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.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

December 9

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
So much of my grief is brought about by my own unrealistic expectations. Before the program, I did not have guidelines or a Higher Power to help me find balance between unrealistic and realistic expectations. High expectations of myself result in high expectations of others. When I fail to meet my own expectations, I feel I have failed. When others fail to measure up, I am angry or hurt. Low expectations of myself are just as damaging and are reflected in my expectations of others as well. Both myself and others are weakened if my expectations are too low.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to see that a well-balanced outlook on what I expect of others and of myself will do much to eliminate my struggles with living comfortably and having meaningful, healthy relationships.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will strive for realistic expectations.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today

September 29

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Before joining the program, I often thought I would really be happy if a certain situation worked out to my advantage. I anticipated great benefits if my plans worked out. When I did not get what I wanted, I was full of self-pity, saying constantly, "If only...." When I got what I wanted, I often still felt disappointed when I realized my unrealistically high expectations would not be met. As I have grown in the program, I have learned to have more realistic expectations. Where I used to expect great benefits, I am now grateful for small improvements. Where I used to feel self-pity, I now feel more serenity in knowing my true happiness comes from being at peace with myself.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to know more serenity by better maintaining a realistic perspective concerning the results of my efforts.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
It can be a long fall from high expectations.

Emotions Anonymous, Order Today