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Post by majestyjo on Jun 23, 2018 13:41:00 GMT -5
June 23
Let every man be occupied in the highest employment of which he is capable and die conscious that he has done his best.
--Sidney Smith
Doing something that we feel good about never loses its importance to our lives. And it need not be a prestigious occupation for our work to be important. In fact, who are we to decide what kind of job is truly important? The most menial of tasks may have a profound impact on a particular man or woman today, and that's what really counts in God's grand scheme.
It is said by some that the highest order of employment is the offering of love and acceptance to the people on our paths today. For us to define employment solely in terms of career is shortsighted. Every minute we're awake we're busy with something, and that means we're employed.
A broader definition of employment gives every one of us a chance to put in a productive day. Knowing that our presence, our words, our willingness to listen to someone else has made life better for them makes it better for us, too.
I will go to bed fulfilled if I have shown love and respect for others today.
You are reading from the book:
Keepers of the Wisdom by Karen Casey
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Post by majestyjo on Jun 24, 2018 10:59:10 GMT -5
June 24
Expectations
Higher Power, help me stop expecting so much from myself.
I set unrealistic standards, and when they are not met, unhappiness follows.
Help me be true to myself and only expect what I am capable of doing. As I grow in recovery and do I disagreeignments every day, I am able to do more.
Your will provides realistic goals. Your will provides what I need to succeed.
You are reading from the book:
The 12 Step Prayer Book Volume 2 by Bill P. and Lisa D.
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Post by majestyjo on Jun 25, 2018 4:50:55 GMT -5
June 25
I believe that everyone needs a mentor.
--Harry Bartholomew
We have all had mentors - many of them, in fact. We might not have labeled them as such, but throughout our lives we have been picking up ideas and mannerisms from many people. From some, we sought to learn specific skills, perhaps on the job or while in school. A few inadvertently became our mentors simply because of our proximity to them. Along the way, we may have chosen some mentors impulsively and to our detriment. The process of mentoring is how most of us learn, ultimately. Have we forgotten that we, too, have served as mentors for many others who have shared our journey?
We obviously are not through living yet. Thus we are not through mentoring either. Every encounter we have with someone is mentoring in action. One moment we're on the learning end; the next, perhaps we're acting as teacher. Mentoring has always been a two-way street.
We have never been able to control another's mentoring, but we have always been free to choose or refuse to follow his or her example. What we can control, and this has always been true, is the content of our own mentoring. Are we satisfied that we've done our best?
Today I'll remember that my role as mentor isn't over yet.
You are reading from the book:
Keepers of the Wisdom by Karen Casey
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Post by majestyjo on Jun 26, 2018 7:09:37 GMT -5
June 26
I feel best about having helped others believe in themselves.
--Bud Sherman
Encouragement is one of the greatest gifts we can give one another. Chances are we can all remember someone who encouraged us many years ago. Perhaps a teacher or an employer took a special interest in us, and we have never forgotten that person. It's likely we are remembered in much the same way by someone else, too. It's nice to savor these memories, isn't it?
There is nothing stopping us from continuing to make memories for others. We will experience people and situations today that will benefit if we pass on encouragement and praise. We will benefit as well. It feels good to acknowledge another's contributions to the world. It strengthens our own willingness to contribute.
No conversation is without purpose. Even those exchanges that seem meaningless offer us opportunities for bettering someone else's opinion of themselves. What greater offerings have we to make than to be loving and helpful to someone traveling this path with us? If we haven't given much attention to this part of our assignment before, let's begin now. The homework will make all of us feel much better.
A few words of encouragement to another is all that's asked of me today. I can handle that.
You are reading from the book:
Keepers of the Wisdom by Karen Casey
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Post by majestyjo on Jun 27, 2018 7:59:16 GMT -5
June 27
Taking an honest look at ourselves is necessary if we want peace.
Step Four asks us to admit our character defects. That's not an easy assignment. How "defective" could we be? In truth, we do have many assets, and it will help us to admit our defects if we also own our assets.
The founders of the Twelve Steps were wise men who understood the value of self-assessment. None of us is without problems, many of which we cause ourselves because of behavior we need to change. But until we can stand back from ourselves and see our part in our troubles, we'll not have the data we need to make a change in our lives. This program is designed to help us change. Its goal for us is greater peace, but we must do our part.
I will feel better today, and thus more peaceful, if I am willing to change a behavior that causes me trouble. I pray for willingness to admit my defects and own I disagreeets.
