“A long time ago, Charles Chirchirillo told me the answer to self-pity was gratitude.”

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

The world we live in will be as grand as the thoughts upon which we define it. Let me not rest content with a life less than the one You offer me. Help me move beyond my past, to claim a glorious future. Help me manifest Your magnificent Love inside me that I may live in the grandest universe possible.

Adapted from A Deep Breath of Life

Engaging in Good Trouble

Richard Rohr

Spiritual disruption can take positive or negative form. Either God outgrows our present, limited understanding and we grow with God; or we regress due to our inability to love and trust what is happening. We are encouraged to ‘go with the flow.’ Of course, the process is never linear, and it never stops. Holy disorder could draw forth better things—an entirely different consciousness characterized by more justice, more mercy, and a greater closeness to God.

Adapted from Engaging in Good Trouble

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Thought for the Day "Who are you to say there is no God?” This challenge comes to all of us. Are we capable of denying that there is a design and purpose in all of life as we know it? Or are we willing to admit that faith in some kind of Divine Principle is a part of our make-up, just as much as the feeling we have for a friend? We find a great Reality deep down within us, if we face ourselves as we really are. In the last analysis, it is only there that God may be found. When we find this Reality within us, we are restored to our right minds." Have I found the great Reality? Meditation for the Day "When you change to a new way of life, you leave many things behind you. Loosen somewhat the strands that tie you to the earth. It is only the earthly desires that bind you. Your new freedom will depend on your ability to rise above earthly things. Clipped wings can grow again. Broken wings can regain a strength and beauty unknown before. If you will, you can be released and free. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may be freed from things that hold me down. I pray that my spirit may soar in freedom."

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Sitting on the front deck yesterday wrapping up plans to visit my son and his family in London, my mind drifted to pretending I was a hero in my grandmother's living room, with a holster and toy gun! I was maybe 7 years old; ever since, even in recovery for many years, I have never lived up to that grand illusion! It’s caused many fears and self-doubt, in spite of some success & sobriety.

Instead of relying on self, you told me to rely on a Loving God. Very, very slowly, it’s worked!

It’s also one-day at a time, and in recovery, I get to help others discover their own false & limiting beliefs; fancied or real, they block reality to live the good life that God created! So why does it still continue to crop up in my life?

My buddy Jim E. says that’s why Step Two is his favorite! Insanity is a delusion that comes in many forms!

Last night at dinner at Mr. Zekes, our friends Paul & Linda showed us pictures of their latest trip to Tahait & Bora Bora and gave us maps of the islands. Swimming with Manta Rays & Sharks in crystal clear blue waters, they had a photo of them together and said they’d been married 49 years! How is that possible? I’ve known them over 40; how have their lives, and ours, been guided to all of the Miracles we’ve lived? I closed my eyes, and wondered, “how did we really get to do all that we’ve been able to do?”

When I opened my eyes, Jim M. and Gary G. walked in, and just a few minutes behind them were Caroline & Mary! WTF??

Introducing everyone, Jim & Paul knew some of the same long-time residents in Pinetop/Lakeside. We all laughed about the history and memories filled with love & gratitude. A long time ago, Charles Chirchirillo told me the answer to self-pity was gratitude.

So true, thank you Charles, I find that I still need to apply this mentality today. My ego must constantly be smashed!

When I fall into the “not enough” syndrome (p.s.- there are no drugs, cocktails, newer cars or different women that permanently fix this!) I can close my eyes and say “thank-you.” It begins to eliminate another case of the crazies!

Thank you for helping me to quit fooling myself, and to let go of insanity to fully enjoy life as God created it.