Friday, February 23, 2018
Today's Gift
Sometimes we hear that we have a "selfish program." Being "selfish" means that we ask for help when we need it. We only go to places that are safe for us, no matter what others are doing. Being selfish comes to mean safety for us.
Being selfish doesn't mean we act like brats. We must act in ways that show respect and love---for ourselves and for others. being selfish means we do what is good for us. What is good for us? First, we have to save our lives by stopping our drinking and drugging. Next, we start working the Steps. We come to know a loving Higher Power. This is how we come to know our true self.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me be true to myself and my values. Help me be "selfish" about spending time to talk with You each day.
Action for the Day: I'll list ten ways I need to be "selfish" in recovery. If I get stuck, I'll be "selfish" and ask for help.
Laughter
So we think cheerfulness and laughter make for usefulness.
Outsiders are sometimes shocked when we burst into merriment
over a seemingly tragic experience out of the past.
But why shouldn’t we laugh? We have recovered,
and have been given the power to help others.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 132
Thought to Ponder
Laughter is medicine for the sober spirit.
AA-related 'Alconym'
H J F = Happy, Joyous, Free
Rise above thoughtlessness
It takes so much strength to say to your ego, 'You know what? You're going to keep me lonely, so I have to ignore you. --George Michael
We don't always have to be strong to be strong. Sometimes, our strength is expressed in being vulnerable.
Sometimes, we need to fall apart to regroup and stay on track. We all have days when we cannot push any harder, cannot hold back self doubt, cannot stop focusing on fear, cannot be strong.
There are days when we cannot focus on being responsible. Occasionally we don't want to get out of our pajamas.
Sometimes, we cry in front of people. We expose our tiredness, irritability, or anger.
Those days are okay. They are just okay.
Part of taking care of ourselves means we give ourselves permission to "fall apart" when we need to. We do not have to be perpetual towers of strength. We are strong. We have proven that. Our strength will continue if we allow ourselves the courage to feel scared, weak, and vulnerable when we need to experience those feelings.
Today, Higher Power, help me to know that it is okay to allow myself to be human. Help me not to feel guilty or punish myself when I need to "fall apart."
From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©
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
Keep It Simple
To thine own self be true.--AA medallions
To thine own self be true.--AA medallions
Sometimes we hear that we have a "selfish program." Being "selfish" means that we ask for help when we need it. We only go to places that are safe for us, no matter what others are doing. Being selfish comes to mean safety for us.
Being selfish doesn't mean we act like brats. We must act in ways that show respect and love---for ourselves and for others. being selfish means we do what is good for us. What is good for us? First, we have to save our lives by stopping our drinking and drugging. Next, we start working the Steps. We come to know a loving Higher Power. This is how we come to know our true self.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me be true to myself and my values. Help me be "selfish" about spending time to talk with You each day.
Action for the Day: I'll list ten ways I need to be "selfish" in recovery. If I get stuck, I'll be "selfish" and ask for help.
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
Laughter
So we think cheerfulness and laughter make for usefulness.
Outsiders are sometimes shocked when we burst into merriment
over a seemingly tragic experience out of the past.
But why shouldn’t we laugh? We have recovered,
and have been given the power to help others.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 132
Thought to Ponder
Laughter is medicine for the sober spirit.
AA-related 'Alconym'
H J F = Happy, Joyous, Free
From: AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AA-Alive.net)
Excerpt of The Daily Motivator
Rise above thoughtlessness
by Ralph Marston
Pretty much no one in your life is going to treat you the way you want to be treated all the time. Decide to be okay with that.
Certainly if you’re being threatened or abused you must extract yourself immediately from that situation. But if you’re being slighted, or offended, inconvenienced, not fully appreciated, so what?
The way people treat you is their problem, and you never have to make it yours. You can exercise and expand your strength by rising above the negative, thoughtless behavior of others.
No, that doesn’t mean acting aloof and superior. It means focusing on what you can control, on your own good thoughts, your own words, your own behavior.
Respond to disrespect with respect, to thoughtlessness with kindness and understanding. You can be the person to improve the quality of interaction, and that is a powerful position in which to place yourself.
Most people don’t want to be rude or hurtful, they’re mainly dealing with their own fears and insecurities. Always keep that in mind, and be an example of how a positive, accepting attitude can create a more positive world.
Pretty much no one in your life is going to treat you the way you want to be treated all the time. Decide to be okay with that.
Certainly if you’re being threatened or abused you must extract yourself immediately from that situation. But if you’re being slighted, or offended, inconvenienced, not fully appreciated, so what?
The way people treat you is their problem, and you never have to make it yours. You can exercise and expand your strength by rising above the negative, thoughtless behavior of others.
No, that doesn’t mean acting aloof and superior. It means focusing on what you can control, on your own good thoughts, your own words, your own behavior.
Respond to disrespect with respect, to thoughtlessness with kindness and understanding. You can be the person to improve the quality of interaction, and that is a powerful position in which to place yourself.
Most people don’t want to be rude or hurtful, they’re mainly dealing with their own fears and insecurities. Always keep that in mind, and be an example of how a positive, accepting attitude can create a more positive world.
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