"Focusing On Negative Possibilities
Many people, who find themselves in a good situation, look suspiciously around for the catch. Or they unconsciously brace themselves for the bad that they believe must necessarily follow the good. It's easy to believe that positive fortune is too good to last and that happiness is always fleeting. But waiting for the other shoe to drop or for the rug to be pulled out from under your feet isn't healthy. Always focusing on the negative possibilities can put you on edge and even invite those negative possibilities in. While you remain hyper vigilant, you necessarily must wait, doing your best to protect yourself from uncertain events. It becomes more difficult to enjoy happiness and success when you are on guard against what's coming next. There are, however, steps you can take to confront a tendency to focus on the 'other shoe' by confronting your feelings and discovering what is standing in the way of optimism.
The fear that happiness is temporary is often rooted in the subconscious mind and past experiences that have fostered a pessimistic outlook. We are often afraid to trust in our own potential or feel guilty when our lives go too well because we don't believe we deserve success. But the truth is that we do and that there is no reason that a boon must be followed by a loss. When you find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop, ask yourself if there is a strong possibility of something negative happening, or if your mind has conjured up the fear that your positive situation cannot last. If your subconscious is telling you that you don't deserve happiness, counter it by reaffirming your worth. Put a motivational affirmation on display in your home or office, or create a positive mantra, then focus on the present. The future is unknown, give yourself permission to enjoy the things going well for you right now.
It may take time for you to fully believe that you have control over your own happiness and that you can hold on to that happiness without worrying about what the future will bring. You may want to remember that you have more control over your life than you may realize. The 'other shoe' may drop or it may not, but it is your own attitude that will ultimately let you hold on to the result of good things in life, while letting the bad things go."
From this DailyOM post.
July 28, 2005
On Letting Go
"Much of the difficulty we experience for which we seek professional help, comes from carrying around a lot of outdated, useless, and often defeating "baggage" from our past. We tend to hang on to what we know, what is familiar. We hang on to our hurts, our resentments, our fears. We carry them around with us, or attach to them like a balland chain.
We think about past hurts. We worry about future catastrophes. We agonize over losses. We fret about conflicts. We criticize or harshly judge ourselves as well as others. We continue to engage in habits we know are bad for us. We feel hurt when people reject or abandon us. We are sad when what we offer others is refused. We continue to relive past traumas, and act as if they were repeating themselves today.
Why do we do all this? Why don't we just "let go" of it all and live in the present moment, responding to whatis happening around us now, and not to some memory, image, or habit? Why is it so hard to "let go." of our pathology? Perhaps we don't really know what "letting go" really means.
After ruminating..., I began rummaging (instead of ruminating) around in my files. Happily, I found what follows in a handout given at a seminar for adult, female, children of alcoholics. The author is apparently unknown. But it is the best _expression of "letting go" I have ever seen. I have added some meanings.
TO "LET GO" TAKES LOVE
To "let go" does not mean to stop caring, it means to accept that I can't do it for someone else.
To "let go" is not to cut myself off, it is the realization I can't control another.
To "let go" is not to enable, but to allow learning from the natural consequences of the choices we make.
To "let go" is to acknowledge that which I cannot change, and pursue that which I can.
To "let go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is out of my hands.
To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another, it is to make the most of myself.
To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about.
To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.
To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.
To "let go" is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to effect their own destinies.
To "let go" is not to be protective, it is to permit another to face reality.
To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept.
To "let go" is not to nag, scold or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them.
To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my own desires, but to take each day as it comes, and to cherish myself in it.
To "let go" is not to criticize and regulate anybody, but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To "let go" is not regret the past nor fear the future, but to grow and live in the present.
To "let go" is to forgive, not to condone.
To "let go" is to free myself of my collection of past hurts and resentments.
To "let go" is to fear less and to love more.
Perhaps each one of us could use a little more practice at letting go."
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. hwho as 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and Licensed Psychologist. He is available for coaching in any area presented in "Practical Psychology." Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or E-mail: DrLloyd@CreatingLeaders.com or LJTDAT@aol.com.
We think about past hurts. We worry about future catastrophes. We agonize over losses. We fret about conflicts. We criticize or harshly judge ourselves as well as others. We continue to engage in habits we know are bad for us. We feel hurt when people reject or abandon us. We are sad when what we offer others is refused. We continue to relive past traumas, and act as if they were repeating themselves today.
Why do we do all this? Why don't we just "let go" of it all and live in the present moment, responding to whatis happening around us now, and not to some memory, image, or habit? Why is it so hard to "let go." of our pathology? Perhaps we don't really know what "letting go" really means.
After ruminating..., I began rummaging (instead of ruminating) around in my files. Happily, I found what follows in a handout given at a seminar for adult, female, children of alcoholics. The author is apparently unknown. But it is the best _expression of "letting go" I have ever seen. I have added some meanings.
TO "LET GO" TAKES LOVE
To "let go" does not mean to stop caring, it means to accept that I can't do it for someone else.
To "let go" is not to cut myself off, it is the realization I can't control another.
To "let go" is not to enable, but to allow learning from the natural consequences of the choices we make.
