“Steve, be careful. You know what recovers first? The ego!”

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

“Psychologists note that one of the clearest symptoms of psychosis is an absence of a sense of humor; when we lose our ability to laugh, we go a little crazy. To see the humor in a situation is to find a divine viewing point. Cultivate laughter as a way of life; to laugh often and deeply; it’s the best therapy. Let me remember that nothing is too important or serious to drink over. Today, help me to lighten my life with laughter, celebration and play.”

Adapted from A Deep Breath of Life

Laughter has the power to unify opposites

“The spectacle of a pompous, conceited individual strutting along in overbearing self-confidence laid low by a mere banana peel is not at all humorous; yet even those rushing to help may not be able to hide a smile. What is the meaning of this strange phenomenon? The idea here is as follows. Real, spiritual laughter is the cosmic response to a real change. We find this expressed in the verses: "Then our mouths shall be filled with laughter" (Psalms 126:2).

Adapted from Laughter has the power to unify opposites

Meditation for the Day / Prayer for the Day

Meditation for the Day “We need to accept the difficulties and disciplines of life so as to fully share the common life of other people. Many things that we must accept in life are not to be taken so much as being necessary for us personally, as to be experienced in order that we may share in the sufferings and problems of humanity. We need sympathy and understanding. We must share many of the experiences of life, in order to understand and sympathize with others. Unless we have been through the same experiences, we cannot understand other people or their makeup well enough to be able to help them. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may accept everything that comes my way as a part of life. I pray that I may make use of it in helping other people.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

“Looking back, today’s readings had me reflect back to my high school days. Dating her daughter, her mom used to tell me I was so cool! Yes, I thought I was! It was all such a mask; trying so hard to be perfect, to pretend I knew everything, and was in charge are personality traits that go way back. Coming into recovery, that image and ego is shattered; like the Stones song says.” I’m in tatters, I’m shattered; does it matter?”

But my sponsor told me, “Steve, be careful. You know what recovers first? The ego!” Working the steps, he helped me uncover causes and conditions that, very slowly, changed my perception of the world and of myself. Dating Gail in 2000 was different. She was not impressed with money, property or prestige. One night, we were out and about dancing to Zowie Bowie at Barcelona. Two girls that I knew joined us on the dancefloor. I was so cool! Afterwards, driving home laughing & talking she said, “Steve, you were never a player. Just a player wannabe!” My pride was hurt; “come-on, I’m cool, aren’t I?”

We both laughed hard and have been laughing at the fantasy and illusions ever since. Someone told me, “if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing the biggest joke!”

Thank you God for restoring me to sanity. Some days are better than others. I’m still a little sensitive. But with laughter life gets better, and maybe, so do I.