The Work-In: Daily Motivation 2-18-2021

 Thursday, February 18, 2021

Today's Gift

A person does not seek to see their self in running water, but in still water. For only what is itself still can impart stillness to others. ~Zhuang Zhou

Our own reactivity has often escalated a problem rather than helped to resolve it. But we can learn to be less reactive. All of us have a range of responses. At our worst we may lash out in abusive anger. At our best we try to be tolerant and understanding. When we are exhausted or depleted in other ways, we are more prone to react from our worst self. And our harsh reaction only makes a crisis worse.

We can change our pattern of reactivity and give our best response by developing an inner calm. Then we always have access to our better self, and we are less prone to take things personally. That doesn’t mean we are always placid or passive, because sometimes our best self needs to rise up and say no! When we are calm, we can respond most effectively, either with open tolerance or with a “no” if it is called for.

Today, I will maintain an inner calm as I deal with the issues that arise.

From Stepping Stones, More Daily Meditations for Men ©2019

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

To keep your character intact you cannot stoop to filthy acts. It makes it easier to stoop the next time. --Katharine Hepburn

Behaving the way we believe the Universe wants us to behave sounds so easy on the surface. We don't willingly hurt others, do we? Or do we? . . . When did we last secretly burn with jealousy over another's good fortune or good looks? Has there been a time, recently, when we sulked for lack of attention . . . or perhaps picked a fight?

We can simplify life from this moment forth. There is only one path to walk, one decision to make, in every instance, and all our burdens will be lifted, all our anxiety released. We can decide to act in good faith. We can be silent a moment with ourselves and let our inner guide direct our behavior, our words, our thoughts.

Each of us knows, when we dare to let our spiritual nature reign, the right act in every case. Letting God choose our acts will ease our lives. No more obsessive confusion. No more regrets. No more immobility due to fear of wrong moves.

Action for the Day: Freedom is guaranteed when I depend on my Higher Power to direct my behavior. Life's burdens are lifted. I will go forth today, doing my Higer Power's will, and my Spirit will be light.

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

Spiritual Progress
Many of us exclaimed, "What an order! I can't go through with it."
Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain
anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints.
The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (How It Works) p. 60

Thought to Ponder
Spiritual progress isn't what gets us sober, it's what keeps us sober.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A R T = Always Remain Teachable

From: AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AA-Alive.net) http://www.aa-alive.net/index.html

***************************
Daily Motivation

Excerpt of The Daily Motivator

Working on it

by Ralph Marston

Life is not everything you would like it to be. Yet you’re working on it.

You’re working on it, and that’s a good place to be. Because you can enjoy the incomparable experience of making a difference.

You’re working on it, and every effort has meaning. You’re working on it, discovering again and again how to bring new value to life.

You’re working on it, and you have a lot of good company. You’re surrounded, assisted, challenged and encouraged by all the others who are working, each in their own way.

Life is a dynamic experience, driven by thoughts, actions, feelings, by purpose, by love. You’re working on it, and by so doing you make every little bit count for something good.

Take a moment to realize how great it is that you’re working on it. Then step forward and offer your best efforts yet.

From The Daily Motivator website at http://greatday.com/