Years ago I hated myself and treated myself accordingly. I tried to manipulate others to get my way. How happy I am that life has given me second chances over and over again. To make mistakes and learn from them, to get it right—to get me right.
Yesterday I was on a Zoom meeting with over 30 volunteers giving their time to a beloved organization to assure its health and longevity. We were online from noon to five and in that time everyone was kind, loving, giving, cordial, polite and conscientious. I felt grateful to be amongst such healthy people—so lively, vibrant, and caring. They mirrored my own spiritual development.
Happiness and Service to Others
Whereas earlier in my life I resented anyone asking for my help, or to go out of my way for them, today I am eager and grateful to be of service. It is a wonderful way to live. I am so grateful to God for showing me this new way of being. She presents us with just the right lessons exquisitely tailored to our needs. She gives us opportunities to learn precisely what we need to know in order to grow in awareness and enable change within ourselves.
Being of service to others or to something greater than myself is one of the many ways I grow and become a happier person. I am enjoying the fruits of those lessons, namely, patience and gratitude.
I love this 12-step prayer and repeat it often:
God, I offer myself to Thee,
To do with me and to build with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
That I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties that victory over them
May bear witness to those I would help
Of Thy power, Thy love, and Thy way of life.
May I do Thy will always.