Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul Daily Inspirations

by Jack Canfield

  Tian Dayton

  Our concern is not how to worship in the catacombs but how to remain human in the skyscrapers.

  Abraham Joshua Heschel

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 20

  Everyone has problems and it’s easy to get overwhelmed, thinking there is no solution. Small steps can make a big difference. Today, instead of thinking about what I can’t do, I’ll think about what I can do to solve the problem. Whether something is wrong in my personal life, my work life, my neighborhood, my community or the world–I can make a difference. If I continue to focus on and do what I can do, I find that what I thought was impossible suddenly becomes doable.

  SarahWhite

  Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

  Calvin Coolidge

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 21

  God graces us with personal power to make unlimited choices. This amazing capacity can positively transform our lives when we reserve it for healthy decisions. Respect the gift of power in your life. Recognize that it is bestowed with a significant expectation: Responsibility.

  Linda Suroviec

  No individual raindrop considers itself responsible for the flood.

  Unknown

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 22

  Anew normal . . . each day is a new “normal” for me as I progress in my recovery. The challenge is to see the progress–recognize the positive movement no matter how small–and celebrate it. In the end, my “normal” may never be what it was before the day, the event, that forever changed my life. But, I will celebrate the fact that there is another day. And, I am a stronger person because of my challenge, my progress and my attitude. A new normal. A better me.

  Charmi Schroeder

  When we move out of the familiar here and now, we set in motion a series of events that, taken together, bring about changes at the very root of our being.

  Joseph Dispenza

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 23

  Iwalk through this day because of you, Lord. No personal power of my own gets me out of bed and onto my knees. By your strength, I walk. By your grace, I keep going. When I stumble, you catch me in your arms, and when I fall, you carry me. You hold my breath in your hands and you understand all of my ways. Because of you, I can flee from self pity, and I am thankful beyond words, just to be alive!

  Jaye Lewis

  I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come.

  Nelson Mandela

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 24

  Like a time traveler from a science fiction movie, I bumped into myself the other day. I shouldn’t say myself because the self I encountered in an old journal hasn’t been around for decades. As I fingered the crinkly pages of loose-leaf notebook paper, deeply scored by the anxious tip of a ballpoint pen, I felt as though I’d stepped into another time and place. I read the strangely familiar writing, more rounded and innocent than I remembered, wondering whether I had really been so naïve. So idealistic. So noble. My old journal brought me face-to-face with myself and taught me that I was worth knowing.

  Eleanor Kirk

  Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.

  Chief Seattle

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 25

  In my journey I have purpose on Earth and I will continue to strengthen my direction. When I get confused and flounder around, searching for my bearings, I take time to remind myself that my Higher Power is guiding my journey and I feel tranquil and at peace. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, my energies were blocked by my inability to separate from the emotions of others. When the alcoholic was drinking, I felt uptight, fearful and filled with anxiety. Today, I don’t live in extremes. I have purpose. Being alive is a miracle to celebrate and I feel the harmony that comes when I channel my energy into good directions.

  Rokelle Lerner

  Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.

  David O. McKay

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 26

  We learn in recovery that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Many times I swore that I would only have two drinks at a party only to wake up with a horrific hangover. With no memory of how I’d gotten home, I would try to piece the evening together and I would promise myself, never again! But then came the next party and my promises flew out of my head as quickly as you can say “punch bowl.”Mine was a soul sickness whose name is Alcoholism. I have learned to swallow my medicine–I gratefully attend A.A. meetings now. When the urge to say “yes” hits I remember that no drink will ever taste as good as my sober dignity feels.

  Dorri Olds

  We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.

  Kahlil Gibran

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 27

  As I stand behind the Plexiglas at the rink watching my son on the ice, I recall a doctor’s visit when Paul was three. Paul couldn’t talk, had terrible tantrums, always kept to himself. He had autism. That dark day I felt like we had been pushed off a cliff, but instead of a living death we foundmiracles. Angels in the formof teachers, therapists and childcare workers intervened, some of whom I would never have chosen if I had done the choosing. I gladly admit I was wrong. God, who knows the end from the beginning, knew what Paul needed in his challenging journey and that I needed to learn a lesson in faith and letting go.

  Jayne Thurber-Smith

  Mistakes are the portals of discovery.

  James Joyce

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 28

  Isearched for a way to pour out my heartache and sorrow, struggling to find comfort and solace after the death of my four-year-old son. I needed a friend, non-judgmental, who would never tell a soul what I had shared. Feeling like a bottle capped too tightly I needed to unwind, to release some of my pain. My search brought me to pen and paper, to the pages of a safe book–my journal–where I experienced the healing in writing to recover. For eight years I have filled the pages and what began as pain and undeniable anger now reads as sweet joy.

  Alice J.Wisler

  Children are innocent and love justice, while most adults are wicked and prefer mercy.

  G.K. Chesterton

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 29

  Once you’ve been sober a while you realize that sobriety is not just about putting down your addiction. That’s only the beginning. Sobriety is about letting the light of the spirit shine through, and letting you be the person you were always meant to be. Putting down the addiction is like scrubbing long-dirty windows, what you finally see behind the glass has been there all the time, you just never saw how beautiful it was.

  Kelly L. Stone

  If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

  Henry David Thoreau

  Footnotes for Life

  SEPTEMBER 30

  When I look in the mirror today, let me see beyond the obvious. Beyond the tired eyes, let me see strength I didn’t know I had. Past the lines on my face, let me see character that wasn’t there before. Let me see someone who has grown and changed and will continue to do so. Someone who is a little bit stronger, a little bit wiser and a little bit better than yesterday. When I look at myself, let me see not only what’s there . . . but what else is there.

  Lori Othouse

  There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

  Beverly Sills

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 1

  Life does not pass me by–I pass through it.

