Daily Recovery Readings
June 15, 2017

Daily Reflection

MAKING A.A. YOUR HIGHER POWER

“. . .You can . . . make A.A. itself your ‘higher power.’ Here’s a very large group of people who have solved their alcohol problem. . . . many members . . . have crossed the threshold just this way. . . . their faith broadened and deepened. . . . transformed, they came to believe in a Higher Power. . . .”

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 27-28

No one was greater than I, at least in my eyes, when I was drinking. Nevertheless, I couldn’t smile at myself in the mirror, so I came to A.A. where, with others, I heard talk of a Higher Power. I couldn’t accept the concept of a Higher Power because I believed God was cruel and unloving. In desperation I chose a table, a tree, then my A.A. group, as my Higher Power. Time passed, my life improved, and I began to wonder about this Higher Power. Gradually, with patience, humility and a lot of questions, I came to believe in God. Now my relationship with my Higher Power gives me the strength to live a happy, sober life.

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

Big Book Quote

“We know that while the alcoholic keeps away from drink, as he may do for months or years, he reacts much like other men. We are equally positive that once he takes any alcohol whatever into his system, something happens, both in the bodily and mental sense, which makes it virtually impossible for him to stop. The experience of any alcoholic will abundantly confirm this.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 22~

Keep It Simple

He who laughs, last.—Mary Pettibone Poole

It feels good to laugh again! Our disease took away our sense of humor. Recovery gives it back. That’s why there’s so much laughter at our meetings. By seeing the funny side of things, we ease up.

A person in treatment was talking about the Higher Power he had come to believe in. The counselor asked, “Does God have a sense of humor?” The group had fun talking about this idea for a while. The next day, the counselor came to work and found a note on her door. It read: “Of course God has a sense of humor. He made you, didn’t He? Laughter helps us heal.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me ease up today. Let me see the funny side of things.

Action for the Day:
I’ll let myself laugh today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Serving others today can bring you more contentment than you expect, even if your own needs remain unfulfilled. However, there’s a fly in the ointment when someone’s selfish behavior upsets you now, prompting you to resist doing anything nice. Nevertheless, forgiving petty annoyances is still your best strategy because you won’t be happy with yourself unless you take the high road. Giving another person the benefit of the doubt enables them to return the favor when you need it most.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 14, 2017

Daily Reflection

WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH

It is a design for living that works in rough going. ~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 15

When I came to A.A., I realized that A.A. worked wonderfully to help keep me sober. But could it work on real life problems, not concerned with drinking? I had my doubts. After being sober for more than two years I got my answer. I lost my job, developed physical problems, my diabetic father lost a leg, and someone I loved left me for another — and all of this happened during a two-week period. Reality crashed in, yet A.A. was there to support, comfort, and strengthen me. The principles I had learned during my early days of sobriety became a mainstay of my life, for not only did I come through, but I never stopped being able to help newcomers. A.A. taught me not to be overwhelmed, but rather to accept and understand my life as it unfolded.

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

Big Book Quote

“…I humbly offered myself to God, as I then I understood Him, to do with me as He would. I placed myself unreservedly under His care and direction. I admitted for the first time that of myself I was nothing; that without Him I was lost. I ruthlessly faced my sins and became willing to have my new-found Friend take them away, root and branch.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 13~

Keep It Simple

Time is nature’s way of keeping everything from happening at once.—unknown

Time always seems to pass too slowly or too quickly for us. .We want the fun times to last longer. We want the boring or painful times to go faster. But times goes at just the right pace. Any faster, and we wouldn’t have enough time to learn as we go. Any slower, and we’d lose interest. In our program, we learn to respect the pace of time. We let go, and we let time go at it’s own pace. We call this patience.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thank-you for patience. Help me look forward to the future without rushing. Help me live fully in the here and now. Help me make today a good one by doing Your will.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list five ways I can use time to be more healthy—in body, mind and spirit. Which of these five things can I do today?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Untangling a problem today won’t lead to satisfaction if your solution is anything less than enchanting. This is what Keats meant when he wrote, “Beauty is truth; truth beauty.” Nevertheless, you could easily mislead yourself into believing you know where you want to go when you’re actually heading somewhere else. Don’t wait; it’s time to put on the most practical pair of glasses you can find. The most reliable answers are revealed now once you see the world exactly as it is.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 13, 2017

Daily Reflection

LIVING OUR AMENDS

“Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some extent, ill.”

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 122

It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not only hurt myself but also those around me. Making amends to my family, and to the families of alcoholics still suffering, will always be important. Understanding the havoc I created and trying to repair the destruction, will be a lifelong endeavor. The example of my sobriety may give others hope, and faith to help themselves.

