Thought for today:
Tax day is just another day, but before we came to DA, for many of us it was a major source of dread. We had no idea how to track our expenses and income, and we relied on experts to deliver us from the hell that was filing out the forms.
A member shares:
“Tax day was a major source of panic before I came to DA. I used to dread it like the plague. I’d never have receipts, I’d always leave money on the table. I would forget expenses and then remember them after I filed.
” I had no order in my money or my life in general, but on April 15th I really felt like a loser because I was so clueless about my money.”
The “quick fix”:
We hear stories of people who joined DA and then left after a while. People who needed the program, but couldn’t accept that they were powerless over debt. A quick fix consolidation loan was all it took for them to be on their way, regardless of the fees.
It’s easy to seek a quick solution to debt problems instead of looking at the character defects that cause consumer debt and vagueness about money to be so insidiously attractive. If we’re honest, we’ll admit the quick fix is more attractive to the slow rebuild.
But money issues have a way of taking over again, unless we deal with the spiritual and mental wounds that cause compulsive debting. So many suffer in shame and anxiety, resisting such help, and many others need help and never learn where to get it.
And then DA’s message can get drowned out by financial advertisements. Flashy ads are much louder at getting the word out than the fellowship – the announcer says in a stern voice, “Are you in debt?” “In over your head?” “Call us to see if you qualify for our service.” Usually if you have a pulse and a job, you qualify – for a large fee. There is no shortage of quick debt-repair schemes.
Those who stay get solvent:
It’s a fact that of those who stay in DA and keep coming back, and try to get honest with themselves, long-term recovery from compulsive debting usually becomes a reality. Simply by tracking their spending and savings and debts, making meetings, working their action plans and their spending plans, and giving back to newcomers, these people earn solvency.
It may sound like a lot of work, and it is – but we don’t feel like it is. After a while, living the Twelve Steps and Twelve Tools becomes the normal way to live and mind our business.
One big fringe benefit of this more steadfast approach is that when “Tax Day” comes around, it is just another day!
On this tax day, with the clarity DA affords, let’s ask ourselves where we would be without having joined the ranks of the fellowship. It is our responsibility to carry DA’s message to the one who suffers from compulsive debt.
Have I given up on the idea that a quick fix loan is all I need. Do I realize that this idea neglects the spiritual angle of our disease entirely? Am I in DA for the long haul of spiritual, mental, emotional, as well as material, well-being?
Meditation for today:
The small, slow growth of buds in early Spring is almost imperceptible until all of a sudden the fragrance of Spring blossoms magically can be detected “overnight”. Of course, the branches were preparing for many days before. So it is with your work to improve your life.
All it takes is small steps, faithfully executed each day, to build a beautiful, blossoming life.
Affirmation for today:
“There is nothing I can’t do, as long as I stay solvent and don’t debt one day at a time. No matter what, I can have ‘a rich life, filled with meaning and purpose’.”
Prayer for today:
“I pray for the wisdom to see through deceptive persuasions and see into the blessings of solvency.”
Best reads to get started in DA solvency:
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