Whatever happens, always look to tomorrow - with courage and optimism. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie 
At 70, my dad is just like he was at 35 - only more so. It's frightening that the same thing could happen to me. --Jerry Z. More of the same gets more of the same. What we were given to practice, we practiced. What we practiced, we became. What we became, we are continuing to become - only more so - every day of our lives. We can do ourselves a favor by being aware of what we practice. Has the past taught us to withdraw? Think of how isolated we'll be twenty years from now! Have we practiced generalized distrust? Imagine how deep the roots of fear are growing. But there's another side to that truth. If we practice finding beauty today, we'll find twice as much beauty tomorrow. If we work on forgiveness today, tomorrow we may be free of resentments. If we choose to relate rather than isolate, we can walk with friends through all the years that stretch before us. What will the future bring us? Whatever we have invested in it. I pray for the wisdom to see my future as largely the work of my own hands and heart. I pray for the courage to take responsibility for choosing my own direction. |
Grateful For Small Things,
Thankful For All Things A few years ago, for 40 days, my Sponsor and I e-mailed each other every day ten things we were grateful for. My Sponsor suggested that we had to come up with ten different things each day, no repeats! Some days it was work, but I will never forget the effect it had on my life.
This exercise changed my life. I began to see miracles every day, things that occurred every day that I had taken for granted. The beauty of my Higher Power’s work in my life became more evident each day. I started living in the moment. I began to see how much joy and pleasure I received from even the smallest things, like my dog nuzzling me for love, seeing a bright red cardinal after a snow storm, a texted picture of my son’s shoveled driveway (the miracle is that my son only has his left arm), or hearing my grandson say, “I love you, Mimi.” This very important exercise taught me to be alert and aware of how my days are so unique, but how for years they all felt the same. I know for sure I have changed. Something shifted in me, and I am so grateful for my Sponsor’s suggestion. I still have days of discouragement. I don’t always see my Higher Power’s hand in my life, but I know now I have a tool to help me through those moments. I can take time to write down what I do have in my life, not what I don’t have, and share it with my Sponsor or a friend. I have the power of choice—to turn my attitude around, if I choose. By Sandy H., Illinois December, 2013 Reprinted with permission of The Forum Al-Anon Family Groups Incorporated, Virginia Beach, VA 
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Today's Hope is a Recovery themed site with a focus on Friends and Families of Alcoholics and problem drinkers. We are not affiliated with any 12 Step program. The daily sharings contain a reading from
Al-Anon's Conference Approved publication The Forum, an inspirational quote/saying and a recovery based reading/meditation. The intent of Today's Hope is to share experience, strength and hope. Please take what you like and leave the rest. |