TODAY'S GIFT FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS - OCTOBER

[MajestyJo]

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Perhaps nature is our best assurance of immortality.
—Eleanor Roosevelt

Everything in nature contributes to something else - like the hundred-year-old tree that stood tall until a wind storm. The protection it gave to thousands of birds and squirrels it now gives to insects and fungi. As it slowly decays, it nourishes the ground, and from the enriched soil grows several other trees. We human beings are part of this eternal cycle, our ideas and actions enriching those around us and influencing generations yet to come. Being part of this vast plan gives us comfort, and faith that everything that happens is meant to be. Our hearts fill with joy with the knowledge that we are needed; just as every tree is needed.

How do I fit into nature's plan today?

Being a part of the whole and being aware we are a part of the Master Plan, reassures us and knows us that we are important. I liked the words I heard about how the tiny leaf get just the right amount of sun and dew that it needs to grow, just the same as I get what I do to get my needs met.

[MajestyJo]

Thursday, October 2, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Stars have always helped me to get things into perspective . . . I tried to let the starlight heal something deep in me that hurt.
—Madeleine L'Engle

For a long time, people have used stars to find their way in the dark. Many a lost soul has been guided by the North Star or the Big Dipper.

If we watch the sky at night, we can see thousands of twinkling stars. They are our friends. They remind us how small we are. They remind us of the vastness of the universe, of the power and beauty that surround us.

Starlight in the sky, or reflected on a lake, can comfort us when we hurt. With safe and open arms, nature accepts our sorrow, no matter how we express it. Starlight, like all of nature, reflects a light that comes from way beyond us. It is that light that heals us in a deep and quiet way.

How has nature comforted me when I am troubled?

Seems to me I recently posted about this. How God made the world go round, and each little blade of grass, each little leaf of grass got exactly what it needed, so why should I think I should be any different?

All I am asked to do is put my life in His Care each day and give thanks at night.

[MajestyJo]

Friday, October 3, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

How easy the breath that kills a flame,
How hard to kindle that light again.
Cold words kill and kind words kindle,
By words withheld a dream may dwindle.
—Joan Walsh Anglund

How we treat the people we live with affects the happiness of our family. Just as a breath can blow out a flame, a mean remark can cast a shadow across a brother or sister's heart. People of all ages have left dreams behind because no one encouraged them. They are like candles snuffed out.

On the other hand, if we see a friend or family member feeling good about something they have done, we can learn to be happy for them. If we notice their excitement and encourage them with kind and sincere words, it will help their candle burn brighter. Sharing the happiness of others will make our own candles burn brighter, and it always feels good when we receive kind words ourselves.

In what ways can I bring light and warmth with my words today?

Most times it is a change in attitude, yours not theirs. Look at the person and not the disease.

[MajestyJo]

Saturday, October 4, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

The reason why birds can fly and we can't is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.
—James M. Barrie

As children, we are taught to act and think with confidence. If we have faith that something wonderful can happen, it will bring us joy. Confidence gives us the will to succeed. Without faith, we invite despair. Faith lets us win by teaming us with love and hope. When things are going well, faith encourages growth. During hard times, faith falls upon trust for added strength and inspiration. It takes such a small amount of material things to have faith. Once, a four-year-old girl found a penny and showed it proudly to a stranger. The man scoffed, "What do you expect to buy with a penny?" The child with faith replied, "I can buy a wonderful wish at a wishing well with it."

What can I have faith in today?

This quote seems to be something I read recently. The freedom of recovery, I likened it more to a butterfly than to a bird, but when I worked the program, applied the Steps to my life, my life changed.

I developed a faith in the program, a renewed faith in my God, and faith in myself.

[MajestyJo]

Sunday, October 5, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

I think of the trees and how simply they let go, let fall the riches of a season, how without grief (it seems) they can let go and go deep into their roots for renewal and sleep.
—May Sarton

"How can I do what you say," asked the child, "and still be me?"

"Look at me," said the tree. "I bend in the wind, droop in the rain. Yet I always remain myself, a tree."

"Look at me," said the man. "I can't change."

"Look at me," said the tree. "I change every season from green to brown to green again, from bud to flower to fallen leaf. Yet I always remain myself, a tree."

"I can't love anymore," said the woman. "With my love, I have given away all that I am."

