If we were rattling down a rough river, we would try to steer away from whirlpools and rocky rapids. Living each day requires the same alertness.
We're asking for trouble if we drift into malicious discussions about other people even those who seem to deserve it. We're also sliding into rocky rapids if we get into supercharged arguments about political and religious issues.
How do we avoid touchy situations that can lead to violent arguments or terrible breakdowns in personal relationships? We can begin by recognizing that we're not on this earth to judge, manipulate, or control other people. We'll do well today to keep our own performance up to a good standard.
We can also respond correctly to people who seem hopelessly wrong. Borrowing an idea from one Twelve Step program, we can detach from such people with love, even if circumstances require continuing contact with them. At whatever cost, we must avoid emotional whirlpools and rocky rapids in life.
Looking ahead at the things might happen today. I'll adjust my thinking for situations that could be troublesome or destructive. I will try especially hard to avoid trouble with others.
Great reminder.....those whirlpools can come up just like those horrific Torandos in Mississippi today....and Just for Today I choose to be, with HIS Help always on guard of being thrown off course, should that come up to, being thrown off balance, then I have a Higher Power that I choose to call God, that will help me get right back on track, almost without missing a beat.
One of my favorites, in how to go about "Managing our Emotions" comes from a Book by the late great Scott Peck, M.D. that dedicated an entire chapter of this Best Seller Book called Managing our Emotions. We have two choices, we manage them or they will manage us....and we know where that would lead....
The best part of this awesome Program, we learn how to stop drinking, with though His Grace, one day at a time, and then in the working of all the Steps in Order, we slowly begin to see how Sober living includes Sober thinking, Sober emotions, (no Drama) and living in the day we are in.....and practicing Step 12 always, if we want to keep all that has been given so freely to us....
Thanks and hope you are having a great day. Love all your inspiring Posts lately...
Toni
-- Edited by Just Toni on Saturday 24th of April 2010 06:47:24 PM
This is really good stuff, Larry. Wish I had used this good thinking earlier in the day when I had my parents and my father-in-law over. Talk about getting hooked in. I so need to learn that detaching-with-love thing. Thanks for the reminder.
