June 10

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
As we begin to look more positively at where we are, we will discover that all of our painful moments, if faced, lead us to learn more about ourselves. Everything we experience has it's value. How much do we learn when things are going well? Don't we just coast along? Often pain pushes us to risk or to challenge the things in ourselves which we need and want to change. As we become more in touch with our needs, our values, and our goals, we are pushed to a new adventure.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Remind me that pain is an opportunity for growth.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Our pain, if faced, helps us to find balance in our lives - the balance of self, others, and purpose.

Emotions Anonymous (Find a meeting near you!), Order Today

March 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
A person who continues to run from pain ultimately finds he or she has to deal with some type of neurosis: depression, anxiety, or some other obsessive or compulsive behavior. Only when my pain became so great did I stop running. Then I had to deal with both the pain my neurosis created, plus the original pain I had run from in the first place. Once I learned I was creating more pain by running, I became more willing to face myself honestly on a daily basis. As I deal with my pain, I keep from developing another type of neurosis.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I begin to run, God, slow me, for I know You do not want me to hurt myself anymore.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
As I face my pain, I learn about myself, and my pain turns into a gain.

Emotions Anonymous (Find a meeting near you!), Order Today

December 30

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Often we rebel against our pain. In our painful moments we may feel much alone, and it is true that to some degree we are. Yet, isn't it the pain which we have faced which has ultimately given us compassion for ourselves and then for others? Sometimes when we are open and share our pain, someone responds, "Thanks, you have really helped me." These moments create a deeper awareness of our value and the meaning to our pain.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I have the courage to be open to what my pain is trying to teach me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Pain faced brings freedom.

Emotions Anonymous (Find a meeting near you!), Order Today

November 20

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My attitude toward the pain in my life will determine how I experience it. Pain is not the worst thing which can befall me. This is worse: not being able to feel. Pain is a natural part of life - like air, breath, love and death. It is not meant to diminish my life or me. Only if I resist it is my life made smaller and my misery increased. My happiness and my pain can live together for me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to accept the things I cannot change.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I can enjoy my life today even though I may have emotional or physical pain.

Emotions Anonymous (Find a meeting near you!), Order Today

October 13

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When I am feeling especially lonely, the pain inside makes me wonder why I have to go through this. The longer I am in the program and share my pain, the more I am aware that others hurt also. This common bond helps me to understand, care and grow. Pain is nature's way of telling me I have a need which has to be taken care of, whether it is physical or emotional. I need to take care of myself, and I can do it.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to realize my pain is worthwhile, because it draws me closer to You and to others, and it gives me compassion.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Whenever I share my pain, someone comes into my life with a similar pain to remind me I am not alone.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
For years I ran from pain thinking denial would make it go away. But denying the pain only created more and more anguish and isolation. Hearing the phrase, "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional," touched the core of my being. The reality is that as a human being I will experience pain. It is inevitable. Knowing I can alleviate needless suffering if I am willing to risk facing my pain creates a feeling of hope and security in me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to face my pain. Give me the courage to share my hurts with another, for it will rid me of my isolation.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Feeling pain is a sign that I am human, open to life, and growing.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

August 27

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
So often I either denied my feelings or was not aware of them. I tried to avoid feelings because I did not want to feel pain. It was imperative that I came to see pain from a new perspective. Pain does not come from God. Feeling pain is part of my being human. Pain tells me I need to change something (maybe only my attitude). If a person did not feel pain from a physical illness, a doctor might not be seen, which could result in death. Pain is necessary.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I am trying to avoid pain again, help me to remember that pain is not all negative. The fact is, there is no gain without pain.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Pain is inevitable - suffering is optional.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today