Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Is there any stab as deep as wondering where and how much you failed those you loved?
--Florida Scott Maxwell

Treating our loved ones as we hope to be treated is our assurance against failing them. And if we listen to our inner voice, we'll never falter in our actions toward others. There is always a right behavior, a thoughtful response, and a respectful posture.

Let us be mindful that we're sharing our experiences with others who need the talents we have to offer. It's not by coincidence but by design that we're given opportunities to treat those close at hand in some manner. We'd do well to let the choice be loving.

How we treat another invites like treatment. Actions from our heart will soften our own struggles. Also, spiteful, critical treatment of others will hamper our steps. We teach others how to treat us by our gestures and words.

The inner voice can be heard if I choose to listen. It will never guide me wrongly.

You are reading from the book:
The Promise of a New Day by Karen Casey and Martha Vanceburg


It occurred to me a long time ago that my family and I (Mom, Barry and I) were to engrained in each others lives. Or more to the point, my family was too involved in my life. My mother has a problem with boundaries. Right now she does not know where she ends and my brother begins. She tried to establish that same tactic with me. It didn't work. I'm too independent. But she did manage to do one thing, she taught me codependence. As much as I hated her being tangled up in my life I emulated her with my relationships. Today I'm still learning to set my own boundaries while respecting those set by others. I'm also learning the meaning of autonomy.

What I've learned that love does not mean possession. It does not mean that I own another person, their time or their inexhaustable attention. It does, however, mean saying, "I'm sorry" when I overstep my boundaries.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if these things are important for me to receive, I should practice extending them to others.

What amazes me about receiving this thought for the day is that Joe and I were talking about family before the meeting. It was just he and I in the building for a while before anyone else showed up. What I appreaciate about him is how real he is. He is sharing a lot of things that are basically none of my business, just as I have been sharing with him. What I like most is that he does not judge. As I am not judging him. I can see myself in him. I think before my judgment was clouded by Mac's words.

Ironically, Mac was in the building last night. I walked right past him without speaking. I feel that he is protecting someone that did something that hurt a lot of people and I also feel like he's being very underhanded about something he's doing for his own personal life. He's relaying information and twisting it to suit himself. If I'm wrong, I'll make my amends. But my instincts tell me that I'm right.