Daily Recovery Readings for September 28, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LOVE WITHOUT STRINGS

Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89

Sponsorship held two surprises for me. First, that my sponsees cared about me. What I had thought was gratitude was more like love. They wanted me to be happy, to grow and remain sober. Knowing how they felt kept me from drinking more than once. Second, I discovered that I was able to love someone else responsibly, with respectful and genuine concern for that person’s growth. Before that time, I had thought that my ability to care sincerely about another’s well-being had atrophied from lack of use. To learn that I can love, without greed or anxiety, has been one of the deepest gifts the program has given me. Gratitude for that gift has kept me sober many times.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead. We must take the lead. A remorseful mumbling that we are sorry won’t fill the bill at all. We ought to sit down with the family and frankly analyze the past as we now see it, being very careful not to criticize them. Their defects may be glaring, but the chances are that our own actions are partly responsible. So we clean house with the family, asking each morning in meditation that our Creator show us the way of patience, tolerance, kindliness and love.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 83~

Keep It Simple

Honesty is the backbone of our recovery program. Honesty opens us up. It breaks down the walls we had built around our secret world. Those walls made a prison for us. But all of that is now changed. We are free. Honesty has made us wise. We aren’t sneaking drinks anymore. We don’t have a stash to protect. People who didn’t trust us now depend on our honesty. People who worked hard to avoid us, now seek us out. Self-honesty is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You are truth. I pray that I may not turn away from truth. I will not lie. My life depends on honesty.

Action For the Day:
For twenty or thirty minutes, I will think about how learning to be honest has changed my life.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might grow anxious if you think that someone is trying to control your message today. It feels as if your efforts are thwarted before you can bring your truth out into the open. However, the wheels of change are starting to roll, empowering you to hold onto your thoughts until they are heard. In the long run, everyone involved will benefit from the truth. Author Bryant McGill wrote, “Real transformation requires real honesty. If you want to move forward, get real with yourself.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 27, 2017:

Daily Reflection

WITHOUT RESERVATION

When brimming with gratitude, one’s heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, . . .

— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 37

While practicing service to others, if my successes give rise to grandiosity, I must reflect on what brought me to this point. What has been given joyfully, with love, must be passed on without reservation and without expectation. For as I grow, I find that no matter how much I give with love, I receive much more in spirit.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

When ready, we say something like this: My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen. We have then completed Step Seven.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 76~

Keep It Simple

Honesty is the backbone of our recovery program. Honesty opens us up. It breaks down the walls we had built around our secret world. Those walls made a prison for us. But all of that is now changed. We are free.

Honesty has made us wise. We aren’t sneaking drinks anymore. We don’t have a stash to protect.

People who didn’t trust us now depend on our honesty. People who worked hard to avoid us, now seek us out. Self-honesty is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You are truth. I pray that I may not turn away from truth. I will not lie. My life depends on honesty.

Action For the Day:
For twenty or thirty minutes, I will think about how learning to be honest has changed my life.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although unexpected changes at work may accelerate your rise to success, you might not be eager to sacrifice quality time at home with your family. You won’t likely be happy with professional advancement unless you can coordinate your new responsibilities with your personal life. Don’t just assume that you will be able to do it all. It’s in everyone’s best interest to address these concerns sooner than later. Coach John Wooden wrote, “Next to love, balance is the most important thing.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 26, 2017:

Daily Reflection

OUR CHILDREN

The alcoholic may find it hard to re-establish friendly relations with his children. . . . In time they will see that he is a new man and in their own way they will let him know it. . . . From that point on, progress will be rapid. Marvelous results often follow such a reunion.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 134

While on the road to recovery I received a gift that could not be purchased. It was a card from my son in college, saying, “Dad, you can’t imagine how glad I am that everything is okay. Happy Birthday, I love you.” My son had told me that he loved me before. It had been during the previous Christmas holidays, when he had said to me, while crying, “Dad, I love you! Can’t you see what you’re doing to yourself?” I couldn’t. Choked with emotion, I had cried, but this time, when I received my son’s card, my tears were tears of joy, not desperation.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 77~

Keep It Simple

The distance doesn’t matter; only the first step is difficult.—Mme. Marquise du Deffand

During our addiction, we were on a path leading to death—death of our
spirit, mind, and body.

On that path, we tired not to think about where it would lead. We didn’t want to get there. We just followed the path toward death, with one drink, pill, snort or toke at a time.

Now we’ve chosen a new path for our lives. Making that choice was hard.

We knew only the old path. We were afraid to change. But we did it. That
was the hardest part.

We are excited to follow our new path. We know it leads to good things.