You are reading from the book:
A Life of My Own by Karen Casey
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Post by majestyjo on Jun 28, 2018 14:06:37 GMT -5
June 28
Be careful with amends.
Hurting someone thoughtlessly just to lift our own guilt is not a proper Step Nine. Amends are for rebuilding the burned bridges in our lives. But if amends will hurt someone, we must decide if it's in that person's best interest to be told now. Oftentimes it's best left unsaid, but never denied to ourselves or to God.
Changing our behavior intentionally is one part of making amends, particularly to family members who may have heard us say "I'm sorry" far too many times. Repaying money, repairing damages, and making charitable contributions on behalf of the person we have harmed are all honest attempts to right our wrong. The point in every amends attempt is to take responsibility for what we did and express our regrets. Couple this with changed behavior, and our relationships will improve immediately.
I will not shy away from any amends I need to make today, but I'll be careful not to hurt someone with information he or she doesn't need to know.
You are reading from the book:
A Life of My Own by Karen Casey
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Post by majestyjo on Jun 29, 2018 7:35:55 GMT -5
June 29
Overachieving may be symptomatic.
Suffering from low self-esteem is common. Some of it may be blamed on growing up in families affected by alcohol or other drugs. Perhaps the criticism heaped on us at school or in a bad marriage triggered it. We may have thousands of reasons for lacking a sense of our worth. The bottom line is, we were insecure and full of doubt - good breeding ground for the superstar achiever.
The program is spiritually based, and in it we are introduced to a Higher Power. Many of us didn't have a Higher Power before, at least not one we relied on, to help us feel better about ourselves. We are learning to turn to our Higher Power every day for peaceful assurance that we are loved, that we are being taken care of. In time we'll grow to love ourselves, and then we'll be free of the need to overachieve.
I will accept my worthiness today and trust that my Higher Power has something wonderful in store for me.
You are reading from the book:
A Life of My Own by Karen Casey
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 1, 2018 2:18:10 GMT -5
June 30
The most important move is to begin.
We begin weaving by stringing vertical threads on a loom to form the foundation of a new cloth. Then horizontal threads are interlaced back and forth, and we create a fabric. As the cloth begins to form, new possibilities open before us. After we weave in the first color we can then envision other colors that will work with it. The most important move is to begin.
Sometimes new possibilities occur to us only through action. If we take the risk of the first step and keep our eyes open, we will see the next step. Too much planning, too much carefulness and analysis, may block all action.
With our partner we might sometimes feel stuck in a pattern. We may even feel hopeless. Rather than thinking excessively, we could take action, do one thing that we know people in good relationships do. We might be able to take the risk of that first step with the help of our Higher Power. When we take one hopeful step at a time, each step produces information that leads to the next.
Name one interesting thing you can do today. You need not justify it or understand where it will lead. Just try it.
You are reading from the book:
The More We Find In Each Other by Merle Fossum and Mavis Fossum
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 1, 2018 5:42:06 GMT -5
July 1
Recovery sets us free.
Freedom is what recovery is all about. Not only are we free from addictive behavior, but we are free to become who we are and enjoy all that life has to offer. We may not hear bands playing and see fireworks every day, but we will know a new dimension of peace and serenity.
Although recovery does not guarantee freedom from pain and distress, it promises us greater resources for coping with trouble. With the help of abstinence and the Twelve Steps, we become free to work toward resolving our difficulties instead of escaping into false solutions.
We must remain strong and guard the freedom that comes with abstinence. Whatever threatens abstinence should be avoided: we don't want to transfer one obsession to something else, such as compulsive shopping, or addictive relationships. To remain free, we stay in touch with others who are also recovering and with the Higher Power that guides and supports us.
I will celebrate my freedom today and every day.
You are reading from the book:
Inner Harvest by Elisabeth L.
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 2, 2018 8:29:07 GMT -5
July 2
Hurts do heal.
Time has a wonderful way of erasing bad feelings and leaving us with good ones. Our memories are selective, and fortunately, the pleasant ones seem to have more staying power. Whatever has been real and meaningful for us tends to remain with us - the rest gradually fades away. We can assist this selective process of memory by consciously letting go of the thoughts and feelings that disturb our serenity.
You might imagine yourself making a package out of a disappointment, your hostility, some hurt feelings, or whatever is hampering your spirit. Wrap the package tightly and ship it off to a Higher Power. Send it airmail, if you like.
