AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

April 23, 2023
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Tolerance
Most of us sense that real tolerance of other people’s shortcomings and
viewpoints and a respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us
more useful to others. Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend
upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (There is a Solution) pp. 19 - 20
 

Thought to Ponder
Love and tolerance of others is our code.
 

AA-related 'Alconym'
H O W  =  Honest, Open-minded, Willing.

A Member Shares:
Good morning everybody, I am Soul, an alcoholic. I have no idea how many times I have read that chapter over the years and every single time a new word or sentence comes out in "bold" and jumps to the front. Today, the part about accepting others' shortcomings and always thinking of others jumped to the front. I remain bothered by others' shortcomings on a daily basis, even if for a minute, even if for a short moment, that judgementalism in me needs a daily reprieve too. I wish this person wouldn't do this or that, or say this or that ,or would whatever and whatever. I am now able to observe and let go, when in the past, I would hold on to it and feed negativity in my mind. The reading says that "our very life as ex-problem drinkers depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs." Our constant thought of others. I have to say that I constantly do think of others, be it my kids, the neighbors, the co-worker, etc. Seems to be a human trait .... but the last part of that sentence is really where the solution is. How may I help meet their needs? By helping others I help myself, I learn about my abilities, my lack of them, my fears, my recklessness or carelessness. This reading today reminds me that I need to remain vigilant every instant about my thinking, not to lose myself in non-constructive thoughts and keep the focus about being part of the solution to help others and myself. For it is about acceptance after all, and there is the key to a reasonable happy sober life. Thanks for listening.

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(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)
 

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Grateful to serve,
peyton