March 28

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Most of us long to be known and understood in depth; yet we resist this self-disclosure, for with it comes a fear of loss. We may fear: What if my loved one dies? Or walks away? How will I survive? The loss won't be so great and won't hurt so much if I don't care so much. Often we are unaware that after intimate moments we create distance by becoming bored, irritated, or angry because we don't want to lose the feeling of being in control of our lives. We can be assured our fear of intimacy is normal, yet hurtful if we allow it to control us.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I be reminded that unless I risk the loss, I will remain lonely and empty in the present moment.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To let someone love me, I need to be vulnerable. To be vulnerable, I have to let go of control. I will resist closing up or running away.

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April 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Relating to another person intimately over an extended period of time is one of the most difficult things to do. We not only have to deal with our own problems, we have to deal with theirs, and our relationship. This increases the sources of potential problems considerably. It also increases the potential for growth and happiness. This is hard to see when in the midst of problems. If we can learn to relate while maintaining our individuality, we will have grown and found one of the keys to happiness and serenity. Often our partner or spouse will serve as a very clear mirror of ourselves. This can increase our awareness and acceptance so we can take action on those areas where we need work.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I pray I may be grateful for those around me who help me to see myself, because they are aiding me in my recovery.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Relationships, even those which cause pain, encourage us to grow.

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February 3

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Intimacy is not referring only to sexual relationships. Intimacy is being very close to someone: someone we trust, someone with whom we can share our deepest thoughts and feelings. We all need an intimate relationship, even those who might vehemently express they do not. To have someone truly know us, and still accept us, gives us the human bonding we need to find our existence meaningful. We are loveable. We do count. We are worthwhile. Yet we will never come to this realization unless we leave the door to our heart open.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I have the humility to be myself and let someone close know something I have been hiding.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Each time we risk being vulnerable and are accepted, we feel love. We also discover a greater awareness of our value.

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October 24

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Intimacy is being soft together. Many of you have observed the intimacy of a new relationship. It appeared exciting and wonderful. Yet this stage of the relationship ultimately passes. The conflict stage creeps in. Are we willing to deal with this stage, or do we run? Only after we face our conflict head-on can we come to experience the kind of intimacy and caring in a relationship which nurtures us and pushes us to become all we can be.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I have the courage to deal with conflict, realizing that dealing with it will raise my self-esteem.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
The more acceptance I have for myself, the more intimacy I will be capable of experiencing.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today