Monday, December 3, 2018
Today's Gift
Sometimes I go about pitying myself, and all the time I am being carried, on great winds across the sky. —Ojibway
"Ah, poor me," we sometimes say, "I have to work so hard!" "I have so much stress!" "If only my problem with money would get better, then I could be content!" "I just don't understand people!" "Why can't my family have fewer troubles?" This attitude of self-pity is as ancient as humanity. The Ojibway recognized blindness to the spiritual path. Every person has problems and challenges, and life often is not fair. Self-pity becomes a stumbling block when we get so narrowly focused upon our problems. We forget we are a part of a whole throng of fellow pilgrims on this path. It helps to notice others beside ourselves who are seeking courage to live their lives.
Sometimes we reawaken our awareness of our Higher Power by seeing that we are "carried on great winds across the sky." We have many blessings; we are not alone. Often within problems we discover our greatest blessings.
Higher Power, help me find the spiritual path in the choices I make today. Help me turn away from self-pity.
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
********************************
Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Keep It Simple
In all things thee to see,
And what I do in anything,
To do it as for thee.
--George Herbert
Some of us have gone through life unconsciously expecting others to bring us happiness, to make our dreams come true, and to make us feel good about ourselves. When nothing seems to be going well for us, we blame it on the lack of external support - we're not in a serious relationship, we don't like our job, we don't have the money to venture into our own business.
When we change our perspective - when we know and trust that we are responsible for our happiness, our dreams, and our feelings - we become empowered. No longer is the burden on someone or something that is either unreliable or nonexistent. We'd been giving this power to others; now it's time to take it back, to make and be responsible for our own choices, to value our opinions, and to respect our intellect.
Action for the Day: Today I will give myself credit for all I am capable of.
From: Bluidkiti's Alcohol and Drug Addictions Recovery Help/Support Forums Daily Recovery Readings - http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2
****************************
One Day At A Time
To those of us who have hitherto known only excitement, depression, or anxiety—in
other words, to all of us—this newfound peace is a priceless gift. Something new indeed
has been added. Where humility had formerly stood for a forced feeding on humble pie,
it now begins to mean the nourishing ingredient which can give us serenity.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, "Step Seven" p. 74
Thought to Ponder
Humility is not thinking less of myself, but thinking of myself less.
AA-related 'Alconym'
S T E P = Something That Enhances Peace
From: AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AA-Alive.net)
Excerpt of The Daily Motivator
by Ralph Marston
There’s nothing you can do today that will prevent all future problems in your life. There is much you can do today that will prepare you and position you to successfully deal with those future problems.
If you’re fantasizing that life will one day be perfect, or worrying that life will soon be awful, you’re wasting precious life and time right now. Instead, use your time today to grow stronger, to live richly, to connect deeply, to increase your skills, knowledge, and wisdom.
Get yourself strong enough, capable enough, to be realistic while also being optimistic. Yes, the difficulties will come and yes, you can live a great and fulfilling life as they do.
Some things about your future you can control and many other things, you can’t. What you always can do is live the moment you’re in with gratitude, integrity, discipline, and love.
Live today so that you can look forward to tomorrow, eager to meet its challenges and fulfill its best possibilities. Stay thankful for all you have, for all you’ve experienced, and mindful of the good you can do.
Life will unfold with its ups and its downs. You can choose to be your best for it all.
No comments:
Post a Comment