For Today: June 16th

Without health and courage we cannot face the present or the germ of the future in the present, and we take refuge in evasion.

Cyril Connolly

Am I in the habit of saying, “I wish things were better,” and putting off action to a day that never arrives? Things cannot get better without some action on my part. I acknowledge the problem, ask myself what I can do about it and then proceed accordingly.  If I’ve done all I can and am unable to go further, I turn the matter over to my Higher Power and relax.

I need to be aware, however, that fear may be at the root of my inability to do something.  Doing involves risk and change and a chance of failure. But it also presents a chance for growth, which in the long run may make failure more beneficial than success.

For Today: I do not need to fear failure. I need, rather, the peace of mind that comes with taking the action I have been putting off.

Out of the ashes of failure come growth & knowledge. Had I not failed so often, I may never have opened my eyes to Recovery nor accepted my compulsive overeating as an incurable but manageable disease!

When I make a mistake these days, and I do make mistakes, I acknowledge them & learn from them, and I move forward instead of burying my head in the sand, paralyzed with fear & indecision.

Taking action is THE most important thing I can do for myself, because wishing for change will not make it happen.

I can’t think myself into a new way of acting; I have to act myself into a new way of thinking.

This Is the foundation of OA & the 12 Steps: Action.

Once upon a time I’d fantasize about how my life ‘should be’, while I sat back & did nothing to make the changes necessary to facilitate a better life. Then I’d feel sorry for myself that things weren’t as I’d wished them to be!  That sort of twisted thinking brought me to obesity, misery & a whole lot of discontent.

OA has taught me to let go of the fear & indecision…….to do MY part, and then let go & let God take over & do the rest.

I go through my day working on every job that’s put in front of me, to the best of my ability, slowly, with a sense of purpose & acceptance.  At the end of the day, I can feel a sense of accomplishment & pride for all that I’ve done! No matter how small or insignificant each job may seem, put together, it's huge! 

When a problem comes up that I am not certain how to deal with, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and ask God to infuse me with His wisdom & give me direction.

The answer always comes to me.

For today, I am thankful for the program of OA that has changed my life and my attitude, that’s given me direction & focus, and for the answers that come when I ask for guidance.