Refusing to dwell on our wounds allows them to heal more quickly. In our program, there is no place for self-pity. The reprieve we have from our eating disorder is a daily one, and it depends on our spiritual condition. Gratitude for all the good fortune that comes our way keeps us healthy.
I will remember that what hurts today will pass in time. I can speed its departure by refusing to indulge in self-pity.
You are reading from the book:
Inner Harvest by Elisabeth L.
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 3, 2018 10:16:46 GMT -5
July 3
To enjoy freedom we have to control ourselves.
--Virginia Woolf
Freedom is a funny thing. In a way, it makes life harder. We are free to do what we want, but every choice makes a difference in our lives. Some choices make us happy, and some bring trouble.
We can make good choices. We can control our actions. We can start by having control in little ways - follow the law, pay the rent, make the bed every day. These choices put order in our lives. Eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. These choices make us strong enough to live each day to the fullest. These kinds of choices set us free.
Prayer for the Day
Higher Power, when I was drinking and drugging, I couldn't enjoy my freedom. I had no control over the little things in my life. Help me stay sober today.
Action for the Day
Today, I'll be grateful for having some control. I will list five ways I am more free because I can control my actions.
You are reading from the book:
Keep It Simple by Anonymous
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 4, 2018 5:24:50 GMT -5
July 4
Celebrate your freedom
Today in the United States; we celebrate our nation's independence. Why not take a moment to celebrate your independence as well? Whether you've found freedom from an addiction or from codependency, or you've discovered the freedom to live your life as fully as possible, take a moment to honor and acknowledge how much that freedom means to you.
It's good to identify our problems. Through the awareness of what's wrong and what's broken, we learn what to repair and fix. It's good to focus on the health and the goodness in our lives, too. Becoming aware of what's right and what's working is how we discover joy.
Look back along the winding road of the path of your life. See how far you've come? It looks good to me. How does it look to you?
Hurray! We're finally free!
God, thank You for setting me free.
You are reading from the book:
More Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 5, 2018 5:21:55 GMT -5
July 5
Other people can't meet our needs if we don't tell them what our needs are.
We need tenderness and caring from our families and friends. We need their acceptance, understanding, and support. Sometimes we need their criticism and forgiveness.
Whatever our needs are, other people will probably be involved in getting them met. If we expect those close to us to read our minds and know exactly what we want without being told, we will probably be disappointed. Being honest and candid about our needs and feelings is an important goal of recovery. True, the other person may say no, but being able to make a reasonable request raises our self-esteem and opens the door to communication.
Today, I will take the risk of asking someone directly for something I want.
You are reading from the book:
Inner Harvest by Elisabeth L.
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 6, 2018 10:40:30 GMT -5
July 6
Reflection for the Day
The Program and my friends in the fellowship have provided me with a whole new set of tools for living. Even the slogans that once seemed so trite and corny are now becoming an important part of my daily life: Easy Does It; First Things First; This, Too, Will Pass. If I use all of my tools regularly and well, they'll also help rid me of such negative feelings as guilt, anxiety, rebellion and pride. When I'm feeling depressed, do I use the tools that have been proven effective? Or do I grit my teeth and suffer in painful silence?
Today I Pray
I praise my wonder-working Higher Power for giving me the tools for recovery, once I admitted I was powerless and gave myself over to the will of God as I understand God. I give thanks for the Twelve Steps and for the fellowship of the group, which can help me see myself honestly. I give thanks for those words and phrases which become, as we understand them more completely, banners in our celebration of sobriety.
Today I Will Remember
Pass on the passwords to recovery.
You are reading from the book:
A Day at a Time (Softcover) by Anonymous
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 7, 2018 16:53:56 GMT -5
July 7
A.A. Thought for the Day
How big a part of our lives is AA? Is it just one of our activities and a small one at that? Do we only go to AA meetings now and then and sometimes never go at all? Do we think of AA only occasionally? Are we reticent about mentioning the subject of AA to people who might need help? Or does AA fill a large part of our lives? Is AA the foundation on which I build my life?
Meditation for the Day
I lay upon God my failures and mistakes and shortcomings. I do not dwell upon my failures, upon the fact that in the past I have been nearer a beast than an angel. I have a mediator between me and God -- my growing faith.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not let the beast in me hold me back from my spiritual destiny.
You are reading from the book:
Twenty-four Hours a Day for Teens by Anonymous
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 8, 2018 11:08:52 GMT -5
July 8
"AndthankyouforkeepingmestraightyesterdayAmen. "
Sometimes I can almost hear God saying, "What did she just say?"
