Intentions

Intention: The general word implying a having something in mind as a plan or design or referring to the plan had in mind.

Intentions are nice. Good intentions are wonderful. Transcendent, God-like intentions are a main cog in the working mind of all practicing alcoholics. We intend to go to work and to shower regularly. We believe that we are going to show up and remember important things and obey the law. If we actually do what we believe that we're going to do, our resume is going to be pretty strong. We'll have good arguments to present to the judge.

In recovery we start to ponder those annoying, pesky actions. The theory is one thing - the facts are another. People don't care what we are thinking. They care what we are doing. We can think: "I'd like to steal that donut" or "My boss is an idiot." Thinking is free and it's a private enterprise. As long as we don't stick a bear claw into our coat pocket and saunter out the door, we can contemplate all of the petty theft that we want.

Throw a little tantrum in the bathroom. Plan revenge. Close your eyes and let your mind whirl for a minute or two. Then go take the appropriate action. Behave well.