12 Step Sayings and Quotes, XII
“God gave me the menu. He didn’t tell me to pick the wrong sandwich.”
I found this quote appropriate for the New Year because it reminds me that in recovery, in a relationship with a Higher Power, I have a world of opportunity open to me. At meetings every week I hear others share about going back to school, changing careers, or starting a family—all are miracles of recovery and part of the new life available through the program. This quote also reminds me that while there are many wonderful new opportunities available, it is still up to me to choose the right path. Do I choose to work my program today, surrender my will and my life and pray and try to do God’s will? Or am I isolated, skipping a meeting, drinking too much coffee, and spending my time regretting the past and fearing the future? What do I do with the menu that God gives me every day?
As I look to the New Year ahead, I have an overwhelming sense of possibility and hope as I gratefully acknowledge the new menu of life that has been given to me in recovery. I make resolutions to make better choices and ask God to guide me and free me from character flaws that lead me to reach for the wrong kind of sandwich. Today I will use my power of choice to make this the best year yet.
“R&R means rest and relaxation, not rehearse and repeat!”
“If only my mind would leave me alone”, I often think. I have what I call an “inquiring mind.” Like a dog at the beach, it digs and digs and digs into a problem, concern, or some other imagined potential problem area or scenario, often without my approval or awareness. You love to uncover negative thoughts, feelings, and fears, and then rehearse these unpleasant scenarios or repeat problems from the past. My inquisitive mind is not only relentless, but also constantly negative. I never find that I am digging into a positive or hopeful place. I can’t remember him thinking or digging himself into the hole of getting that great job, or relationship, or winning the lottery, or making things work. No, driven by a hundred forms of self-centered fear, she searches the beaches of disappointment and failure, and walks away.
R&R has always meant physical relaxation to me. It wasn’t until I heard this saying that I thought I’d give my inquisitive mind a break as well. In fact, prior to this saying I had not realized how active my mind was when I was trying to rest and relax. Today I realize the importance of reigning in my restless mind and allowing it (sometimes forcing it) to also release and relax. Giving myself a break, a total break, gives me the renewal and space I need to let in the love and light of my Higher Power. Today I have learned to really rest and relax.
