SELF-EXAMINATION

. . . we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives. Alcoholics Anonymous,p.86


When said sincerely, this prayer teaches me to be truly unselfish and humble, for even in doing good deeds I often used to seek approval and glory for myself. By examining my motives in all that I do, I can be of service to God and others, helping them do what they want to to. When I put God in charge of my thinking, much needless worry is eliminated and I believe He guides me throughout the day. When I eliminate thoughts of self-pity, dishonesty and self-centeredness as soon as they enter my mind, I find peace with God, my neighbor and myself.


I thank God every morning for my sobriety. It is the first thing out of my mouth. Without my relationship with my higher power I would not be sober now. I would be in one of three places...death, a mental hospital, or in jail. I have been in or close to all three of them.

It is easy to become self absorbed or self-centered even in Recovery. Have you ever pondered how hard it is to do a deed for a person and not tell a soul. I have always had a giving heart but wanted the accolades of it afterwards. "Look what I did for so and so"...In active addiction I did not think that this was self absorbent behaviors, not until I began my Recovery process.

A homeless man downtown where I live wanted food. I never give them money or food because that is there job to beg, their choice, etc...they know me and my dog and I see them everyday. However, one day one of the vagrants seemed to be struggling mentally and was very thin. I made him some food and took it down to him and of course he was gracious and ate the dinner. My Ego/self centered self kicked in immediately wanting to tell a friend in Recovery or tell my parents what a good deed I had done.

It's amazing how much we seek praise for our actions or duties. That we are not satisfied enough with the care we have given to another...just not satisfied with that feeling.

Do something special for someone and don't let them know. Mow their yard, pick up the trash, give them flowers and try not to tell them that it was you. It is an amazingly difficult act to follow through with. But when you do, you will understand Humility. God Speed.