December 16

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The verb "resent" comes from the Latin, meaning "to feel again." When I resent someone, I recycle old anger, hurt, shame and humiliation. This is just like sticking a knife and twisting it. I toss and turn all night while the person I resent is home sleeping like a baby. The EA program shows me the way out of this futile and agonizing self-torture. Powerlessness was my dilemma; today I have the power, through God, to forgive those whom I have allowed to hurt me. I can release myself from these burning resentments.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize that the more I resent someone, the more I hurt myself.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To pray for those I resent, even if it is hard to do at first.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Today I will accept my past. I will try to learn what I can from those experiences which cause me the most pain. I will be kind to myself, giving me credit for the things I have accomplished and not dwell on the things I have not done. With what I learn from my experiences and the will and strength of my Higher Power, I will try to make a better today and look forward to tomorrow.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to accept and learn from my past so I can continue with me emotional and spiritual growth.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Painful experiences are not shameful, but rather a way I can better come to know myself.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 14

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Not only am I powerless over some of the things which make my life unmanageable, but also over some things which make it manageable. For example, I am unable to alter, even in the slightest, my self-worth. My value as a human being is determined and fixed by God who has made me a worthwhile person, and there is nothing I can do to change that. Nothing. However, my feelings about me and my worth do change from day to day, from moment to moment, because that is the way it is with feelings: they change. I am powerless over my emotions, including the emotions of self-esteem.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to accept myself today as I am, even if my self-esteem is not as high as I would like it to be.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My value comes from God, not from anything I do or fail to do.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 13

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The Second Step tells us we came to believe a power greater than ourselves could return us to sanity. In order to return to a place, one must have already been there. In each of us there is a place, perhaps even beyond our earliest memories, where we knew the perfect harmony of mind, body and spirit. Each of us is wonderfully made, designed to experience a vast range of emotions. Like high and low notes on a piano, like light and dark colors in a rainbow, it is the infinite range of possible variations which makes them beautiful and ever new. So, too, we need to experience all our emotions - high and low, light and dark. We then need to seek out in ourselves the place of harmony for each of them in our own unique range of self-expression. In EA that range is constantly widening, enabling us to "hear more music" and "see more colors" in our lives.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I accept every emotion gratefully. May I acknowledge it, bless it, and allow You to help me interpret it.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am wonderfully made! As Shakespeare marveled, "What a piece of work is Man!" (Woman, too!)

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 12

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The program is like a seed or young plant in the ground. If I am upset, I can't even think straight. It is important for me to quiet down, to be receptive to what is being said to me. First things first! To earth - pliable, open, willing, and honest. Later on I have to weed out attitudes which can choke out sanity like anxiety and temper. For many, the promise of sanity is snatched away from time almost immediately by personalities taking over before principles have even had a chance to grow. Am I allowing the roots of my program to go down deep? Am I "feeding" my program with the spiritual nourishment provided by the steps and program literature?

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to absorb the sunshine of the fellowship.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will relax and watch my seeds grow.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 11

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
If I am powerless, my only reasonable course is to live and let live. I must learn, with God's help, to live my own life more fully and to let other people live their own. If I spend my time and effort learning to manage my own life, I will not have any time or energy left over to manage anyone else's. My reward is a feeling of freedom as my burden is lightened when I let go of what does not belong to me. I need not worry - God will take care of others.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember that my progress comes from detaching from the idea that I alone can control other people or solve their problems.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Mind my own business.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 10

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My tears have always been a source of shame. When I was growing up I was told they were a sign of weakness, self-pity, and foolishness. Consequently, I grew up fighting and repressing them. In the past several years I have slowly learned to accept them as an emotional release, and most importantly, as source of healing. When a grain of sand invades an oyster shell, it causes irritation. Immediately the oyster secretes a liquid much like a tear. This liquid hardens and forms a globe protecting the oyster
from pain. The tear or liquid is called a pearl. So my tears, too, are a beautiful and wonderful function of healing.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me remember my tears are an expression of my inner feelings and they are okay.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My tears are pearls.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 9

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
So much of my grief is brought about by my own unrealistic expectations. Before the program, I did not have guidelines or a Higher Power to help me find balance between unrealistic and realistic expectations. High expectations of myself result in high expectations of others. When I fail to meet my own expectations, I feel I have failed. When others fail to measure up, I am angry or hurt. Low expectations of myself are just as damaging and are reflected in my expectations of others as well. Both myself and others are weakened if my expectations are too low.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to see that a well-balanced outlook on what I expect of others and of myself will do much to eliminate my struggles with living comfortably and having meaningful, healthy relationships.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will strive for realistic expectations.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 8

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
As we grow, we experience our worth and it feels terrific. We gain feelings of self-esteem and are grateful. Another period of growth comes along and we feel insecure and inadequate once again. We question and doubt if we have ever gained any self-worth. It is imperative to recognize that personal growth, even after many years of growing, always produces feelings of instability. This instability can even border for moments of despair. Our willingness to embrace the struggle and to learn what we need to about ourselves will eventually produce an even greater realization of our worth.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I be reminded that as I grow, self-worth will fluctuate and each new growth experience will grant me a deeper level of self-acceptance.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I look forward to my next growth experience with hope.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 7

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
If the weather is unpleasant, I will try not to let it ruin my day. When it is foggy and gloomy I will look for beauty in the difference of the scenery when objects are indistinct. When it is rainy or snowy, I will be glad I can stay inside or let it challenge me to dress appropriately and be comfortable in it. When the roads are bad, I will try to perfect my driving skills or see how I can plan less traveled routes.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I look for positive things in whatever weather there is, accepting what I cannot change.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Look for the good, even in the weather.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 6

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My defects of character cannot be removed by my willpower. I have spent the better part of my life trying to combat these shortcomings. I have grown frustrated and anxious in the process. Step Seven says, "You have done your work in Steps Four and Five; now let go and let God. Just humbly ask for your shortcomings to be removed." As the steps suggest, relax. I can now start to live a less anxious life. I can also start being more spontaneous and put my worries and emotional problems into the hands of the Higher Power.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May the faith I have obtained in the first steps of the program stay with me and help me to now complete Steps Six and Seven.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Today I will relax my mind and body and truly accept that my Higher Power will remove my shortcomings at the right time.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 5

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In working the Fourth Step, I found one emotion constantly appearing - fear. Fear denied me the chance of enjoying my present surroundings and relationships. Fear led me to believe that upsetting experiences from my past would recur, so I had to try and control the future. Fear limited my thoughts and actions like a chain attached to my body, dragging me down with its weight. Fear, in effect, stood boldly between me and my goal of serenity and peace of mind. I am learning to replace fear as the controlling force of my life with faith in a loving Higher Power.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I let go of behavior and habits which I have clung to in order to handle fearful situations.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Faith is action.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 4

