July 31

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
If I owed a debt and paid it in full, would I continue to pay that same debt? If I did, my sanity would be questioned. Yet I returned to my Higher Power again and again asking forgiveness for the same thing. By hanging on to my guilt, I was unable to be receptive to growth and healing. I no longer believe I have to condemn myself, even for not living up to my own reasonable expectations. Once I have made amends, I need to be willing to forgive myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I begin to hang on to guilt, remind me how defeating this behavior is.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To hang on to guilt is to cop out.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

July 30

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I have learned to watch what I say because the words I use, both in my mind and orally, can affect me and others. If I use pessimistic, sad or angry words, I tend to feel and behave in that way. When I use optimistic, happy and loving words, I react in those ways. When I speak constructive and joyful words, people around me seem to be happier and to respond in the same positive manner. My words can be powerful and influence me and others. I must select them with care. It helps if I stop to think before I speak.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Please inspire my words today and let them be an expression of good.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will watch my words.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

July 29

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Acceptance -- the magic word in my life. It is through acceptance that I have found all the treasures which I have searched for all my life -- love, forgiveness, serenity, caring, sharing, and compassion. These marvels have come in to my life because of my acceptance of: myself, just the way I am today; others, just the way they are; things I cannot change and those I can. The acceptance of a Higher Power in my life has made me realize that it is only through that Higher Power that all these gifts have come to me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Remind me that it is only through acceptance I will find the answers I need to live a life full of freedom and joy.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
People, places and things are fine just the way they are.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 28

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Whenever I "perform," I split myself into two-halves -- the performer and the observer/critics. Trying to perform allows that ever-present screamer sitting on my shoulder the chance to unleash a dose of self-hate from the reservior I have built and maintained during my life. The chance may be the most minor mistake or insignificant admission on my part. This can happen in any circumstance, from building a coffee table to talking at a meeting. On the other hand, when I "participate," I minimize self-consciousness and the chance of embarassment. When I am participating, I am sharing the real me, and being the real me destroys any need for that internal critic. I realize my failures are valuable to my emotional growth. My past life has too often shown that my successes temporarily blinded me to the reality of my human limitations. I need to use these limitations as checks and balances in my struggle to know God's will for me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
God, continue to grant me one of Your most wonderful gifts -- the right to be human.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Participating keeps me whole(some).

Emotions Anonymous

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July 27

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Today is my spouse's birthday. The best gift I can give him is to let him be himself -- not try to change him. He has the same rights as I do and is entitled to make his own decisions, whether I think they are correct or not. Criticism is a major character defect of mine -- one that I ask my Higher Power to remove. It is a very unloving habit and only leads to arguments and bad feelings.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to remember I cannot change anybody but myself.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will concentrate today on my own assests and character defects, and I will be grateful for those who love me as I am.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 26

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We live, grow, and are better people because of our program. How could anyone reject it? I was ready for the program three weeks after I heard about it. Another person may have been sitting in meetings for six months and still not be in the groove. Why? People learn and live at their own pace. I cannot manipulate or push someone into my schedule of growth. While some grow by leaps and bounds, others grow inch by inch. Progress is what we strive for. Speed is not a top priority.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Give me the patience and tolerance to understand someone else's, as well as my own, pace of growth.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
We did not get sick overnight, nor will we get well overnight, but we will get well.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 25

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
For some reason it was harder for me to forgive myself than it was to forgive others. I was always stricter with myself. I expected more and better from me. It was easier to justify other people's apparent mistakes. In my mind it was okay for others to be human, but not me. I seemed to have such high expectations for myself and felt I must be the best and do the best always. It was s easy to criticize myself and my actions. I have learned and now practice self-forgiveness. I cannot forgive others properly if I cannot forgive me. When I forgive myself I find the courage to begin again. I now know I do not have to be perfect. What a relief!

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Remind me always that if You can forgive me, I can forgive me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Forgiveness is love.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 24

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Over and over in the program I have heard that anger and resentment are our number one enemies. This does not mean I am to deny the anger or resentment I may feel at times. What it does mean is that I need to deal with these emotions in the present so they do not again gain power over me and my behavior. Feelings I deny will always find an outlet. The more open and honest I can be, the less power, anger and resentment I will have in my life again.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Because I am so uncomfortable with my anger, help me to be honest when it is present, or else it will build up and snowball into self-defeating behavior.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Being human, I will continue to experience the gamut of emotions, including anger and resentment.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 23

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Today I took my two-year-old son to the carnival where he rode on a tiny fire truck with no less than nine steering wheels, none of which could actually turn the vehicle. My son was nevertheless very serious and spun the weel furiously, as did the other children beside him. Isn't this how God must see us, as "children" many time -- in intent on what actually means so little and controlling so little of where we really are going?

