Just as an artist creates by simplifying, our recovery process becomes stronger and deeper as we simplify our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, this isn’t easy. We often complicate problems with our thinking, making things more complex than they need to be. We might search for hidden meanings when the truth is right in front of us or give lengthy explanations when none are needed. Sometimes, we question others' motives when simply trusting them would be enough, or we choose to fight battles that we could easily let go.
Though we may not see ourselves as artists, each of us has a unique, creative opportunity to shape our lives into something meaningful. When we seek to do God’s will, it’s like taking a lump of clay and molding it into a beautiful image.
If we pay attention, we can hear promptings from our inner voice. These often suggest small acts of kindness or love, or sometimes urge us to do something difficult, like correcting a wrong or offering an apology. We always have the choice to either ignore or act on these promptings.
Ignoring these promptings might seem easier. Why should we go out of our way to help someone, especially if they’re a stranger? Apologizing can be embarrassing and hurt our pride. Reaching out with love makes us vulnerable, and we might fear rejection.
But in the long run, ignoring our inner voice leads to spiritual stagnation. These promptings are meant to help us grow, and if we don’t grow in love, we start to wither. Through the Twelve Steps, our Higher Power guides us to do things we might prefer to avoid, but these actions are essential for our recovery.
The swan flies with majesty, confidence, and grace, but it wasn’t born with this ability. It learned how to fly, guided by its parents and driven by instinct. Each of us is also born with the potential to excel in many areas—whether it's singing, dancing, teaching, or simply listening. Our humanity isn't defined by our abilities alone, but by how we choose to use them.
Discovering what we can do begins with preparation. Just as learning to ride a bike requires a guiding hand, realizing our potential involves studying, practicing, and asking for help. The desire to soar is just the beginning; it’s the effort and persistence that ultimately allow us to take flight.
The Power of Gratitude
Start by saying thank you, even if you don't fully feel it yet. Thank God, life, and the universe for everyone and everything that comes your way.
Gratitude has the power to transform our lives. It turns what we have into more than enough, denial into acceptance, and chaos into order. It can make a meal feel like a feast, a house a home, and a stranger a friend. Gratitude helps us see problems as gifts, failures as opportunities, and mistakes as valuable lessons. It helps us find meaning in our past, peace in our present, and hope for our future.
Gratitude makes everything better.
By practicing gratitude, we can turn negative energy into positive energy. No situation is too small or too big to be touched by gratitude. Start with who you are and what you have today, and let gratitude work its magic.
Say thank you until you mean it. If you say it long enough, you will start to believe it.
Today, I will let gratitude shine on every part of my life.
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