  There are stars to count, flowers to touch,
people to greet, fragrances to enjoy, sounds to hear. I am alive.

  Today I will take an active role in the quality of life all around me. Intention and action are my reality.

  Brenda Nixon

  Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on.

  Samuel Butler

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 2

  The dance of life has simple moves. Follow your heart. Lead with your soul. Be true to yourself. Find what sparks your soul and kindles your inner fire.

  When disappointments bring on ominous skies and threatening storms, embrace your dreams. Your dreams are those warm rays of hope that will keep you anchored until the sun shines tomorrow.

  Know that soon you will whirl and waltz with the wind again.

  Maryellen Heller

  If you’re already walking on thin ice, you might as well dance.

  Gill Atkinson

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 3

  Ahumble person dismisses nothing, recognizing that whatever life presents needs to be respected. Inside even the smallest things there is often enormity. Being humble does not require you to give of yourself indiscriminately. Have the wisdom to know the value of your inner resources and to give accordingly.

  Brahma Kumaris

  World Spiritual University

  By maintaining an attitude of love and regard for every soul, you create a life filled with dignity and purpose.

  Brahma Kumaris

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 4

  Today I will surround myself with people who care about me. I take deep satisfaction in knowing there are people in my life I can turn to. I, too, can be a friend. I can give support and nurturing to others without becoming responsible for their lives. In the past, I avoided friendships because they became too painful, too demanding. I expected too much of myself and I expected too much of others. I now realize that I no longer need to isolate myself from friendship. I cannot solve the problems of my friends, and they cannot solve mine. But we can give each other support, we can listen, we can care for each other. Friendship and recovery go hand in hand.

  Rokelle Lerner

  A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.

  Arnold Glasgow

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 5

  Your recovering journey may require some U-turns along the way, but there is a plan, a destiny that awaits you.

  Do not question your destiny, do not ask “why me?” Be proud of who you are, walk with courage and your head up high. Believe in yourself and focus on the positive, for every step along the way will become a solid foundation for your future.

  Stacey Chillemi

  Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks on great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself.

  Cicero

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 6

  Iam not alone. Today I will remember there are others facing the same hurdles and struggles I am facing. Others understand and feel the same pain I feel. There are available means and people that care about my recovery, and want to see me heal. I can reach out to others. I am not my own island. I want to seek opportunities for connection. I can break the silence and tell someone trustworthy. That will make me feel better!

  Kimberly Davidson

  I was never less alone than when by myself.

  Edward Gibbon

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 7

  As you navigate through life, there will be times when you will feel overwhelmed. When you do, it is important to take a step back and assess the situation, try to view it from another perspective.

  The obstacles in your life will enable you to grow into the person you are meant to become.

  Karen Marie Arel

  Today, I can choose to celebrate what I do have–or mourn what I don’t. I choose to make today a celebration.

  Charmi Schroeder

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 8

  Going through my trunk one day, I stopped to read and memories of my life appeared, blessing me again.

  I lingered on some photos of those no longer here. I thanked God for the time with many held so dear. I found my granddad’s Bible, its pages old and torn. My name is written in that book on the day that I was born.

  I closed the trunk remembering our lives are short at best. Fill your trunk with goodness and God will do the rest.

  Joan Clayton

  Good memories are precious photos upon our hearts.

  Joan Clayton

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 9

  In every journey there can be meaning; every conflict, growth; in every action, there can be purpose but only if I allow it to be so.

  I will look at my mistakes as learning what works and what doesn’t.

  Today, I will allow meaning, growth, purpose and learning in my life.

  Brenda Nixon

  Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.

  Chinese Proverb

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 10

  My son’s drug rehabilitation counselor was a petite grey-haired lady with enough leverage to impact a wayward group of teens. Her personal struggle with alcohol and drugs was the source of a spirit of determination, and week after week her motto, “You gotta wanna!”, spewed from her lips. The powerful testimony of an achiever made a difference inmy son’s life and over the years, whenever I find myself in a situation that takes strong will and determination, I hear those words “You gotta wanna!”, echoing like a voice of victory in my ears.

  Annettee Budzban

  Great beginnings are not as important as the way one finishes.

  Dr. James Dobson

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 11

  Every day is a new page; the words are up to you. Will the page be filled with “if only . . .” or with “I did it!”? When your life winds down will you be wallowing in your regrets or celebrating your experiences and accomplishments? When you share that book of memories, will there be a smile on your face as you relive your journey or a tear in your eye for the missed opportunities and the what might have been? It is your choice, tomorrow is a new day, turn the page and write your life the way you want it to be. You do not always travel the path of your choosing; sometimes it is the path you were meant to take.

  Karen Marie Arel

  I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.

  Oliver Wendell Holmes

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 12

  Healing demands energy. To sustain my energy I will remember that in my loving of and giving to others, I must keep a little for myself. It’s good to give but not so much that I am emptied. The healthy balance between giving and keeping is important for my recovery.

  Today, I can give to others and I can also be my caretaker.

  I will not feel guilty for loving and giving to myself, as this is the energy needed for recovery.

  Brenda Nixon

  Fond as we are of our loved ones, there comes at times during their absence an unexplainable peace.

  Anne Shaw

  Footnotes for Life

  OCTOBER 13

  Likemany others who have found themselves in trouble, I returned to the church of my childhood when things seemed their darkest. At our Thanksgiving Mass this year, a day we hold as sacred as any other holy day, there was a moment in the liturgy when we stood, held hands and said the Lord’s Prayer together. I held the hand of my eight-year-old, who held the hand of an eighty-year-old, and the circle moved on, handover-hand, unbroken, among the five hundred in church. The presence of God was indisputable, the power of faith breathtaking. In our collective gratitude, we all became, at the moment, immortal.