Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Today's Gift
Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression. —Dodie Smith
Depression feeds on itself. With attention it worsens, but there are places for our attention. We can move our focus to a person who is close by, a person who is struggling to determine their direction in life. We can offer our ears. Or we can observe attentively, today, all the people we see on the streets. When we notice their expressions, we realize they, too, may be suffering.
Doing something for someone else will lessen our own problems, no matter what the cause. In fact, just doing something will lift our spirits. Depression becomes habitual, and habits, even those that are detrimental, are easy to hang onto. When we take an action, even a small one, we can note the change: Action that benefits another is guaranteed to benefit us as well.
Depression does get worse with self-pitying attention; however, attention to ourselves that is nurturing has its place. We can pamper ourselves, but not pity ourselves. Pampering reflects approval, caring, self-respect; three attitudes inconsistent with depression. Even more than inconsistent, pampering and depression are incongruent.
Depression must be coddled to maintain it. It's my choice to move beyond it at any moment. I can put something besides my problem at my center today and enjoy the results.
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
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Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Keep It Simple
The comfort of a true friend in a time of trouble, the strength we sense in being with someone who truly knows us, the affirmation of life that comes with enduring friendships - no other experience is like these. Recovery, once our addictive behaviors end, is mostly through relationships. In this program we are developing a friendship with ourselves, with other people, and with our Higher Power.
True friendship happens when we lower our guard and let our feelings show. It happens when we listen without judgment. It accumulates over time in many little experiences with someone. There is friendship in returning to someone when we feel offended or hurt so the relationship can be repaired - and in returning to them when we have been the offender. Sometimes friendship means humility, or accepting our worthiness to be forgiven. The development and deepening of our friendships, with other people, and with ourselves sustains us in recovery.
Action for the Day: Today, I will be true in my friendships.
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
Most of us feel we need look no further for Utopia. We have
it with us right here and now. Each day my friend’s simple talk
in our kitchen multiplies itself in a widening circle of peace on
earth and good will to all.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (Bill's Story) p. 16
Thought to Ponder
I had to get sober to be amazed.
AA-related 'Alconym'
A A = Amazing Adventure
From: AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AA-Alive.net) http://www.aa-alive.net/index.html
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Daily Motivation
Excerpt of The Daily Motivator
by Ralph Marston
The most effective actions are usually not the easiest actions. Fortunately, when life asks much of you, you’re able to deliver.
You can call upon your strength, and that strength increases. You can choose to act with responsibility, imparting more and more value to your responsible behavior.
You can determine what is best, and discipline yourself to adopt it. You can encounter ever-growing challenges, and improve your capabilities as you work through them.
You’re smart enough to choose competence over convenience. You’re enlightened enough to know that the quality of life depends on your level of commitment.
The world is often a treacherous place, yet your journey through it can result in great success. And all along your path you will leave life much better than you found it.
Rise again and again to the challenges. For you know that to the extent you do, everyone benefits.
From The Daily Motivator website at http://greatday.com/
The most effective actions are usually not the easiest actions. Fortunately, when life asks much of you, you’re able to deliver.
You can call upon your strength, and that strength increases. You can choose to act with responsibility, imparting more and more value to your responsible behavior.
You can determine what is best, and discipline yourself to adopt it. You can encounter ever-growing challenges, and improve your capabilities as you work through them.
You’re smart enough to choose competence over convenience. You’re enlightened enough to know that the quality of life depends on your level of commitment.
The world is often a treacherous place, yet your journey through it can result in great success. And all along your path you will leave life much better than you found it.
Rise again and again to the challenges. For you know that to the extent you do, everyone benefits.
From The Daily Motivator website at http://greatday.com/
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