October 31

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Halloween - the traditional day for disguises and masquerades. Most of my life I have been wearing masks and showing a phony facade to the world. Much of the time pride has been at the root of this deception (self-deception as well), usually disguising itself as a virtue. I have a never-ending job of uncovering, pride daily so it does not push me backward. Forward is the way I want to go. Pride hides my faults from me and keeps me from helping others, as well as myself. It slows my growth and gives me a false sense of security.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I pray I can be realistic enough to accept my assets without being proud.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am through with masks and masquerading - except at Halloween parties.

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October 30

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Loneliness is a feeling many of us do not want to admit having. Perhaps our false pride stops us. It is hard to acknowledge we could be at a huge party and still be lonely. Few of us who are married or have significant others want our friends to realize it is possible to be lonely even in a strong relationship. And yet we must not hold these feelings in. It is, never to let ourselves get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. It can be dangerous for us not to share our loneliness. Let us break down the pride barrier and call a friend today. Maybe that friend is lonely also.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Grant me the courage to accept and express my loneliness.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Reach out for comfort.

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October 29

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I awaken this day with the faith that there will be enough time to accomplish all that is necessary. As I think of the tasks ahead, I do not concentrate on how many there are or how long they might take. I know my Higher Power is with me in all my undertakings. I can start each job calmly, believing God will aid me in my work and the tasks will be accomplished in the right manner and at the right time. My hands and mind will be guided all day. When the work is done for the day, there will be time for play.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You for Your guidance throughout this day in the completion of my appointed tasks.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Anything is possible with God's help.

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June 26

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Whenever I pray for God's will for me, I must understand that as I move throughout this day, I am probably doing what I should be doing. I was afraid that God's will for me would be something outlandish I would not want to do. I have come to believe God's will for me is to take care of the responsibilities in my present day life the best way I can.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I pray for anything specific today, may I understand that Your will hear me and respond.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
God always answers prayers: sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes wait.

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June 25

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I will not compare myself to others. In comparing, I become so preoccupied with the effect I produce and what others think of me that I forget who I am. I envy their talents so much I neglect to appreciate and develop my own. God creates only one of a kind and chooses the length of time each of us needs to gain insight and understanding. The insight God gives each one of us will be different because we are different.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May my Higher Power help me stop playing games with my personality and see my character defects so I can change my negative aspects into positive ones.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Don't compare.

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June 24

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In dealing with many people and situations in my life, I find I feel I must hid the true me. Sometimes my emotions, especially fear, get in the way of relating to other people, and I feel I do not fit in. But there is hope! At an EA meeting I can be myself. I can share my feelings and show my emotions. I can be me. As I find strength through EA meetings and friends, I find this strength beginning to carry over in other areas of my life.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I always remember that being emotional is not bad and does not make me weak. My emotions are given to me by You as a way to express all my inward feelings.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will love and accept myself as I am.

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June 23

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Before becoming a part of the program, I was selfish and inconsiderate. There were so many times I said, "Me first." I manipulated and maneuvered others into doing what I thought was right. Selfishly, I demanded that everyone else do what I wanted. If they didn't, I sulked and I stormed. If that didn't work, I developed a headache or a mysterious pain to get the attention I thought I needed or deserved. I am trying today to be more considerate of others, more aware of their needs.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Although I know I need to take care of myself, help me to be considerate of others' needs.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I'm important; others are too.

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June 22

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In the past I often got so distracted I forgot what it was I had set out to do and ended up doing nothing. Then I spend the rest of the day blaming others for my problems and berating myself for losing sight of my goal. Am I learning to concentrate on the task at hand? Am I stopping to check the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional attitudes which all help to keep my train of thought on the track? Am I setting reasonable goals and remembering "First things first?"

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help direct my day. Remind me to stop along the way to remember a concept, a step, a slogan, or a Just for Today to keep me aware of You.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I will attach my mind to the engine and not to the caboose.

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June 21

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Sometimes I find myself totally engrossed in wondering what someone close to me is thinking, what that person is doing or is going to do next. I ask myself questions like: "How can I help or change the situation?" "What if...?" "How will I handle the problem if....?" I suddenly realize I am wasting away my own time and causing turmoil within myself. All my thoughts will do nothing to help or change a situation, so I must let go and wait to see what happens.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize the time I spend thinking about a situation or person is a form of controlling, and that my own sanity depends on turning it over to You.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My thoughts cannot change another person or situation. I can change only myself!

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June 20

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When I hit my emotional bottom, my sense of humor was one of the blessings I lost. It seemed so strange to me to see other people laugh. What was so funny? My whole world had fallen apart. I was irritated by people who could laugh. I was jealous because I missed my old friend, humor. I was emotionally locked up. When I came to EA, I was pleased to read that one of the promises of the program was that my sense of humor would return.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You for the gift of my returned laughter.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Laughter is one of the keys which open doors to serenity.

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June 19

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
While I was working on a jigsaw puzzle, I became aware of how much my life has been like this puzzle. Some pieces of my life fit into other pieces with ease, while some do not mesh at all. On reflection, I realize that when I surrender problems of my Higher Power, those pieces of my life go together easily. When I take over the controls, no matter how I push and tug, none of the pieces fit. When my negative emotions take over, the colors of the puzzle and the colors of my life do not blend. The puzzle could never be finished if I continue in that manner. When I relax and work with my brain instead of hostile feelings, the pieces seem to go together of their own volition - just like the parts of my life.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
When I struggle and flounder, help me to remember how jigsaw puzzles get put together.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
To solve a puzzle of life, turn it over and relax.