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
It is so much easier for me to forgive others than it is for me to forgive myself. I may have done something I believe is wrong, or failed to do something which should have been done, an for some reason, feel I cannot be forgiven. I need to remember my Higher Power will always forgive me and will give me the help I need to find the words and means to make amends to those I might have hurt, including myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I am carrying thoughts and feelings of guilt and self-recrimination, remind me of Your forgiving love.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Not to be so hard on myself.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 3

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My life is occupied often with too much thinking and not enough feeling. This condition of constant thinking leaves me physically tense at the end of the day. Usually this keeps me restless in my sleep at night. This physical discomfort alone should prod me into working the Fourth Step. Before I can free myself to feel, I must be willing to look at yesterday's hurts and guilt's and put them on paper today. The unfulfilled needs of my infancy and the repressed pains of my childhood will slowly drain from me as I put to work the slogan, "Know thyself - be honest."

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I seek the courage necessary to work Step Four.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Sustained healing takes place only when I work the Steps.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 2

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
How many blessings can I find to be thankful for today? It is easy to say, "Thank You, God, " for the big things in my life such as the recovery of a loved one's health, a new car, a job promotion, or the winning of a contest. But how about gratitude for the mundane or insignificant things such as grass, getting home safely, being able to read the comics, or watch a favorite TV show? Certainly there are people in my life to be thankful for other than my spouse or significant other. How about the pleasant bus driver, a delightful co-worker, or the charming paper boy? There are things in my home to be thankful for-things which make my life easier and more pleasant. Air conditioners, dishwashers, and Scotch tape come to mind. Practicing gratitude throughout the day makes me aware of how blessed my life truly is.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to remember to be grateful for all things large or small.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Do not take my blessings for granted.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 1

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In the EA program we are learning to live one day at a time. This can be confusing. Newcomers often say, "What about making plans? There are certain things which must be planned ahead." Of course there are life events that require planning. We say, "Make plans, but don't plan the results. Don't decide the outcome ahead of time. Put into action whatever is necessary to move the plan along and leave the results to your Higher Power.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I become willing to be flexible and remember that You are in control of life now.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I can make plans without rigidly trying to control the results.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

November 30

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The risk of caring is scary for each of us. It takes courage. We would like the love we feel for another to be reciprocated. When someone does not return our love, it can cause us to feel rejected. Rejection hurts. If we have felt cared about by someone over a period of time and that person withdraws, or worse yet, dies, we experience the deepest kind of hurt. This grief can make us want to close ourselves off from caring again. Yet if we refuse to continue being vulnerable, we will lose so much more. A part of us will die.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I understand that the only way I will continue to discover myself is by caring for another.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will appreciate the value and care in my relationships today, for today is all we have anyway.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

November 29

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When I am open to growth, I discover many things about myself. At times it may seem as if this knowledge comes from outside, but actually the knowledge has been within all along, waiting to be discovered. As growing persons, we are attracted to those things which help us go toward our greatest potential. As I have been willing to risk following the path which feels right, life holds challenges and adventures beyond my fondest dreams.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I have the courage to follow my dreams with action.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will be open to discovering another part of my truth.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

November 28

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
How much time do we spend blaming others for the way we are? It may well be that our childhood experiences caused us a great deal of pain. But to continue blaming someone for the way we are only keeps us feeling miserable and hopeless today. This does not mean we should deny our hurt and anger. Neither should we blame ourselves. As we mature, we come to realize the people who hurt us were doing the best they knew with what they had been given. What can I do today that will bring me to a greater acceptance of myself?

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember I have the inner power given to me by You.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Hope lies in taking responsibility for self today.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

November 27

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My life we so confused and in such turmoil I never lived in my twenty-four hours. I was worrying or feeling guilty about something from my past, so I never enjoyed life. I found I had a choice and changed my focus to today. My life is going on, and the experiences behind me are the basis for my life. I am learning to take the negativity from these experiences and letting the positive take over. I know I must practice the program one day at a time if I am ever going to get well. Even though I am sometimes confused, I can look forward to less turmoil each day.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Remind me that my past is something to learn from and not to dwell on.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Improving my life is my goal rather than living and reaching out to false dreams.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 28

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We never fail until we quit trying. The battle is never over until we win or quit. Often we are tempted in times of distress to become discouraged and throw up our hands in defeat. Discouragement is actually a clue to make us pause and see what needs to be changed. It is time to pray for direction and then try and try again. Usually it is easier to quit, but how proud we are - and have a right to be - when we stick to it and win our personal "war."

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help us to keep on keeping on, even when the going is tough.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Never quit trying!

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 27

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I really feel great when someone lets me know they appreciate me. In thinking about that, I realized how often I feel appreciative of others and do not express that feeling in words. I seem to take it for granted they will know my feelings without hearing them. This applies to all the people I deal with: my spouse, my children, co-workers, and sales people, for example. From my own experiences I know that just to know one is appreciated can mean a great deal. On this day I will express my appreciation. I will let others know how much they mean to me and how I admire and am grateful for their efforts. I will be certain to include members of my family, who usually bear the brunt of my criticisms.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember that to someone who is feeling discouraged, appreciation can make the difference between giving up and holding on.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Appreciate - not denigrate!

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 26

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The more we are able to embrace our sorrow and learn from it, the more we will also be capable of experiencing greaty joy. Yet to embrace our sorrow takes a great deal of courage. So often we try to soften or resist our pain. In every painful situation there is a lesson to be learned. Our willingness to be open to this learning ultimately brings us to experience a greater joy than we had believed possible.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I hang on during my painful times, knowing my pain will eventually turn again into joy.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The depth of my sorrow mirrors the peak of my joy.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 25

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Hate is a strong, controlling force if carried to the utmost degree. Oftentimes I will say I hate a person when in reality I only dislike what the person does. If I hate with a vengeance, the destructiveness of this emotion can invade every avenue of my daily life. The responses I give others become vindictive. The successes I win are most likely at the expense and mercy of others. The world in which I live becomes a disagreeable place rather than comforting. The spite I feel becomes my sole motive for living. My physical body become susceptible to pain and illnesses, which need not be. My obsession with hate hides my ability to see I am doing harm to myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to recognize my own destructive behavior caused by the hatred felt toward another human being. Give me courage to differ with others without doing harm to them or to myself. Guide me to become a more forgiving and accepting person.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I choose to replace hatred with love and understanding.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 24

