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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

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

Order Today

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

Order Today

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

Order Today

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

Order Today