The Work-In: Daily Motivation 2-8-2021

  Monday, February 8, 2021

Today's Gift

Reaction isn't action - that is, it isn't truly creative. —Elizabeth Janeway

We must learn how to act rather than react. Unfortunately, we've had lots of training at reacting. And we're all such good imitators. We are a society of reactors. We let the good or the bad behavior of another person determine our own behavior as a matter of course. But the opportunities are unlimited for us to responsibly choose our behavior, independent of all others in our life.

Change is ours, if we want it. A scowl from a spouse need not make us feel rejected. Criticism at work doesn't have to ruin our day. An inconsiderate bus driver might still be politely thanked. And when we decide for ourselves just how we want to act and follow through, self-esteem soars.

If we are put-down, it may momentarily create self-doubt; but when we quickly reassure ourselves that all is well and respond with respect, we grow. A sense of well-being rushes through our bodies.

Being in command of our own feelings and our own actions, prevents that free-floating anxiety from grasping us. We are who we choose to be. And new adventures await us.

The opportunities to react will be many today. But each time I can pause, determine the action I'd feel better about, and take it. My emotional health gets a booster shot each time I make a responsible choice.

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

When I look back on all these worries I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened. --Winston Churchill

A rolled-up ball of yarn does not take up much space--it sits, ready to be used when needed. It gets unrolled a little bit at a time--just as much as is needed and no more. But a ball of yarn that gets unraveled can be strewn across an entire room. It becomes a jumbled mass, entangled and confusing.

When we live our lives a day at a time, we are like that rolled-up ball of yarn. Our thoughts, feelings, and skills are ready to be used as they are needed. But when we worry, our spirit becomes a jumbled mass of yarn. We get ahead of and behind ourselves--our thoughts are scattered and often our feelings are confused. Worry adds clutter and confusion to life.

What is most helpful is to put the worry away--to roll up the ball of yarn and bring ourselves into the present moment. In this way, we stand ready for each new stitch--and we will never be given more than we are able to handle.

Action for the Day: I will let go of the worries that are cluttering my life today.

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

Trust, Reliance, Serenity
Perhaps there is a better way—we think so. For we are now on a different
basis; the basis of trusting and relying upon our Higher Power. We trust our infinite Higher Power rather than our finite selves. We are in the world to play the role They assign. Just to
the extent that we do as we think They would have us, and humbly rely on Them,
do They enable us to match calamity with serenity.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (How It Works) p. 68

Thought to Ponder
Serenity isn't freedom from the storm; it is peace within the storm.

AA-related 'Alconym'
F R O O H P = Fully Rely On Our Higher Power

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

What you envision

by Ralph Marston

Just a little ways beneath the surface of all you do, exist the happiness and fulfillment you long for. In everything you experience is the potential for the highest level of adventure you can imagine.

You are only one thought away from recognizing the positive potential of whatever situation you’re in. The profound joy that comes from living with purpose and with love is always well within your reach.

Your greatest adventure awaits, not in some vague and distant scenario, but right here and now. Will today be the day you summon the courage to accept and engage in that adventure?

Pierce through the thin layer of doubts, excuses, and denials. Connect yourself fully to the unique living miracle that is your legacy and your destiny.

Raise your experience to a level that is consistent with your highest values and most treasured dreams. Live the way you are meant to live, right where you are.

Change everything for the better by changing your thoughts for the better. What you envision in the deepest part of you, is exactly who you are.

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