September 29

Identifying Our Core Values

I hadn't really given a lot of thought to what my core values were before coming into recovery; I'm not sure I even knew if I had any. Once in recovery, we hear a lot about the importance of identifying and acting in accordance with our values.

But how do we do that? Well, let me tell you. First, find a list of personal values on the internet - there are literally thousands of such lists. Without overthinking, select ten values from the list that stick out for you. Then, spend some time pondering your short list of ten, and whittle it down to your top five. For each of those five, ask yourself what the value means for you, why it is important for you, and how it is showing up in your life currently.

Give some thought to how your life is aligning with those five values, or what you need to do to better align with them. My five core values, at the moment, are family, community, diversity, making a difference, and spirituality. Values change as we do, so I revisit this exercise every few years.

Although it's a tall order, we should strive to be a living expression of our values in recovery.

Today's reading is from the book She Recovers Every Day: Meditations for Women*

September 30

Being true

We believe we can become beautiful people, free of addiction. With belief in a Power greater than ourselves, our Twelve Step program, and the fellowship, we don't have to stay where we were. Our purpose in life is to stay sober.

Our Higher Power knows our true purpose in life and will help us. Our Higher Power knows what we are capable of becoming, although others may misjudge us.

Am I staying true to my purpose?

I pray that I may see the good within me and remain true to my purpose.

I will honor my true purpose today by...

Today's reading is from the book Day by Day: Daily Meditations for Recovering Addicts*