Daily Recovery Readings for August 6, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A “DESIGN FOR LIVING”

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, p. 28

I try each day to raise my heart and hands in thanks to God for showing me a “design for living” that really works through our beautiful Fellowship. But what, exactly, is this “design for living” that “really works”? For me, it is the practice of the Twelve Steps to the best of my ability, the continued awareness of a God who loves me unconditionally, and the hope that, in each new day, there is a purpose for my being. I am truly, truly blessed in the Fellowship.

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

Big Book Quote

“But my friend sat before me, and he made the point blank declaration that God had done for him what he could not do for himself. His human will had failed. Doctors had pronounced him incurable. Society was about to lock him up. Like myself, he had admitted complete defeat. Then he had, in effect, been raised from the dead, suddenly taken from the scrap heap to a level of life better than the best he had ever known!”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 11~

Keep It Simple

Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave you. . . Alcoholics Anonymous

We don’t have to fear people. They can’t wreck our spirit. We don’t have to fear money problems. We won’t have to starve to death. Our Higher Power will lead us on a safe path through life.

Our Higher power wants us to be safe, happy, and wise. Our Higher power wants us to feel loved.

We’ll learn to trust our Higher Power. And we’ll learn to trust the happiness we find in our new way of life. People may still hurt us, but there will be much more love to carry us through.

Prayer For the Day:
Higher Power, I know You protect me and care for me. Help me stop worrying.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list four fears I have. I will talk with my sponsor about how to turn these over to my Higher Power.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

An unexpected expenditure may require you to drop other plans while you reassess your current fiscal position. However, your personal finances are complicated by your relationship to others. At first glance, the entire situation might appear to be more troublesome than you expected, since the Aquarius Lunar Eclipse falls in your 8th House of Shared Resources. You could easily miss a simple solution if you try to solve the problem on your own. Author Jim Butcher wrote, “Sometimes the only way to carry a heavy burden is to share it with another.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 5, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LISTENING DEEPLY

How persistently we claim the right to decide all by ourselves just what we shall think and just how we shall act. — TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 37

If I accept and act upon the advice of those who have made the program work for themselves, I have a chance to outgrow the limits of the past. Some problems will shrink to nothingness, while others may require patient, well-thought-out action. Listening deeply when others share can develop intuition in handling problems which arise unexpectedly. It is usually best for me to avoid impetuous action. Attending a meeting or calling a fellow A.A. member will usually reduce tension enough to bring relief to a desperate sufferer like me. Sharing problems at meetings with other alcoholics to whom I relate, or privately with my sponsor, can change aspects of the positions in which I find myself. Character defects are identified and I begin to see how they work against me. When I put my faith in the spiritual power of the program, when I trust others to teach me what I need to do to have a better life, I find that I can trust myself to do what is necessary.

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

Big Book Quote

“All these, and many others, have one symptom in common: they cannot start drinking without developing the phenomenon of craving. This phenomenon, as we have suggested, may be the manifestation of an allergy which differentiates these people, and sets them apart as a distinct entity. It has never been, by any treatment with which we are familiar, permanently eradicated. The only relief we have to suggest is entire abstinence.

This immediately precipitates us into a seething caldron of debate. Much has been written pro and con, but among physicians, the general opinion seems to be that most chronic alcoholics are doomed.”

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

Keep It Simple

You’re only human, you’ve suppose to make mistakes.—Billy Joel

Listen to the kind voice inside. Listen to the voice that tells you you’re good enough. Listen to the voice that tells you it’s okay to make mistakes—you’ll learn from them. Listen to the voice that tells you to go to your meeting even though it’s cold outside and you’re tired. Listen and let this voice become more and more clear. Listen, and welcome it in your heart. Talk with the voice.

Ask it questions and seek it out when you need a friend. This voice is your Higher Power. Listen as your Higher Power speaks to you. Listen as your Higher Power tells you what a great person you are.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray to the gentle, loving voice that lives in me. Higher Power, You’ve always been kind to me. You’ve always loved me. Help me to remember You’re always there—inside me.

Action for the Day:
I will take time from my busy day to listen and talk with the loving voice that lives inside me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It’s never any fun to feel as if you’re being pushed into a corner, but today you’re unwilling to let things go that far. You can’t help but see right through someone’s charm if they are operating with self-serving motives. Fortunately, you can nip the bud of control before it even flowers. A proactive strategy is better than waiting until a crisis develops. Just make sure that you’re not a victim of your own imagination now. Don’t end up fighting windmills like Don Quixote. Plato advised, “Take charge of your thoughts. You can do what you will with them.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 4, 2017:

Daily Reflection

SEEDS OF FAITH

Faith, to be sure, is necessary, but faith alone can avail nothing. We can have faith, yet keep God out of our lives. ~TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 34

As a child I constantly questioned the existence of God. To a “scientific thinker” like me, no answer could withstand a thorough dissection, until a very patient woman finally said to me, “You must have faith.” With that simple statement, the seeds of my recovery were sown!

Today, as I practice my recovery — cutting back the weeds of alcoholism — slowly I am letting those early seeds of faith to grow and bloom. Each day of recovery, of ardent gardening, brings the Higher Power of my understanding more fully into my life. My God has always been with me through faith, but it is my responsibility to have the willingness to accept His presence.

I ask God to grant me the willingness to do His will.