"Look at me," said the tree. "There are robins in my branches, owls in my trunk, moss and ladybugs living on my bark. They may take what I have, but not what I am."

Whether we know it or not, we are like the tree. Only our pride hangs on to a false sense of self, wanting to keep everything, refusing to follow advice or orders. What we do doesn't matter; how we do it is what counts.

What changes have I gone through without losing my real self?

A good question. Two abusive marriages and several relationships, some in recovery, although it was through the 12 Steps that I found myself. I thought I had gone missing in action. I am a recovering addict, alcoholic, and have an on going eating disorder and have chronic pain which needs daily application of the Steps and the application of my program daily.

[MajestyJo]

Monday, October 6, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

What we do upon some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are: and what we already are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline.
—H. P. Viddon

In the ninth inning of the baseball game with a tie score and the bases loaded, the batter hit a home run. The fans and the team cheered wildly, and the batter was jubilant.

What many fans did not know was that he had been playing on baseball teams for fifteen years. Many times he struggled without being noticed. He wondered if he was any good or not, and there were days he had to make himself go out and practice. He made many mistakes, but his love and dedication for the game had always won out.

It is the years of discipline that prepare us for our big moments in life. Daily practice and love give our lives a direction, even through times of doubt and despair. By doing our best each day and learning from our mistakes, we prepare ourselves for the big moments- - he home runs - in our lives.

How are my mistakes and pains today a part of my future success?

When I am in pain, I often trace it back to an action I did or did not do, like not getting enough rest or not eating the right food. Stress is a big trigger too, especially when it comes to Fibromyalgia. So when I look at my life it is too much worry and not enough acceptance. My expectations are too high and my willingness not willing. In other words, I need to go back to the Steps, go to my God and ask for help.

It isn't about the A in my life, it is about me and my attitude and how I handle my emotions and my life on life's terms.

[MajestyJo]

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

There are two kinds of slaves, the prisoners of addiction, and the prisoners of envy.
—Ivan Ilich

No emotion brings us more personal pain or wastes more of our time than envy. When we envy, we are never free from stress, because envy takes no holidays. Shakespeare called envy the green sickness. Envy magnifies molehills into mountains.

Just how foolish envy truly is becomes clear when we think of it as a row of hooks on which to hang grudges. When we envy others, especially our family members, we blind ourselves to the good we could see in all people. We are ignoring life's flowers to gather bouquets of weeds.

When we envy the accomplishments or possessions of another, we will be better off if we look to our own prized possessions, to those things in ourselves that no one else has in exactly the same way.

What riches do I have within and around me?

What a picture I get when I envisions the green disease, I see swamp water, wallowing in self pity and always stuck in their misery instead of trying to better themselves and excepting where they are in life. One thing I have and for the most part I see it as a gift is an active creativity and a wide vision of what can be and a wide scope of what could be. Some call it an over active imagination, but it can see some great things, they don't always come true it has taken me on some great trips at times. The nice thing is that my God's way is always better.

I have always had a gift for gab. I was told at 14 that I talked with my eyes. Apparently over the years, I learned to talk with my body. I learned over the years, that the body can say a lot, so had to learn to translate the messages being sent to me and be careful about the messages I was sending out. In today, I try to be a channel, a clean clear channel, for my God. His Words, His Message, His Will, not mine be done.

[MajestyJo]

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Learn what you are and be such.
—Pindar

The most precious gift we can give those closest to us is honesty. Yet we often hide our true selves from friends, fearing we won't be accepted or loved if we let them see the real us. Often, we show parts of ourselves that hide who we really are. We have often heard ourselves or others say, "My parents would just die if . . . ," or, "don't argue in front of the children."

If we hide too much behind false images, we run the risk of losing track of what is real and what is false. We become actors instead of real people, trying to please Aunt Jane, our grandparents, our big brother, or our children.

When we conquer our fear of letting others in, we are able to see ourselves honestly. When we discover that others accept us as we are, we can accepnt and love ourselves. To know oneself is to know a person of value.

What part of me have I been hiding?

Don't think I have hid it too much, but I have been very angry and resentful. I have tried to express it and deal with it by praying about it. All people concerned are not willing to participate in the solution. I am going to try to write a letter to all persons concerned and get my views put on paper. I don't have a printer, so after my two appointments tomorrow, if there is time, I am going to try to go to the Internet Cafe tomorrow or go on Thursday. When everything is down in black and white and all laid out for all to see, perhaps they can come to a conclusion.

