It has truly been said that "We
become what we do." It's emphasized
to us over and over in The Program
that our thoughts and actions toward
others colour and shape our spiritual
lives. Words and acts of kindness,
generosity, thoughtfulness and for-
giveness serve to strengthen those
qualities within us that heighten our
consciousness of God's love. In asking
God to direct and guide my life, am I
also asking love to take over and lead
me where it will?

Today I pray

May I make a resolute attempt at acting
out the way I want to be - loving,
forgiving, kind, thoughtful. May I be
aware that each small, attentive act carries
with it an echo of God's all-caring. For
God so loved the world; may we make His
love our example.

Today I will remember

We become what we do.


When I first came to recovery to stay, there were three main things which I put into practice (of course there were many other things that I did, but looking back, the "three" things were key). One, I stopped drinking and taking drugs, one day at a time (though, as many of you know, I did relapse with joints on several occasions). Two, I started eating three meals a day, taking vitamins and minerals, and drinking lots of water. Three, I started to "act as if". I learned to slow down in my movements, in my speech, to allow myself enough time to do things, so I didn't get impatient. I started to smile at people, stand back for people, offer my seat in the tram to old people, help young mothers with their baby carriages, pick up rubbish on the stairwell. Just all kinds of little things.

Before recovery, I was in essence always a kind person. It is one of my positive qualities but I'd often get angry because I felt like it was always me making the effort, and felt it unfair. I was so good at seeing the negative in others, and often my attitude was, well if I can't beat them, then I'll join them. If they're going to be a***holes, I'll show them who can be a bigger one. Now, I suppose, when people react in a less than loving way, it occurs to me not to take it too personally. I'm learning that it's not always all about me. I am becoming much more tolerant, and I am someone who finds it relatively easy to forgive. And I figured out a long time ago, that when I forgive, I set MYSELF free - so in a sense, forgiveness is kind of "selfish" or at most, "self-serving."

In closing, I would like to say that I do like the person I am becoming. Little Angela, who got so submerged by life and disease, is emerging. I think about my life today, and it is the truth when I say that I have no fight with anyone, and I am harbouring no resentment towards anyone (this too could pass!). This is pretty good going for someone, who at one point, hated this world and everyone in it. All thanks to the fellowship and program of AA, given to us by a loving God.

Thank you for keeping me clean and sober today

Peace be with you all

Tags: Progress Peace