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
When I find life grim or think the stakes are high, let me recall again that I am in a spiritual childhood, and You wish me to enjoy my ride through life.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I need not take myself so seriously!

Emotions Anonymous

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July 22

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In the past I have tied my self-worth to how well I have done the things I have strived to do. When I didn't do well, I felt worthless. When I first came into the program, I fell into the same trap. Through the program I have come to realize that my value as a person is independent of how well I do any given thing, including working my program. I am not a better, more worthwhile person when I am working my program well. I am, however, able to enjoy a richer, more fulfilling and more serene life when I do.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize I will not be a more worthwhile person if I love my program well today -- only a happier one.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I can work toward serenity knowing I am already a valuable person.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I am responsible to others; but I am responsible for only myself. When I take responsibility for another's happiness, I set myself up for defeat. Poor me -- I try so hard! Self-pity envelops me. I pout for a while, but then I struggle back to my feet and meddle in their lives again. Only when I see that I am overly involved in my family's lives, smothering them and hindering their growth, can I have a more mature understanding of responsibility. The hard part for me is taking charge of my own life. I see how I have avoided that responsibility by leaning too heavily on others for my sense of self-worth.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Remind me that my self-worth is my responsibility.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To mind my own business.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 20

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Sometimes I work too hard, get too busy, and run roughshod over problems -- my own and maybe others'. I often ignore this "too busy" problem for a while. After all, these many, many thins I have to get done are very, very important! But wait a minute. They are not nearly as important as talking care of myself, getting the necessary sleep, eating properly, and taking some time to communicate in a loving way with persons in my family and in my live in general. The tough thing is to make choices, often because I have to choose between several things I want to do or things that other people want me to do. Making choices is not easy. I need to ask myself if what I am so busy at is really as important as some of the other things which are calling for some time.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I slow down at least enough to take a quick inventory now and then. Help me to put myself on the list.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To realze the most important thing is to be alive in the world.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 19

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The healing which continues to come as a result of working the program is astounding. There is so much more to gain than just ridding ourselves of our addictions and compulsions. As I am willing to be open and honest and reach out for support, and as I am willing to go through some very painful times, my sense of freedom and aliveness continues to expand. This freedom and aliveness are wonderful gifts -- gifts for which I am very grateful.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I not be willing to settle for only ridding myself of my addictions and compulsions. May I have the courage to continue expanding and becoming all You have created me to be.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The painful times are worthwhile when I can look back and see how much love I have been able to let into my life.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 18

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
There was a time when I had innumerable dreadful anxiety attacks. They left me fearful of many things and full of panic. There were times when I could not leave my home because of them. For the most part, they have gone away since I started working the program. Occasionally one will appear for no apparent reason, even when I am working the program to the utmost,and for a moment, the panic comes again. I also get angry because I feel I no longer should have these attacks. If I stop then and there and say to myself, "I accept that I am having an anxiety attack and I surrdent it to my Higher Power." it will usually go away -- not instantaneously, but soon.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I always remember that acceptance and surrender are effective tools for handling anxiety attacks.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Don't panic! Accept.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 17

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My written inventory must be through, going back to my earliest memories, because this is where the root of my problem is. It was in childhood I developed a pattern of behavior which I thought would protect me from hurt, assure me of financial and emotional security, and gain approval and praise for myself. Step Four is an ego-reducer. To get to this step I have had to admit I have not been able to gain peace of mind and emotional stability by applying my old patterns of behavior and thinking.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize that You will accept my sincere attempt to search out my strengths as well as my weaknesses.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I do not have to do things perfectly for God's approval.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 16

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My fears came for lack of self confidence, which usually meant lack of confidence in God. I used up so much energy worrying about what might happen that I had no energy left to handle the situation. when, or if, it arose. Someone suggested that I ask myself, "What is the worst thing that could happen?" and to imagine myself walking through that scene. Instead of asking, "What if ... ," act "as if" I had confidence to handle the situation. Feeling and acting more confident was often enough to carry me through.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember that my self-confidence comes from you.