I have been confrontational and called them on their stuff, but I haven't pulled a hissy fit yet, at least to my way of thinking. ;) I am a little fearful of tears and losing it, so I want to go in strong with my God by my side, and know that He is there, and put things forward so they can see things from my perspective.

[MajestyJo]

Thursday, October 9, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

...but time and chance happeneth to them all.
—Ecclesiastes

Life, director of the comedy, always lets things get a little out of hand. We all know what would be normal and right, but the right horse sometimes finishes last in the race, and the jerk has all the money. The wise people, like us, are ignored by all, and the good woman gets in trouble with the law. The saint cheats on his income tax, but he never gets caught the way the needy ones like us do, and the worst sinners get saved in the nick of time, while the fittest sometimes just drop dead.

If all the best-laid plans go wrong, maybe we are meant to learn that such important things aren't so important, after all.

If the skies are custard pies waiting to plop down on our hopeful faces, maybe it is best to accept the gift, count it a blessing, and lick our chops.

How have my failures been successes in disguise?

Have found out that I sabotage success just as much as I do anything else. My failures often lead me to where I was suppose to be.

I got my certificate for Accounting on Computers only to find I didn't have an honest desire to go back into the work force, I had done my time, and had no fight left to go into the steel jungle and I no longer had that tiger in the tank. I chose to volunteer with Housing who offered free internet services to the community and got involved in service and went into the jail for NA (helped get meetings started) and then for Al-Anon when I chose to change fellowships. For my recovery, I had to focus on Al-Anon with an AA meeting when required.

[MajestyJo]

Friday, October 10, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Look, the wind vane fluttering in the autumn breeze
Takes hold of certain things that cannot be held.
—Feng Chih

When we think we are losing our grip, we have good reason to look up. Consider the moon suspended in the sky, how it continues to come and go, follows its natural law, and never really loses face. Consider the sun, the stars, the seasons, how they refuse to abandon us, to let go of their hold on our lives. And come closer to home. We can marvel at the magic of small efficient things - the toaster and stove, the light in the room, the words in a good book that are permanent, faithful, and clear. We can consider how music, without saying a word, still speaks to us, and how a few friends, maybe miles away, continue to hang on to the strength of our small and faithful words.

We can keep in mind that we are part of a complex and loving system, and our grip can never be lost.

How do I see my unity with my surroundings today?


When I see others sharing on the site. I don't feel so alone. Me alone with me is not always good company.


God Letter (Higher Power Letter)

I loved this exercise personally because it helped me break through the spiritual part of my recovery
so that I could do and finish my fourth step.

1. You Write a letter to God (higher Power) being totally and brutally honest with how you see everything.
from expectations to events etc ....

2.Finish that wait 15 minutes as you say a prayer

3. What does God (Higher Power) replies back and Write it don't think just write ....

You just might be surprised It was a very positive and uplifting experience for me I know it really worked for me and was a very positive experience

If I left anything out please add to it or address it if I have said it wrong Thanks so much this was a very valuable tool for me. Share as you wish if it worked for you.

What I will add is just this, Start with 2 pieces of paper on the first write Dear God..Higher Power whatever you choose for you Higher Power if you do not believe then write something maybe like.."Whoever" sounds rash but he or she understands. Then as JD said write everything on your mind.

After resting for 15 minutes pick up the second paper and write..example Majesty Jo (your name) and then start writing. You will be amazed at the answer. It works.

When all else fails in your life this can really help and its also something I use before I am at that place where I want to scream.

This is one amazing tool that is for sure... Instant gratification which all of us know feels soooo good.


Got this from another site. A good way not to be alone with me.

[MajestyJo]

Saturday, October 11, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

A musician must make music; an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be.
—Abraham Maslow

The same is true of a seamstress, carpenter, homemaker, lawyer, or mechanic. The question is, who and what am I? What must I do to be at peace with myself? What can I be, for that is what I must be?

A lucky few of us find the answers to these questions fairly early in life, and we work to develop into the people we can be and must be. We do that by looking at our deepest desires, and ask what would bring fulfillment for us. We ask what we would enjoy doing most, what we believe we have the ability to be really good at. What is it that sometimes burns within us to be expressed or done? The answers to what we can be, what we must be, come from within, through asking ourselves these questions.

