How can disappointments be opportunities to grow? When we feel thwarted, frustrated or empty it is difficult -- but not impossible -- to see the positive side of our pain.
Most disappointments come from a sense of failure when our expectations of ourselves or others are not met. If we can work through our initial response or source of frustration that lies within ourselves, we are taking the right steps toward turning our hurts and fears into growth-filled experiences.
Do we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves or approval of us? Have we sold ourselves short by placing our entire self-worth on our jobs, paychecks, or possessions? Have we accepted negative feelings about ourselves, or do we see ourselves as capable human beings?
TODAY I will probe the sources of my self-esteem. I will seek my happiness within myself, not in other people, places, or things.
The creative thinker is flexible and adaptable and prepared to rearrange his thinking. --A.J. Cropley
Newcomer
I'm in a crisis. I got myself into it; there's no one else to blame. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about it yet. I'm going back and forth over the alternatives. I can't think about anything else right now.
Sponsor
Your word "alternatives" is a helpful one. In most situations, we have more options to choose from than we can see at first. There usually is a Plan B, if we're willing to open ourselves to it.
When I was active in my addiction, and for a period of time in recovery as well, I frequently found myself in the middle of a crisis. The sense of always being in crisis comes from a refusal to see that we have choices. For example, we may leave on time for an appointment but find ourselves in a traffic jam. If being late is the inevitable result, we can choose to punish ourselves, or we can say I guess the schedule I had in mind has been changed; I may as well accept it. Without the additional burden of self-punishment, we can see things in perspective. We can turn to our Higher Power in prayer and meditation to help us regain a sense of balance.
Today, I will be open to choosing alternatives, as I substitute the word "situation" for the word "problem."
