"That old nest of negativism followed me everywhere I went."
Basic Text, p. 137
A negative attitude is the trademark of active addiction. Everything that occurred in our lives was someone or something else's fault. We had blaming others for our shortcomings down to a fine science. In recovery, one of the first things we strive to develop is a new attitude. We find that life goes a lot easier when we replace our negative thinking with positive principles.
While a negative attitude dogged us in our active addiction, all too often it can follow us into the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous. How can we begin to adjust our attitudes? By altering our actions. It isn't easy, but it can be done.
We can start by listening to the way we talk. Before we open our mouths, we ask ourselves some simple questions: Does what I'm going to say speak to the problem, or the solution? Is what I'm going to say framed in a kind manner? Is what I have to say important, or would everyone be just as well off if I kept my mouth shut? Am I talking just to hear myself talk, or is there some purpose to my "words of wisdom"?
Our attitudes are expressed in our actions. Often, it's not what we say, but the way we say it, that really matters. As we learn to speak in a more positive manner, we will notice our attitudes improving as well.
Just for Today: I want to be free of negativity. Today, I will speak and act positively.
"Show me a silver lining and I'll show you the dark cloud" used to be how I viewed life. I'm still not what I would call a positive person, but I don't walk around waiting for the other shoe to drop either. As we grow spiritually we stop expecting the worse for ourselves. I am not the guy who used to mess everything up anymore. Life isn't "It's great or it sucks" anymore. I strive to take it one day at a time, doing the best I can do. Stopping to smell the roses and not expecting a bee to fly out and sting me on the nose.
Yes sir,another day to work on my attitude and behaviors. 6:30 eyes wide open,thank you God for another opportunity at life.This week attended 2 wakes and a funeral so the fraility of human existence is in the forfront in my mind.Today I will concentrate on putting a positive spin on all situations that occur for me this day.Think before I speak,stop before I act and spend the day trying to do the things my maker would say 'WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT" God help me to do all things to the best of my ability! Have a blessed and productive day!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
I try to consider others feelings these days try to be selfless, not an easy thing. Also consider my own serenity and yes thats selfish LOL selfish program but we do things for our own serenity which does greatly effect oters level of peace too, in a good way