What kind of a person am I capable of being?

On a good day, I am capable of being a kind and loving person. On a day that I don't do my prayer and meditation, on a day that I allow my pain to rule my life, I can become a self-centered b*tch.

The only purpose and direction in my life is posting the readings and sharing recovery on the sites, and if I don't get that done, I feel like I am not living up to my standards and allowing 'things' to get in the way. Sometimes I am too hard on myself because I came to realize I had added on a lot of extra things to the sites to interest guests with the hopes that they will keep coming back, and a lot of the things I had trouble keeping up. So I just try to do what I can do, and be kind to myself so I can be kind to you.

[MajestyJo]

Sunday, October 12, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

We can secure other people's approval, if we do right and try hard; but our own is worth a hundred of it . . .
—Mark Twain

There was once a young girl who thought that if only she tried a little harder, she could please her parents; if only she were prettier, her friends would like her better. She tried constantly to gain their approval. Sometimes they said they liked her, and sometimes they didn't.

Then one night a fairy came to her in a dream and told her, "You are fine just the way you are. You don't have to change. I want you to start noticing your own beauty and loving yourself exactly the way you are."

Doing what the fairy suggested - giving love and approval to herself - wasn't easy, but she found that when she did it she felt a peace that was not dependent on what others thought. She thanked her fairy for caring enough to come and give her such wise advice.

What are some things I like about myself?

My ability to laugh at myself, my creativity, and my sense of humour. My gratitude for what the program has given me.

[MajestyJo]

Monday, October 13, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

...(the king) can deprive them of the benefit of sun and rain, . . . and they are at the same time pelted from above with great stones, . . . while the roofs of theirAC houses are beaten to pieces.
—Jonathan Swift

How do we punish those momentarily gone wrong? Do we try hurting with words - jab them in the heart with some spear-shaped phrases, slap them in the face with an insult or two? Maybe we like to poison them with a strong dose of silence. Have we tried to make them feel bad by making them feel sorry for us? Do we remind them daily that what went wrong with our lives is really all their fault?

We must remember that we are the rulers of our own lives only, and this knowledge gives us the power to punish only ourselves. It also gives us control over our lives, so that others' actions need not wrong us, and we need not punish.

Have I been punishing someone?

As it says, we mostly punish ourselves and often don't realize how much we hurt others.

I try to share with the hope that others will see themselves in me and not have to take the road I took or if they find themselves on the same road, they can turn around or find the next road and take a detour.

Recogizing where we are at is so important. We can't do nothing if we are not aware, we just stumble along in the dark, if we don't turn on the light and don't look at where we are going and where we are at.

Things that have been good for us for many years just may not serve us in today and we need to change. It may have wore out it's welcome or we may have changed enough that we need more than what it provides. It isn't about right or wrong, it is about getting our needs met. If our God leads us to it, He will see us through it. If it is there, it doesn't always mean it is of the Devil's making, it just may be a new enlightenment sent to you by your God, a Gift for you in a new form and one that you need to implement into your life, throw away the old and make room for the new, or make adjust the old to make new in today.

It is about attitude, perception, and an open mind. Why do we want to continue to stay stuck in the old, continue to hurt ourselves, and others because we insist on stay stuck in the old, unwilling to change and mired in the past with feet of clay, which prevents us from moving forward with our life.

[MajestyJo]

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances.
—Julia Soul

Do we avoid making new friends because we're scared they won't like us? Do we get embarrassed when we make a mistake and avoid trying again? When we get our feelings hurt, do we think we're bad, or that something is wrong with us?

Being scared or shy or hurt are all part of being alive. When we try to stay away from painful feelings, we keep ourselves from having many wonderful adventures. If we're afraid to meet new people, we may never have any close friends. If we stop trying when we're embarrassed, we may never learn a better way of doing things. And if we don't share our hurt feelings, we may never find out that everyone else has the same feelings we have.

What can I try again today that I failed at yesterday?

Easy question, finish my posting, even though I have to close up shop now.