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Intimacy is being soft together. Many of you have observed the intimacy of a new relationship. It appeared exciting and wonderful. Yet this stage of the relationship ultimately passes. The conflict stage creeps in. Are we willing to deal with this stage, or do we run? Only after we face our conflict head-on can we come to experience the kind of intimacy and caring in a relationship which nurtures us and pushes us to become all we can be.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I have the courage to deal with conflict, realizing that dealing with it will raise my self-esteem.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The more acceptance I have for myself, the more intimacy I will be capable of experiencing.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 23

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Too often I let external things distract me when someone is speaking at a meeting. Maybe dirty fingernails, a wrong color of lipstick, or length of hair or beard will affect my concentration. Maybe a person's poor grammar will have me making corrections in my mind instead of listening to the thoughts and feelings being expressed. Often when I really listen I really learn. I know my Higher Power works through people, and if I don't hear people, I won't hear God either. My progress in my recovery depends on learning from other people. I have no right to be critical or judgmental of others.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Open my mind to the shared suggestions of others. Remind me that externals are not important.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am no better or worse than anyone else.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 22

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Given the same set of circumstances, we can do anything anyone else can do: steal, kill, write bad checks, or commit adultery. If we think we are above such behavior, we are naive. How readily can we accept that we are as capable of doing anything anyone else could do? For those of us who have been sheltered, it may take a bit longer to discover just how close we can come to any of these behaviors. We are fortunate, indeed, if we come to a point where we are forced to at least face one of these aspects of our personality. Once we see how capable we are of doing a particular thing we may not have believed possible, we gain a deeper acceptance of our own humanity. Our freedom increases. In turn, we accept others more easily.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I be open to the reality of my own humanness.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Accepting ourselves helps us accept others, too.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
It is not humanly possible to like every person with whom we come in contact. There will always be people who will say or do things with which we will disagree. It is probable that we affect others the same way. No one is exactly like anyone else. The differences make for variety in our life and should be as welcome as the different varieties of flowers in our gardens. All of us, regardless of our race, beliefs, color, or ethnic background, were created by a loving God. It is not necessary to like everyone - only to accept them.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You for the differences in people, which truly spices up the adventure of living.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
We each take our own special road toward the same spiritual quest.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 20

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The slogan, "Know thyself - be honest, " makes me aware of how often I ignore my feelings or try to rationalize them away. If I am to know myself, I must acknowledge my emotions just as they are. It may be I am letting a past experience creep in to distort my reaction to a situation. Or perhaps I am allowing old inferior feelings to cause me pain. I may be holding back feelings related directly to a present situation because it is easier (or so it seems) than having to confront, express, or risk rejection.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to work at honestly knowing myself, day by day, minute by minute.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The pain of facing my feelings is far less than the pain of suppressing them.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 19

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My being a doormat came from a need in my emotional illness, a need for recognition and approval from others. In recovery, I began to recognize my own power to determine my self-worth. I no longer use what others will think of me as a guide for how I will act. I look within myself for my standards of behavior and seek the will of my Higher Power in all matters. I am beginning to take responsibility for my own life. Part of this responsibility is making my own choices and accepting the consequences.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Grant me the ability to look at my own power to affect other people.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
How much do I react to the power I perceive in other people?

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 18

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Something to reach for, something to work toward, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, or a purpose for taking care of myself physically, mentally and emotionally - they all add up to goals. When I was in an emotional upheaval, goals were something which other people had - people with education, looks, money and talent. But certainly not me. I did not realize goals were personal guidelines which I could use to improve the quality of my life. Any part of my life that needs to be changed is an opportunity for goal-setting. Physically I could have a weight loss goal, a quit smoking goal, or a physical fitness goal. Mentally I could have a goal to change an attitude, a goal to broaden my interests and increase my knowledge, or a goal to read a good book every week. Emotionally my goal is for serenity, which can be gained by learning to "live and let live" and to roll with the punches.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me see a real need for change and to pick a goal and go for it.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The only thing keeping me from my goal is me.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 17

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Resigning as "Master of the Universe" was a relief and a weight off my shoulders. The world can actually revolve without me. Now I can concentrate on the people around me. Instead of doing all the talking, I can do more listening. Instead of giving orders, I can ask for other people's opinions on how things should be done. Well, God, it is all Yours. Isn't that a simple way to handle a difficult problem? If I can't handle it, God can, if I just ask. A delicious sense of relief, a relaxing effect on the body, and a quietness of mind are just a few of the results which are mine from this simple turning it over.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You, God, for always having Your shoulder ready for me to lean on.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
God will carry the load.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 16

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Because I was so impatient and critical of myself, gaining compassion was not an easy task. Now as I talk kindly to myself instead of critically, I gain more and more compassion for myself. When I am gentle with myself, I feel peace inside, even in the midst of turmoil. When I am gentle with myself, I become more gentle with others. It is this gentleness and caring, not impatience and criticism, which brings about continued growth and healing.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
When I resist being kind to myself, may I recall that compassion precedes growth.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I no longer need to hate me.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Someone said at a meeting that anger comes from other people not meeting my expectations. If that is true - and I see it is true for me - then I have two choices: I can either stay angry, or I can lower my expectations. If I choose to stay angry, the only person I hurt is myself. My blood pressure goes up, I get acid indigestion, headaches, and become depressed. Or I can choose to lower my expectations. That is another way of letting go of what I cannot control, of not playing God by thinking that my way is the only right way.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I ask You to help me deal with my anger honestly.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Unrealistic expectations for myself or others creates anger.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 14

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I would like to reflect a minute on the changing seasons. I live in a cold climate - cold in winter - and I have decided I want to stay, not retire to the Sunbelt. I certainly do not have anything against warm climates. What the winter does for me is to let things rest for a while including, perhaps, my spirit. I cannot possibly grow all the time. Perhaps if I stop and rest occasionally in the "winter" of my soul and be quiet - which is very hard for me to do - the growth will resume in the "spring" of my soul. And perhaps my growth will be greater and more assured.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Because it is difficult for me to rest, to slow down or to meditate, help me to allow myself the freedom to do so.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Progress is not always a high-speed freeway. I need to remember to pull in, shut off the motor, and rest my spirit.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 13

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When I am feeling especially lonely, the pain inside makes me wonder why I have to go through this. The longer I am in the program and share my pain, the more I am aware that others hurt also. This common bond helps me to understand, care and grow. Pain is nature's way of telling me I have a need which has to be taken care of, whether it is physical or emotional. I need to take care of myself, and I can do it.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to realize my pain is worthwhile, because it draws me closer to You and to others, and it gives me compassion.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Whenever I share my pain, someone comes into my life with a similar pain to remind me I am not alone.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 12

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I am glad to realize that while I cannot will away negative feelings such as fear, anger, or despair, I need not be ruled by them. No matter how overpowering my emotions may be, I can focus on something which will feed my serenity. Although strong feelings may blind this fact, the world is full of goodness and beauty. As surely as I can be upset by another person, place or thing, I can find better experiences to enjoy.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I reflect on everything in my life which brings me happiness or serenity.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Why would I choose to respond to something negative when I can respond to something positive?

