How are you today? For many of us new to the program a simple thing like dropping something, spilling a couple drops of coffee, the remote not working properly, or an upset child can really test patience and cause an unpleasant start to the day. We usually build on that misery and manufacture something big and dramatic out of a simple non dramatic event, sometimes we even drink over it. Don't let something rediculous ruin your day! You're sober (I hope) and that's a great beginning in itself. Ifyou're pissy and moody, do something small and simple for someone else like holding open a door, picking up something they drop, giving a compliment instead of a comment behind their back or under your breath. Find something good in everything that happens, and do something good for someone whenever you can. They will smile, you will smile, and you'll want to do it again.
I don't have any idea why I wrote this, it just came to mind :)
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"Never make someone a priority who makes you an option"
Amen Marc. It feels good, doesn't it? Giving back a portion of this wonderful program to the next deserving alcoholic, I mean?. Your outlook on life is beautiful and infectious; so keep sharing, my friend, and inspire us all into greater service.
-- Edited by Mr_David on Wednesday 29th of February 2012 04:25:44 PM
I love checking in and seeing how I am feeling and then, remembering that i am NOT my feelings. They are something I am experiencing but they pass. So if I am mad at the world one minute, I remind myself, I just might not be so grrry ten minutes from now. You are soooooooooo right, getting out of yourself and doing for someone else is a potent way to shift what you are feeling and to brighten another person's mood as well. :)
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
Great post Marc! When I was newly sober I made a friend in the meetings. I was intrigued by how well he listened, and how cheerful and complimentary that he was. In my twisted self image, I was not a nice person, and I wanted to change that. I even prayed to become a nice person. So with my new friend in mind, I started trying to try and find things to compliment people about. It was hard at first because when you have low self esteem, there not much to draw from. We have a saying "Fake it until you make it". So I forced myself to make complimentary statements to others, or even about the weather. Peopled smiled at me (that was new lol) and it made them feel good. Then I noticed that it made me feel good. I probably benefited more than they did.
Hey Marc,,,Thanks for sharing.I have a friend in recovery who always ,always says 'DO NOT LET ANYONE OR ANYTHING 'STEAL YOUR JOY".A very simple ,not profound statement but in those times of wherever WE go ,nice to think back to ....yup,time to get back in the "solution" and seek the JOY!!! takes practice but thats what we do,to the best of our ability ,working our process, a day at a time.....
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
It is pretty amazing how my outlook on life and events that happen in it has changed. My son and I were supposed to take the train on Saturday to go visit family and friends and celebrate my sister's 50th birthday. Earlier in the week my son had been sick, but seemed to be feeling better. We always stress a bit when he gets sick, as he is at risk for seizures. He is autistic and non-verbal, so we just have to go with our gut and his behaviors to determine how he feels. Anyway, like I said, he seemed to be feeling better, so we were going on our adventure as planned. He was all ready, hubby had put our things in car, and I was just getting my shoes on when I heard my husband say, "He's having a seizure". So we did what we had to do, kept him safe, loved him through it, and cried when it was over. It's such a helpless feeling because there is really nothing else you can do. Before I got sober, I would have been thinking, this sucks, it ruined all of our plans. The first thoughts that came into my head after thanking God for a mild one and that he was ok, is "Thank God that it happened at home and not while we were on the train". He rested for the afternoon, and as it turns out, we were able to redo our plans a bit and go on our adventure, just not exactly as planned. The ability to see the positive in my life rather than the negative, even in not so positive events, is just one of the many gifts I have been given through this program. My son is doing fine, and thanks to my Higher Power, this program, and the fellowship and support it provides me, today, so am I. Peace.
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I asked God for all things that I may enjoy life. He gave me life so that I may enjoy all things.
Great post, sometimes the best things come from sharing positive experiences with others, especially if you dont let the everyday annoyances get to you
Good stuff. I try not to have bad days or even hours, just bad moments. We can just start our day over at any time.
I'm on the road by myself usually during the day. I might call, text or send a pleasant picture to a few people in recovery or like you said, the smiles, eye contact and pleasant words can do wonders. Today, I have to tools. No need to stay in the shit if I don't want to.
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