[MajestyJo]

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

...ere it vanishes
Over the margin
After it, follow it,
Follow The Gleam.
—Alfred, Lord Tennyson

It is difficult to find words for the "Gleam" we pursue. What it is, we are never too sure. We see it best in our daily dreams, while we're staring out a window at nothing at all. Sometimes it appears between the words in a book; it is always sure to be there when we sit alone to write down our own thoughts. We see it in the autumn woods; feel its heavy breathing in ocean waves. It is suddenly a skylark in flight, a falling leaf, and a flower we have reluctantly picked. It makes us feel sad but good. It is always luring us on, always beautiful.

Is it love? Success? Peace? It may be any or all of these things, and we may find it through another person, or some talent we have, or a thing of beauty we stumble upon. And it is there within us, always, waiting to be found.

In what ways can I follow the Gleam I see in my life today?

For me, happy to have another day. Happier still, if I see the sun. What tops the day is when I see someone from the program and connect with someone in recovery, but then there are those who I see who I see who have relapsed, and are still out there, but they are still alive, which means there is still hope. They carry a great message to me.

It isn't any better out there. I thank them for doing my research for me. Just for today, I choose not to use.

[MajestyJo]

Thursday, October 16, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
—Matthew 6:34

To worry about something ahead of time is a waste of time and energy that could be better spent on living a full life today.

For instance, if we spend hours today worrying about an important test at school tomorrow, we can't very well concentrate on studying. And if we lie awake tonight agonizing over what we don't know or haven't studied, we're going to be exhausted tomorrow when we take the test.

Wouldn't it be much better to focus on doing all we can today to prepare for the test, and then, knowing we've done our best, let go of it tonight and get a good night's sleep? In fact, if we do that every day of the year, when a big test comes along, we'll know we're as ready as we can be, and won't have a thing to worry about. What a relief it is to know we've done our best today and every day.

What can I do well today so I won't worry about it tomorrow?

My thought when I read the title was do my best, and let go of the outcome. If I spend all the time worrying and fretting, I don't leave much space for data and input for the material I am suppose to be studying or remembering. Worry takes up so much space, doesn't leave much room for anything else in our life.

[MajestyJo]

Friday, October 17, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.
—Shirley MacLaine

No one is brave every moment; each of us feels awkward, shy, perhaps even ugly or dumb part of the time. If we could understand that about each other, it would make it easier for us to be friendly and willing to talk to someone new. Instead, we often sit back, waiting to be noticed; waiting for someone to invite us to join in an activity.

We are all so much alike, yet we are so certain we're different. Being self-conscious is normal. Even those who are the most popular suffer the same fears as the rest of us. The better we understand the ways we are the same, the easier it will be to make friends with someone new. And it's through friends that we grow and are strengthened for whatever lies ahead.

What new person can I offer friendship to today?

A good friend in CA told me she goes to her meeting each week as a newcomer. That way she is open to learning and is willing, has an open mind, and can be honest with herself. Self-honest can be difficult. Would I be willing to be my own best friend?

[MajestyJo]

Saturday, October 18, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

One will rarely err if extreme actions be ascribed to vanity, ordinary actions to habit, and mean actions to fear.

—Friedrich Nietzsche

Sometimes we begin to believe someone close to us is being mean deliberately. This may happen when a good friend suddenly stops inviting us to her house. She may be scared to have others over because her parents are having problems, or for some other reason that has nothing to do with us.

But we often fear that it is because of something we said or did. We find ourselves becoming scared and pulling away. If we ask for God's help in turning our fear around, we can overcome it and ask our friend why she stopped inviting us over. Most times we will find that our friend had no idea her actions affected us the way they did. We can then laugh at ourselves for our fears and applaud ourselves for overcoming them.



What treasure might I find beneath my fear today?



A closer bond to my Higher Power.

[MajestyJo]

Sunday, October 19, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

All power is a trust. We are accountable for its exercise. From people and for people all power springs, and all must exist.
—Benjamin Disraeli

The sun is power. It warms, and it burns, it feeds the plants without which we could not live. Yet, for all its power, the sun cannot make so much as a rainbow by itself. For that, it needs the rain, at just the right time and angle.

No matter how strong we are - or smart or talented or attractive - we realize our full power only by filtering it through others. Our most meaningful achievements are born of combined efforts. Even when we do something that feels like ours alone - paint a painting, win an award, and hit a home run - there is always a constellation of friends and family and teachers, even enemies, who've been a part of our success.

