Today’s Reflection April 29

A Positive ‘Ten’

But we are not a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it (AA 132).

During an all-day recovery marathon, I chose a session focused on Step Ten’s daily inventory. Perhaps I was feeling the subconscious need to be reminded of my shortcomings. If so, I was in for a surprise.

The session was about Step Ten, but the panelists shared their experience with taking the positive side of a daily inventory. Just as part of Step Four includes looking at positive characteristics, so Step Ten should look at credits as well as debits. I had never thought of that!

One of the panelists highlighted the importance of humor as part of a daily assessment. Another joked that he was dyslexic and could not get the part about making Dog his Higher Power. Another though someone had found the magic pill when he heard them read, “Sough through prayer and medication.” The last panelist, a college professor admitted to stumbling over the word anonymity every time he read it aloud at meetings. If laughter is life’s best medicine, perhaps it is true for recovery as well.

Now, when I take inventory, I ask myself if I have laughed at myself today and if I have helped someone else enjoy his or her recovery.

God, please show me the positive side of my recovery, and help me remember not to take myself too seriously.