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

Big Book Quote

“Frothy emotional appeal seldom suffices. The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic people must have depth and weight. In nearly all cases, their ideals must be grounded in a power greater than themselves, if they are to re-create their lives.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Doctor’s Opinion, pg. xxviii~

Keep It Simple

The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work. —Robert Frost

Worry—it’s a lonely activity. It puts distance between us and others. Our program is full of ideas about what to do with worry. On Step Three, we turn our will and our lives over to God. This includes worry.

Our slogans also suggest what to do with worry. One Day at a Time. Live and Let Live. Easy Does It. Let Go and Let God. Their main message is to stop worrying. Trust the program. Trust your Higher Power. Everything will be okay.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I give You my worries. Teach me how to trust again. I want to trust in You, my program, and myself.

Action for the Day:
I’ll write the program slogans listed above on a piece of paper, and I’ll read them over today. I’ll let myself live them today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You don’t want to work hard today, but you might not have the freedom to choose. Thankfully, each of your actions produces near-immediate positive effects. However, short-term success is no reason to think you’re finished, so conserve some energy for the days ahead. Don’t attempt to complete everything all at once. Spread the most demanding chores over the next few days for the best results. Ambiguity reigns where logic does not.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 10, 2017

Daily Reflection

FORMING TRUE PARTNERSHIPS

But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability to form a true partnership with another human being.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 53

Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a true partnership with another human being? What a terrible handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life! In my sobriety, I will meditate and pray to discover how I may be a trusted friend and companion.

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

Big Book Quote

“Cessation of drinking is but the first step away from a highly strained, abnormal condition.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 122~

Keep It Simple

The lust for power is not rooted in strength, but to weakness.

We believed Alcohol or other drugs could help us control our happiness. But now we’re learning to rely on faith for our happiness. Faith is about leaving things to our Higher Power’s control. Instead of wanting the control ourselves, we trust our Higher Power will help us handle things that come along.

In recovery, we work at having more faith. Faith in a Higher Power. Faith in the Steps. Faith in our groups. Faith that our lives will get better if we don’t use chemicals and we work an honest recovery program. Faith makes life a lot easier.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

People may be expecting more from you today than you can deliver. It’s an honor to be held in such high esteem but you don’t like the performance pressure others place on you. You might even be pushed to a breaking point when you realize you’re likely to let more than one person down. However, it’s not in your best interest to just give up now and walk away from the stress. Author Tobias Wolff wrote, “We are made to persist; that’s how we find out who we are.”

Daily Recovery Readings
June 11, 2017

Daily Reflection

FAMILY OBLIGATIONS

. . . a spiritual life which does not include. . . family obligations may not be so perfect after all.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129

I can be doing great in the program — applying it at meetings, at work, and in service activities — and find that things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and value my progress, but they don’t — unless I show them. Do I neglect their needs and desires for my attention and concern? When I’m around them, am I irritable or boring? Are my “amends” a mumbled “Sorry,” or do they take the form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying to reform or “fix” them? Have I ever really cleaned house with them? “The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it”(Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83).

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

Big Book Quote

“Selfishness—self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles. Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate. Sometimes they hurt us, seemingly without provocation, but we invariably find that at some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a position to be hurt.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 62~

Keep It Simple

Who is the bravest hero? He who turns his enemy into a friend. — Hebrew Proverb

In recovery we take our worst enemy, addiction, and turn it around. We were ashamed of our addiction. Over time we become proud of our recovery. We were our own worst enemy. Now we’re our own best friend. We are brave people.

Being brave is about facing our fears. Often we think brave people don’t get afraid, but this isn’t true. Brave people learn to stay put, even when their knees are shaking. Many times in recovery, we will want to run when we should stay put. We may even think about using chemicals again.

We need to remember our bravery and how we turned our worst enemy into a friend.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, teach me when to run and when to stay put. Help me be brave.

Action for the Day:
I will claim bravery today. I’ll hold my head up high and be proud of how far I’ve come. I now have nothing to be ashamed of.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Some people have very specific ideas about what you should be doing with your time. But you don’t need to explain everything you do today. You may even choose to keep your most important plans private. Ironically, if someone witnesses your actions now, they might misinterpret your intentions. Don’t apologize for who you are. Rather than modifying your behavior to accommodate others, allow your heart to take the lead. However, remain mindful not to confuse the voice of ego with that of intuition.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 10, 2017

Daily Reflection

IMPATIENT? TRY LEVITATING

We reacted more strongly to frustrations than normal people. — AS BILL SEES IT, p. 111

Impatience with other people is one of my principal failings. Following a slow car in a no-passing lane, or waiting in a restaurant for the check, drives me to distraction. Before I give God a chance to slow me down, I explode, and that’s what I call being quicker than God. That repeated experience gave me an idea. I thought if I could look down on these events from God’s point of view, I might better control my feelings and behavior. I tried it and when I encountered the next slow driver, I levitated and looked down on the other car and upon myself. I saw an elderly couple driving along, happily chatting about their grandchildren. They were followed by me — bug-eyed and red of face — who had no time schedule to meet anyway. I looked so silly that I dropped back into reality and slowed down. Seeing things from God’s angle of vision can be very relaxing.