To "let go" is to acknowledge that which I cannot change, and pursue that which I can.
To "let go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is out of my hands.
To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another, it is to make the most of myself.
To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about.
To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.
To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.
To "let go" is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to effect their own destinies.
To "let go" is not to be protective, it is to permit another to face reality.
To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept.
To "let go" is not to nag, scold or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them.
To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my own desires, but to take each day as it comes, and to cherish myself in it.
To "let go" is not to criticize and regulate anybody, but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To "let go" is not regret the past nor fear the future, but to grow and live in the present.
To "let go" is to forgive, not to condone.
To "let go" is to free myself of my collection of past hurts and resentments.
To "let go" is to fear less and to love more.
Perhaps each one of us could use a little more practice at letting go."
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. hwho as 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and Licensed Psychologist. He is available for coaching in any area presented in "Practical Psychology." Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or E-mail: DrLloyd@CreatingLeaders.com or LJTDAT@aol.com.
Into Service -- Out of Self
As time passes in AA, we hear or read much about love; love is as simple as becoming always available. Love is a sincere interest in others. Love is a desire to be of service. Love is an ability to understand others and their problems...
When we love, we will see in others what we wish to have in ourselves. We will know that love is a privilege given to us by God. When we love, we will never be bored with life or our program. It is what impels us to be active and to get involved in service.
c. 1998 The AA Grapevine, Inc., The Best Of The Grapevine (Vol. 3), pp. 296-7
form AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AAOnline.net) July 28, 2005
When we love, we will see in others what we wish to have in ourselves. We will know that love is a privilege given to us by God. When we love, we will never be bored with life or our program. It is what impels us to be active and to get involved in service.
c. 1998 The AA Grapevine, Inc., The Best Of The Grapevine (Vol. 3), pp. 296-7
form AA Thought for the Day (courtesy AAOnline.net) July 28, 2005
July 27, 2005
Meditation on Love in Abundance
Love in Abundance
With every breath that I breathe in I receive love in abundance, and
With every breath that I breathe out I send love in abundance into the world,
I am filled with love in abundance.
As I receive love in abundance I use my courage, truthfulness, goodness and beauty to enhance its value for the benefit of all.
I follow the path of love and wisdom.
I am grateful for all that I receive in love in abundance,
And I am grateful for all that I share with others.
I am that I am and thus receive the blessings of love in abundance.
Amen
Meditation Prayer offered by Maitreya
With every breath that I breathe in I receive love in abundance, and
With every breath that I breathe out I send love in abundance into the world,
I am filled with love in abundance.
As I receive love in abundance I use my courage, truthfulness, goodness and beauty to enhance its value for the benefit of all.
I follow the path of love and wisdom.
I am grateful for all that I receive in love in abundance,
And I am grateful for all that I share with others.
I am that I am and thus receive the blessings of love in abundance.
Amen
Meditation Prayer offered by Maitreya
July 26, 2005
Complete Surrender Leads to Hope
Just For Today
July 26 Unconditional surrender
"Help for addicts begins only when we are able to admit complete defeat. This can be frightening, but it is the foundation on which we have built our lives."
Basic Text, p.22
Most of us have tried everything we can think of, exerted every ounce of force possible, to fill the spiritual hole inside us. Nothing-not drugs, not control and management, not sex, money, property, power, or prestige-has filled it. We are powerless; our lives are unmanageable, at least by ourselves alone. Our denial will not change that fact.
So we surrender; we ask a Higher Power to care for our will and our lives. Sometimes in surrendering, we don't know that a Power greater than ourselves exists which can restore us to wholeness. Sometimes we're not sure that the God of our understanding will care for our unmanageable lives. Our lack of certainty, though, does not affect the essential truth: We are powerless. Our lives are unmanageable. We must surrender. Only by doing so can we open ourselves wide-wide enough for our old ideas and past wreckage to be cleared, wide enough for a Higher Power to enter.
Just for today:
I will surrender unconditionally. I can make it as easy or as hard as I choose. Either way, I will do it. pg. 216
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous © 1991 by World Service Office Inc.
July 26 Unconditional surrender
"Help for addicts begins only when we are able to admit complete defeat. This can be frightening, but it is the foundation on which we have built our lives."
Basic Text, p.22
Most of us have tried everything we can think of, exerted every ounce of force possible, to fill the spiritual hole inside us. Nothing-not drugs, not control and management, not sex, money, property, power, or prestige-has filled it. We are powerless; our lives are unmanageable, at least by ourselves alone. Our denial will not change that fact.
So we surrender; we ask a Higher Power to care for our will and our lives. Sometimes in surrendering, we don't know that a Power greater than ourselves exists which can restore us to wholeness. Sometimes we're not sure that the God of our understanding will care for our unmanageable lives. Our lack of certainty, though, does not affect the essential truth: We are powerless. Our lives are unmanageable. We must surrender. Only by doing so can we open ourselves wide-wide enough for our old ideas and past wreckage to be cleared, wide enough for a Higher Power to enter.
Just for today:
I will surrender unconditionally. I can make it as easy or as hard as I choose. Either way, I will do it. pg. 216
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous © 1991 by World Service Office Inc.
