Feb. 23, 2017 - Readings in Recovery: The Eye Opener

The Eye Opener
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017
 
Criticism is often the sincerest form of flattery. We are all subject to it at times if we do anything at all. When criticism does arise, and before you build up a first-rate resentment, think first - who is it that criticizes? What is the motive behind it? Is it constructive or just plain antagonistic? Is it prompted by jealousy or ignorance? Would you do the same thing again if you had it to do over? What does you conscience say about it?

No great man escaped having enemies; all the old masters had critics; all political and social reforms had their adversaries and the early disciples of all new religions were persecuted, stoned and crucified.

If you are criticized, you may possibly be right. But, if you are ignored, you know you are wrong.

Hazelden Foundation

Jan. 20, 2017 - Readings in Recovery: A Day at a Time

A Day at a Time
Friday, Jan. 20, 2017
 
Reflection for the Day
The first psychiatrist to recognize the work of Alcoholics Anonymous, Dr. Harry Tiebout, used many concepts of The Program in his own practice. Over many years, the doctor's study of the "conversion experience" led him to see, first, that it is the act of surrender which initiates the switch from negative to positive; second, that the positive phase is really a state of surrender which follows the act of surrender; and third, that the state of surrender, if maintained, supplies an emotional tone to all thinking and feeling that insures healthy adjustment.

Am I living in a constant state of surrender?

Today I Pray
May I understand that I do not have to "unlearn" my respect for "self-reliance," that trait of character which I heard praised so often from the time I was a tiny child. Only my understanding of the word must change. For as I come to know that "self" is part of God, that I am nothing except in His Being, there is no quarrel between self-reliance and God-reliance. May I rely upon that self which is God's.

Today I Will Remember
Not part-god, but part of God.

Hazelden Foundation

jan. 19, 2017 - Readings in Recovery: A Day at a Time

A Day at a Time
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017
 
Reflection for the Day
It was far easier for me to accept my powerlessness over my addiction than it was for me to accept the notion that some sort of Higher Power could accomplish that which I had been unable to accomplish myself. Simply by seeking help and accepting the fellowship of others similarly afflicted, the craving left me. And I realized that if I was doing what I was powerless alone to do, then surely I was doing so by some Power outside my own and obviously greater.

Have I surrendered my life into the hands of God?

Today I Pray
May God erase in me the arrogant pride which keeps me from listening to Him. May my unhealthy dependence on chemicals and my clinging dependence on those nearby be transformed into reliance on God. Only in this kind of dependence/reliance on a Higher Power will I find my own transformation.

Today I Will Remember
I am God-dependent.

Hazelden Foundation

Aug. 31, 2016 - Trump has his twinks, but Hillary has her hunks

Aug. 31, 2016 - DailyDot.com - Fitness Model Launches 'Hunks for Hillary,' a One-Man Political Thirst Trap | The Daily Dot