Recovery Meditations: May 5th

CHOOSE HAPPINESS

"Some cause happiness wherever they go;
others whenever they go."
Oscar Wilde

If happiness were to be found on a coin, anger and frustration would be on the other side of that coin, for they are all the children of expectation. As adults, we try to recapture those special moments and feelings of our childhood by recreating them. We use them as a model for happiness, only this time we are the adults and operating the controls. Unfortunately, our expectations are not grounded in reality. Reaching that level of childhood bliss is usually either impossible or fleeting. How can you as an adult compete with the happiness of being a child?

My experience is that we usually have a set-point for happiness. And though we can feel joy and sadness, we return to that same level of happiness afterward. There are things, however, that can help change that set-point. We can come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can feed our spirit, help keep us living in the moment, and enjoying the kind of peace and wisdom that only our Higher Power can provide. It helps ground us in the truth and gets rid of unrealistic expectations. It helps to relax us as opposed to letting our mind bounce back and forth from past to future and pain to fantasy. We learn to accept our life - just as it is. Today. Now

What choices have I been making to choose happiness? I choose to go to meetings and give shares. I choose to abstain from compulsive overeating. I choose to set time for myself every day where I can organize my affairs, and help ward off stressful situations. I also try to spend time with myself in ways that will feed my soul and spirit, not just keep myself entertained until I go to bed. I give to service to others, but remember that I need to take care of myself, for when I am not strong; I have no strength to give.

One day at a time...
Today I will choose happiness.

~ Marilyn S.

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Recovery is hard work.........wishing for it does not make it happen! There are many rules in place to help me achieve that state of acceptance, abstinence being at the top of the list. Avoiding stressful situations is another, keeping a neat & orderly home so I don't get overwhelmed is another.  Spending time with my Higher Power in meditation and prayer is important as well.

Sometimes I find that I DO amuse myself until it's time to go to sleep, meaning I'm not feeding soul & my spirit! My time is well spent when I'm giving OF myself to others, rather than focusing inward & laying around passing time.

For today, I will remember to take care of myself, because when I am not strong, I have no strength to give.