Today's Thought - December

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December 1

Leave yourself alone.

~Jenny Janacek

We often pick on ourselves. We put ourselves down. But doing this isn't part of our recovery. In fact, it goes against our program. Our program is based on loving care. We have turned our lives over to a caring, loving Higher Power who will give us the answers.

We are told, "Easy does it." We back off. As recovering addicts, we learn not to judge. Instead, we learn to be kind to ourselves. Our job is not to figure out the world, but to add more love to it. Let's start with ourselves.
Prayer for the Day

Higher Power, stop me from judging. Help me know what You want me to do. Help me work Steps Two and Three.
Action for the Day

Today I'll leave myself alone. I will remember that picking on myself is another form of control.

Today's reading is from the book Keep it Simple: Daily Meditations for Twelve Step Beginnings and Renewal*

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December 2

There is no method or discipline or system of any kind that can ever command the spirit to be present.

~Tom Sampon

A man in the process of growth and recovery asks the question, "How shall I develop a relationship with my Higher Power?" The first answer is usually, "You can decide to be open to the spiritual messages that come your way." Some experiences in life can be mastered and directed, as in performing a task or going on a trip. We can have other experiences only by being receptive. They come our way, as in the growing of a friendship or the unpredictable events on a trip.

To be receptive, we must not be so busy with what we can control that we fail to notice all the experiences that are there for us. Our senses need to be open to see what is around us and hear what is in the air. We must breathe in the beauty and pain of life. When there is a message in our experiences, let us read it and not demand it fit our narrow, logical minds.

Today, I pray that I will be open to receive the spirit on its own terms.

Today's reading is from the book Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men*

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December 3

Learning new ways

Once we make a connection with our Higher Power, the ongoing problem is to hold on to it. Repeatedly we slip into our old ways of thinking and behaving. If not curtailed, eventually these will lead us back to that first fix, pill, or drink. We need only a word, thought, or familiar situation to get caught up again in an old habit.

We have to discover (and rediscover) that the old way of life has become impossible and the new one essential. We do this - and do it again - by praying, meditating, and working the Twelve Steps of recovery.

Am I living the program?

Higher Power, help me avoid being smug and complacent in my new life. Remind me that old ways of living have become impossible for me.

The new ways of living that I will cultivate today are...

Today's reading is from the book Day by Day: Daily Meditations for Recovering Addicts*

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DEcember 4

A Helping Hand

The first time I got sober was December of 1984. The second time was in November of 1986. I got my orders in July of 1989, and I was scared as hell to move to Tennessee with my two young boys. They were three and five as we were moving across country.

My friend Alonso was like a father to me. He said, "As long as you cover my gas, lodging, and food, I will move you and the boys." He also wouldn't leave until I went to at least one meeting. He wanted me to have my feet somewhat planted firmly on the ground. I did as he suggested.

I'm grateful he was in my corner during this transition in my life.

When transitions in my life arise, major or minor, I will ensure I am spiritually planted with others in sobriety.

~Mary H., U.S. Navy, 1984–2004

Today's reading is from the book Leave No One Behind: Daily meditations for Military Service Members and Veterans in Recovery*