Thursday, February 28, 2019
Today's Gift
When we were lost in our addictive ways, we were driven by self-interest. We didn't necessarily like ourselves or want to be so self centered. But we had no inner resources to help us escape the trap of our egos. When we were there, we could not see outside ourselves well enough to ask for help. Surrender, we thought, brought only defeat and humiliation.
The inspiration of this program brings us possibilities that cannot originate from within. When we surrender, we are no longer captives within our skins. We are actually restored to a more natural state as people in community with others, who literally cannot survive as isolated individuals. We must be a part of the give and take within the group, just as it has been for human beings since the beginning of time.
Insane Idea
But there was always the curious mental phenomenon that parallel
with our sound reasoning there inevitably ran some insanely trivial
excuse for taking the first drink. Our sound reasoning failed to hold
us in check. The insane idea won out. Next day we would ask
ourselves, in all earnestness and sincerity, how it could have happened.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (More About Alcoholism) p. 37
Thought to Ponder
The ultimate defense against the first drink is a spiritual one.
AA-related 'Alconym'
A A = Answer Available
Beyond your comforts
The weariest night, the longest day, sooner or later must perforce come to an end. —Baroness Orczy
The difficult spells in our lives come to an end. And no matter the depth of our disturbance, we will survive. We forget that the depths teach us how to better appreciate the heights.
Sorrow heightens joy. Depression heightens laughter. We wouldn't know the joys and laughter were it not for the sorrows. In them we learn to be patient, waiting for the wisdom which will light our way. In them we learn to listen for the guidance that beckons us forth.
We must reflect on the troubling experiences we've passed through of late. They made us wiser; they gave us strength. They changed us, moving us ever closer to the women, whole and happy, we desire to be.
Difficulties often precede enlightenment. They pull us inward, perhaps push us to search for our connectedness to a Higher Power, a connectedness that is at home in our hearts. The paradox is that these painful periods strengthen our oneness with the Spirit.
If the day looks bleak, I will accept it as a hand reaching toward me, to pull me forward, to secure my place in the spiritual family.
From Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women by Karen Casey ©
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
Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for man with self-surrender. --Henri Amiel
When we were lost in our addictive ways, we were driven by self-interest. We didn't necessarily like ourselves or want to be so self centered. But we had no inner resources to help us escape the trap of our egos. When we were there, we could not see outside ourselves well enough to ask for help. Surrender, we thought, brought only defeat and humiliation.
The inspiration of this program brings us possibilities that cannot originate from within. When we surrender, we are no longer captives within our skins. We are actually restored to a more natural state as people in community with others, who literally cannot survive as isolated individuals. We must be a part of the give and take within the group, just as it has been for human beings since the beginning of time.
Prayer for the Day: Today, I surrender my self-interest again, knowing I must do it over and over.
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
But there was always the curious mental phenomenon that parallel
with our sound reasoning there inevitably ran some insanely trivial
excuse for taking the first drink. Our sound reasoning failed to hold
us in check. The insane idea won out. Next day we would ask
ourselves, in all earnestness and sincerity, how it could have happened.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (More About Alcoholism) p. 37
Thought to Ponder
The ultimate defense against the first drink is a spiritual one.
AA-related 'Alconym'
A A = Answer Available
***************************
Daily Motivation
Excerpt of The Daily Motivator
by Ralph Marston
Venture out beyond where your comforts dwell. Go to the places where your fears live.
Climb outside the walls that enclose your certainties. Explore those territories where you’ll encounter realities you’ve never known before.
Some of your best possibilities are those you don’t even know about yet. Get yourself out where you can discover what they are.
Go where your skills can be tested to their limits. Go where your assumptions can be toppled, where your strengths can be honed.
You’ve learned your way so well around this community, this job, this ideology, it’s no longer a challenge. Give yourself the exhilaration of exploring something completely new.
Introduce yourself to the people, circumstances, and ideas beyond those you know so well. They will benefit greatly from the new connection, and so will you.
Venture out beyond where your comforts dwell. Go to the places where your fears live.
Climb outside the walls that enclose your certainties. Explore those territories where you’ll encounter realities you’ve never known before.
Some of your best possibilities are those you don’t even know about yet. Get yourself out where you can discover what they are.
Go where your skills can be tested to their limits. Go where your assumptions can be toppled, where your strengths can be honed.
You’ve learned your way so well around this community, this job, this ideology, it’s no longer a challenge. Give yourself the exhilaration of exploring something completely new.
Introduce yourself to the people, circumstances, and ideas beyond those you know so well. They will benefit greatly from the new connection, and so will you.
No comments:
Post a Comment