Be realistic:
Plan for a miracle.

BHAGWAN SHREE RAJNEESH


"Love is patient and kind; love is not
 jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or
 rude. Love does not insist on its own
 way; it is not irritable or resentful; it
 does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices
 in the right. Love bears all things, be-
 lieves all things, hopes all things, en-
 dures all things."

These two readings of today remind me about attitude and perception. Before I came to recovery, I had a real attitude problem and a very limited perception of all things. My thinking was extremely negative and I didn't even know it. I thought my thinking was REALISTIC.

Coming to recovery and making a decision to stay is the most loving thing any of us can do for ourselves, and subsequently for all the people surrounding us. Coming to AA, getting a sponsor, working through the twelve steps was the beginning of a love affair with myself. This affair with myself is ongoing, and I am learning slowly but surely, through trail and error, to love myself.

My attitude, when I came to AA, was something very much along the lines of these readings. I had finally reached a point of utter emptiness - of acceptance and surrender. I knew what was going to be involved in coming back to AA, and I was so ready to do whatever I needed to do. I was indeed ready to go to any lengths to find myself a NEW life. I had a belief within me that it could work for me. After all, I could see with my own eyes, recovered and recovering people in the rooms. People with bright eyes, laughing and loving each other. People telling stories of their lives - what it was like, what happened and what it is like now. This was what I wanted for myself, and I do have that now. Apart from anything else, it is glorious to wake up in the mornings after a good night's sleep, remembering where I was and what I did the night before, to feel healthy and full of life, to look forward to the day, to see my bright, clear eyes in the mirror, to smile at myself.

I was blessed this morning with a phone call from an older lady who has been struggling for a long time now. I have been telling her for a couple of years that she can call me any time, and that I'd love to hear from her, and that I'm here for her anytime. So this morning she has called me from rehab and asked if she can call me whenever she needs on Sunday, when she will be at home for thanksgiving with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchild. It fills me with joy that she should think of me and trust me enough to reach out to me. I pray to God that I may be able to carry the message to this woman. As I did when I came to AA, I hope and pray that she plans for a miracle.

Thank you for keeping me clean and sober today

Peace be with you all 

Tags: Joy Gratitude Defiance Turned To Reliance