Oct. 23, 2012 - Just for Today

Just for Today
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012

Just for today, if the stranglehold of some habit seems too strong for me to overcome at this point in my recovery, I won't expend any more physical and emotional energy to fight what I should not do: I'll simply change the game rules. If being drunk was habitual, I'll make being sober a habit; if I have a temptation, craving or compulsion, I'll make a 10th or 12th Step the focus of my compulsion. If lying was or still is a habit, telling the truth will be the new habit (and in the process, I might learn how much easier honesty is compared to the work it takes to keep my lies going). If interacting with anyone was from an antagonistic or condescending perspective, I'll make a habit of asking my Higher Power to remind me if I'd tolerate anyone treating me as I treat them. If dodging responsibility or accountability was or remains a habit, I'll face the music if for no other reason than to be done with it. If I think my perspective of any issue is the only logical one and that everyone needs to hear it, I'll ask my Higher Power that I consider the possibility that mine might not be the only opinion, and certainly not the best. Habits die hard, and humans - addicts and non-addicts alike - are notoriously resistant to breaking free. Instead of breaking free, today I'll simply change the game rules and, in the end, make sobriety instead of drunkeness my habit. And our common journey continues. Just for today. - Chris M., 2012