The Courage of Quiet Conviction
Courage is not grim determination, boastful arrogance, or uncontrolled aggression. True courage comes from quiet conviction, which shows itself in self-control, calm assurance, and patient persistence.
It takes courage, for example, to resist lashing back at others who hurt or offend us. It takes courage to endure the consequences of our attitudes, actions, and neglects without bragging or complaining. It takes courage to believe no situation or person is hopeless. It takes courage to remain optimistic about life when nothing seems to turn out right. It takes courage to maintain our enthusiasm and effort despite delays and setbacks. It takes courage to do the things we know are right in spite of our fears of rejection or inadequacy. And it takes courage to refrain from taking over a loved one's responsibilities when he or she is failing to meet them.
Today, I will face life with courage. I will respond calmly and confidently to life's challenges. I will place my faith and trust in God and the principles I am learning in this philosophy of living.
You are reading from the book:
The Reflecting Pond by Liane Cordes
Copyright 1981 by Hazelden Foundation.
It takes courage, for example, to resist lashing back at others who hurt or offend us. It takes courage to endure the consequences of our attitudes, actions, and neglects without bragging or complaining. It takes courage to believe no situation or person is hopeless. It takes courage to remain optimistic about life when nothing seems to turn out right. It takes courage to maintain our enthusiasm and effort despite delays and setbacks. It takes courage to do the things we know are right in spite of our fears of rejection or inadequacy. And it takes courage to refrain from taking over a loved one's responsibilities when he or she is failing to meet them.
Today, I will face life with courage. I will respond calmly and confidently to life's challenges. I will place my faith and trust in God and the principles I am learning in this philosophy of living.
You are reading from the book:
The Reflecting Pond by Liane Cordes
Copyright 1981 by Hazelden Foundation.
July 25, 2005
A Conscious Walk
Dear God,
May each day be a conscious walk with you. I ask that when I stumble, You right me. When I veer, You direct me. When I'm unsure, You guide me.
I pray to act more in Your gently loving manner. In service to You, by being of service to others, rather than self.
I give You my heart, as with my soul, it is Yours.
Thank you, I love you, Amen.
Spiritual Wings
© -G.A.Hazelwood
BigBookGlenn@AOL.com
May each day be a conscious walk with you. I ask that when I stumble, You right me. When I veer, You direct me. When I'm unsure, You guide me.
I pray to act more in Your gently loving manner. In service to You, by being of service to others, rather than self.
I give You my heart, as with my soul, it is Yours.
Thank you, I love you, Amen.
Spiritual Wings
© -G.A.Hazelwood
BigBookGlenn@AOL.com
July 21, 2005
Follow Your Dream
Words to Consider
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
--Henry David Thoreau
To Dream Is to Be Practical
Recently a filmmaker friend approached me with good news. He had just received a grant to do a documentary. "I can't believe it," he said. "I'm finally getting paid for my work. I can't believe how lucky I am to be doing this."
After our conversation, I thought: "This person believes that he is earning a living in spite of doing what he loves; but the reality is just the opposite. It is because he is following his passion that he prospers. As he aligns himself with his higher purpose, the Universe cannot help but make straight, smooth, and perfect his way."
People who say, "Be practical," don't realize that following your heart is the most practical thing one can do. There is no greater way to ensure success than being true to who you are. On the other hand, there is nothing more likely to block that success than turning away from your calling.
Living at cross-purposes with your true nature creates struggle and lack of fulfillment at a deep level. It is hard to be someone other than yourself.
The lesson is clear: As impractical as it may sound, the safest and most secure way to lead your life is to follow your dream.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Today's meditation comes from the book
Listening to Your Inner Voice
Discover The Truth Within You
And Let It Guide Your Way
By Douglas Bloch, Copyright 1991
http://Open-Mind.org/Daily/Reading/77.htm
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
--Henry David Thoreau
To Dream Is to Be Practical
Recently a filmmaker friend approached me with good news. He had just received a grant to do a documentary. "I can't believe it," he said. "I'm finally getting paid for my work. I can't believe how lucky I am to be doing this."
After our conversation, I thought: "This person believes that he is earning a living in spite of doing what he loves; but the reality is just the opposite. It is because he is following his passion that he prospers. As he aligns himself with his higher purpose, the Universe cannot help but make straight, smooth, and perfect his way."
People who say, "Be practical," don't realize that following your heart is the most practical thing one can do. There is no greater way to ensure success than being true to who you are. On the other hand, there is nothing more likely to block that success than turning away from your calling.
Living at cross-purposes with your true nature creates struggle and lack of fulfillment at a deep level. It is hard to be someone other than yourself.
The lesson is clear: As impractical as it may sound, the safest and most secure way to lead your life is to follow your dream.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Today's meditation comes from the book
Listening to Your Inner Voice
Discover The Truth Within You
And Let It Guide Your Way
By Douglas Bloch, Copyright 1991
http://Open-Mind.org/Daily/Reading/77.htm
I am Responsible for my Recovery
Today's thought is:
I am responsible for myself; my recovery, my well-being, my happiness, all these things are, ultimately, my own responsibility.
