May 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
How often have we expected 100 percent from a friend and felt disillusioned because that person could not meet our expectations? On the other hand, how many of us have a tendency to gravitate toward people who can only give 25 percent? We may be so used to receiving only crumbs in our relationships, we think that is all we deserve. Yet, as we grow, we discover we deserve to have people in our lives who can give us 90 percent - at least some of the time. In fact, to grow to our potential, we need a handful of friends who think we are terrific and wonderful - at least 75 percent of the time.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Higher Power, guide me to relationships which will help me realize my potential.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will seek relationships which value me, relationships on an equal level. In turn, I will value my friends.

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May 3

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Some of the friends I have made in the program have become like members of a caring, nurturing family. When I can look across the room and see the sparkle in someone's eyes as they respond to me, I know without a doubt I am loved. The sense of belonging and being loved was something I always wanted desperately. I had felt like I was on the outside looking in. I was lonely even in a crowd. No longer do I have to feel alienation and loneliness, for I have come home. I have found a place where I can be me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me never to take for granted the wonderful and healing gift of friendship.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
If I am feeling lonely, I can reach out to a brother or sister in the fellowship.

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March 29

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
There have been a handful of very special people who have come into our life. These people have been instruments of a great deal of healing. For someone who had tried to be as self-sufficient as I had, accepting their help was tough. When I became aware that not to accept their care and support would be very self-defeating, it became easier to reach out. As I have been able to let go of pride and fear and reach out, I learned more and more about my own inner beauty.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Nudge me, Higher Power, if I try to become self-sufficient once again. It is so lonely behind that wall.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
By letting love in, I have found myself and a caring Higher Power.

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April 11

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Step Eleven warns us to be careful of wishful thinking and rationalizing, and to be conscious of what we may mistakenly believe to be divine guidance. Talking things out with someone else is suggested so we may gain perspective and understanding before we act. God most often speaks to us through other people. When we draw closer to the God of our understanding, we may be tempted to put aside people and rely only on our Higher Power. If we withdraw from human relationships, thinking we are divinely inspired, we will once again find ourselves becoming self-righteous.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remain humble enough to recognize my need to continue to reach out to people.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My relationship with God must be balanced with my relationship with people.

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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.

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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