Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Today's Gift
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.
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
Keep It Simple
There are so many occasions when we would like to blame somebody--spouse, friend, stranger, or "the management," for our feelings. When we get frustrated, overworked, or angry, we want somebody else to take responsibility. In truth, each of us has their own path and is responsible for their feelings. One person said that living alone made it clear to them that their spouse wasn't creating their feelings. Until then they thought their spouse was responsible.
This blaming and not taking responsibility keep a person in the role of victim. When we accept the difficult message that our feelings are ours to deal with and no one else's, self-improvement begins. We begin to walk the difficult but self respecting path of spiritual awakening. We can do something about whatever hurts. Even in that awakening there are no guarantees that who we are will be totally what we want to find. Our only guarantee is that our Higher Power is with us to deal with the realities of our lives.
Action for the Day: Today, help me be responsible for what I feel and do.
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
Spiritual Progress First
The head of the house ought to remember that they are mainly to blame for what befell their home.
They can scarcely square the account in their lifetime. But they must see the danger of over-concentration on financial success. Although financial recovery is on the way for many of us, we found we could not place money first. For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never preceded.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, "The Family Afterward" p. 127
Thought to Ponder
Spiritual progress isn't what gets us sober, it's what keeps us sober.
AA-related 'Alconym'
T I M E = Things I Must Earn
From: AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AA-Alive.net)
Excerpt of The Daily Motivator
Victim or victor?
by Ralph Marston
Have you chosen to be a victim or a victor?
Victims say “I’m too busy.” Victors say “I’ll find the time.” Victims look for excuses not to even make an attempt. Victors look for ways to get it done. Victims ask for pity. Victors look for challenge.
Victims worry about who is to blame. Victors find a way to make a difference. Victims complain. Victors take action. Victims find comfort in the weakness of others. Victors help others to develop their strengths.
Victims agonize over yesterday’s losses. Victors prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow. Victims take credit. Victors accept responsibility. Victims search for quick and easy answers to their problems. Victors spend the time and effort needed to build the life they desire.
In each day are abundant opportunities for you to be a victim, and just as many ways for you to be a victor. The choice is yours. How do you wish to live today?
Have you chosen to be a victim or a victor?
Victims say “I’m too busy.” Victors say “I’ll find the time.” Victims look for excuses not to even make an attempt. Victors look for ways to get it done. Victims ask for pity. Victors look for challenge.
Victims worry about who is to blame. Victors find a way to make a difference. Victims complain. Victors take action. Victims find comfort in the weakness of others. Victors help others to develop their strengths.
Victims agonize over yesterday’s losses. Victors prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow. Victims take credit. Victors accept responsibility. Victims search for quick and easy answers to their problems. Victors spend the time and effort needed to build the life they desire.
In each day are abundant opportunities for you to be a victim, and just as many ways for you to be a victor. The choice is yours. How do you wish to live today?
From The Daily Motivator website at http://greatday.com/
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