TODAY I WILL REMEMER
Nothing can happen today that God and I cannot handle together.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Let me remember how the dawn breaks in the morning. The change from darkness into light comes on so gradually it is hardly noticeable. But at one point I become able to discern forms where before has been complete darkness. And everything around me become clearer, almost imperceptibly, up to the moment when the sun rises in all its splendor, warming rays. Let me think about this whenever I am feeling impatient.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I put my whole reliance in You, who lets the sun rise over us every day, trusting that You are taking care of all Your children.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Dawn comes slowly, and so will my patience.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 14

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Pride and fear have been my worst enemies. Pride says, "You do not have to look," and fear says, "You dare not look." To grow, both pride and fear have to be put on the shelf. Each time I face these enemies, I break through another barrier. Breaking through the barriers brings me more in touch with the caring and loving person I was created to be; plus, I gain a sense of belonging I had always wanted but did not know how to achieve.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I have the ability to be honest with myself to avoid needless pain.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
If I feel pride or fear, I will reach out in spite of it.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 13

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I had fears of what God would ask me to be and do, fears of a life I did not want to lead. Slowly my faith has developed to where I am wiling and able to turn my life over to God. Piece by piece I have ventured to give up control over my will and life and let God have control. Many times I take control back. At no time has it worked out better for me to have been in control rather than God. Every time God has been in control, it has worked out for the best. My spiritual progress has been gradual. As my trust in God has grown, the areas I surrender to my Higher Power have increased.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I commit myself to letting You handle my life today.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
In God's control, I am in the best care possible.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 12

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Growth is a continual process. There is always something new we can learn. Each time we are willing to risk, we are once again led along the path to a new encounter. As we accept the challenge which the new path brings us to, we often discover abilities we did not know we possessed. Gratitude for our new abilities will expand our freedom and fill us with joy.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I never forget to be thankful for my new life.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will be open, I will take a risk, and I will take time to say thanks.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 11

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I spent a good share of my life feeling inferior to others. Because of this feeling, I continually compared myself with them. I compared my weaknesses with their strengths and, of course, I feel short. Once I learned that comparing myself was a coput for not developing my own creativity and talents, it became easier to let go of this defense. Becoming willing to let go of my comparing has opened me to creativity and talnet that I never dreamed I had.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I begin to compare myself to someone else, give me a little push.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I have a great deal to offer by just being me.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 10

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Emotional pain is what brought me to EA. In spite of my fear, I went to my first meeting and found I was not alone. I also found hope. I heard how others had found help through the Twelve Steps and through sharing with each other, and I made the commitment to give it a try. I attended weekly meetings, read the literature, and tired to work the program in my daily life. After spurts of growth and slips, I realized I was getting better. The anxiety, panic and abnormal fears were beginning to lessen. I continue to attend meetings and maintain what I have learned and continue to grow as a person through faith in my Higher Power. When I give hope to a new member by telling my recovery story, my growth is enhanced.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
God, help me to remember the past pain. Help me to be greateful to the program and the people who have shared their thoughts, feelings, fears and faith with me. Let me never forget to look to You for guidance and to know You will support me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Through pain comes growth and eventually peace and serenity.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 9

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Each day brings new challenges to meet, and I am given the choice as to how I will meet those challenges. I can feel defeated, give up, feel sorry for myself and not try, or I can optimistically give my best to the situation, think about positive aspects, and enthusiastically await the results of my efforts. If the results are those desired, I can rejoice and give thanks to my Higher Power. If the results are of a disastrous nature, I have no need to feel defeated, but can trust that my Higher Power is in control and has a plan for me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Be my guide as I assess my successes and attitudes. Give me the courage to go beyond what I have already done.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Sitting in a chair doing nothing will not make my life exciting and productive.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 8

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Recognition is a basic human need. Recognition can come from conditional strokes which are given for performance. Conditional strokes separate the behavior from the person, and they are earned. Recognition can also come from unconditional strokes, which are generally given non-verbally by a look or a touch. Unconditional strokes are just for being, and they are unearnable. We need relationships where we are given unconditional strokes, for without them we cannont develop a healthy self-esteem. Interestingly, no amount of conditional strokes we can eally by doing things to please others will ever compensate for our need to experience the value that only unconditional strokes provide.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to be open to the positive characteristics in others. Encourage me to affirm their positive qualities.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The more I value myself, the better equipped I will be to give others unconditional strokes.

