Courage to Change:
I was sure there had to be somebody in this world who would understand my every mood, always have time for me, and bring a smile to my face. When that individual appeared, I’d finally have the love I deserved. Until then, I had no choice but to wait. Poor me. What a sad and lonely life I had.
Then someone at an Al-Anon meeting used the word “gratitude,” and suddenly this whole scenario began to crumble. When I thought about how much I had to be grateful for, my fantasy showed itself to be no more than a shadow. Reality presented a different picture entirely. There were my friends, the child who comes to me with so much trust, the co-worker who reaches out in friendship, the beloved alcoholic in my life, the Al-Anon members who hug me, talk with me, and encourage me. What was I doing with their love? It seemed to me I was brushing it aside for that one imaginary person or, worse, not noticing it at all.
Today’s Reminder:
If I can’t recognize the love that already exists in my life, would I really appreciate receiving more? Let me acknowledge what has already been given to me.
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.”
– Meister Eckhart