Recovery Meditations: April 13th

~ BE STILL ~

Be still, and know that I am God.

The Bible, Book of Psalms


I don't always know what "normal" is. I'm learning that my disease keeps me from having a normal relationship with food, but I also know that there are times when my feelings and thoughts are due to normal circumstances. I might not feel well physically, I could be fatigued from a demanding task, or I might simply be having an off day. There are normal reactions to these situations and I can feel them. Not everything is caused by my disease!

However, the way I handle these kinds of experiences can very much be affected by my disease. On those bad days, I don't have to make important decisions and I don't have to filter experiences through these thoughts and feelings. I can postpone things until I'm on a more even keel and, just for today, take care of myself and do the next right thing.

One Day at a Time . . .
I am grateful for the ways I am "normal" and thank God for the knowledge that I don't have to let my disease make me think everything about me is "sick." Let me simply be still on those uneven days and know that God is God and He is there.

~ Sandee S. ~

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Normal is a funny word, isn't it? I consider myself a fairly 'normal' person in most regards, however, my disease of addiction leads me to have ABnormal reactions to many situations.  Twisted thinking and dwelling in negativity leads me to want to comfort myself and my over-blown emotions with food. 

Through the steps of recovery, I am learning to sit still and just 'be'.  God is in charge of my life and it is not up to ME to control the world.  I have no control over other people's behavior, but I do have control over my reaction to their behavior.

The glass is half empty or the glass is half full: it's up to ME which approach I take.  When I allow God to take over, I am better able to view life in a positive fashion. Not everything is a crisis, not everything warrants hysteria........even though my natural inclination IS to over-react.  When I sit still with my feelings, they don't overwhelm me & lead me to the refrigerator.

I make a conscious effort to ask God's guidance with everything............BEFORE I make a decision; BEFORE I over-react and say something I'm likely to regret. And BEFORE I stuff my body with garbage.

For today, I don't have to control the world.  All I have to do is stay calm and allow God to stay in charge.

For today, may I recognize what is 'normal' and what is driven by my disease.