July 7

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
After I had been in the program for a while and was still impatient with my growth, emotionally as well as spiritually, I had to realize I had probably neglected to see the small positive changes occuring within me. At first I had to look hard to find those small, positive changes, which later grew in to giant positive changes. Now I realize those changes were there all along. Because I was not satisfied with them, I discounted the little seeds which just needed more water and warm sunshine (EA) to grow. Those seeds were permanently planted no matter what I believed. And yet, I still became frustrated because I was tired of my shortcomings and wanted a miracle, which was to become well right then and there. I had no patience with my very slow progress.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I have trust and faith that I will be better if I take action to search for what I need.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I can feel better about myself just knowing I am at least trying to improve.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 6

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We dream of being winners. In our fantasies we are always the successful achievers. In order for these dreams to come true, we have to want to be winners. With wanting something comes drive, determinations, and a sense of commitment. When we take a good look at the winners we admire, we see they look like winners. They have a pride in their apperance. They talk like winners and converse with others with ease. They are comfortable with any group. They act like winners, and it is easy to see self-esteem and self-confidence radiate from them. These same people think like winners and have no room in their heads for negative thoughts. Seeing the positive side has become a habit with them and, eventually, their way of life.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me acquire "winner's ways."

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My success starts with the attitude in my head, not the circumstances of my birth.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 5

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Love makes me vulnerable. When I love someone, I grow close to him or her. This person can see my soft spots and knows what hurts me. I have hurt so much already I do not want to hurt anymore, so I start to back off, hoping if I keep a safe distance I will cut down my chances of getting hurt. I also limit my chances of finding intimate relationships. I could end up living in a superficial, noncommittal environment where caring and sharing would only be words. Being close to someone is a risk, but it is also a delight. The person who knows what really hurts me is also the person who knows what makes me happy and how to put a sparkle in my eye, a spring in my step, and a song in my heart. The distance I keep between myself and my loved ones keeps out hurt but also keeps out joy.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Give me the courage to get close enough to take a change getting joy into my life.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I can keep out hurt, but I can also keep out joy.

July 4

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We have traditionally celebrated the Fourth of July (or Independence Day) in the United States with family picnics, parades and fireworks. Fireworks is a good description of my behavior at many of these famiy gatherings. On past holidays my emotions erupted like skyrockets and Roman candles. Words came out of my mouth like firecrackers -- loud, fast, and hurtful. Thanks to my Higher Power and EA, holidays have become a meaningful and enjoyable part of my life. I have learned to live and enjoy life even though there are unsolved problems.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You for holidays and loved ones with whom we can enjoy them. They bring an added spice and zest to my life.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
An anticipated holiday is no longer fearful to me.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 3

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
What is it that brings on an emotional slip? How and why does it happen? These questions have answers which only I can supply, but it helps if I write down the persons, places, and things or events in connection with each peevish and painful state. The "touchy spots" or thoughts which seem to come before or during such times can give me a clue as to what my Higher Power would have me do. What step am I on? When was my last meeting? My last call to reach out? When did I last read some solid program literature? In my writings or journal, have I noted those things which successfully pulled me out of a negative emotional state? What worked for me then? Sometimes a simple thing comes to mind, a tool given us in this program such as HALT, the four elements which frequently bring on bad emotional states: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness and Tiredness.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You for these simple, effective tools.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will steer clear of HALT and consider what effedct they have had in my life so far.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 2

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Before I can love anyone else, I have to accept and love myself. Healthy self-love is necessary in my daily living. "Love your neighbor as yourself" does not say "instead of yourself." Until I recognize the good and beautiful things in me and love me just as I am -- the good, the bad and the ugly -- I cannot love another, nor can I truly begin replacing the character flaws I find in myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I begin each day with a relaization of my good qualities and always be greatful for them.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will be positive and grateful for the goodness within me.

Emotions Anonymous

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July 1

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When we share our problems and troubles with another understanding human being, we are doing each of us a favor. We are helping ourselves just by speaking about what is bothering us. Sometimes just the speaking of it aloud will supply the solution for us. If there is not an immediate answer, we feel better simply because we did talk about it. There is always the possibility that the other person can help us. By sharing our worries, we are letting the other person know of our trust and caring for them. This makes for good feelings. We also, in a sense, are telling the other person we will be there for them under similar circumstances.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May You always provide me with a warm, understanding friend who will share my troubles.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Talk about it!

Emotions Anonymous

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