August 17
Wisdom for Today
Sometimes it just seems easier to blame others or focus on them instead of myself. It is a natural defense to make others responsible for our plight in life. Yet as long as I focus on others and their responsibility for my problems I remain sick. I have to look at my part in whatever the situation or problem is. My sponsor once told me that, “The problem is not your disease, the problem is you.” He was right, the problem usually was me. Blaming others got me nowhere. It was only when I would take responsibility for my problems that I would make progress. Learning to change the things I can is a necessary lesson in recovery. Am I willing to take responsibility for my part, rather than blame others?
Meditations for the Heart
In silence I can learn the meaning of God’s will for my life. Learning to listen for that still, small voice that exists within can lead me to make wise decisions. But listening without action leads nowhere. Knowledge alone does not produce change. Change occurs when I am willing to put it into action. Simply knowing I am an addict or alcoholic does not mean anything. Simply knowing I have character defects does not lead to change. I must take what I learn and put it to use. Am I willing to use the knowledge I gain from others and from God to better myself? Do I really listen?
Petitions to my Higher Power
This day Oh God, help me to be quiet and listen to your guidance. Help me to listen to those who have more experience in recovery than I. Give me the courage to change the things I can.
Amen
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"No matter what you have done up to this moment, you get 24 brand-new hours to spend every single day." --Brian Tracy
AA gives us an opportunity to recreate ourselves, with God's help, one day at a time. --Rufus K.
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. --Franklin D. Roosevelt
We stay sober and clean together - one day at a time!
God says that each of us is worth loving.
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