Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Today's Gift
Proactive kindness
I like a person with faults, especially when they know it. To err is human - I'm uncomfortable around gods. —Hugh Prather
We are more comfortable around a person who has faults and knows it. We respect such a person. So why do we have such a hard time admitting our own faults? This matter of honesty comes very gradually and only with hard work. We may have to force ourselves to admit a fault because we expect to feel unworthy. In fact, what we do feel after admitting a fault is peacefulness and self-respect. We may expect to be rejected and judged by friends, but usually friendships grow more solid when we admit our faults. A true friend does not need to trust that we will always be right, only that we will be honest.
At this moment are we being nagged by some fault? Is there something about the way we have talked to someone that doesn't seem right? Have we been unfair or dishonest? Life is about progress, not perfection. So, to make progress we admit our imperfections, and as we do, we become more fully human.
Universe, in this moment when I feel my human mistakes, help me to be open to your loving energy.
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
Keep It Simple
If I am to be remembered, I hope it is for the honesty I try to demonstrate, the patience I try to live by, and the compassion I feel for others. --JoAnn Reed
Each of us hopes we are leaving a lasting, positive impression on those we befriend and maybe even those we encounter by chance. Having others speak well of us provides the strokes that are often necessary to our "keeping on" when difficulties surface. What we sometimes forget is that we are responsible for whatever lasting impression we leave.
Our behavior does influence what another person carries away from our mutual experience.
We may have left unfavorable impressions during our using days. On occasion, we do yet. However, it's progress, not perfection, we're after. And each day we begin anew, with a clear slate and fresh opportunities to spread good cheer, to treat others with love and respect, to face head-on and with full honesty all situations drawing our attention and participation.
Action for the Day: As I look forward to the hours ahead, I will remember that I control my actions toward others. If I want to be remembered fondly, I must treat each person so.
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
Good Reasons
In actual practice, we usually find a solitary self-appraisal insufficient.
Many of us thought it necessary to go much further. We will be more reconciled to
discussing ourselves with another person when we see good reasons why we should do so.
The best reason first: If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, "Into Action," p. 72
Thought to Ponder
I cannot mend if I bend the truth.
AA-related 'Alconym'
H O W N O W = Honest, Open-minded, Willing; No Other Way
From: AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AA-Alive.net)
Excerpt of The Daily Motivator
by Ralph Marston
It’s in your best interest to be considerate of the best interests of others. It’s in your best interest to live in a world where there’s more understanding and less divisiveness.
You can’t force others to be kinder, more tolerant, more cooperative. Yet you can set a powerful positive example with your own behavior.
Don’t wait to receive kindness before offering kindness to others. You can be more proactive than that.
You can be the first person in the situation to act with genuine kindness. You can be the first person to listen, to seek to understand, to offer your assistance.
Your kindness will not always be returned. It will, however, always make a difference and set a positive example.
The highly beneficial conditions of friendship, understanding, unity, and peace have to start somewhere. Do your best to let them start with you.
It’s in your best interest to be considerate of the best interests of others. It’s in your best interest to live in a world where there’s more understanding and less divisiveness.
You can’t force others to be kinder, more tolerant, more cooperative. Yet you can set a powerful positive example with your own behavior.
Don’t wait to receive kindness before offering kindness to others. You can be more proactive than that.
You can be the first person in the situation to act with genuine kindness. You can be the first person to listen, to seek to understand, to offer your assistance.
Your kindness will not always be returned. It will, however, always make a difference and set a positive example.
The highly beneficial conditions of friendship, understanding, unity, and peace have to start somewhere. Do your best to let them start with you.
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