Today's thought from Hazelden is:

They are able because they think they are able.
--Virgil

For most of us, addiction was full of doubt. We stopped believing in ourselves. Our thoughts had turned to "stinkin' thinkin'. " We didn't believe in much of anything. We didn't take risks. We always looked for the easier, softer way.

In recovery, we start to believe again. We believe in the program. We believe in a Higher Power. We believe in people. And, over time, we believe in ourselves again. We become better at taking risks.

We are able to stay sober because we believe, because we take risks. As we stay sober, we can face almost anything - with the help of others.

Prayer for the Day

Higher Power, I have learned to believe in You. Help me believe in myself. I have something to give to this world. Help me give it freely.

Action for the Day

Today, I'll list ten good points about myself. I'll go over these good points with a friend.

I had to think about my good points. Here goes:

1. I am generous.
2. I am compassionate.
3. I am sentimental.
4. I have a good sense of humor.
5. I am responsible.
6. I am loyal.
7. I am spiritually minded.
8. I think outside the box.
9. I try to accept others based on who they are rather than who I would like them to be.
10. I am intelligent.


This morning's Hazelden reading was along the same lines as my share with the on-line Al-Anon meeting last night. The topic was the legacy that we leave behind. I’ve already had two people respond to my share.

When I used think about a legacy and what I have to leave behind I used to get discouraged because I have no children or nieces and nephews. I used to get all morbid and wonder who will mourn my passing, who will come to my funeral when I go and who will remember me? I don't own anything of value to keep people coming around and because I was unable to have children there isn't anyone to pass my DNA on to.

Then a thought hit me- a legacy is more than property, money, physical items or even inherited genetic traits that we leave behind. We leave our footprints in the sand for generations of future recovery members to follow. Bill and Lois W. had no biological children and look at the legacy they left behind. We, the members of recovery, became their legacy. That gives me hope.

I help keep Al-Anon active in my small corner of the world. That is my legacy. As long as one member is willing to show up, share and keep a group on the map there remain footprints in the sand for others to follow.


And, of course, I need to mention that the share to the on-line group came after a weekend with Linda where we laughed and cried. I shared with her all of my suicidal thoughts that I had experienced and the fact that I had made out my will after going to Marie's funeral in December. I also shared that I'd been experiencing depression the entire time I've known her. I'm on antidepressants now and sometimes the medication does not hold the depression at bay because I'm still struggling to believe in myself.