“I wanted a new drug; who knew it was gratitude, one that won’t make me sick, or make me crash my car and make me feel 3 feet thick!”

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 Deep Breath of Life

Alan Cohen

Gratitude is the most powerful meditation of a lifetime. As you focus on gratitude, you will quickly find your way home to God. It is not the things that happen to us that make or break us; it is the way we think about them. It is possible to find something to be grateful for in every situation. The happiest people are those who practice thankfulness. When we give appreciation, the value of our life increases. As I bless, I am blessed. Today, help me give thanks and especially to thank You, God for everything.

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Hazelden Foundation

Meditation for the Day “Cutting short times of prayer and times of spiritual preparation and many hours of work may be profitless. From the point of view of God, one poor tool working all the time, is of small value compared with the sharp, keen, perfect instrument working for only a short time, but that turns out perfect work because of long hours of spiritual preparation. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may spend more time alone with God. I pray that I may get more strength and joy from such times, so that they will add much to my work.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Sitting with the family talking at breakfast at Marini’s in Sarande, we talked about the benefits of contemplation and meditation, the blessings to detach and letting the thoughts go by, while connecting with the mystery. The perfect solution to comparing ourselves to others, with a plate of ego, pride and fear. Thinking back, drugs and alcohol gave me the release I was looking for.

Carl Jung explained it to Bill Wilson as “Spiritus contra spiritum” literally translated to “spirit against spirit” - and referred to “a spiritual experience to counter addiction to the spirits.” I could not buy this or achieve it without the gifts of the 12 Steps, discussions with others on their connection with the One, and working with others to eliminate self-pity and replace it with gratitude.

Today, no matter where I am, who I’m with or what’s going on, you gave me a method to detach, even if just for a minute, to get recentered and move from fear & worry to gratitude and empowerment. I wanted a new drug; who knew it was gratitude, one that won’t make me sick, or make me crash my car and make me feel 3 feet thick!