--Anonymous
Our Higher Power does not lay claim to our free will. We can choose not to be responsible and make ourselves more miserable by going to new levels of despair and depression. Or we can seize every opportunity for a better life. We are responsible.
When we were newcomers and just getting started, we were generally very confused. We welcomed the support. Many of us were fed up with our lives and would have freely turned them in for a different model. But we learned to put into action what we were learning. We are responsible.
Our sponsors give us good advice and sound instructions. We can choose to listen to the advice or not. We are responsible.
Although we will always be dependent on God for our strength, it is up to us to ask God, for that strength and do the necessary work to receive it. We are responsible.
Today, I'll remember my Higher Power has given me free will to accept or reject responsibility. My life is better when I act responsibly.
You are reading from the book:
Easy Does It by Anonymous
Copyright 1999 by Hazelden Foundation.
I am responsible for myself; my recovery, my well-being, my happiness, all these things are, ultimately, my own responsibility.
--Anonymous
Our Higher Power does not lay claim to our free will. We can choose not to be responsible and make ourselves more miserable by going to new levels of despair and depression. Or we can seize every opportunity for a better life. We are responsible.
When we were newcomers and just getting started, we were generally very confused. We welcomed the support. Many of us were fed up with our lives and would have freely turned them in for a different model. But we learned to put into action what we were learning. We are responsible.
Our sponsors give us good advice and sound instructions. We can choose to listen to the advice or not. We are responsible.
Although we will always be dependent on God for our strength, it is up to us to ask God, for that strength and do the necessary work to receive it. We are responsible.
Today, I'll remember my Higher Power has given me free will to accept or reject responsibility. My life is better when I act responsibly.
You are reading from the book:
Easy Does It by Anonymous
Copyright 1999 by Hazelden Foundation.
July 20, 2005
An Unlimited Choice of Spiritual Belief and Action
Any number of alcoholics are bedeviled by the dire conviction that if ever they go near A.A. they will be pressured to conform to some particular brand of faith or theology. They just don't realize that faith is never an imperative for A.A. membership; that sobriety can be achieved with an easily acceptable minimum of it, and that our concepts of a Higher Power and God - as we understand Him - afford everyone a nearly unlimited choice of spiritual belief and action.
<<<>>>
In talking to a prospect, stress the spiritual feature freely. If the man be agnostic or atheist, make it emphatic that he does not have to agree with your conception of God. He can choose any conception he likes, provided it makes sense to him. The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a Power greater than himself and that he live by spiritual principles.
1. GRAPEVINE, APRIL 1961 - 2. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 93
<<<>>>
In talking to a prospect, stress the spiritual feature freely. If the man be agnostic or atheist, make it emphatic that he does not have to agree with your conception of God. He can choose any conception he likes, provided it makes sense to him. The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a Power greater than himself and that he live by spiritual principles.
1. GRAPEVINE, APRIL 1961 - 2. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 93
July 19, 2005
The First Step Starts with We
"We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable" Step One
The First Step begins with "we," and there's a reason for that There is great strength in making a verbal admission of our powerlessness. And when we go to meetings and make this admission, we gain more than personal strength. We become members, part of a collective "we" that allows us, together, to recover from our addiction. With membership in NA comes a wealth of experience: the experience of other addicts who have found a way to recover from their disease.
No longer must we try to solve the puzzle of our addiction on our own. When we honestly admit our powerlessness over our addiction, we can begin the search for a better way to live. We won't be searching alone-we're in good company.
Just for today: I will start the day with an admission of my powerlessness over addiction. I will remind myself that the First Step starts with "we,"and know that I never have to be alone with my disease again. pg. 210
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
The First Step begins with "we," and there's a reason for that There is great strength in making a verbal admission of our powerlessness. And when we go to meetings and make this admission, we gain more than personal strength. We become members, part of a collective "we" that allows us, together, to recover from our addiction. With membership in NA comes a wealth of experience: the experience of other addicts who have found a way to recover from their disease.
No longer must we try to solve the puzzle of our addiction on our own. When we honestly admit our powerlessness over our addiction, we can begin the search for a better way to live. We won't be searching alone-we're in good company.
Just for today: I will start the day with an admission of my powerlessness over addiction. I will remind myself that the First Step starts with "we,"and know that I never have to be alone with my disease again. pg. 210
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
July 18, 2005
Quotes for Today
If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fear.
--Glenn Clark
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
--Buddha
A.A.'s Twelve Steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole.
--c. 1952, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 15
The process of moving from what we don't know to what we are to learn is a process that can be trusted. It's how we grow and change. It's okay to not know. It's okay to let ourselves move into knowing. The lesson is trusting that we'll know when it's time.
--Melody Beattie
--Glenn Clark
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
--Buddha
A.A.'s Twelve Steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole.
--c. 1952, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 15
The process of moving from what we don't know to what we are to learn is a process that can be trusted. It's how we grow and change. It's okay to not know. It's okay to let ourselves move into knowing. The lesson is trusting that we'll know when it's time.