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 11

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My outside appearance is a good indication of how I feel inside. When my inside emotional stability is running amok, it is time to start getting the outside in order first. Are my clothes clean? Do they need repairs? Is my hair combed and washed, and does it need cutting or curling? How about a long, hot bath or shower? When was the last time I visited the dentist or had a good physical from my doctor? I need to make certain my emotional difficulties are not aggravated by a physical ailment such as allergies, blood sugar fluctuations, or chemical imbalances. Now that I am refreshed and looking good, I can call some friends for coffee or lunch or I can have people come over to my place for a visit. Doing these things can help to change my attitude.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
My body houses the soul You gave me. Help me to keep it in good working condition.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Taking care of myself means physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 10

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I often ask my Higher Power to help me know what is best for me. And often I hear my Higher Power answer and know in my heart it is best, and yet I do nothing. Then I punish myself because I have asked and have received, yet have taken no action. In fact, the knowledge of what is best for me often causes me great anxiety, and my fear overwhelms what I know. I have been given knowledge but not asked for courage as well. Knowledge is a wonderful gift, but I accomplish little if I do not have the courage to act.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Higher Power, grant me courage as well as knowledge.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I need all my Higher Power's gifts.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 9

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Am I so important I am the only one who can do things for others? I used to believe the world was falling apart because I was becoming incapable of handling everything. My need to be needed was so strong I felt everything depended on me, and me alone. Ego, pride and self-will had me in their grip. I have come to realize that real help comes from allowing others to learn to do for themselves. I am now stepping back and letting others learn from their own mistakes, as we all have to do.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to love, but not to take over.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will allow others to do what they have to do.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 8

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
There are many important words involved in our program, but two of the most important are humility and responsibility. Much of my progress can be measured by these two words. They are extremely hard for me to accept and use. Humility bothers me because it goes against the grain of my false pride. Responsibility is tough because it is so much easier to let someone else take care of things. When I am responsible, I take care of my commitments and obligations. Most times that is hard work. When I accept and practice humility and responsibility, I grow rapidly.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
It is hard to be humble and responsible. Please ease my way.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Humility and responsibility equal maturity and manageability.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 7

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Being afraid of rejection, I did not trust sharing my honest feelings. Trusting seemed so scary; but once I understood the only way to let go of the fear of rejection was by my trusting, I became more willing to take the risk. As I took the risk to share and was accepted, my willingness to risk grew. The more I shared, the more acceptance I received, the more acceptance I received, the more trust I developed.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
At times, I feel so scared, God. Help me to risk sharing the parts of myself I want to run from the most.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Trust builds from the action of risking.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 6

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Pain had been the motivator for me to come into the program. After some time, the pain lessened in intensity and frequency. When I felt good and happy, I thought I did not need the program anymore. These thoughts scared me, so I began to create pain and misery for myself so I would be motivated to work the program. I became frightened of being happy and serene. I am learning that the desire to live a better life is a sufficient motivator. The pain which brought me here can be transformed into the gratitude which keeps me here.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember that as I grow in the program, my values and perspectives will change.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Flexibility in my thinking enables me to go with, rather than against, the changers God has in store for me.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 5

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
"Live and let Live," reminds me that my first responsibility is to myself. I must take care of myself the way my Higher Power wants me to . When I can accept myself, it becomes easier to accept others. When I allow myself to be myself, I am able to let others be themselves. This creates a lovely balance between others and me. When I take responsibility for myself, I lose my need to control others.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
You made me the way I am, and my job is to accept me and live with me to the best of my ability.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
If I focus on making this day as good as it can be for me, I will not have time to worry about others.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 4

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Often I look back and say, "I knew better than to do that." I knew before I used the angry word, blamed, shouted, ran away, etc. that what I was doing was wrong. I did it anyway. Now with a daily program and a planned quiet time I can avoid many of these backward looks by realizing when the danger signs appear. I can choose at what time how to handle these situations. I can avoid hurting others through a daily Step Ten. I can rally acknowledge the feelings as mine and choose how to handle them during a quiet time.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Let me keep an eye out for danger signs and seek quiet when they arise.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Only in quiet can I hear my inner voice and make a choice.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 3

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
It is part of my emotional illness that I feel a vague but overwhelming sense of something wrong with me. If allowed to control me, this feeling leads to withdrawal, despondency, and a sense of powerlessness. The antidote is self-acceptance. This does not mean that I deny my shortcomings. In a searching and fearless inventory I honestly recognize my defects and my good points. If I set a goal of eliminating all my defects, I am doomed to failure. Only by accepting and using my positive qualities can I develop the strength to reduce the defects.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to concentrate on my strengths.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
What I am is God's gift to me. What I make of myself is my gift to God.


Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 2

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
So many of my negative feelings stem from carrying feelings from the past into today, or from projecting what might go wrong into the future. I do this every time I expect difficulty, failure, or rejection. I am pulling out my past pain and wearing it all over again. I do it, too, when I start thinking during a moment of pleasure, "It won't work out like this again." When I remember to enjoy each moment for the sheer delight and goodness it offers, when I look upon negative experiences as lessons for improving my life, I am cutting my life into manageable proportions.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
With Your help, may I make the most of each moment.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will live this day as fully as I can and, at the end of the day, I will let it go.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

October 1

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I remember being so full of hate for someone that I ran movies in my head about committing violence against them. My hate produced envy, spite, and rage. Now I have learned through the Twelve Steps that I can and must forgive for my own mental health. And if I am unable to forgive, I can pray for my adversary. As long as I allow the hate to dominate my thoughts, that hate is running my life, and there is no opportunity for my Higher Power to enter.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember today to pray for those who I find hard to love.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Today I will practice forgiveness.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 30

