A Thought for the Day| Meditations on Hope and Acceptance
Leap Essence’s Thought for the Day is a daily meditation for those in recovery or dealing with addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Check in with us every morning to read a new passage and find your inspiration for the day.
We can never take back our cruel words.
Sometimes, we just want to lash out. Maybe it’s because we’re feeling jealous or not good enough, and someone else’s happiness just rubs us the wrong way.
Or maybe it’s because people in our lives aren’t doing what we wish they would. Or maybe it’s because they’re still using alcohol or drugs, even after we’ve begged them to stop. Whatever the reason, the urge to hurt others, whether with our words or our actions, can feel really strong.
But let’s be real: no excuse actually makes cruelty okay. Here’s the thing—learning to pause, even for a split second, before we speak or react, can seriously change everything.
It’s like putting a speed bump between us and a regret we don’t want to live with.
When we pause, we give ourselves a chance to respond instead of react. We avoid saying things we’ll need to apologize for later. And more importantly, we start to feel better about ourselves, because we’re treating others with the same respect we want in return.
Every harsh word we put out there will echo back eventually. So will every kind one. Therefore, one must choose wisely.
The pause is powerful.
Today’s Affirmation:
I can pause before I respond to people and remember that respect is a two-way street.
Today’s thought of the day is inspired by A Life of My Own, a “little book” that offers daily reflections, meditations, and prayers to support a clean and sober life, with practical spiritual guidance for everyday living.
Karen Casey is also the author of Each Day a New Beginning. She has spent over 20 years speaking on spirituality, relationships, and personal growth. Her recovery from addiction started in Twelve-Step groups more than 30 years ago, and she’s passionate about helping others in those same groups.
This summary is not a substitute for the original book; all quotes are paraphrased and credited to the author and publisher. Thank you.
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