August 16

July 16

”You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.” Zig Ziglar

There are days when I have to remind myself that I am unique. It’s easy for me to fall into the trap of feeling like just another person in society, following the same rules, and forgetting all the things that make me who I am. But the truth is that there is no one else out there like me. My experiences are mine and mine alone. No one else has the same set of strengths and weakness that I do. No one else looks exactly like me, speaks like me, works like me or thinks like me. I am the only and only me. So then it follows that my Higher Power gave me what I have. I am the only one who can work with those tools, abilities and skills. Others might be able to see them and try to bring them to bear in certain circumstances like work, on a sports team or in a community group. But it still comes down to me putting them into action. And I waste those talents when I choose not to put them to use. So it’s true that I, as a member of the human race, have a responsibility to be of service. How else can I share my knowledge, experience and skills with others? The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions promote a life of service. While my recovery is a selfish pursuit, focused on bettering myself, the end result is that I am a healthier and more responsible citizen who can share the best of myself with the world around me. That is a worthy endeavour and something I strive to do each day. How can I be of service to others today?

Affirmation

In improving my own state of coping with the world, I will become better able to give back and be of service to others.

August 14

”I am part of all I have met.” Lord Alfred Tennyson

I am unique. My uniqueness comes not only from all the parts inherent in me from birth, but also from everything I have experienced in my life. As true as it is that I have influenced everyone I have come into contact with, so too have I been influenced in return by them. Those I have been more regularly exposed to or that I have let closer into my personal life have had more potential to both nurture and damage parts of me. In some ways this is what allows me to feel more at ease when sharing my darker secrets with strangers in the program, the connection to my personal core is not as strong. There is another dimension. When I begin to see myself as a part of a larger community and recognize the influence I can have, I then have a responsibility to try and be a positive influence. I can strive to be someone who will enhance the journey and lives of others rather than being a hindrance or obstacle. For me this is one way of showing that I am doing the will of my Higher Power.

Affirmation My uniqueness is a gift, but one that is meant to be shared, not hoarded or squandered. May I be a positive influence in the world today.