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June 18

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Those of us who have been sexually abused as children tend to feel a lot of shame, fear, and rage. If we do not face these feelings, we will hang on to self-defeating behavior. When we are willing to face our shame, fear, and rage, we can start to heal. It may be scary and painful to face those experiences from our past, but the option of not facing that pain seems far worse. A painful existence by denial is comparable to living in a self-made hell.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
God, please help me to trust at least one person today with my secret pain.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I do not have to continue feeling guilt and shame for childhood experiences.

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June 17

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
My life can be like scrambled eggs! Try as I might, I can't put those eggs back together again, so I have to explore my alternatives. How? With HOW - Honesty, Openness, and Willingness. With HOW, my life is still scrambled eggs, but now I can cope and accept that scrambled eggs are good, too. HOW adds to my life and makes it better, just as adding bacon, toast, and jelly make the scrambled eggs more satisfying.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I realize that I can live with unsolved problems.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
However the egg is prepared, it can be good!

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June 16

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Today I shall pause and consider all the positive and wonderful circumstances of my life, free gifts from my Higher Power, which are showered upon me. It is time to state my gratitude for these blessings. I am grateful for my health and for my life. I am grateful for the loving and lovely people in my life: family, friends, and co-workers. They contribute to my happiness and well-being. I am grateful for the beauty surrounding me: sun, sea, blue sky, flowers, and even rain. I am grateful for my sense of humor, which eases my way along life's path. I am grateful especially for the EA program which has taught me about appreciation and gratitude, as well as a way of life.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Thank You, Higher Power, for all the blessings of my life. Help me always to remember gratitude.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am blessed with a good life!

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June 15

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In the past I was taught to believe I was being conceited, selfish, and shameless if I liked myself. I could have a good time, but not give myself any credit. This attitude led me to dislike myself and lack self-acceptance. I must be free of this attitude if I am to have emotional health. My sanity depends upon acceptance and love for myself as I am. It is essential that I appreciate me; only then can I enjoy being me.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to appreciate myself as I am.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Not only is it okay for me to feel good about myself, it is necessary.

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June 14

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Our Higher Power allows all of us complete freedom to do whatever we want. Why, then, can't I give others the same opportunity? Am I playing God in their lives? No. I even go one step further and believe I can force my will on them. "Live and let live," tells me to let go of them to make their own choices. Just because something is not right for me does not mean it is not right for them. I need not condone the actions of others, but I can accept the person.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I quit pulling strings to change others. Remind me that You are guiding those I love, and even those I do not like so well.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I am not responsible for the actions of anyone else.

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June 13

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The thought of changes in my life used to fill me with dread. I felt uncertain and insecure when I realized my old patterns would not be the same. Now the thought of change is exciting. My life would be so dull and uninteresting if I never tried a new way of doing things or never accepted a challenge. I could not grow if I did not step out with faith to do more and be more than I thought I could do or be. Challenges fill my life with excitement. Sometimes I cannot meet the challenge, but I know new ones will keep coming which I probably can meet. There is a joy in anticipation of learning, feeling, and experiencing new ways of living and growing.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I know You are with me through every change, and I expect, accept, and give thanks for the change.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Life is for living and growing, no matter what my age.

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June 12

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
One of the biggest hurdles to staying well emotionally is self-pity. Self-pity breeds all kinds of "I" trouble. It is like being on center stage with the spotlight on ourselves. It is the minor injury we let drag on for a while so we can let more people share in our pain. It is the tough, emotional time when we feel so sorry for ourselves that we cannot see the world around us. It is a fog because our "eyes" are focused on ourselves. Sometimes asking God to help us over a crisis is the hardest things to do. The reason is that our prayers may be answered, and then we have to go on again. We may have to change, and we cannot feel sorry for ourselves any longer.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
I pray that I may have a willing heart and that I will lean on Your strength and love.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
When we take our "eyes" off ourselves and begin to focus them on others, our "I" trouble clears up.

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June 11

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Most of us can relate to the feelings of being used. Have we ever looked behind our feelings of being used? Why did we continue putting ourselves in situations which left us feeling inadequate, angry, guilty, and shameful? Were we not really being pleasers? It is one thing as a child to do things which bring us approval, but as adults we have the freedom of choice. We are not at the mercy of others for our self-worth. If we remain people-pleasers, it is our own choice.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
If I feel used, may I remind myself I am responsible for what happens to me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
No one can use me unless I allow it.

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June 8

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I used to think I had to make everything perfect for my children. If they were given too much homework, I felt I should say something to the teacher. If my child did not play as many innings in a baseball game as I thought he should, I figured it was my responsibility to let that coach know how unjust I thought he was and try to change him. I cannot make life perfect for my children - or for me, for that matter. It helps to try and determine how important the situation is. There really are not that many cases I have discovered which are important. However, at the time I often think it is of the utmost importance. I cannot change the coach, I cannot change the teacher, and , in fact, there are really very few people I can change - probably no one but myself. I do not always know what is best, nor is it realistic to attempt to make things perfect.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
Help me to give others permission to be different from me.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
My serenity comes from knowing it is okay if it is not my will.

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