We can follow the map—the Twelve Steps—and enjoy the trip. It will last as long as we live, and the map will guide us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thanks for helping me choose the path of life.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll study the map for my life by reading the Twelve Steps.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might become overwhelmed when you see too many distinct possibilities in your future. You wish life was simpler now, but you are resigned to work your way through this nexus of opportunities. Instead of trying to choose one path, reverse the process by eliminating the options that are the least attractive. Narrowing down your choices makes it much easier to proceed. Starve your distractions; feed your focus.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 25, 2017:

Daily Reflection

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Some of us have taken very hard knocks to learn this truth: Job or no job – wife or no wife – we simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 98

Before coming to A.A., I always had excuses for taking a drink: “She said . . . ,” “He said . . . ,” “I got fired yesterday,” “I got a great job today.” No area of my life could be good if I drank again. In sobriety my life gets better each day. I must always remember not to drink, to trust God, and to stay active in A.A. Am I putting anything before my sobriety, God, and A.A. today?

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

Everybody nowadays believes in scores of assumptions for which there is good evidence, but no perfect visual proof. And does not science demonstrate that visual proof is the weakest proof? It is being constantly revealed, as mankind studies the material world, that outward appearances are not inward reality at all.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 48~

Keep It Simple

Martyrs set bad examples—David Russell

Sometimes we call people “martyrs.” We sometimes think of them as victims. They suffer, but sometimes not for a cause. They play “poor me.” They want people to notice how much they suffer. They are afraid to really live. These are the people who set bad examples.

True martyrs died for causes they believed in. We remember them because they were so full of energy and spirit. Recovery helps us live better. Let’s go for it!

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thanks for giving me energy and for healing my spirit. Help me live fully by putting my life in Your care.

Action for the Day:
What kind of example do I set? Does my life reflect joy for life and recovery?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Unrealistic expectations encourage you to bite off more than you can chew today. You may be tempted to create a lengthy to-do list, only to discover that you are setting yourself up for disappointment. However, a more pragmatic approach to managing your calendar empowers you to reach your goals in a timely manner. Author Jim Rohn wrote, “Either you run the day or the day runs you.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 24, 2017:

Daily Reflection

VIGILANCE

We have seen the truth demonstrated again and again: “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic.” Commencing to drink after a period of sobriety, we are in a short time as bad as ever. If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to alcohol.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 33

Today I am an alcoholic. Tomorrow will be no different. My alcoholism lives within me now and forever. I must never forget what I am. Alcohol will surely kill me if I fail to recognize and acknowledge my disease on a daily basis. I am not playing a game in which a loss is a temporary setback. I am dealing with my disease, for which there is no cure, only daily acceptance and vigilance.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it. We must be willing to make amends where we have done harm, provided that we do not bring about still more harm in so doing.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 69~

Keep It Simple

To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves.— Will Durant

Sometimes we say bad things about others. When we do this, it makes us look bad too.

Our friends worry what we might say about them behind their backs. They’re afraid to trust us. We become known as gossips.

The things we say about other people tell a lot about us. We are kind or unkind. We gossip or we don’t. This doesn’t mean we have to say everyone is wonderful all the time. As we work our program to see ourselves better, we begin to see other people more clearly too. We see their strong points and their weak points. But we can know these things without gossiping about them.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me see others clearly, and in their best light. Let me bring out the good in others.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list the people I’m closest to at work, school, and home. I’ll think of how I talk about them to others. Am I kind?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Ironically, your misinterpretation of someone’s message might actually turn out for the best because it gives you a chance to stretch your imagination. Luckily, your illusion could eventually become real as active Mars opposes fantasy-prone Neptune. However, discerning the facts can be quite challenging now as conflicting stories battle for supremacy. Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes wrote, “Truth will rise above falsehood as oil above water.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 23, 2017:

Daily Reflection

“I WAS AN EXCEPTION”

He [Bill W.] said to me, gently and simply, “Do you think that you are one of us?”

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 413 (Third Edition)

During my drinking life I was convinced I was an exception. I thought I was beyond petty requirements and had the right to be excused. I never realized that the dark counterbalance of my attitude was the constant feeling that I did not “belong.” At first, in A.A., I identified with others only as an alcoholic. What a wonderful awakening for me it has been to realize that, if human beings were doing the best they could, then so was I! All of the pains, confusions and joys they feel are not exceptional, but part of my life, just as much as anybody’s.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

If circumstances warrant, we ask our wives or friends to join us in morning meditation. If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to that also. If not members of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few set prayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There are many helpful books also.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 87~

Keep It Simple

“. . . he who finds himself loses his misery.” ~ Matthew Arnold

We have lost a lot of misery. In it’s place inside us, a spirit grows. . . as love is added.

