“Now that I’ve admitted I’m powerless and can’t manage life on my own, how will I ever be happy again?”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

A life based on perfection and rigidity leads to unhappiness.

The Third Testament

There are many people who journey through earth, seeking a phrase or a redeeming light to comfort them in their grief. They seek someone who will speak to them of a better life and not point out their faults. However, they have not discovered such a person. Becoming resentful that their demands and expectations have not been met, they withdraw from people, become hermits, and confide their true feelings and secrets to no one.

Reading

Adapted from Touchstones Daily Meditations

Prayer & meditation is relationship between each one of us and our Higher Power. Our approach to this is guided by a growing understanding of God. With give and take, prayer is our honesty encountering God, and our openness hearing God expressed. Our spiritual relationship provides wisdom & detachment. Like any relationship, this understanding takes time, and includes all our feelings – anger, fear, and mistrust, as well as generosity, goodwill, and gratitude. Today, God, I give thanks for my relationship with You. May my ability to listen allow me to be more flexible in my attitudes & possibilities.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

I loved the buzz and party-like chatter in the bars & clubs. Now that I’ve admitted I’m powerless and can’t manage life on my own, how will I ever be happy again? I gave life my best shot, am broken-hearted, in despair, lost.

Wait a minute. Where are those sounds of joy, laughter and camaraderie coming from? From the rooms of recovery?

What? How can that be? I’m not feeling it.

You told me to trust the process; do the work, that the feelings, miracles and an experience will happen.

So I went back to the meetings, Where else could I go? I had tried every other pathway. People, places & things no longer gave me any hope.

One day, I found myself laughing at your stories. Later, I was able to laugh at myself. Wait a minute, don’t laugh at me, I’m sensitive. Then we all laughed together!!

Of course I’m sensitive; I drank and used to hide my true self. My sense of pride was threatened. I felt ashamed, and was embarrassed.

Thank you for peeling back the curtain, to allow my true self to become free to express my thoughts & true feelings; to live free with a new hope and purpose!