--Melody Beattie
Giving Up Center Stage
For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all...Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 70
Why do I balk at the word "humility"? I am not humbling myself toward other people, but toward God, as I understand Him. Humility means "to show submissive respect," and by being humble I realize I am not the center of the universe. When I was drinking, I was consumed by pride and self-centeredness. I felt the entire world revolved around me, that I was master of my destiny.
Humility enables me to depend more on God to help me overcome obstacles, to help me with my own imperfections, so that I may grow spiritually. I must solve more difficult problems to increase my proficiency and, as I encounter life's stumbling blocks, I must learn to overcome them through God's help. Daily communion with God demonstrates my humility and provides me with the realization that an entity more powerful than I is willing to help me if I cease trying to play God myself.
From Daily Reflections ©Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.©
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 70
Why do I balk at the word "humility"? I am not humbling myself toward other people, but toward God, as I understand Him. Humility means "to show submissive respect," and by being humble I realize I am not the center of the universe. When I was drinking, I was consumed by pride and self-centeredness. I felt the entire world revolved around me, that I was master of my destiny.
Humility enables me to depend more on God to help me overcome obstacles, to help me with my own imperfections, so that I may grow spiritually. I must solve more difficult problems to increase my proficiency and, as I encounter life's stumbling blocks, I must learn to overcome them through God's help. Daily communion with God demonstrates my humility and provides me with the realization that an entity more powerful than I is willing to help me if I cease trying to play God myself.
From Daily Reflections ©Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.©
July 17, 2005
A New Life Awaits
Sobriety is only a bare beginning, it is only the first gift of the first awakening. If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. And if it does go on, we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life -- the one that did not work --for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever.
Regardless of worldly success or failure, regardless of pain or joy, regardless of sickness or health or even of death itself, a new life of endless possibilities can be lived if we are willing to continue our awakening.
-Bill W., December 1957
c. 1988 The AA Grapevine, Inc., The Language Of The Heart, p. 234
Regardless of worldly success or failure, regardless of pain or joy, regardless of sickness or health or even of death itself, a new life of endless possibilities can be lived if we are willing to continue our awakening.
-Bill W., December 1957
c. 1988 The AA Grapevine, Inc., The Language Of The Heart, p. 234
Humility in Action
"If we are hurting, and most of us do from time to time, we learn to ask for help."Basic Text, p.80
Sometimes recovery gets downright difficult. It can be even more difficult to get humble enough to ask for help. We think, "I have all this time clean. I should be better than this!" But the reality of recovery is simple: whether we have thirty days or thirty years clean, we must be willing to ask for help when we need it.
Humility is a common theme in our Twelve Steps. The program of Narcotics Anonymous is not about keeping up appearances. Instead, the program helps us get the most from our recovery. We must be willing to lay bare our difficulties if we expect to find solutions to problems that arise in our lives.
There's an old _expression sometimes heard in Narcotics Anonymous: We can't save our face and our ass at the same time. It isn't easy to share in a meeting when we have a number of years clean only to dissolve into tears because life on life's terms has made us realize our powerlessness. But when the meeting ends and another member comes up and says, "You know, I really needed to hear what you had to say,' we know that there is a God working in our lives.
The taste of humility is never bitter. The rewards of humbling ourselves by asking for help sweetens our recovery.
Just for today: If I need help, I will ask for it. I will put humilityinto action in my life. pg. 203
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
Sometimes recovery gets downright difficult. It can be even more difficult to get humble enough to ask for help. We think, "I have all this time clean. I should be better than this!" But the reality of recovery is simple: whether we have thirty days or thirty years clean, we must be willing to ask for help when we need it.
Humility is a common theme in our Twelve Steps. The program of Narcotics Anonymous is not about keeping up appearances. Instead, the program helps us get the most from our recovery. We must be willing to lay bare our difficulties if we expect to find solutions to problems that arise in our lives.
There's an old _expression sometimes heard in Narcotics Anonymous: We can't save our face and our ass at the same time. It isn't easy to share in a meeting when we have a number of years clean only to dissolve into tears because life on life's terms has made us realize our powerlessness. But when the meeting ends and another member comes up and says, "You know, I really needed to hear what you had to say,' we know that there is a God working in our lives.
The taste of humility is never bitter. The rewards of humbling ourselves by asking for help sweetens our recovery.
Just for today: If I need help, I will ask for it. I will put humilityinto action in my life. pg. 203
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
I Chose to Live
Father Leo's Daily Meditation
DESIRE
"One must not lose desires. They are mightily stimulating to creativeness, to love, and to long life."
--Alexander A. Bogomoletz
Today I desire to live. I have discovered value in my life. I have experienced personal self-esteem. I am able to feel again, talk, trust and laugh again. Today I desire to live.
But I can remember when I felt lonely, isolated, angry, shutdown and hopeless. The desires I had were destructive, desiring isolation mingled with alcohol. Then the pain became too great and I experienced a vital "moment". I realized I needed to make a choice -- was I to live or die? I chose to live!
This was the beginning of my spiritual journey into self from which I discovered God and His world. Creative and positive desires were re-born in my life, and I am able to live and love again.
O Lord, may I continue to desire those things that do not hurt me.
