Souper Tips for the Recovering Alcoholic

As I write this, the spread of the coronavirus is the big story around the world. For those with symptoms, here is some chicken soup --Chicken Soup for the Soul, that is. I bought it for a couple bucks at a Goodwill store and finished reading it this morning.

The last item is "100 Gifts to Give All Year Long." I will pull out a few items that I think are valuable for us alcoholics:

• Smile.
• Provide a shoulder to lean on.
• Pat someone on the back.
• Ignore a rude remark.
• Pay your bills on time.
• Give your used clothes to a needy person.
• Say something nice to someone.
• Catch someone doing it right and say, Great job!"
• Tell the truth, but with kindness and tact, Ask, "Does the other person really need to hear this?" (Step 9)
• Do a kind deed anonymously.
• Listen.
• Lighten up. Find the funny side of a situation.
• Take a quiet walk when you feel like blowing your top.
• Look for something beautiful in one person every day.
• Ask a friend for help, even when you don't need it.
• Point out the beauty and wonder of nature to those you love.
• Allow someone a mistake.
• Allow yourself several mistakes.
• Let go of the urge to be critical of someone.