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Negative or unpleasant emotions are not a yardstick of reality, or of self-worth. Because I feel shame, for instance, does not mean I should be ashamed of myself. Because I feel panic does not necessarily mean there is something to be afraid of. Feelings may have no external or intellectual significance. Feelings are meant to be experienced and accepted, not analyzed. All I can conclude from feeling bad is that I am feeling bad. I realize that emotions are neither good nor bad, that feelings do not make me a good or bad person, that emotions and intellect are separate. Trying to "interpret" the intellectual meaning of my emotions is useless - like trying to spell words but using only numbers.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to accept my feelings without judging them or myself.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My best strategy in dealing with unpleasant emotions is simple acceptance.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 29

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Before joining the program, I often thought I would really be happy if a certain situation worked out to my advantage. I anticipated great benefits if my plans worked out. When I did not get what I wanted, I was full of self-pity, saying constantly, "If only...." When I got what I wanted, I often still felt disappointed when I realized my unrealistically high expectations would not be met. As I have grown in the program, I have learned to have more realistic expectations. Where I used to expect great benefits, I am now grateful for small improvements. Where I used to feel self-pity, I now feel more serenity in knowing my true happiness comes from being at peace with myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to know more serenity by better maintaining a realistic perspective concerning the results of my efforts.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
It can be a long fall from high expectations.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 28

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
One of the many tools I have learned to use since coming to the Program is that of writing things down. I am always surprised at how much I write. If I am unable to sleep at night, I get up and write. It certainly is better than tossing and turning in bed. If something is bothering me during the day and I do not know what it is, I write and write some more. It is like my Higher Power is guiding my hand. I do not know what I am going to write until I see what I have written. It is amazing how many problems can be solved just by seeing them spelled out in black and white.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I always remember that writing things down helps me to see them more clearly.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
If I can see the problem, I can find a way to solve it.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 27

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
How often have we dwelt on feeling sad, lonely, inadequate, guilty, or shameful and wondered why we felt so miserable? Once we are able to look behind our feelings to our thinking, we quickly see the messages we had been sending to ourselves were the reason for feeling so miserable and unhappy. We can choose to stop talking to ourselves critically. Who we are and what we feel is okay. In fact, we need to be right where we are. We can only grow from that place. Accepting ourselves as we are will bring us to the next step of our journey.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to recognize when I am "picking" on me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will choose to talk lovingly to myself in response to my feelings.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 26

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Learning to use the letters H - O - W has made me see things with a different perspective. Honesty, Open-Mindedness, and Willingness have helped change my life in so many unexpected ways. My days are almost always good. There are a few bad days yet, but most bad days are so much better than what I used to call my good days that the change is remarkable. It is a pleasure to start a new day because life is great. Certainly there are stresses, but I have learned HOW to cope.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Never let me forget how useful HOW is.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
How it used to be before HOW.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 25

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Electricity is a power greater than myself. Gravity is also a power greater than myself. I cannot control them; yet, knowing their laws, I can tap into them and put them to use for myself. From acceptance of these large, natural powers, I was able to grow into a concept of a spiritual power greater than myself. This power is the natural spiritual law. If I put my faith and trust into that power, I tap something strong and useful to my growth, both internally and externally.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I take time daily by prayer and meditation to tap into Your source of limitless wisdom and love.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will let my Higher Power be my spiritual reservoir.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 24

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In order to maintain this loving attitude which I have started to experience, I frequently have to give up some necessary characteristic of my self-will. Each time it is a different item: an attitude, an erroneous belief, and unrealistic goal, or another person's approval. Once I discover through one of the Twelve Steps what is hampering my progress, I ask God to remove that defect, just for today. Steps Four and Ten are most useful when I feel separate from God and do not realize why. Working Step Four releases me from all past wrongdoings, and Step Ten keeps present wrongdoings from piling up.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Let me not stray too far from You before I begin to work a step to help myself.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To change the things I can.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 23

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I am a guilt addict! The twelve-step program is helping me to recover from this addiction. Slowly my eyes are opening to the truth of my behavior and how it feeds this addiction. In the past I would overfill each day with "must do's" and "have to's" and "should do's," so that each evening I felt exhausted and guilty about what did not get done. Each morning began with leftover guilt feelings from the behavior of the day before. The future appeared as a repeat of the past: not enough time for the perfect performance of every duty and desire. By practicing the program I have become aware of my addiction and the harm it does me. This awareness is followed by acceptance, forgiveness, and then action.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me concentrate on Step Three today. This Step ever reminds me that Your will for me does not have a guilt "aftertaste."

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Felling guilty is an indulgence which always hurts me and destroys my enjoyment of the present day. I will choose to be free of it.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 22

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
This morning I see the sun is not shining. That can contribute to my being a crab today if I let it. By noon I realize that the reason the day is not being much fun is because I am teeing off on people and situations around me. To become aware of myself in that situation seems to require a jolt - someone coming back at me in such a way that tells me to shove off, to quit being a problem person. And even then I sometimes tell myself it is okay to be a crab. The difficult part is sorting out when I am the problem and when the other person is.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me not be a problem person. Help me to know when I need to stand firm for my position. I want to learn how to tell the difference.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To at least make an attempt to sort things out, to tell the difference, then act on the decision.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We may think we have many friends, but if we have two or three, we are richly blessed. A test of friendship could be if we were arrested for some terrible crime, would that person still be there to support us? How many of our friends would actually meet this criteria? If we have a friend who gives us this kind of acceptance, we would be wise to value that relationship. How accepting am I of my own human nature? Do I see that I am capable of doing anything anyone else might do? If I see that I can, I will be more capable of giving this kind of acceptance.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to be the kind of friend I would like to have.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will be conscious of my needs, as well as the needs of those I love, for unconditional acceptance.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 20

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Prospective changes in my life used to fill me with panic, especially major changes such as jobs, homes, or relationships. Major upheavals in one's life are never easy, but I have learned now to trust my Higher Power. I have learned to be more relaxed when anticipating changes. I no longer believe the worst scenario will be playing out in my life. There have been so many examples of good coming to me through changes which I dreaded. When we had to leave a beloved home, our whole lifestyle changed in a delightful manner. A job change I did not want turned into a fascinating challenge. I know many whose lives have changed incredibly for the better after an unwanted divorce. Change is growth if we accept it.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I thank You for the good which will come with the changes in my life.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I only need to trust in my Higher Power and welcome change.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 19

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Short-term relief is all I get when I run away and hide from my problems. Whatever shield or defense mechanism I use to hide behind eventually becomes too burdensome. It becomes greater than the problem. When I turn from pain in a personal relationship, I may lose the chance to cultivate a deep and meaningful friendship. Working at friendship helps me weather the ups and downs of relationships. Running from a problem at work could take away an opportunity to find solutions to problems. Hiding in the back of the room at an EA meeting takes away my opportunity to share. Running from conflict does not produce a winner, just a loser - me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to find the strength to confront whatever I want to run away from.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To run out is to hide out; to hide out is to lose out.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 18