Are you rushing through or skipping prayer and meditation time? Are people in your life asking where you are, even though you're in the room with them when they ask? Are you so focused on an outcome that you've forgotten to enjoy each step along the way? Do you have so many things to do that you're doing them all at once and not getting anything done?
We receive from life what we put in, unless we're pouring our energy into a black hole. Are you getting what you want out of your relationships, work, and leisure time?
How much of you are you investing?
You are reading from the book:
52 Weeks of Conscious Contact by Melody Beattie
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 9, 2018 7:42:15 GMT -5
July 9
I get a massage almost every week no matter where I am, eat a healthy diet, schedule time alone, and if I get to a point where I feel I need a block of time...I'll cancel.
-- Anne Wilson Schaef
Do we love and care for our body as well as we love and care for our home and car? Do we feel our body deserves full attention and a loving maintenance plan?
Taking our body for granted is easy because of its remarkable durability and regenerative power. We may get lulled into a false sense of "nine lives" body security, believing our physical being will fix itself no matter what.
Self-care takes time and priority planning to be successful. We may find we put off our exercise and nutritional needs saying, "Tomorrow I'll start taking better care of myself." But sooner or later tomorrow comes, and our body produces symptoms that demand attention.
Learning to love and nurture our body brings rewards without measure. We deserve to reap the benefits starting today.
Today let me realize that respect for my body builds a healing temple in which the rest of my life can grow.
You are reading from the book:
Body, Mind, and Spirit by Anonymous
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 10, 2018 11:45:40 GMT -5
July 10
Example is the lesson that all men can read.
-- Gilbert West
Patterning our lives after others is familiar. Maybe as kids we emulated "toughies" or the teacher's pet. As we grew, the criteria changed, but we sought role models, nonetheless. The career we chose and the family relationships we developed may have been inspired by the example of another. Today may be no different. Seeing our friends and acquaintances pursue paths unlike our own gives us ideas to explore. How lucky we are that teaching is never done and learning is merely a decision.
The only thing that has actually changed is our age. The opportunities for growth continue to flow. Our purpose for being here remains the same. Our responsibility to ourselves never abates. It's comforting to count on these things. It makes our choices simpler.
There's always the right step to take, the right response to make, the right attitude to foster. But if ever we're in doubt, the impulse to forgive and to love will never be wrong.
My action today may be an important example for a friend. I pray to choose my steps and words wisely.
You are reading from the book:
Keepers of the Wisdom by Karen Casey
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 11, 2018 13:21:59 GMT -5
July 11
A.A. Thought for the Day
In Alcoholics Anonymous there is no thought of individual profit. No greed or gain. No membership fees, no dues. All that we hope for is sobriety and regeneration, so that we can live normal, respectable lives. These things we accomplish by the help of each other, by following the Twelve Steps, and by the grace of God. Am I willing to work for AA without material gain to myself?
Meditation for the Day
What is sometimes called a conversion by religion is often only the discovery of God as a friend in need. What is sometimes called religion is often only the experiencing of the help and strength of God's power. What is sometimes called holiness is often only the invitation of God to be a Friend.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may think of God as a Great Friend in need.
You are reading from the book:
Twenty-four Hours a Day for Teens by Anonymous
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Post by majestyjo on Jul 12, 2018 20:06:22 GMT -5
July 12
A holiday is a permitted – or rather a prescribed – excess, a solemn violation of a prohibition.
--Sigmund Freud
Breaking our own small rules is a luxury that we sometimes forget to indulge. How pleasant it can be to stay in bed late on a Sunday, not get dressed or shaved, to let clutter accumulate. On our days off, we can get a thrill from such "solemn violations" as going to a film in the afternoon, eating an unscheduled treat, jogging twice around the track.
It's probably important to give ourselves these little extravagances, especially if our usual lives involve a highly organized routine. Just breaking up the day differently – reversing daytime and nighttime activities, for example – can give a special flavor to a day off.
Routine is consoling for many of us. We feel good about ourselves as long as we keep to the schedule, obey the rules. But we need to break some rules to get a different kind of good feeling about ourselves; above all, to know that we can choose to return to our former law-abiding selves. Sometimes we fear that if we step out of line once, we'll never get our lives together again. We need to know that we can renew ourselves on a holiday.
Giving myself a holiday by breaking my routine can make it stronger – because I choose to resume it.
You are reading from the book:
The Promise of a New Day by Karen Casey and Martha Vanceburg
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. I will be back looking for Lin and others.