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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

August 14

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My best attempts at solving problems many not be good enough. There are some problems in life I cannot solve and was not meant to solve, no matter how I feel about them. My job lies in recognizing which problems are truly mine, and then giving a good try at solving them with my Higher Power's help. Letting go and letting God take my problems when I have done my best is the only way to go. I am not responsible for the outcome.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize the longer I continue to hold on to my problems and hurts, the more I blame myself or others.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
If I cling to my problems, I am not trusting my Higher Power.

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August 13

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
It has been said, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." This is why a hostile man lives in a hostile world and a loving man lives in a loving world. It is the same world -- it is how I perceive it that counts. I have a choice, and herein lies my accountability. It has also been said, "As a man sows, so shall he reap." I must realize that thinking, feeling, or acting negatively begets negative results. What I put out, I shall receive. The effects of my words and acts have a profound impact in my world, and on others as well as myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May You work through me to radiate calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, forgiveness, acceptance, and love.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Happiness and good come to me in their highest form, not because I seek to absorb it, but rather because I seek to radiate it.

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August 12

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The road to self-acceptance is long and often full of pain. When we feel rejected or misunderstood, it hurts and often tempts us to question the value of our needs and feelings. The twelve-step program gives us the tools we need to know and accept ourselves. Although self-acceptance cannot be obtained quickly or easily, once we give ourselves completely to this simple program, we start on the path toward valuing ourselves. All lasting happiness is dependent on a healthy love and acceptance of myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Let me not be detoured or discouraged by the pain involved in growing.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I cannot be right for anyone unless I am right for myself.

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August 11

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The program teaches me to take care of myself. In the old days I was self-destructive. Now I care for my own well-being and nurture myself. If I am tired, I take the time to rest or sleep. If I am lonely, I call a friend. I say no to people-pleasing. If someone wants me to do something I know would be harmful to me, I do not do it. I do not expect others to read my mind. When I need care, I take the responsibiloty for myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I slip back into my old ways, help me to remember I can be responsible for myself with Your help.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
No one can care for me like I can care ffor myself.

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August 10

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The words, "I am not alone," have come to mean several things to me. I joined EA in search of personal recovery -- a desire to become well emotionally, as did all of us. But I have learned that my recovery is aided by your recovery. As I grow, I pass it on to you, and as you grow you pass it on to others. Even though ours is, in a sense, a selfish program, I must remember that what I do for me, I do for you, and vice versa. What is good for me is good for you. We are all in this together.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I never forget that when I help, I am helped; what I give away is doubly returned.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am never alone.

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August 9

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Many times I put off taking action I either needed to take or wanted to take because I was afraid. This behavior only made me more fearful. Taking responsible action can change my feelings toward myself and my surroundings. It is freeing to know I do not have to stay locked into my fears. The experiences I fear, I need to face. As I face my fears, I grow in confidence and trust both my Higher Power and myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to be aware today if I am putting off taking responsible action because I am afriad.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Putting off taking responsible action can lead me back into my symptoms.

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August 8

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The longer I am in this program, the more aware I become of my need for doing a basic Step One. To use this step I have to admit my powerlessness over m emotions and admit to that surrender. How often am I still denying, fighting, or feeling guilty about my thoughts and feelings? I cannot predict, control, or even understand my thoughts and feelings fully. They are a part of my humanness -- and an acceptable part of me. Only by admitting and accepting my emotions as they are can I be freed of their hold upon me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to be aware today if I am putting off taking responsible action because I am afraid.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Putting off taking responsible action can lead me back into my symptoms.

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August 7

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I couldn't understand why, with all my faith, I still didn't have peace. Then I realzed I gave my troubles to my Higher Power by sending them up on a kite string and hanging on to the other end. In other words, I didn't really surrender. When I trusted another human being, it gave me strength to trust my Higher Power. This allowed me to really surrender and release the kite string, which held my problems.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to extend my gratitude to the human beings who gave me trust.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
God cannot help unless I let go.

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August 6

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
One easy word of approval has the ability to change even the most bizarre state of affairs. One easy word of gratitude spoken with honesty has the ability to ease the worst possible situation. I sometimes have difficulty speaking words of approval and gratitude when in the midst of heated controversy. I have seen, however, the power brought about by praise and appreciation. I practice using these words, and, though they may seem awkward to my lips at first, they soon become more natural. Who can resist a compliment? Who does not appreciate gratitude? It is rewarding for me to show approval and gratitude each day to the people who share my life and make it rich and complete. I must not neglect myself when I praise and appreciate.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I show my appreciation and gratitude for all the blessings which will come my way this day.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Thank God, other people, and me.

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August 5

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Each day consists of twenty-four hours. Perhaps I have made commitments which require some part of that time each day. I must also realize that taking care of my physical, spiritual and mental needs requires some of that time. Once of the greatest gifts I give myself is my daily time of meditation. In these quiet, still moments apart from the mainstream of my life, I am able to view people and events from a different perspective. I am open to my inner voice and to the guidance of my Higher Power. My spirit is refreshed and strengthened. through this as surely as my body is nourished by food and drink.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You for being the conselor of my innermost self.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am responsible for my life, including how to spend my time.

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August 4

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
There is little that can bring more happiness or heartache than sex. Sex is part of my being which I am continually learning about. At times I have approached it by rushing in irresponsibly. At times I have tried to run away from it. Today I am learning a better balance. The Twelve Steps are teaching me to be diligently honest, and this seems to be the sex to sexual harmony. I am learning to ask if the needs of my partner are as important as my own. I am finding there are periods where celibacy is actually a positive step in my growth. As I place my sex life in the hands of my Higher Power, I come to know a growing contentment.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Guide me, Friend of my Highest Understanding, to keep sex beautiful.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will express my sexuality with love.

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August 3

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Grief can be devastating and debilitating. It can continue to creep into our lives years after the experience which caused it. It can, and does, appear at the most unexpected and unwanted times. Part of grief is anger and guilt, which seems unacceptable to most of us. Whether the pain comes from the loss of a spouse, significant other, pet, job, boss, child, limb, or house does not matter. The pain is just as strong and seemingly unendurable. Words do not help at these times. We need courage to just breathe and exist. If we can focus on living a moment at a time, strength will eventually come. We cannot let grief prevent us from loving again. It is a part of living which we all must go through.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to remember that You and time are my best friends in my struggle with grief.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
It is good to mourn but there comes a time to get beyond the sorrow and resume a happier life.

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August 2

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Too many occasions float by without my recognizing the kindness and good done for me. It seems as if my life consists of mundane, repetitious routines of the day before. Nothing spectacular seems to be happening, nothing for which to be thankful. Yet my yesterday was a miracle. I was able to take care of my responsibilities with no complications. Everything happened as it should. That, in itself, could elicit thankfulness on the part of those who have adversities to overcome, but I take it for granted and credit myself with the power to control my own life and the ability to succeed where I so desire. That is not true because my Higher Power uses ordinary people to help in making my life as smooth and problem-free as it usually is.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to be more appreciative and grateful for the life which has been given to me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To give thanks for each and every thing.

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August 1

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When I turn my eyes inward and dwell on my fear, the fear seems to grow. The longer I look at it, the larger it looms until it obsesses my life and I am scared stiff. Once I accepted forgiveness of my Higher Power for my past "failures," I began to accept myself and my humanness. One of the strange things I have noticed is that all the things I was afraid might happen, did not. The rent and the bills got paid and life went on. Because of the serenity which has slowly seeped into my life, I am able to cope with the problems that confront me. I have a clear mind and quieted soul.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Keep my eyes facing the day at hand and looking upward to You for strength.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My fears do not need to control me.

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