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In the past there were so many things I had to do, planned to do, or needed to do. When I thought of tackling any of these things, I ended up doing nothing but my usual reading, sleeping or daydreaming and then I had to think up excuses why nothing had been accomplished. I made fervent promises that tomorrow I would really get to it and get it all done. I knew full well the list was endless and that tomorrow would contain even more things to do, more than I could reasonably accomplish in one day. I am now trying to make a conscious effort to do at least one thing on this list which I do not want to do, and I have stopped making excuses.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I make the conscious effort to start my day with the God of my understanding, asking for strength and courage to take action.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will make an effort to do at least one thing I really do not want to do.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 17

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Thinking back over some crises in my life, one common thread seems to run through them. I emerged a little bit stronger, a little bit wiser, and a little more appreciative of the ways and methods of my Higher Power. I now realize that each incident presented me with two different choices: negative -- I could crawl under a rock and curl up and die; positive -- I could accept it as an opporunity for change with a new attitude toward an old, familiar situation. What really impressed me was that the choice was mine. It was up to me to decide what direction I wanted to take and which attitude I wanted to adopt. If there was doubt in my mind, I turned it over to my Higher Power.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I continue to look at crises as an opportuntiy to grow.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My choice will be positive.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 16

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
At times I need to feel appreciated. I need "strokes" which tell me I did a good job or I am a good person. These approvals do not always come when they are most needed. Those are the times when I must appreciate myself. It is hard for me to acknowledge my own worth. But how can anybody else appreciate me if I do not appreciate me? It is right for me to like myself. Not only is it right, it is absolutely necessary.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Dear God, help me to realize I am truly a special person -- not only to others, but to me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am better than okay.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
For years I ran from pain thinking denial would make it go away. But denying the pain only created more and more anguish and isolation. Hearing the phrase, "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional," touched the core of my being. The reality is that as a human being I will experience pain. It is inevitable. Knowing I can alleviate needless suffering if I am willing to risk facing my pain creates a feeling of hope and security in me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to face my pain. Give me the courage to share my hurts with another, for it will rid me of my isolation.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Feeling pain is a sign that I am human, open to life, and growing.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 14

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Many people I meet in the course of my life will not like me. This fact does not have to affect my self-worth and dignity as a person. Some people will be unable to like me because of their own problems. I can have serenity knowing that God and I believe I am a worthwhile person. Since I know I am always loved by God, I do not need to be overly concerned with other people's perceptions of me. It would be nice if we all liked one another, but that is not the real world.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to realize my self-worth and dignity as a person.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I do not need to be approved, liked, or loved by everyone.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 13

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We learn in EA that we are powerless over our feelings. If we are feeling depressed or anxious, we cannot command ourselves to feel better. We have been given a set of steps for sane living. When following these instructions, we begin to feel better. We many not be able to control our feelings, but we do have the power to act. We can follow the program by working the steps. Sometimes we may be "doing good" but "feeling bad." We are doing what we think God would have us do and still feel depressed or anxious. Our experience in EA shows us that if we persevere, sooner or later our feelings catch up with our actions. Our step work pays off and we feel good again.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me remember that positive thoughts and actions can improve feelings.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Nothing changes unless something changes.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 12

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In the process of learning and growing, I often find myself needing to deal with something I thought I had already eliminated. At these times I have rejected myself for being where I was. "I should not be here again," I thought. Slowly I am gaining the humility to understand that the program offers me greater and greater levels of healing. We only have to be willing to meet honestly the challenges which confront us in order for healing and growth to continue.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You for the opportunity You give me to deal more deeply and to experience life in all its abundance.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will continue healing and growing; I will become freer and freer.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 11

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Learning to love ourselves is possibly our greatest task. For most of us to really care for ourselves and to become vulnerable takes a very long time. We struggle so often with the knowledge of our inadequacies, fear, guilt and shame. We tell ourselves, "I will never be accepted if I tell her this...," "I will accept myself when ...." We cannot put off acceptance until we meet our criteria for ourselves. Likely, that time will never come. We need to accept ourselves, right now, with our weaknesses. Our weaknesses, when faced, will lead us to untapped strength. And we never will truly gain someone's acceptance unless we risk being vulnerable.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
With Your help, I will accept myself today, just as I am.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Acceptance and love go hand in hand. Because I am lovable, I can love someone and I can accept love.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 10

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Most of my life situations call for a response, one which is a choice between love and power. I can react either in a loving, compassionate manner, or I can choose to exercise my power by demanding, intimidating, manipulating, or attempting to influence in a way which is beneficial to me. Giving advice to others can be an attempt to control. Giving to others what I want them to have is not necessarily a loving act.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Loving well is a learned behavior which requires effort and time. Help me to be a good student.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Loving is a choice.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 9

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When we begin to open ourselves to living, we generally feel a great deal of freedom. Yet we are also aware of our fear. Suddenly many choices lie before us. Of course, we do not want to make a mistake which may hurt us later. But we do not want to miss out any longer either. Like a new colt out in the pasture for the first time, we are apt to stumble and fall.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I be patient with myself when I make a mistake. Mistakes can be unexpected learning experiences.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
It does not matter how many times I stumble and fall; it matters only that I pick myself up, learn, and go forward.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 8

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In trying to change into being the person I want to be, I ask myself what kind of people I most enjoy being with. I like to be around others who have a sense of humor, who can laugh at themselves and giggle at life's peculiarities. I enjoy those who are considerate of others' feelings, who are happy and comfortable to be with. I admire people who are positive in their thinking and who are even-tempered. I can become this kind of person by developing these qualities and characteristics. I must build on my assets, concentrating on the positive factors of my personality. I must ask my Higher Power for help to believe in me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to be the kind of person whose company I enjoy.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The going is slow, but I have all my life to work on this growth.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 7

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Often I want to break away from all of my responsibilities. These are some of my choices: I can become hot with frustration and anger, attacking those I love, crushing them (and I will feel remorse): or I can sigh, rushing myself with the weight of inadequacy or resignation or the futility of it all (and I will waste time and feel guilty); or I can stop now, stand aside for a moment, and look and listen. I will see I am heaping abuse upon myself, inflicting it because, one again, I have not done enough. Or I will feel fear- fear that I might be like that person who is bugging me so much. So I must look at myself with kindness and tell myself to keep it simple. Then I can pick myself up and begin again taking another step, and even surer one, toward knowing who I am.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Oh, God, help me to know I have a choice.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will go easier on myself and look at myself with kindness.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 6