Like the rain's part in the rainbow, the contributions of others do not detract from our achievements, but enhance them and bring them to their fullest light.

How are others enhancing my growth today?


My sponsor told me many years ago, you can learn two things, "How to work your recovery, how not to work your recovery." What may be right for some people, just may not be right for others, it works both ways.

[MajestyJo]

Monday, October 20, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

The bough, which has been downward thrust by force of strength to bend its top to earth, so soon as the pressing hand is gone, looks up again straight to the sky above.
—Boethius

When we are down, low, depressed, why can't we ignore the desire to rise up again? Because we're like plants that need pure air, water, and sun. Because no matter how bent and old, we just keep wanting to grow up. Because there is a natural spring in us like that which makes flowers leap from the earth in May. Because we have hidden wings. And if we listen, we can feel the difference between wrong and right: we know the difference even with our eyes closed. Therefore we should not try putting ourselves down, for we will spring up again, sure as spring.

What is the main way I try to put myself down?

For me, it has always been the feeling that I should do more. What I do is not enough.

The old feeling for me, some is good more is better and I turn it inward and use it to beat myself up and always made myself feel less than, or allowed others to make me feel that way. It originally started by being projected onto me, and I took up the cross and played the role of the martyr.

[MajestyJo]

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.
—Queen Victoria

Isn't that always the way? We cope with major events, like births and weddings, fairly well. It is the little things - so inconsequential in the long run - that upset us. If the kids don't pick up their rooms, or dinner is late, or we can't go to the movies because we haven't done our homework, we become irritated and annoyed. Minor things like these upset us much more than they should.

Are they really so important? A messy room is not a terminal illness. A late dinner won't affect our health unless we get so upset about it we make ourselves sick. We'll survive.

If we think back to the last time we were angry or upset, does it seem important now? We probably can't even remember why we reacted that way. How much better life is when we let go of the little irritations.

What irritation can I let go of today?

For me it is the little things, with Fibromyalgia I am sensitive to sounds and smells. I can find myself getting really annoyed and then something will come along and I will find myself over reacting, when in fact, it is an accumulation of a lot of stuff I hadn't let go because I hadn't deemed it as important enough for my attention. Which means, back into the Self, and not a good place to be. As they say, a little prayer goes a long way. The Serenity Prayer goes well in times like these.

[MajestyJo]

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Sometimes it takes a rainy day just to let you know, everything's gonna be alright.
—Cris Williamson

Rainy days let us slow down. We are busy people, driving ourselves to go places and get things done. But rain seems to slow life down, even in our hearts. And slowing down can show us the peace in our lives, the peace of knowing we have all we need right inside us. The pressures of the world can drop away for a time while we reflect.

As the rain soaks into the ground, its serenity enters our hearts. Leaves on trees begin to look more green. Plants and flowers are no longer thirsty. When we slow down, we can be comforted by what we have in our hearts, knowing everything is going to be all right.

What comfort can I find within myself right now?

The comfort within myself is to connect with my Higher Power daily. My son is here helping me clean my hall closet, sort bins and things that are stored away, and he said that posting isn't important and can be left until later. It is one of my ways to connect and to get balanced and centered each day. When I don't do it, something is missing until I can get it done.

[MajestyJo]

Thursday, October 23, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself.
—D. H. Lawrence

Sometimes when we feel sorry for ourselves we will sit alone in our bedroom. We may even feel so down in the dumps that we decide to stay there, indulging in self-pity, thinking about how the world is against us.

However, if we use our imagination to step outside our own point of view for a moment, we might think differently. If we were deer in the forest, we would be thinking about keeping safe from the wolves, and where our next meal would be coming from.

The animals have no time to feel sorry for themselves, they are too busy doing what has to be done to survive, and each thing that happens presents a new survival problem to be solved.

When we feel blue, it helps to keep this in mind. If we have the time to feel down, and can get physically comfortable while doing it, how bad can the problem really be?

In what ways is my life comfortable, easy, and full of love?

Most times because I am comfortable in my own skin where ever my skin is at. Even with the Fibromyalgia and the pain, and I may gripe just a little bit and complain about not being able to do what I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it, I can recognize where I am at, and the tools of the program help me to get out of there, that is if I choose to get out or if I choose to stay and wallow for a little bit.

