May 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Sometimes people tend to try and control others for their own needs. Even though I fell into the receiving end of this most of my life, I now have a choice in the matter. I can refuse to be controlled by others, if I do what is right for me, without fear of repercussions or verbal abuse. I am stronger now, and my courage to speak up on matters of principle comes from my Higher Power. I will not turn down this gift of courage because of fear of what others might think, say, or do in retaliation.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize that what others do or say is not necessarily an honest judgment of me as a person. Even if they meant it as such, I need only answer to You.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I do not have to let others control me. I have the Twelve Steps to use as my guide, not the judgments of others.

Emotions Anonymous (Find a meeting near you!), 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

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

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

Order Today

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

Order Today