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
So often I have read expressions in twelve-step literature like, "No one can hurt me unless I let them," or "When you resent someone you become their slave," or that "Anger is deadly for dependent people." When I heard those expressions, I interpreted them to mean that if I felt these feelings, I was not working my program. I used what I had heard to simply shut down my feelings. I have come to see that any feelings I bury will come out somewhere. If feelings do not come out straight, they end up doing me, and possibly others, more harm in the long run. Today I interpret those expressions to mean I do not want to "hang on" to the pain of those feelings, but I need to be honest with myself and another person if I want to go on functioning in a healthy way.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I ask that You help me to face my feelings honestly and share them with another human being.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Avoiding feelings is not a sign of either wellness or of working the program.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 5

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When I cry, I am expressing my anger, fear, grief, sadness, or even happiness. I am expressing parts of me which have been so long neglected. I am glad God gave me this ability to feel my feelings. Now I wonder why I was afraid to cry. I only wish that when I was younger I could have shed tears. Now I know it is good to cry and I feel relieved. It is okay to share these feelings too.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You, God, for I can cry and I am grateful.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I can love the sadness as well as the joy.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 4

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Talking to my Higher Power can be like chatting with an old friend on a long distance call, only it doesn't cost any money. The results are the same: a warm feeling of having spoken to someone I love and who loves me. I feel wanted, appreciated and listened too. My ideas are not ridiculed, my feelings are not laughed at, and I feel cherished. I gain approval and respect, and I know once more I am okay and all is right with the world. Just afew minutes spent communicating with my Higher Power can fill my life with joy. Why do I wait so long to take advantage of this wonder waiting for me?

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Please dial my number when I wait too long to speak with You.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I don't get a wrong number when I call God.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 3

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We often take on the problems of the world. We let our feelings of despair overpower us. Life provides many reasons for concern, fear, and depression. Do I want to give up and stay sick by allowing people and situations to instill me with fear, anger, defeat, and hopelessness? At times watching the news can affect me negatively. I do not have to give in to this. I can choose who and what I listen to. Above all, I can choose what I let affect me. I can choose my life-style. I can let go of the negative elements after deciding how I want to react to them.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to remember I am often powerless over my circumstances - what I hear, what I am with, etc... Knowing this, with Your help, I can choose how much effect these things and people have on me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To "run with the winners" when possible. When not possible, "don't let the turkeys get me down."

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 2

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Through recognizing and admitting my powerlessness, I am able to acknowledge this need, I am better able to seek and accept the help of a Higher Power. I do not like to see my own weaknesses. It makes me aware that I am not, nor will I ever be, in control of my own life. This is a scary thought, but at the same time, it is comforting. It takes away the responsibility of having all the answers. I do not have them, nor do I have to. I need to live one day at a time trusting my Higher Power for assistance.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I let go and let You.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Today I will find strength in my weakness.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 1

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I grew up with the idea that God was sitting with a great ledger and a pen poised next to my name. Every time I made another mistake, a black mark appeared by my name because I had been so "bad." I realize now that in much of what I did I was using others' values as a criteria for what I should be. It is possible to see now that whatever I did that was "bad" was not unique. It had been done before. None of us are clever enough to come up with "something new." Have I stopped using the standards of the world to govern my behavior?

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
God, I know that You will do for me what I cannot do for myself. Help me remember You will accept me with all my imperfections.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My imperfections are a sign of my humanness.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 31

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
One of the most difficult growth periods we are apt to experience is the loss of a friend. This person is not able to go along with us on our journey of self-discovery and healing. The loss can causes a great deal of pain and sadness. Yet if we remain open, we will be aware that our Higher Power has put a new relationship in our path, someone who can give us the care and nurturing we need to continue growing. We need friends to support and nurture us, particularly through difficult times. Without a caring friend we may not be able to learn about a part of ourselves we need to discover.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I be the kind of friend I would like others to be for me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To have a friend, I need to be a friend. I will be accepting and nonjudgmental of my friends.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 30

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I never understood why my life was so unrewarding, or what it meant to "let go" until EA taught me that the opposite of "Let go and let God" is like driving through life with the emergency brake on. Everything is harder except for complete stops, which correspond to my periods of total withdrawal. After driving a while, though, friction builds up inside, and my brakes smoke angrily. I push harder and harder on the gas, yet less and less gets done. Finally, the brakes may wear out altogether and I go wildly out of control, causing chaos all around me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Without the security which You give me, my control on life causes me to wear out prematurely. May I loosen up and give my life to You today.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To release the emergency brake and trust that God will tell me when I need to slow down.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 29

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Emotional honesty is one of the hardest things to acquire. It takes work and conscious effort, in the midst of anger, to ask myself why I'm angry. It is easier to blame others for my feelings. Healing comes from acknowledging feelings are mine and I have a choice. This is emotional honesty. I can never have serenity if I let others upset me. I can fight my feelings or say they are the fault of others. If I accept that this is the way I feel, I can keep going and know that "This too shall pass," even if I don't have a solution to the problem. I can choose a course of action to correct the situation.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I pray for the wisdom to know the difference.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Being honest with myself brings peace.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 28

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In the Fourth Step we write down not only our character defects, but we also list our positive traits. Why can't I realize the power I have to improve my emotional health by using these gifts, these traits which make me feel good about myself, and make those around me feel good too? My sense of humor is number one on my list of positive qualities. The best person to use it for is me. Laughing at myself helps me to be humble and to accept myself even when I goof. When others are down and I can make them laugh, we both benefit.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to develop a sense of humor and appreciate laughter in my life.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I believe God is a healer and that laughter is one of God's prescriptions.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 27

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
So often I either denied my feelings or was not aware of them. I tried to avoid feelings because I did not want to feel pain. It was imperative that I came to see pain from a new perspective. Pain does not come from God. Feeling pain is part of my being human. Pain tells me I need to change something (maybe only my attitude). If a person did not feel pain from a physical illness, a doctor might not be seen, which could result in death. Pain is necessary.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I am trying to avoid pain again, help me to remember that pain is not all negative. The fact is, there is no gain without pain.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Pain is inevitable - suffering is optional.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 26

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I am not God. I cannot control others I love. I do not own their problems; therefore, I must learn to leave them in God's care. After all, God loves them even more than I do and wants only good things for them. The Higher Power's plans for them are far superior to anything that my manipulating and scheming could bring about. What a relief not to be God!

