April 26

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” Robin Williams

I have often question my place and purpose in the world, especially when things are not going the way I had planned or hoped. In those moments, it is hard to feel like I am making a difference or that I matter. The program is teaching me that it is in these times, especially, that I need to focus on my blessing and practice gratitude. For I can all too easily get caught up in what I am missing, completely forgetting about all the blessings which have been given to me. There is also another lesson that I have been practicing,  and that is performing acts of service. Doing something for others, merely because I can and I am able, is important. It is a small way to change the world for someone else. And it is a great way from me to get out of my own head and to show that I can be useful, that what I do matters. It is also about supporting and building my community.  At the end of the day, when I look back objectively, I can usually find a few things that I have done to show that it mattered that I was in the world for the day. Even if it was only paying a compliment, holding a door open, or giving a friendly smile to a stranger. Even those simple acts of kindness help to make the world a better place to be.

Affirmation

I can practice gratitude and acts of kindness today to  help the world be a kinder place to live.

December 25

”I wish we could put some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” Harlan Miller

I think this is true of many things, patience, love, kindness – it would be nice when we have an excess to be able to take some and store it away to be available when we are in short supply. I imagine having a little pantry with a bunch of glass jars, filled with lights of various colors for all these attributes I wish could be stock-piled, waiting for the day when I need a little boost. The truth is that I have something in my life now that has an endless supply. My recovery program is teaching me that I am no longer alone, that I have the accompaniment of a Higher Power, who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent – all powerful, all-knowing, and always present. I am learning that on my own I am not able to walk this path before me, but that in surrendering to the will of my Higher Power I will also be granted all that I need to succeed. Therein in lies my infinite supply of whatever is required to live the life I am meant to have. Prayer and meditation are my ways to ask and receive what I need most. When I seek guidance to know the will of the God of my understanding, I am asking for the tools and capabilities to follow through with His plans. So I can have a little bit of Christmas with me every day of the year, as long as I ask for it.

Affirmation My Higher Power will provide me with everything I need if I but ask, and seek to know the path I am to follow.

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.