DESIRE
"One must not lose desires. They are mightily stimulating to creativeness, to love, and to long life."
--Alexander A. Bogomoletz
Today I desire to live. I have discovered value in my life. I have experienced personal self-esteem. I am able to feel again, talk, trust and laugh again. Today I desire to live.
But I can remember when I felt lonely, isolated, angry, shutdown and hopeless. The desires I had were destructive, desiring isolation mingled with alcohol. Then the pain became too great and I experienced a vital "moment". I realized I needed to make a choice -- was I to live or die? I chose to live!
This was the beginning of my spiritual journey into self from which I discovered God and His world. Creative and positive desires were re-born in my life, and I am able to live and love again.
O Lord, may I continue to desire those things that do not hurt me.
July 16, 2005
A Spiritual Prayer
From http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpiritualWings/
~This Week's Spiritual Prayer~
Dear God,
I pray that my daily practice is in your keeping, in your stead, of your better wishes and desires of me and for me.
I pray that my walk is steady, my hand helpful, my heart open, my thoughts tolerant, and my attitude accepting.
I pray to be a part of Your Light, in actions loving, peaceful, and gentle. My lesser nature calmed by your graced hand.
I pray always for Your guidance, and my openness to it, and of it.
Thank you, I love you, Amen.
~This Week's Spiritual Prayer~
Dear God,
I pray that my daily practice is in your keeping, in your stead, of your better wishes and desires of me and for me.
I pray that my walk is steady, my hand helpful, my heart open, my thoughts tolerant, and my attitude accepting.
I pray to be a part of Your Light, in actions loving, peaceful, and gentle. My lesser nature calmed by your graced hand.
I pray always for Your guidance, and my openness to it, and of it.
Thank you, I love you, Amen.
July 15, 2005
Worrying Doesn't Help
Don't Worry
Worrying doesn't help. Our worries haven't prevented one disaster along the way. At times, the only things they've prevented is our joy. Our worries are fear. We say, I will worry and be fearful until things have worked out; only then can I relax and enjoy. Our worries are self-punishment, a form of not forgiving ourselves, not loving ourselves, not trusting.
We may think that worrying helps ward off trouble, but that's an illusion. Sometimes worrying brings troubles upon us, because we're so caught up in our fear that we don't take the responsible steps we need to take. By neglecting our lives due to worry and fear, we may bring needless consequences upon ourselves.
The lesson is trust. When we're trusting, we let go of our fear, confident that what we want and need will come. We trust that if what comes appears to be trouble or hardship, we will get what we need to get through that, too. When we trust, we get peaceful first, before we get what we want, before we see what the future brings.
Worrying and fear are the opposite of love.
Love yourself more than you ever have.
Love yourself enough to stop worrying.
Love yourself enough to give yourself the gift of peace.
Melody Beattie © Hazelden Foundation
Worrying doesn't help. Our worries haven't prevented one disaster along the way. At times, the only things they've prevented is our joy. Our worries are fear. We say, I will worry and be fearful until things have worked out; only then can I relax and enjoy. Our worries are self-punishment, a form of not forgiving ourselves, not loving ourselves, not trusting.
We may think that worrying helps ward off trouble, but that's an illusion. Sometimes worrying brings troubles upon us, because we're so caught up in our fear that we don't take the responsible steps we need to take. By neglecting our lives due to worry and fear, we may bring needless consequences upon ourselves.
The lesson is trust. When we're trusting, we let go of our fear, confident that what we want and need will come. We trust that if what comes appears to be trouble or hardship, we will get what we need to get through that, too. When we trust, we get peaceful first, before we get what we want, before we see what the future brings.
Worrying and fear are the opposite of love.
Love yourself more than you ever have.
Love yourself enough to stop worrying.
Love yourself enough to give yourself the gift of peace.
Melody Beattie © Hazelden Foundation
July 14, 2005
Thankful Every Morning
Each and every morning, the second you wake up – thank God or your Higher Power for the gift of another day. You’re lucky to be alive, yet again, for another day.
While you’re at it, ask the Creator to help show you the way all day, and to give you the strength to do God’s will.
If you were God, wouldn’t you love your children’s appreciation?
Think of your Higher Power (or God) throughout the day, too, and see what great power you’re partnered with.
From Norris J. Chumley.
While you’re at it, ask the Creator to help show you the way all day, and to give you the strength to do God’s will.
If you were God, wouldn’t you love your children’s appreciation?
Think of your Higher Power (or God) throughout the day, too, and see what great power you’re partnered with.
From Norris J. Chumley.
July 11, 2005
A Simple Program
The program is simply sharing, working the Twelve Steps, attending meetings, and practicing the principles of the program." Basic Text, p.188
Our complicated lives can be made a lot less complicated if we concentrate on a few simple things-sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others, regular meeting attendance, and practicing the principles of the program in our daily lives.
By sharing our experience, strength, and hope with other addicts, we provide a powerful example for newcomers to follow. The effort we put into helping others also helps keep self centeredness, the core of our disease, at bay.
