09.29.06

When people envy me I think, Oh God, don't envy me, I have my own pains. --Barbra Streisand

Today I am grateful...

• for another Friday free from the bondage of self, alcohol, nicotine, envy, and my own stinking thinking
• that I feel worthy of the gifts I have received
• that it's ONLY one day at a time
• for the joy of celebrating a friend's birthday yesterday and tonight
• that my nephew is in good hands as he struggles with his addiction (detoxing) and seems ready to begin his own path of recovery and that he has an understanding family that will stand beside him
• that my sister is strong and well educated about addiction and alcoholism
• for gratitude free of motive

It is so easy to overlook our own gifts when we do this (envy someone). We get fooled by what looks good and forget that all human beings have some weaknesses and pain, just like we do. Like the trees in the forest, we each have our own unique beauty and talents to offer. If we believe in ourselves, rather than envy those around us, we will grow green and tall in our own way. What qualities do I have that someone might envy? ~Today's Gift