August 10

”A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” Larry Bird

My addict’s most powerful weapon is denial. Denial that what I am doing is wrong, that it is hurting somebody, that I might get caught, that there may be some negative consequences. At the same time, it is also a denial that I need a healthy spirituality, that I am good and wholesome. In short my addiction uses denial to turn me into a mindless slave who is full of self-doubt, self-loathing, and worthlessness. My Higher Power, on the other hand, promises all the opposite. He wants me to find my gifts and talents, to exploit them to do His will and make the world a better place. He wants me to work hard, struggle, overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. I am not unique in this; my Higher Power wants all of us to embrace our individuality to make life interesting, productive and creative. The part that is left to me is to decide which side to bet on. Do I fall for the quick and easy, take care of me, myself and I, of addiction? Or do I choose the long, winding road full of treacherous obstacles that threaten to derail me at each turn? Do I deny my true nature or do I embrace it, nurture it and help it grow? Do I live in the present or let life slip past as I bury my head in the sand? Am I a winner?

Affirmation My free will is a blessing and a curse, but I can decide today which it will be. May I choose wisely.