Many of us pick one group, a "home group;' whose meetings we attend faithfully. This regularity gives some routine to our lives, and lets others know where they can find us if they need us. Practicing the Twelve Steps in our daily lives makes the difference between a balanced recovery and simply not using. The steps give us some much-needed guidance in managing our everyday affairs.
Yes, we are complex people. But the NA program simplifies our lives, enabling us to live a life free from active addiction. Our lives can be filled with serenity and hope when we live by the guidance of the simple principles of our program.
Just for today: I will remember that, while I am a complex person, NA is the simplest way for me to make my life less complicated.
pg. 191
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
Our complicated lives can be made a lot less complicated if we concentrate on a few simple things-sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others, regular meeting attendance, and practicing the principles of the program in our daily lives.
By sharing our experience, strength, and hope with other addicts, we provide a powerful example for newcomers to follow. The effort we put into helping others also helps keep self centeredness, the core of our disease, at bay.
Many of us pick one group, a "home group;' whose meetings we attend faithfully. This regularity gives some routine to our lives, and lets others know where they can find us if they need us. Practicing the Twelve Steps in our daily lives makes the difference between a balanced recovery and simply not using. The steps give us some much-needed guidance in managing our everyday affairs.
Yes, we are complex people. But the NA program simplifies our lives, enabling us to live a life free from active addiction. Our lives can be filled with serenity and hope when we live by the guidance of the simple principles of our program.
Just for today: I will remember that, while I am a complex person, NA is the simplest way for me to make my life less complicated.
pg. 191
Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.
July 10, 2005
Five Simple Rules
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
--unknown
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
--unknown
Prayer Power
AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AAOnline.net)
July 8, 2005
Prayer
Real prayer is not telling God what we want. It is putting ourselves at His disposal so that He can tell us what He wants. Prayer is not trying to get God to change His will. It is trying to find out what His will is, to align ourselves or realign ourselves with His purpose for the world and for us. That's why it is so important for us to listen as well as talk when we pray.
c. 1957 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, p. 265
Thought to Ponder . . .
Trying to pray is praying.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P U S H = Pray Until Something Happens.
(courtesy AAOnline.net)
July 8, 2005
Prayer
Real prayer is not telling God what we want. It is putting ourselves at His disposal so that He can tell us what He wants. Prayer is not trying to get God to change His will. It is trying to find out what His will is, to align ourselves or realign ourselves with His purpose for the world and for us. That's why it is so important for us to listen as well as talk when we pray.
c. 1957 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, p. 265
Thought to Ponder . . .
Trying to pray is praying.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P U S H = Pray Until Something Happens.
July 09, 2005
Important Recall Notice
RECALL NOTICE
Regardless of make or year, all units known as "human beings" are being recalled by the Manufacturer. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named "Adam" and "Eve" resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect is technically termed, "Serious Internal Non-morality," but is more commonly known as "SIN."
Some of the symptoms of the SIN defect:
[a] Loss of direction
[b] Lack of peace and joy
[c] Depression
[d] Foul vocal emissions
[e] Selfishness
[f] Ingratitude
[g] Fearfulness
[h] Rebellion
[i] Jealousy
The Manufacturer is providing factory authorized repair service free of charge to correct the SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus Christ, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.
To repeat, there is no fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected please upload the burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Christ, into the heart component of the human unit.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Christ will replace it with:
[a] Love
[b] Joy
[c] Peace
[d] Kindness
[e] Goodness
[f] Faithfulness
[g] Gentleness
[h] Patience
[I] Self-control
Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from the resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit. Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up residence on the premises.
WARNING: Continuing to operate a human being unit without corrections voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will ultimately result in the human unit being incinerated.
Thank you for your attention.
Please assist by notifying others of this important recall notice! --Skip Wigmore, Light of Life Ministries
Regardless of make or year, all units known as "human beings" are being recalled by the Manufacturer. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named "Adam" and "Eve" resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect is technically termed, "Serious Internal Non-morality," but is more commonly known as "SIN."
Some of the symptoms of the SIN defect:
[a] Loss of direction
[b] Lack of peace and joy
[c] Depression
[d] Foul vocal emissions
[e] Selfishness
[f] Ingratitude
[g] Fearfulness
[h] Rebellion
[i] Jealousy
The Manufacturer is providing factory authorized repair service free of charge to correct the SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus Christ, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.
To repeat, there is no fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected please upload the burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Christ, into the heart component of the human unit.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Christ will replace it with:
[a] Love
[b] Joy
[c] Peace
[d] Kindness
[e] Goodness
[f] Faithfulness
[g] Gentleness
[h] Patience
[I] Self-control
Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from the resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit. Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up residence on the premises.
WARNING: Continuing to operate a human being unit without corrections voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will ultimately result in the human unit being incinerated.
Thank you for your attention.
Please assist by notifying others of this important recall notice! --Skip Wigmore, Light of Life Ministries
Take Time to Celebrate
Celebrate your successes, your growth, your accomplishments. Celebrate YOU and who you are.
For too long you have been too hard on yourself. Others have spilled their negative energy -- their attitudes, beliefs, pain -- on you. It had nothing to do with you! All along, you have been a gift to yourself and to the Universe.