As they say, misery loves company. The one thing I have found that my misery doesn't stick around very long when the sun shines, so if there is no sun, I try to turn on all the lights.

[MajestyJo]

Friday, October 24, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Before he closed his eyes, he let them wander round his old room . . . familiar and friendly things . . . which were so glad to see him again and could always be counted on for the same simple welcome.
—Kenneth Grahame

When they moved into the house, the room at the top of the stairs was just a junk room. As the years passed, they slowly transformed the room into a guest room.

When they decided they needed another voice in the house, they transformed the room again: out went the fold-out couch, in came a crib and rocking chair; off went the art gallery prints from the walls, up went Winnie-the-Pooh. It was no longer a guest room, but a place for the baby, a new - and permanent - member of the family.

We always have room for more in our lives. When we are ready for it, what we need for growth will emerge.

What do the rooms inside our homes and ourselves have to tell us about the way we live our lives?

I was told if there is only one voice in a room, only one person was living there. Someone wasn't being allowed to live there. I felt that way for many years, I didn't know I had a right to speak up and have a say about what was there, let alone add another room.

[MajestyJo]

Saturday, October 25, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

I love him and I cannot seem to find him.
—Ovid

Where can we find the ones we love? Do they always live in our world, or do we have to go out of our way? They often are not at home; we can find them at their work. Their play is different from ours; we could try having their kind of fun.

Too often, we look only for friends who are much like ourselves, and we tend to avoid those who are not. This kind of narrow-mindedness isn't fair to others or ourselves. We are each unique, like the pieces of a puzzle. We are each necessary to the whole picture.

When we go out of our way to know someone else better, we stretch our own boundaries; we give ourselves new space in which to grow.

What part of my life can I discover in someone new today?

Like this, it reminds of what I was told to look for in a sponsor. Someone who had what I wanted. I always looked for sponsors who were very spiritual. I was raised in a religious home and had no concept of what spirituality was and at one year sober went on a spiritual quest. My religious beliefs enhanced my spirituality and my new found spirituality enhanced my religious beliefs.

[MajestyJo]

Sunday, October 26, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Whoever is happy will make others happy, too.
—Anne Frank

Anne Frank had good reason to be unhappy, full of fear, and deeply discouraged. Years of her life were spent in a small apartment hiding from the Nazis who wanted to destroy her and her family. Yet even in this little hiding place she had happiness. It was something she had inside which did not depend on what happened around her. She had riches of the heart. She had faith that kept her going. She had love and concern for her family and others, which made even a restricted life very rich with feelings. It is tempting to believe that we will be happy when we have something outside ourselves, which will make us happy. But happiness is not something we have to find outside; the seeds are in our hearts already.

What happiness can I find in my latest setback?

That it is still one day at a time program.

That Step 7 follows Step 6.

That happiness can be a quiet peaceful thing, it doesn't have to be a uproarious thing that shakes the earth.

[MajestyJo]

Monday, October 27, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Walk. Don't walk.
—Traffic Light

Signs direct us on our way in life. Traffic lights tell us to walk (or not), Golden Arches point us to dinner, geese flying south herald the coming winter, flashing neon tells us what to buy. We know how to read these signs of worlds and weather; they help to guide us on our journey.

We can learn to read the signs of human beings, too, to be detectives of the human spirit. Laugh lines around eyes and mouth, the texture of hands, tension in jaws and shoulders can tell much about a person, if we stop to look. All around us are signs that tell us others feel the pain and joy we feel, others need us as we need them, we are understood, and we are not alone.

The marvelous bonus in learning to read these signs in others is that we can begin to let ourselves be read, also.

Will I make good reading for others today?

Well I make better reading than I use to. I had no fear of telling people where to go prior to go, in today I try to share my experience, strength and hope and what worked for me, and what happened as a result of choices made in my life.

Sometimes people say, "I can read you like a book," and I cringe; yet for the most part, and on most days, my life is an open book and you can read it any time. Not saying it will be interesting, but if it will keep you clean and sober, and if it will help you find a few inner truths about yourself, help you find comfort and some hope, you are welcome to read it any time.

