Dear Reader
Just for today is such an important phrase for me. Constantly looking over my shoulder and thinking “If only…” hadn’t happened or projecting fearfully into the future and thinking “What if…”, left me unable to embrace and live in all that is wonderful in my life. Thanks to Step Seven I can now remain aware of when my thoughts, words or deeds are not in keeping with how I wish to live my life in a spiritual way. Breathing the words “…physically relaxed, emotionally calm, mentally focused, and spiritually aware.” [Daily Reflections, November 6, GOING WITH THE FLOW] helps me pause, reconnect with my Higher Power and I can then ask for those behaviours, which are not serving me well, to be removed. In that moment, a moment of peace and serenity, I’m not fighting myself or the world, just trusting in my Higher Power. Such a powerful Step and a frequent, daily, lifelong commitment to this amazing spiritual Programme of recovery.
While Tradition Seven refers to every AA group being fully self-supporting, I never forget that I am a member of AA and as such can play my part by honestly doing what I can for AA, as a whole, and my AA home group, in terms of service and financial contributions. Keeping a realistic balance is a vital part of my continuing spiritual growth but doing what I can ensures that, just for today, I’m at peace with myself in the midst of what can be a challenging world .
When I first read AA’s Just for today card it blew my mind – full of practical suggestions. I especially liked the suggestion to focus on a different paragraph each day and gradually they have become part of my daily life – most of the time and just for today.
So if one of your shortcomings is always meaning to write an article about your journey in experience, strength and hope, just for today…
