UNEXPECTED DISAPPOINTMENTS & ACCEPTANCE —

As life unfolds, we sometimes get unexpected disappointments that seem undeserved the — car breaks down, a business deal goes sour, or a close friend betrays us. As alcoholics, most of us don't handle such things too well. "Why me, Lord?" we often respond.

Our best approach is simply to view life as a mixture of bitter and sweet, knowing that we've been given real mastery over conditions. We cannot always be sure that a disappointment really is as bad as it seems to be, and sometimes it can become a step toward our good. As one alcoholic phrased it, "some of the worst things that have happened turned out to be the best."

It's good to face the day with optimism, with confidence, and even with some excitement about the opportunities ahead. If we're maintaining sober thinking, everything that happens today will be transformed into gains for tomorrow — all our tomorrows. We're on a spiritual journey that goes far beyond anything we're doing here and now.

Today, I know that nothing can really upset or disturb me without my permission.