Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul Daily Inspirations (Chicken Soup for the Soul) (10 page)

Harriet May Savitz

I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot. And I too suffer. This has been my life; I found it worth living.

Bertrand Russell

Footnotes for Life

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n the stillness of the morning before I get out of bed, I listen for the voice of God and this is what he says, “I give you love, peace and happiness to set you on your way.

I am always watching out for you each and every day.

Do not fear for tomorrow, for today has just begun.

Instead, look for the treasures that come from up above.”

Theresa Meehan

I will greet this day with love in my heart. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit.

Og Mandino

Footnotes for Life

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24

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y great grandmother had eleven children, washed clothes on a washboard, cooked on a wood-burning stove and lived in a modest shanty with no plumbing or electricity. Although poor by the world’s standards, she had riches untold. Her wealth consisted of hope, peace and joy. In my research I dis-coveredGranny Lowe’s secrets of success: Live one day at a time, be content with what you have andmake someone else happy. These three secrets can change a life fromdespair into hope, envy to contentment, and sorrowinto joy.

Joan Clayton

I want to leave treasures that money can’t buy.

Joan Clayton

Footnotes for Life

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25

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omewhere along your path to recovery, God has given you at least one encourager– someone who listens, who is farther along the path than you are, who gives you hope. Is the time right for you to find someone farther back, who needs your encouragement, guidance, a light to see the path? Giving support will energize their recovery . . . and your own.

Joy Neal Kidney

Having chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear.

Abraham Lincoln

Footnotes for Life

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26

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lose your eyes and savor the quiet. Hear the birds chirping, the airplane soaring overhead, the neighborhood moving through its daily rhythm. Listen until the lullaby soothes your spirit and a sense of peace surrounds you. Feel the quiet calmand open the locked window in your heart. You wait, unsure, then your mind quickens when deep, buried hurts stumble out. You’re facing the horror again, not wanting to look away anymore. Somehow you survived the abuse all those years ago. The scars are real and will always remain, but today, you realize they don’t define you. You’re still shaky, but now you feel something like hope. You finally understand it wasn’t your fault.

Joanna Booher

Stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful situation by becoming a little older.

Hans Selye

Footnotes for Life

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n the midst of a terrible winter storm Tom lay blacked-out on his back in an alley, unaware that drugs and alcohol were about to claim him. Slowly a strange sensation pulled him back. Short, abrasive strokes across his face. His eyes snapped open to find himself nose-to-nose with a pitiful but very large cat. Life soon bottomed-out for Tom but concern for his furry angel gave him the will to hold on. Years later, cradling the old cat, he spoke softly, “You don’t have to stay on my account, I’m gonna be okay,” and the golden eyes closed for the last time. Companionship and support comes in all shapes and sizes.

John Crusey

No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities–always see them, for they’re always there.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Footnotes for Life

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hat a powerful thing choice is. We can choose to lead and set examples of strength and perseverance, courage and love, or we can give in to our addiction, accept defeat and wallow in a self-pity that will never let go.

We can choose to support those who are strong and in turn lean on them so we no longer have to walk alone. Reflect on your journey and where your path leads. The most difficult choices often lead to the greatest rewards.

Raquel Strand

Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.

William Jennings Bryan

Footnotes for Life

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will not hold onto the memories or the hurtful past, though they are a part of me. I choose to allow them to strengthen me as I move forward. I chose this destiny. I chose this journey. I will begin with my first step, putting one foot steadily in front of the other. Then another. Then another.