June 26

”Gratitude looks to the past and love to the present.” C. S. Lewis

My outlook and manner of living my life have changed significantly from when I first discovered the program. Today I look at ways of sharing my talents and abilities with others rather than being focused on solely fulfilling my own wants. In fact, I find there are fewer and fewer things I want and that taking care of my needs is sufficient to keep me going. Even more, many of my wants have now become my desire to help others simply because I can. One of the places in my life where I notice this has changed the most is in dealing with my spouse. Whereas it used to be challenging to get me to help out, nowadays I do things as soon as I am asked or even take the initiative to simple to what needs to be done. It doesn’t matter whose chore it is, who did it last, whatever. If I am capable and have the time to do it then why shouldn’t I? I know I am making a concerted effort to live in the present. By my new understanding of what love is, I have a new desire to share my abilities for the betterment of other, doing service at each opportunity. I also give thanks regularly for all that has happened, good and even not-so-good, to have help me to grow. I find it important to show appreciation each and every day.

Affirmation Today I will practice service by helping out when I can, whether or not it is my job. I can take pride in simply doing what needs to be done.

May 13

”Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.” Henri J. M. Nouwen

I believe in starting each day anew. I try my best to begin with a positive outlook in the possibility that awaits me. I truly believe in living a day at a time and in trying to focus on the hours that lay before me. I may lose sight of this as I fall into the routine of my day, but at least having started from a clean slate improves my chances of living in the moment. Dark times still confront me and give me cause to work, despair and fear. I am not immune to the “darker” side of life. But I am gaining more confidence in who I am, my resolve and faith in my Higher Power are increasing. As a result I am weathering storms of varying intensity without having to spiral back into my addiction. I am becoming capable of keeping my spirits up in those trying times, and continue to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can maintain the hope that I will find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Hope is another aspect of my life that I can strengthen through use. I know life will have both good times and bad, but I am also aware that I am capable of surviving through the hard times.

Affirmation Today I retain hope in knowing that I can make it through the struggles. I can gain strength from others who have gone before me.