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I be grateful that You are there to guide and protect my loved ones.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
God can and will do it!

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 25

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Learning to overcome fear with faith is a lot like learning to swim. Reading about swimming is of little help; neither is watching other swimmers. Sooner or later we must trust the water to hold us up. To do this we must risk jumping into the water. So it is with faith - it will buoy us up. But first we must enter an unfamiliar medium; then we must practice.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I trust the principles and fellowship of EA to sustain me as I practice to overcome the fear in my life. Ours is the way of faith, not fear.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
In our fellowship I am afloat on a sea of love.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 24

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The program teaches that fear my come from projecting what might happen. That is not living one day at a time. One way I learned to deal with fear is to organize. I make a list of six things which I have to do. I learn to recognize the time of day when my mind is freshest and I have the most energy. I do the most difficult or most urgent thing at that time ("First things first"), and I concentrate on that item and do not think of anything else. The feeling of accomplishment I get give me the momentum to do the next thing on the list. That list becomes less frightening.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember that God gives me the strength to do what needs to be done if I ask.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
One day at a time may mean one item on the list at a time.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 23

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
IF I have talents abilities in a certain area where someone else does not, does it make me any more special in my Creator's eyes? I do not believe it does. There was a time when I thought people were better because of things they could do. Now I believe if someone has been given a particular talent, it is his or her responsibility to develop it. Talents do not make someone better -- only different.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Grant me the courage to stop comparing and to begin looking at my own talents, for they are there.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
God has given each of us talents and abilities which will fulfill us, if only we have the courage to follow our intuition.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 22

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Negativism can lead me astray faster than anything else I know of. It is so easy for me to catch this virus of negativity. The germs surround me. If people around me are in a pessimistic mood, it is contagious to me. Then the negativity leads to depression, which in turn leads to self-pity and all the other diseases which follow. When I hear myself say, "I can't," "I shouldn't," or "It is a rotten day," I have to alert myself to the possibility of a major epidemic of symptoms and pain. I must remove myself from the negative atmosphere. I must speak with someone who is positive, and I must think positive thoughts. With concentration and effort I can cure the virus.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Position me on the positive path and push me in that direction.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Negativity makes me ill, positivity keeps me healthy.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
A garden does not grow in one day. As I learn to live the EA program, I will try to tend to the daily tasks of nurturing my own mental, physical, and spiritual growth. The exercise of a daily program will help my growth in two ways: regular practice will strengthen my self-discipline, while consistent attention to my needs will foster positive growth, just as scheduled watering, fertilizing, and pruning encourage healthy growth in a garden.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Guide my steps toward my own mental, physical and spiritual health.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Small steps repeated over and over in the course of time become a great journey.


Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 20

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
"Are you angry and upset?" "Who, me? Heavens no; I don’t let things like that bother me." Sound familiar? It is the first denial of a feeling – saving face and trying to preserve my I-don’t-care attitude. Now I start to think and mull the incident over in my mind. It consumes me. My stomach starts to churn as resentment builds. "No, nothing is bothering me; I’m just tired. Second denial. My concentration is shot. I cannot think. Disorientation has my mind whirling. A sudden noise or a question from a child or a broken dish starts up my yelling machine. "No, nothing is wrong! Leave me alone! Third denial. Hopefully the yelling has allowed me to let off some steam. If not, the next phase could be striking out physically at the persons closest to me. Now let me turn the clock back: "Are you angry and upset?" "Yes, I am. Let's talk this out and get it settled right now." No denial, no turmoil, no temporary pain. What a difference!

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Give me the courage to admit and accept my feelings instead of denying them.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Nipping it in the bud can save me from full blossomed pain.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 19

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The intrinsic value of love is hard to measure or describe. Love encourages brotherhood and acceptance of others. It allows appreciation of one's surroundings. Love is easily detected in how one responds to annoyances and diversity. It promotes thinking of the positive aspects of daily situations rather than on the negative failures and shortcomings. Love is being truthful in our relationships with others and is expressed in our response to everyday life because it is not limited by boundaries.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to sincerely love and appreciate the life I am privileged to live each day.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Love without truth is not good; neither is truth without love.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 18

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When a person really wants something, that person is likely to go to any length to gain it, even through negative behavior. Many times we do things we later regret, then wonder why we responded in the way we did. As we learn about ourselves and our behavior, we see how rationalizing our actions had become a way of life and how often we were drawn toward experiences which could hurt us. This can be called the enormity of our illness. Left to ourselves, we often continue to act out our defeating behavior. With the help of the program, a Higher Power, and others, we realize we do not have to be controlled by our impulses.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I stop, reach out for support, and trust that a friend can help me discontinue hurting myself.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I deserve to be happy and productive.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 17

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Most of us expended a great deal of energy trying to be perfect. Of course we failed. The more we tried to be perfect, the more aware we became of our weaknesses and our faults. Interestingly enough, we were created both human and divine. We have the capacity of acting both as angel or beast. The more we are able to accept our weaknesses, as well as our strengths, the more peaceful we will become. The program continues to give us a direction in gaining a greater and greater level of self-acceptance.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I never lose track of the fact that I am both angel and beast.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
When I fall short, I will not judge myself. I will accept myself as the human being I was meant to be.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 16

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
As on the highways there are directional signs in my lfe which warn me of possible mishaps, signs such as HALT, which remind me never to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. My behavior can be, and often is, affected by any of those four feelings. If I am careful of my habits and try to be reasonable and balanced with my life, I can avoid much pain. My body tells me when it is tired or hungry. I must watch for my body's red light when says "Stop." It is time to rest or eat. My mind tells me when I am angry and lonely. I must watch for my mind's amber light which says, "Slow down." Paying attention to my own signals is as important as following highway signs.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to see all of the signs in my life.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will watch for my red, amber, and green lights.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
There is an old saying that "laughter is the best medicine." In our emotional illness, we know how healing laughther can be. Both tears and laughter are very powerful emotional releases and perhaps it is no accident they frequently occur together. While humor can sometimes be misused as a weapon, gentle, loving laughter can be a shield against adversity. Laughter can often restore a sense of balance and perspective to our volatile, erwise impenetrable barriers in our personal relationships. Laugther can reaffirm even the faintest glimmer of optimism in a failing spirit. Learning to laugh at everyday situations around us helps us to cope. Learning to laught at the weakenesses in ourselves helps us to grow.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize the key to learning to laugh at all is in learning to be vulnerable -- in recognizing and accepting my powerlessness.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will share the humor I encounter today by telling God the joke I found and listening in my soul for the laugther.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today