Meditation reading for Friday April 19, 2024
WHO PUSHES MY BUTTONS? —
AA old-timers would be mystified today to hear program members talk about people “pushing their buttons.” This expression wasn't around when the early AA members pulled themselves out of the swamp and began their long journey to sobriety. But they had their buttons pushed aplenty. Dr. Bob, treating alcoholics at St. Thomas Hospital heard snide comments from other physicians who resented giving bed space to drunks. Bill W, while trying to launch a worldwide movement, struggled with many heavy drinkers.
What is the real problem in these instances? Are others pushing our buttons, or do we set ourselves up for this by being sensitive and vulnerable? Nobody could push our buttons if we didn't have buttons to push. We no longer have to worry about button-pushers if we accept them as they are, realizing that we don't need their approval and can't really be hurt by anything they do or say. Our serenity in the face of such problems may actually serve to attract people to AA.
Nobody can push my buttons unless I let them. Today I'll be serene and calm no matter what others say and do. Thanks to the program, I'll not worry about certain individuals who try to get under my skin.