Especially self-love. In our illness, we came to hate ourselves. It was really our illness we hated. We couldn’t find ourselves. All we saw was what others saw—our illness.

In recovery, we’ve found ourselves again. We’ve found we’re good people. We’ve also come to love the world around us. We see we have something to offer this world—ourselves.

Why? Because we have found ourselves.

Prayer for the Day:
I’m so glad to be alive. At times life hurts, but, in living, I found You. Thank-you Higher Power. I pray that we may always be close.

Action for the Day:
I will list ten great things I’ve discovered about myself in recovery.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You have a message to convey today, and won’t likely be swayed from your previously established agenda. The fixed Scorpio Moon is camped out in your 5th House of Love and Romance, turning even the most casual conversations into ones filled with flirtation and innuendo. Thankfully, you can consciously slow things down if an interaction heats up too quickly. Regardless of where this road takes you, be sure to express your gratitude for the diverse experiences you have along the way. Serve the world with your joy.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 22, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A “LIMITLESS LODE”dr

Like a gaunt prospector, belt drawn in over the last ounce of food, our pick struck gold. Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds. Father feels he has struck something better than gold. For a time he may try to hug the new treasure to himself. He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 128-29

When I talk with a newcomer to A.A., my past looks me straight in the face. I see the pain in those hopeful eyes, I extend my hand, and then the miracle happens: I become healed. My problems vanish as I reach out to this trembling soul.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

One of the many doctors who had the opportunity of reading this book in manuscript form told us that the use of sweets was often helpful, of course depending upon a doctors advice. He thought all alcoholics should constantly have chocolate available for its quick energy value at times of fatigue. He added that occasionally in the night a vague craving arose which would be satisfied by candy. Many of us have noticed a tendency to eat sweets and have found this practice beneficial.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 133~

Keep It Simple

One Day at a Time – Program slogan

This slogan means we are to take with us only the joys and problems of the present day.

We don’t carry with us the mistakes of the days gone by. We have no room for them. We are to work at loving others today. Just today.

It’s crazy for us to think we can handle more than one day at a time. During our illness, we lived everywhere but in the here and now. We looked to the future or punished ourselves with our past. One Day at a Time teaches us to go easy. It teaches us to focus on what really means anything to us: the here and now.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me turn the slogans of my programs into a way of life. Help me to live life moment by moment, One Day at a Time.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll practice living in the present. When I find myself living in the past or in the future, I’ll bring
myself back to today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although you may be dreaming about the future, you’re still quite attached to the past. You enjoy your nostalgic trips down Memory Lane, but you’re obsessed with recreating the good old days now, and preserving them for the journey ahead. Luckily, your mind is like a steel trap today, and time is on your side. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said, “Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower, and draws all good things toward you.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 21, 2017:

<b><u>Daily Reflection</u></b>

THE LAST PROMISE

We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84

The last Promise in the Big Book came true for me on the very first day of sobriety. God kept me sober that day, and on every other day I allowed Him to operate in my life. He gives me the strength, courage and guidance to meet my responsibilities in life so that I am then able to reach out and help others stay sober and grow. He manifests within me, making me a channel of His word, thought and deed. He works with my inner self, while I produce in the outer world, for He will not do for me what I can do for myself. I must be willing to do His work, so that He can function through me successfully.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

<b><u>Big Book Quote</u></b>

Do not be discouraged if your prospect does not respond at once. Search out another alcoholic and try again. You are sure to find someone desperate enough to accept with eagerness what you offer. We find it a waste of time to keep chasing a man who cannot or will not work with you. If you leave such a person alone, he may soon become
convinced that he cannot recover by himself. To spend too much time on any one situation is to deny some other alcoholic an opportunity to live and be happy.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 96~

<b><u>Keep It Simple</u></b>

Love doesn’t make the world go around. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
—Franklin Jones

Before recovery, anger, self-pity, and sadness often filled our hearts. The world went on. We came to hate the ride.

In recovery, love fills our hearts. We begin to love life. Love is really caring about what happens to other people. Love is what makes the ride worth it. We find much love in our program.

People really mater to us. We really matter to others. For many of us, we learn how to love in our meetings. The program teaches love because the program is love.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that I’ll welcome love into my heart and others into my life. Love brings me closer to my Higher Power.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list all the people I love and why they matter to me.

<b><u>Daily Horoscope – Cancer</u></b>

A family member or friend might make unexpected demands of your time today, placing you in an uncomfortable position. You already have plans and aren’t thrilled about canceling them just to accommodate someone else. Nevertheless, you are devoted to keeping the peace now, and will find a way to graciously handle the situation without giving away your power. Evolution reminds us that adaptation is the key to survival.