Stinking Thinking is Sobriety Shrinking
Sometimes I need to repeat throughout the day: “Stinking thinking is sobriety shrinking.” Today, I knew stinking thinking had started because I kept wondering why something I definitely could not control had to be the way I wanted it to be. I was thinking about how my sister was in prison due to her addiction. I was worrying about how my daughter was flying on an airplane and whether or not she would be safe. I got out of stinking thinking by consciously saying to myself that my thoughts were not productive. I then substituted the stinking thinking with GRATEFUL THINKING. Another stinking thought is thinking IF I GET WHAT I WANT I WILL BE HAPPY. Nothing can be further from the truth. I got the Mexican vacation and the children threw up,the plane was delayed, and the accommodations were overlooking the dark jungle instead of the sunny beach. I finally passed the bar exam, and then I was confronted withall the stresses of being a lawyer: the angry clients, the demanding partners, and the obnoxious judges. Until I was able to be grateful for what I have, I was miserable. In fact, every time I’ve gotten what I wanted, it has ended up making me want more or something else. Even if things have worked out, there have been commensurate difficulties along the way.The key to happiness is not getting what I want. It is removing the want and simply being grateful for what I have.
TODO: Today I will not worry about things that are beyond my control. I will also be grateful for what I have rather than wanting more. I will remember that wants cause stress and that acceptance causes peace. I will repeat to myself, “STINKING THINKING IS SERENITY SHRINKING.”