September 23

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I am a guilt addict! The twelve-step program is helping me to recover from this addiction. Slowly my eyes are opening to the truth of my behavior and how it feeds this addiction. In the past I would overfill each day with "must do's" and "have to's" and "should do's," so that each evening I felt exhausted and guilty about what did not get done. Each morning began with leftover guilt feelings from the behavior of the day before. The future appeared as a repeat of the past: not enough time for the perfect performance of every duty and desire. By practicing the program I have become aware of my addiction and the harm it does me. This awareness is followed by acceptance, forgiveness, and then action.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me concentrate on Step Three today. This Step ever reminds me that Your will for me does not have a guilt "aftertaste."

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Felling guilty is an indulgence which always hurts me and destroys my enjoyment of the present day. I will choose to be free of it.

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

June 28

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
How much of my life has been spent wallowing in guilt instead of taking action? The program teaches that this sick pleasure is one of the dubious luxuries I cannot afford. If I feel guilty today, I can use that guilt to propel me into action, admitting my fault (Steps Five and Ten) and making amends (Step Nine). When I have done my best to correct what I did, I am free to forgive myself. EA is a program of action, not retrospection. I cannot carry a heavy burden of guilt anymore.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Let me be clear bout where I was at fault, and fearless and thorough in making amends. Help me to accept the response, even if it is not what I had hoped for.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To travel lightly through life without the wreckage of the past.

Emotions Anonymous

Order Today