from the result.
Do that, and challenge becomes a good thing, great in fact. Do that, and you’ll eagerly seek to jump into even the most demanding work.
The way to trap yourself in a giant blob of stress is to make it all about you. Fortunately, you never have to do that.
Be there, be involved, be a part, be effective, but don’t let it define you or dictate your attitude. Let what you do flow from who you are, from how you choose to feel, rather than the other way around.
Do the hard stuff, the complicated, difficult and rewarding stuff, without letting it be so hard on you. Keep peace, love, goodness glowing on the inside, and you can gracefully make great progress on the outside.
How can you fill the day with ambition and focused action without erupting in stress and anxiety? Care greatly while also not caring at all.
Give personally without taking it personally. Involve your body, mind, spirit in the effort while detaching your ego from the result.
Do that, and challenge becomes a good thing, great in fact. Do that, and you’ll eagerly seek to jump into even the most demanding work.
The way to trap yourself in a giant blob of stress is to make it all about you. Fortunately, you never have to do that.
Be there, be involved, be a part, be effective, but don’t let it define you or dictate your attitude. Let what you do flow from who you are, from how you choose to feel, rather than the other way around.
Do the hard stuff, the complicated, difficult and rewarding stuff, without letting it be so hard on you. Keep peace, love, goodness glowing on the inside, and you can gracefully make great progress on the outside.
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