[MajestyJo]

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in human beings.
—Pearl S. Buck

We owe each other respect. We cannot expect to be respected if we don't respect others around us. When we respect others, we respect their property and personal belongings as well as their self-esteem and their right to voice an opinion. Respect is a way of cooperating with each other.

We can imagine a submarine where crewmembers did not respect each other's personal belongings or their ability to do the job. The ship would soon stop functioning because of the chaos. In a family we live in close quarters, like a submarine crew. Respect for each other is one of the things, which keep chaos from breaking out. When we grow in respect for each other's property, abilities, and self-esteem, we soon see how valuable each member of our crew really is.

How can I show respect to those around me today?

Sounds like do onto others as I would have them do onto me. Something I learned in early recovery, if you see someone and they are wearing something that you find pleasing to you, compliment them on it, whether in the rooms or outside of it. Several times over the years, on the bus, in the mall, walking down the street, I have said, "Excuse me, I really like your suit/shoes/dress, whatever I like the colour, I like the design, it really suits you." It wasn't done to get strokes, it was done because I meant it. It made me feel good and by the smile on their faces, it made them feel good and not one person ignored me. A few were a little stand offish, but not many but they did acknowledge. I didn't go up all gushy, and I don't do it every day and all over the place, just when the spirit moved me. Just some of those warm fuzzy moments in my life that are priceless.

[MajestyJo]

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

There is nothing so moving - not even acts of love or hate - as the discovery that one is not alone.
—Robert Ardrey

Our fears are normal. Some of us fear going to a new school and making new friends. Taking an important test causes jitters in the bravest looking person. Maybe staying alone in the house for the first time has you looking under beds and in closets every time you hear a strange noise. Our fears are merely reminders that we've forgotten to let God help us out.

So often we think we're alone, but we never are. We each have a Higher Power just waiting to be relied on. Nothing is too difficult or fearful for us to handle with the help of our Higher Power. When we develop the habit of letting God ease our way, our fears are gone.

Today, which fear can I replace with trust in my Higher Power?

That my son will choose to carry the message, "To use is to die."

[MajestyJo]

Thursday, October 30, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

You have three choices: keep on fighting, ignore each other, or make up and be friends.
—John Knoblauch

Once there were four sixth-graders - two boys and two girls - who started to fight even though they'd been friends for years. One morning at the bus stop, the boys started playing keep-away with the girls' shoes and wouldn't give them back. One of the mothers called the school.

Later that day, the counselor called them in and asked them what the fight was all about. They said they didn't really know.

"Well," said the counselor, "it doesn't really matter why you started fighting. Right now, you've got three choices: keep on fighting, ignore each other, or make up."

The group chose to ignore each other, after discussing it among themselves. They were happy to be able to stop fighting. About the time of winter vacation, they decided to be friends again.

What conflicts can I resolve by letting them be?

Most of them, especially when I ask myself, "How important is it?"

I was told to say, "This is what I heard you say, and this is what I took it to mean, is that what you meant and/or wanted to say?"

[MajestyJo]

Friday, October 31, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

The only sense that is common in the long run is the sense of change - and we all instinctively avoid it.
—E. B. White

Nature reveals to us a world that is always changing. No two sunsets are alike. Winter brings invigorating days while spring brings new buds and blossoms every day. Summer brings lazy warmth and star-filled evenings while fall brings crisp afternoons and a sense of nostalgia.

Even though nature shows us a constantly changing world, we often resist the changes in our own lives. Changes can be both hard and sad, yet they are a part of life. Perhaps we are moving on to a new school or a new neighborhood, or perhaps we are feeling the changes that come with a divorce in the family.

With every change we say a sad goodbye to something old, something familiar - in the same way we feel sadness for summer's end when the first leaves begin to fall. Yet every change also offers us the excitement and potential of a new season - with its own opportunity for new smells, special gifts, and invigorating days.

How have I changed today?

Each day I wake up. It is a new day! I use to use to make time time disappear. In today, there are not enough hours in a day.

Last night I did a meditation and did a prayer and meditation. I had a set of angel cards and asked for what I needed heal the pain in my hip. The card said, "Ask!" I sat in my chair holding the cards, and woke up two hours later with the pain gone. That doesn't mean it won't come back, seeing as it was raining, it is raining, and it promises to rain more and they say it will turn to snow, but in today, the pain hasn't come back. That was 8 hours ago, and for that I am grateful.