The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear—primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or would fail to get something we demanded (12&12 76).

I can’t see my self-centered fear. What others recognize as my obvious self-centeredness, to me is just the “real world,” or the “facts” of my life.

When I hear in meetings and read in our literature about my self-centeredness and about God’s use of humiliation to move me toward humility, I begin to find hope. When I acknowledge my character defects as the manifestation of self-centered fears rather than as real problems, I begin to find a way out of the pit of despair. When I realize that God will provide what I need rather that what I want, I can relax and accept my life as it is. And in that acceptance there is the serenity and wholeness that I really wanted all along. Seeing my self-centered fear for what it really is—just a reminder to turn back to God—gives me the chance to keep moving forward through each day.

Thank you God for each day of serenity and acceptance. Thank you God for a new life based on what you provide for me rather than what I demand or cling to. Thank you God for each wondrous day you give me—and for the chance to grow a bit healthier each day, too.