my daily reflections…

ive been able to learn the difference between gratitude and thankfulness in my recovery. its my understandin that gratitude is an action, thankfulness is an emotion. gratitude means that i show another the thankfulness im feelin within; it is a quality of bein thankful, a readiness to show appreciation for, and to return, kindness. it is also somethin that i shouldnt only hold for certain people or circumstance. in this mornins readin it is said that both bill and bob, had gratitude for their wives, anne and lois. this gratitude is not only written but is shown to the world by merely writin it for others to read. i can imagine one way bill and bob showed their gratitude toward anne and lois was by remainin sober and continuin to live a program of recovery til their respective deaths. they didnt hold only gratitude to God or only to recovery, they opened the arc of their gratitude so that their gratitude included their wives, and im sure many others. it is a lesson for me to see the founders of this thing we do express their gratitude. it teaches me that i too should do the same. when tryin to use gratitude, i must focus on what i have, rather than what i dont. i need to ponder recent life lessons ive learned. i need to make goals to give to others daily, then follow through. i need to focus on the best in others instead of the worst. i need to continue to inventory my life, behaviors, and thinkin. i need to be kind to others, without reason. i need to think about the things im thankful for, my girl, my children, my house, and employment. lastly, i need to consider the things and people i have now that i didnt have in my active alcoholism. with a wide arc of gratitude, i can live with an attitude that is useful and effective. i get to show others the only big book they may ever see. as simple, courageous look, into personal inventory often gives me reason to be grateful today. spreadin out my gratitude isnt always easy, i can get stuck on self, but when i apply what recovery has given me, many, includin my HP, recovery, and those who i interact with daily, get to experience it. 1 day @ time...