If you can't seem to fix what isn't working, maybe it's time to accept that it can't be fixed. You can either take it as it is or walk away, but you can't change it into something it's not. 
Getting Needs Met I want to change careers . . . I need a friend . . .I'm ready to be in a relationship . . . Regularly, we become aware of new needs. We may need to change our behavior with our children. We may need a new couch, love and nurturing, a dollar, or help. Do not be afraid to recognize a want or need. The birth of a want or need, the temporary frustration from acknowledging a need before it's met, is the start of the cycle of receiving what we want. We follow this by letting go, then receiving that which we want and need. Identifying our needs is preparation for good things to come. Acknowledging our needs means we are being prepared and drawn to that which will meet them. We can have faith to stand in that place in between. Today, I will let go of my belief that my needs never get met. I will acknowledge my wants and needs, and then turn them over to my Higher Power. My Higher Power cares, sometimes about the silliest little things, if I do. My wants and needs are not an accident. God created me and all my desires. |
Yes or No
I didn’t always think, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” I still don’t, but every now and then God sends me a reminder not to take myself too seriously. The reminder encourages me to count my blessings rather than look at all the negatives in my life. Sometimes my sponsor suggests it’s time to make a gratitude list. My most recent reminder came from an article I read in The Forum.
As I grow older, my body is wearing out. The consequences of my past life’s decisions are catching up with me. I don’t like these physical changes but they remind me that each day is a gift. I can focus on the positive aspects or the negative, but whatever I focus on tends to get bigger. Lately I have been listing all of my aches and pains and obsessing on my limitations - what I am no longer able to do. The Forum article reminded me of what I can still do. Fortunately, I can still get to many meetings a week on my own. Although I have to use a handicapped parking permit, I can drive myself to meetings to be among Al-Anon friends. I can still walk on my own, read aloud when asked and share my experience, strength and hope. My mind and speech are clear. What comes out of my mouth is still my own responsibility. Most importantly, I can still listen while others share! Like the member whose story I read in The Forum, I had major surgery 13 years ago. The difference is mine was for my heart. One of the natural consequences of surgical work is that it starts to wear out after about ten years. It’s not malpractice - it’s just the way it is. Do I like that? NO! Can I change that? NO! Can I accept that God has given me the gift of today and maybe next week? YES! Will I choose to look at it that way tomorrow? WHO KNOWS? I am so grateful that I have been given this day and the chance ti share it with those I love, including my Al-Anon family. As a greeting card saying goes: “This Day is God’s Gift to Me; What I Do with it is My Gift to HIM. By Anonymous, California, 1997 Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., 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. |