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

Big Book Quote

“Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 98~

Keep It Simple

Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.—Clementine Pappleford

At meetings, we meet people who have what we want. Our old way is to think these people are better or luckier than us. Our old way is to wish we were like them. But our program tells us how to work to change, not just wish for it. There is a big difference!

There are many ways to work for recovery. We practice the Steps. We attend meetings, and we help out at meetings. We welcome new members. We call our sponsor often. And we sponsor others when we’re ready. It takes more than a wishbone. It takes courage and hard work, with the help of our Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me know that wishing is lost energy. I must work at recovery. As I do today’s work, guide me.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll do an extra bit of work on my recovery. I’ll call a group member. I’ll read. I’ll spend extra time in prayer and meditation.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Relationship dynamics are moved to the front burner today, especially if you and a friend or partner have unfinished business. Perhaps you are working together on a project at home and you agreed to take care of a specific task. If you have let your promises slide, you cannot avoid your commitments any longer. Although it can be frustrating if it feels like your hard work is for someone else’s benefit, stick with your obligations. The reward for completing a job makes your earlier annoyance seem unimportant in the big picture.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 9, 2017

Daily Reflection

LIVING IN THE NOW

First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober — and it works. Once the idea has become a part of our thinking, we find that living life in 24-hour segments is an effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters as well.

— LIVING SOBER, p. 7

“One Day At A Time.” To a newcomer, this and other one-liners of A.A. may seem ridiculous. The passwords of the A.A. Fellowship can become lifelines in moments of stress. Each day can be like a rose unfurling according to the plan of a Power greater than myself. My program should be planted in the right location, just as it will need to be groomed, nourished, and protected from disease. My planting will require patience and my realizing that some flowers will be more perfect than others. Each stage of the petals’ unfolding can bring wonder and delight if I do not interfere or let my expectations override my acceptance — and this brings serenity.

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

Big Book Quote

“We, in our turn, sought the same escape with all the desperation of drowning men. What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God. A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, “a design for living” that really works.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 28~

Keep It Simple

Anyone can blame; it takes a specialist to praise.—Konstantin Stanislawski

Are we blamers? We sure were blamers when we were using alcohol and other drugs. Then everything was someone’s fault. Some of us did our blaming out loud. And some of us blamed others silently.

It’s harder to praise than to blame people. Faults stand out like street signs, but the good things about people may be harder to see. We can see the good in people when we slow down, watch, and listen.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me pay attention to people around me. Help me praise them.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list three people who mean a lot to me. I’ll write what I like about each of them. I’ll talk to them and tell them what I wrote.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You often leave your strongest desires unspoken without even telling your secrets to those you love and trust. Unfortunately, this cautious strategy reduces the likelihood of being fully satisfied in a relationship. Much to your chagrin, your belief that people should just intuitively know what you need isn’t based on reality. The extroverted Sagittarius Full Moon lights up your 6th House of Habits, inspiring you to step out of your comfort zone. Improve your chances for emotional fulfillment by putting your feelings out in the open. A good relationship starts with good communication.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 8, 2017

Daily Reflection

OPENING UP TO CHANGE

Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision, action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side of our natures. With it comes the development of that kind of humility that makes it possible for us to receive God’s help. . . . we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life — the one that did not work — for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever.

— AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8

I have been given a daily reprieve contingent upon my spiritual condition, provided I seek progress, not perfection. To become ready for change, I practice willingness, opening myself to possibilities of change. If I realize there are defects that hinder my usefulness in A.A. and toward others, I become ready by meditating and receiving direction. “Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely” ( Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58). To let go and let God, I need only surrender my old ways to Him; I no longer fight nor do I try to control, but simply believe that, with God’s help, I am changed and affirming this belief makes me ready. I empty myself to be full of awareness, light, and love, and I am ready to face each day with hope.

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

Big Book Quote

“If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson. If we are not sorry, and our conduct continues to harm others, we are quite sure to drink. We are not
theorizing. These are facts out of our experience.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 70~

Keep It Simple

It’s not enough to talk to plants, you also have to listen.—David Bergman

Sometimes, we find ourselves doing all the talking. When this happens, we need to stop, think, and listen.

When we do all the talking, we’re trying to control what happens. But when we listen, we get better results. No one has to be in control. What a relief!

And we’re learning to listen better every day. It’s great—the care, love, and help we find—just by listening.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me learn the “give-and-take” of talking and listening.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll focus on listening, not only to other people but to my Higher Power’s voice.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can feel your own resistance build as you think about putting a temporary halt to the never-ending bickering. Although it might seem as if confronting someone’s overactive persuasion techniques isn’t worth the effort, fighting for respect is a noble cause. Don’t give up your power in unnecessary ways. However, consider all your options before declaring war on an adversary. Your best verbal sparring is done now if you pick your battles with care.