"It may seem incredible that these men are to become happy, respected, and useful once more. How can they rise out of such misery, bad repute and hopelessness? The practical answer is that since these things have happened among us, they can happen with you. Should you wish them above all else, and be willing to make use of our experience, we are sure they will come."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 153~
For nothing can be sole or whole that has not been rent. --W. B. Yeats
The maple out front is young and healthy, but it grows in the shape of a Y. Neighborhood tree experts have warned that as it grows, it will split in half as the weight of the two main branches pull down against each other. One of these two beautiful branches, already lush with new leaves, must be cut. But once pruned, the remaining branch will straighten as it reaches for the sun. It will grow faster, and the whole tree will live many years longer--all by cutting it back today.
Sometimes we are like this tree. We go in too many directions, and can't seem to do any one thing well. When this happens, we need to give something up, to choose which direction we want and stick with it. The results will be well worth the price.
Rick, thanks for taking time every day to post daily inspiration. I need to read these types of things more than once a day, every day. I don't often post a response to them, but just wanted you to know that I greatly appreciate being able to read them every time I visit MIP.
The quote by Yeats, and followon comment really hit me on the head!
"Sometimes we are like this tree. We go in too many directions, and can't seem to do any one thing well!" --- Man!!! Can't say how many times I have been in that mode!
Thanks! I needed this post! I have cut down on a lot of stuff and fluff in my life....just seems I've got a branch to prune here lately to simplify or make things 'better'---just do not know which one~ ~ ! !
I think after some thoughtful meditation and hopefully some incoming guidance, I will be able to SEE.
