Today's thought from Hazelden is:

It's better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.
--James Thurber

Recovery is an inner journey, but it often means going outside ourselves. In the past, we often were deaf to the words of others. Now we are discovering that God gave us ears for a reason.

Listening to others may be new to us, but we have so much to gain. Others may have learned ways to solve problems we can't figure out. We may think our lives are unique, only to discover others have had the same experiences. There is so much insight, wisdom, and love to share. Now that we're stronger, we can admit we need help, and accept that help with a joyful heart.

Today let me have the courage to listen to those people whom I respect.
From: Our Best Days by Nancy Hull-Mast


I ask a lot of questions. My mother says my first word was, "Why?" and I haven't stopped asking that question. Some people think I talk a lot, too much. But it's because I've been bottled up for so long that when I finally find a listening ear, I talk.

Others think I don't talk enough. Maybe it's because I haven't quite figured some people out or I'm unsure how trustworthy they may be. I learned the hard way not to tell everything I know or think I know.

I listen more than people think I do. I study what their body language and hear what isn't said sometimes. Now, I've been accused of reading between the lines but I don't think I do that. It's more a case of intuition. To read between the lines would mean I did not listen at all. It would me I only heard snatches of conversation.

I had trouble sleeping last night. There must be a full moon. It means I'll be doing battle with Taylor today. Listening isn't required for that. Mortal combat is the task of the day and I don't feel up to it.