You are a child of God. Beautiful, a delight, a joy. You do not have to try harder, be better, be perfect, or be anything you are not. Your beauty is in you, just as you are each moment.
Celebrate that.
When you have a success, when you accomplish something, enjoy it. Pause, reflect, rejoice. Too long you have listened to admonitions not to feel good about what you have done, lest you travel the downward road to arrogance.
Celebration is a high form of praise, of gratitude to the Creator for the beauty of God's creation. To enjoy and celebrate the good does not mean that it will be taken from you. To celebrate is to delight in the gift, to show gratitude.
Celebrate your relationships! Celebrate the lessons from the past and the love and warmth that is there today. Enjoy the beauty of others and their connection to you.
Celebrate all that is in your life. Celebrate all that is good. Celebrate you!
From Melody Beattie's
THE LANGUAGE OF LETTING GO © Hazelden Foundation
For too long you have been too hard on yourself. Others have spilled their negative energy -- their attitudes, beliefs, pain -- on you. It had nothing to do with you! All along, you have been a gift to yourself and to the Universe.
You are a child of God. Beautiful, a delight, a joy. You do not have to try harder, be better, be perfect, or be anything you are not. Your beauty is in you, just as you are each moment.
Celebrate that.
When you have a success, when you accomplish something, enjoy it. Pause, reflect, rejoice. Too long you have listened to admonitions not to feel good about what you have done, lest you travel the downward road to arrogance.
Celebration is a high form of praise, of gratitude to the Creator for the beauty of God's creation. To enjoy and celebrate the good does not mean that it will be taken from you. To celebrate is to delight in the gift, to show gratitude.
Celebrate your relationships! Celebrate the lessons from the past and the love and warmth that is there today. Enjoy the beauty of others and their connection to you.
Celebrate all that is in your life. Celebrate all that is good. Celebrate you!
From Melody Beattie's
THE LANGUAGE OF LETTING GO © Hazelden Foundation
July 07, 2005
Our Crippling Handicap Was Lack of Humility
"For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige, and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted....In all these strivings, so many of them well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility....We never thought of making honesty, tolerance, and true love of man and God the daily basis of living."
c. 1952, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pages 71-72
c. 1952, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pages 71-72
Quips & Quotes
Alcoholic: If I could drink like a normal drinker, I’d drink all the time!
"Without forgiveness life is governed by . . . an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation."
--Roberto Assagioli
The spiritual journey involves going beyond hope and fear, stepping into unknown territory, continually moving forward. The most important aspect of being on the spiritual path may be just to keep moving.
--Pema Chodron
A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.
-Benjamin Franklin
"Without forgiveness life is governed by . . . an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation."
--Roberto Assagioli
The spiritual journey involves going beyond hope and fear, stepping into unknown territory, continually moving forward. The most important aspect of being on the spiritual path may be just to keep moving.
--Pema Chodron
A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.
-Benjamin Franklin
Time to Put the Past to Rest
Are we still feeling victimized, rejected, or bitter about something that happened two, five, ten, or even twenty years ago?
It may be time to let it go. It may be time to open ourselves to the true lesson from that experience. It may be time to put the past to rest, so we are fee to go on to new, more rewarding experiences.
We can choose to live in the past, or we can choose to finish our old business from the past and open ourselves to the beauty of today.
Let go of your baggage from past relationships.
Today, I will open myself to the cleansing and healing process that will put closure on yesterday and open me to the best today, and tomorrow, has to offer in my relationships.
Melody Beattie © Hazelden Foundation
It may be time to let it go. It may be time to open ourselves to the true lesson from that experience. It may be time to put the past to rest, so we are fee to go on to new, more rewarding experiences.
We can choose to live in the past, or we can choose to finish our old business from the past and open ourselves to the beauty of today.
Let go of your baggage from past relationships.
Today, I will open myself to the cleansing and healing process that will put closure on yesterday and open me to the best today, and tomorrow, has to offer in my relationships.
Melody Beattie © Hazelden Foundation
July 06, 2005
Fear Activates Character Defects
The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear. . . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76
When I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or depressed, I look for fear. This "evil and corroding thread" is the root of my distress: Fear of failure; fear of other's opinions; fear of harm, and many other fears. I have found a Higher Power who does not want me to live in fear and, as a result, the experience of A.A. in my life is freedom and joy.
I am no longer willing to live with the multitude of character defects that characterized my life while I was drinking. Step Seven is my vehicle to freedom from these defects. I pray for help in identifying the fear underneath the defect, and then I ask God to relieve me of that fear. This method works for me without fail and is one of the great miracles of my life in Alcoholics Anonymous.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76
When I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or depressed, I look for fear. This "evil and corroding thread" is the root of my distress: Fear of failure; fear of other's opinions; fear of harm, and many other fears. I have found a Higher Power who does not want me to live in fear and, as a result, the experience of A.A. in my life is freedom and joy.
I am no longer willing to live with the multitude of character defects that characterized my life while I was drinking. Step Seven is my vehicle to freedom from these defects. I pray for help in identifying the fear underneath the defect, and then I ask God to relieve me of that fear. This method works for me without fail and is one of the great miracles of my life in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
