If you have butterflies in your stomach ask them into your heart. --Cooper Edens
We've all had butterflies in our stomachs. It happens on the first day of school or the first day on a new job. It happens most anytime we try something new or risky. These butterflies are nervous and fluttery and sometimes we wish we could just go back to bed.
But the best thing we can do, and sometimes the only thing, is go right ahead and walk into that new situation with head held high. We will probably feel awkward at first, but that is natural and it will pass.
Our nervousness can change into excitement and joy for what we are doing. We can begin to feel proud when we walk through our fear. It is a true accomplishment when we don't let our fear stop us--when, instead, we let the butterfly in our hearts unfold.
When I have the butterflies today, will I enjoy their beauty?
Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt. --William Shakespeare
Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the way to unlocking and using our potential.
Most of us, however, have convinced ourselves we do not have what it takes to achieve our life's dream. We complain about our lack of this and that (education, opportunities, money, health, and youth) or we stubbornly cling to our comfortable (if joyless) securities as the reasons for not pursuing greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
Trapped by our doubts and fears, we blame the social system or others for our own lack of effort and initiative.
Those of us, however, who have challenged our fears and taken the necessary risks to find our life's work, have never regretted it. Our few defeats have made our numerous successes well worth our persistent efforts.
Today, I will work toward my dream no matter what obstacles face me. In persevering I will attain my goal.
Each of us is a struggling soul. We had to struggle with our addictions for some time before we found this program, and eventually each struggling soul must face the realities of life. If we face the trials of life alone, we will fail.
But if we make our will one with our Higher Power in the Third Step, nothing will be too much to bear. After taking this Step, we will realize that we are one with God and that we don't have to struggle alone any longer.
Am I still struggling alone?
May I turn my will and my life over to my Higher Power.
