July 20

”The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Destiny, fate, karma – these are still some concepts that I have difficulty in looking at. Was I destined to become an addict, was it fate that predetermined my path to get here? I used to question myself like this frequently in my early recovery. As I have grown in the program and rekindled my connection to my Higher Power, I have been less concerned about these ideas. I am happy turning my life and will over to the care of the God of my understanding. I trust that the path he has laid before me is a good one. And I guess if you want to look at it that way, it is a destiny of a sort. The difference in this new way of living is that I am no longer trying to bend the universe to my own will. I no longer strive to have things my way, when and how I want them to be. I am no longer so conceited to see myself as the centre of it all. Instead I am seeking to share my talents, my hope, strength and experience with others. I would rather serve others. I can still lead by example by do not demand to be followed. I seek forgiveness and compassion. I am striving to become the person my Higher Power had in mind, do to His will and to help others along the way. And that is indeed a noble pursuit.

Affirmation I will ask for guidance today to see the path my Higher Power has lain before me and for the courage and strength to do his Will.

October 15

”Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness.  Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” Scott Adams

It’s been quite a long time that I have not believed in coincidence. Too many things have happened in my own life and those of the people around me to ignore the influence or something or someone else. I have always believed in God, in some way or another, and it was He who was readily available as my Higher Power when I found SAA. The fact that I think everything happens for a reason is also a founding argument for my belief in karma. That what we do, what we give of ourselves, how we treat others, all this eventually comes back to us. Acts of kindness clearly fit into this topic. Being kind means thinking of others, putting someone else’s needs before my own and giving service. The program talks at length about giving back, of being in service to others, and I think at the most basic level it starts with simple, kind acts. Being kind, compassionate and caring is all a part of living in harmony with others. Life is more pleasant and enjoyable when I am not in conflict. And I am truly beginning to see that it takes two people to create conflict, if I do not react then I can remain at peace no matter what others around me do.

Affirmation My smallest acts today may be my biggest reward. I will remember everyone around me has problems of their own and will treat them gently and kindly.

July 18

”The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose.” HadaBejar

I see two sides to how I choose to act, but really both encompass the idea of karma. If I do things the right way, treat others like I would like to be treated, then eventually my good deeds will come back to me. I also feel the opposite is true, if I mistreat and use others, I expect that negativity to come back to me in some form or another as well. What remains is my choice; do I give a rose or a thistle? There is more depth – true giving or sharing of myself is done because I want and I am able to share. Yet giving because I expect to get something in return is selfish and does not really match the definition of true sharing. The motivation behind my actions is as important as the act itself. This really goes back to living in harmony with my thoughts, words and deeds. When all is in sync I am being genuine and authentic and others will notice. Moving forward in recovery without my secret double life is required to finding my true self and becoming a better person. All this work also helps clear the way for an improved relationship with my Higher Power. The program is restoring the fragrance in my hand as I share my recovery with others.

Affirmation I will be conscientious of my actions today and keep them in line with my thoughts and feelings.