When I talk to others, who are struggling with their thoughts and emotions, I often go back to what I learned in here from old timers. That’s because what I learned has worked for me. And what was that? Changing our attitudes from negative to positive. When I tell them what it is that I do, and they do it, it always works.
I know I learned to wake up each day, and, despite how I feel or think, I begin with some humor. Mostly making fun of myself. At the very least, lightening up. I can even handle difficulties with nothing more than just a grunt and a laugh. Then I meet others and am cheerful. It makes a lot of difference.
Of course I have to remember to begin the day with a prayers, and sometimes, if it’s quiet enough around me, a meditation. The purpose is to begin my day with a desire to stay sober this day. And then smile and greet others cheerfully. Doesn’t have to be humorous. Just socially grateful for being sober another day.
We were told back, around the time I came in, that we had to put our intellects over our negative emotions, so they wouldn’t control us. And if they had already begun to take charge, we were told to change our attitudes. I learned from that one old timer, Henry the Plumber, that attitudes could change everything. And he was right.
Anyway, I guess the reason I was thinking about this was I aware that I wanted to change my thinking and how I felt. It was one of those days, when I knew I was going to be busy and I needed to lift up my spirits. I definitely wanted to focus early on my desire to stay sober this day, because I knew that I was going to be distracted by children. And I was.
Once again I need to remember why I am here. To stay sober a day at a time. Always I need to be grateful and express it in my life. So I began with a cheerful attitude. I often go back and see how my life has changed over time. I’ve been blessed. I have been given a spiritual awakening. Restored to sanity. Have experienced, and still do, all the promises in here. Much more has come into my life and I need to thank my Higher Power, this program, my old sponsor, and the people in here for all they have done to help me. Again, Thanks.