Thursday, April 17, 2008

Do what you can

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can.
--Sydney Smith

I have read that we use all of our brains. The old myth about only using 10% is just that, a myth. But maybe it is true that we never fulfill all of our potential with what our brains can do. I know that I am undoubtedly capable of doing far more than I think I can. There are some days that I simply either don't want to do a task or don't want to finish what I started.

I've always been motivated to tackle projects. But sometimes things don't move as quickly as I want. I've had to remember in this program of recovery that even if only a little is done, that is good enough. None of this has to be done in a day and it actually may take a life time of work. I'm grateful for the reminder that I get when I talk to sponsees who are fearful. Their actions remind me that as long as I am doing what I can, then I'm making progress. I've progressed with honesty and been able to let go of a lot of fear.

It took years to get to the point where I became willing to even admit that I had a problem. The solution to the problem is in working the program. And with the help of the program and my HP, I now know what I have to do. One day at a time, faithfully do a little at a time.

5 comments:

  1. I really like that opening quote... and post that follows.
    I really need to print that out today. There are a few things going on that I truly CAN ONLY DO a little, and I feel bad about that. I would like to turn that around in heart today to realize that...yes, I can only do a little, but I'm willing and ready to do it.

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  2. How lovely to quote Sydney Smith. Syd, I always, always enjoy visiting here. Always.

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  3. Fear is huge for me, as you can tell by my blog. You are a ray of hope and have taught me much in a short amount of time. Thank you for your comment. Like the Hazelden site alot.

    Starting the 12 steps, I have finally set goals small enough to reach. In the past, I set them too high and gave up very quickly.

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  4. to stay rooted in the right spot, knowing this is something i have to do every day, baby step by baby step, keeps me on the right track. and not getting ahead of myself. yip.

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  5. What a brilliant post Syd, its a lifetime journey is recovery and well life in general, what do u think happens when we get to the end, I suppose being a scientist you have an analytical mind which says thats it just blackness and an abyss.
    If thats the case life is such a waste of all this learned oh blimey I am analysing again
    Well have a good weekend and see u on monday

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