Self-indulgence

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Self-indulgence
 
We want to find out exactly how, when, and where
our natural desires have warped us.
We wish to look squarely at the unhappiness
this has caused others and ourselves.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 43

From the Big Book:

"Firing such an individual may prove a blessing to him.  It may be just the jolt he needs.  I know, in my own particular case, that nothing my company could have done would have stopped me for, so long as I was able to hold my position, I could not possible realize how serious my situation was. Had they fired me first, and had they then taken steps to see that I was presented with the solution contained in this book, I might have returned to them six months later, a well man."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 141.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may rest and become recharged.  I pray that I may pause and wait for the renewing of my strength."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours  A Day, June 23.

Quote for the day:

"There are limits to self-indulgence, none to restraint."  __Mahatma Gandhi  (Indian Philosopher internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest, 1869-1948) 

My share: Let's hear from Mikey about self indulgence.  Be Good To You, Dave
 
A Member Shares:
I'm Mikey . just an alcoholic.  I was thinking about this subject earlier. I have this idea in my head of my behavior:  how I should be, how I am with others, how others see me, and how I behave.  Sometimes these things do not always match.  I judge others by how I want to be myself, and I feel bad for it.  I act up, and it harms others around me.  But in my heart and head, I am not like this.  The guilt is not real.  It is false.  However, in my head, it can be all encompassing, and it takes over, leading me to keep trying to raise my standards to be that perfect being -- the one I can never be.   But always I judge others for not being able to be perfect . guess I must really be an alkie!