January 28

”Keep high aspirations, moderate expectations, and small needs.” William Howard Stern

Too many times in my life I feel disappointed, like I have been robbed of something I deserved or that life is just out to get me. This is usually a sign that my expectations of the world are too high, that I am seeking something that is beyond what I should want, and certainly that I am aspiring for things that surpass my needs. As I grow spiritually, I am learning that my true needs are few, and that if I content myself with them, they are easily achievable and something that my Higher Power will never leave me without. My expectations are most easily satisfied if I seek to satisfy the will of the power greater than me that will restore me to sanity. Life is more fulfilling when I focus on how I can be of service to others rather than being obsessed with my own need for wealth and gain. When my perspective changes from what I think the world owes me to one of trying to find how much more I can share, then happiness awaits me at every turn. Where I can put my strength without fear of giving too much is in hope, in hoping for unconditional love, peace, and serenity. My trust in God comes with the belief that with Him anything is possible. I need to remain open and willing to listen to His Good Orderly Direction.

Affirmation Perspective is key to seeking balance in my life and giving things their proper priority. Putting First Things First will allow me to find contentment with all that I already have.

November 24 (70)

”We have what we seek, it is there all the time, and if we give it time, it will make itself known to us.” Thomas Merton

I have sought professional assistance on a variety of occasions during my life. And in my discussion of issues with counsellors and psychologists, I have yet to receive a startling revelation or never-fail process that has helped me suddenly overcome a particular problem. Rather, having an unbiased and empathetic third party has been what was needed to allow me to discover things that already existed within me to cope and deal with my concerns. Usually this is simply due to the fact that I am too close to my own problems. If I am focused mostly on the issue it is pretty hard to find a solution. Being able to talk with someone else and be guided down those lines of thinking and reasoning that lead me to find the resolve, ability and courage within to face my problems and take action. The God of my understanding has given me all the tools that I need, since birth, to walk through all the fires of my life as well as rejoice in all the blessings. Yet as is my human nature, I can become too self-absorbed and forget the natural gifts that have been bestowed upon me. I am grateful for all those people in my life who are there to remind me.

Affirmation I have the courage and the ability I need to cope with everything I will face today. Bring it on, I am ready!

April 15

”Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha

As addicts our tendency in life has been to take, to take whatever was needed to be able to satisfy our addiction. Therefore it is very natural that during our early recovery that we approach the program with the same attitude, taking everything from everyone, looking for all the golden nuggets so we can magically recover. With time we come to realize that true growth in recovery comes not from taking but in giving. In sharing our experience, strength and hope we gain tenfold what has been handed out. Sharing what we’ve learned, where we have struggled, how we’ve increased our own awareness about our middle and inner circle behaviours, not only reinforces our own progress, but promotes recovery in our peers. We’ll be amazed by the gratitude we receive from people when we least expect it.

Affirmation Sharing my recovery today will help me in my own journey and hopefully many others along the way.