June 8, 2016 - Readings in Recovery: A Day at a Time

The Serenity Prayer

A Day at a Time
Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Reflection for the Day
A friend in The Program taught me to look at excessive guilt in an entirely new way, suggesting that guilt was nothing but a sort of reverse pride. A decent regret for what has happened is fine, he said. But guilt, no. I've since learned that condemning ourselves for mistakes we've made is just as bad as condemning others for theirs. We're not really equipped to make judgments, not even of ourselves.

Do I still sometimes "beat myself to death" when I appear to be failing?

Today I Pray
May I be wary of keeping my guilty role alive long after I should have left it behind. May I know the difference between regret and guilt. May I recognize that long-term guilt may infer an exaggerated idea of my own importance, as well as present self-righteousness. May God alone be my judge.

Today I Will Remember
Guilt may be pride in reverse.

Hazelden Foundation