COURAGE MONTH: DAY 24: “Courage cannot be left like bones in a bag. It must be brought out and shown the light again and again, growing stronger each time. If you think it will keep for the times you need it, you are wrong. It is like any other part of your strength. If you ignore it, the bag will be empty when you need it most.”― Conn Iggulden
My sense of courage is heavily related to the progression of my work in recovery. When I first got here, I was a slave (it seemed) to the constant nagging and negativity of Ego. I could not turn it off! I did whatever I could to quiet my brain and did all the recommended things from sponsors, meetings, etc. It seldom worked, because Ego was so big a part of my life I did not know how to keep it quiet.
Over time, I learned to participate in these principles and use them ALL the time, not just in Ego crazy emergencies (drama!)
Little by little, peace became my companion. I don’t let much rattle me these days. Once in awhile I get a bug up my butt; but the continual practice of meditation and writing my gratitude list before I get out of bed each day has done wonders to keep me stable and emotionally in-check. (Duh! No wonder these are practices that are suggested in Step 11.) My form of prayer is the thank you letter I write to the Universal Power every day. I don’t ask for anything, because it is better for my Ego-smashing that I recognize that there is NOTHING missing from my life. OH YEAH!
So I seldom have to seek courage. I will do whatever I am told to by my sponsor. The rest has become ingrained into my life. I don’t have that insanity in my brain any longer. When it comes up, I have such powerful tools at hand, and have incorporated these things into muscle memory so I am never quite at a loss for peace. It is with me almost all the time. How lovely!
Dolphin Hug 