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

Big Book Quote

“If we skip this vital step (5th Step), we may not overcome drinking. Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost invariably they got drunk. Having persevered with the rest of the program, they wondered why they fell. We think the reason is that they never completed their housecleaning. They took inventory all right, but hung on to some of the worst items in stock. They only thought they had lost their egoism and fear; they only thought they had humbled themselves. But they had not learned enough of humility, fearlessness and honesty, in the sense we find it necessary, until they told someone else all their life story.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 72~

Keep It Simple

Let him that would move the world, first move himself.—Socrates

Before recovery, most of us were big talkers. The Twelve Steps are for doers, not talkers. In the Steps we find action words: admitted, humbly asked, made direct amends, continued to take personal inventory. All these words speak of action, of doing. Recovery is about action. It’s for doers. An action may be very simple. Such as going to a meeting early to set up chairs. Or it could be helping a neighbor. The program teaches that spirituality active, we grow and change.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, give me movement. Give me spiritual movement. Help me be a doer, not just a talker. Teach me to work my program.

Today’s Action:
Today, I’ll remember the words actions go together.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Oftentimes, you know what you want but are hesitant to reveal your preferences for fear of rejection. Unfortunately, a coworker or partner may step in today, filling the gap by telling you what he or she expects. Although you might be shocked by someone’s directness now, you could also feel angry because their approach leaves you with little choice but agreement. Instead of seething quietly while going along with the plan, stop this power play before things get out of control. Stand up for your rights; saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to people who stress you out.

Daily Recovery Readings for August 3, 2017:

Daily Reflection

. . . TO BE OF SERVICE

Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.  — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 77

It is clear that God’s plan for me is expressed through love. God loved me enough to take me from alleys and jails so that I could be made a useful participant in His world. My response is to love all of His children through service and by example. I ask God to help me imitate His love for me through my love for others.

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

Big Book Quote

“Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent, we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense. But we must go further
and that means more action.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 85~

Keep It Simple

Alcoholism isn’t a spectator sport. Eventually, the whole family gets to play.
—Joyce Rebeta-Burditt

One of the biggest lies addicts can tell themselves is, “I’m not hurting
anyone but myself.”

This is just another way we don’t see how important we are to others.

During our using, love was a burden. When anyone showed love for us, we turned away. They hurt. And we hurt.

In recovery, when ready, we try and help our families heal. We listen as
they speak of how our illness has hurt them. We comfort them as they tell their stories. Remember, our illness hurt them. Remember, our recovery will help them heal.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me face the pain my illness has brought to others. Let me know their pain. Let it help me stay sober.

Action for the Day:
I will list all persons my illness has hurt. I will say a prayer for them,
even if they have harmed me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might think your agenda is bulletproof, but it is not. In fact, shifting circumstances at work may shoot holes through your plans today, forcing you to reassess your assumptions. But all is not lost; thankfully, the cosmos is offering you a chance to proceed with greater certainty than ever before. Just don’t let self-doubt tempt you to quit before you reach your goal. The biggest mistake you could ever make now is being too afraid to make one.

Daily Recovery Readings for August 2, 2017:

Daily Reflection

WE BECOME WILLING . . .

At the moment we are trying to put our lives in order. But this is not an end in itself.— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 77

How easily I can become misdirected in approaching the Eighth Step! I wish to be free, somehow transformed by my Sixth and Seventh Step work. Now, more than ever, I am vulnerable to my own self-interest and hidden agenda. I am careful to remember that self-satisfaction, which sometimes comes through the spoken forgiveness of those I have harmed, is not my true objective. I become willing to make amends, knowing that through this process I am mended and made fit to move forward, to know and desire God’s will for me.

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

Big Book Quote

“When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 51~

Keep It Simple

. . . and because willing to make amends to them all.—Second half of Step Eight.

We have made our list of persons we’ve harmed. Now we look at how willing we are to make amends. We might find that we aren’t ready and willing to make amends to everyone. Maybe they have wronged us more than we have wronged them. Maybe we’re afraid they’ll get angry with us. Maybe we’re afraid they’ll put us in jail.

We get ready to make amends by listening and talking to others in our group—and to our sponsor. We pray for help to be willing to make amends. Becoming willing does not just happen.

We have to work at it. We need to be willing to let go of the past.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me become willing. Help me see my part. I know “my part”
is the only part I can change.

Action for the Day:
I will take time to go over my list. To whom am I not ready to make amends? I will take time to read the Serenity Prayer.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might surprise your coworkers with your uncharacteristically freewheeling style today. It may appear as if you’ve thrown caution out the window, but you’re actually more careful than anyone realizes. Although your current positivity does not invite reckless behavior, it does encourage you to make the most of a situation while it lasts. Theologian Paul Tillich wrote, “He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 1, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LIVING IT

The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83

When new in the program, I couldn’t comprehend living the spiritual aspect of the program, but now that I’m sober, I can’t comprehend living without it. Spirituality was what I had been seeking. God, as I understand Him, has given me answers to the whys that kept me drinking for twenty years. By living a spiritual life, by asking God for help, I have learned to love, care for and feel compassion for all my fellow men, and to feel joy in a world where, before, I felt only fear.

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

Big Book Quote

“The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 17

Keep It Simple

Made a list of all persons we had harmed . . . —First half of Step Eight

By the time we get to Step Eight, we’re ready to work on our relationships.

We start by making a list of all persons we’ve harmed. We look at where we
have been at fault. We own our behavior.

Now we’re healing, and we must help others to heal too. Our list must be as
complete as we can make it. As our recovery goes on we’ll remember others
we have hurt. We add them to our list. By doing this, we heal even more.

Remember, this Step is for us. It is to help us stay sober.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me make a complete list. Help me keep it open-ended.
Allow me and those I’ve harmed to be healed.

Action for the Day:
Even if I’ve made a list before, I’ll make another one today. I will list
all those I have harmed.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might not have a lot to say today; you’re too busy taking care of business to waste time in social niceties. The Moon’s shift into your 6th House of Daily Routine demands that you are serious when it comes to meeting your responsibilities. Of course, it’s crucial to get your chores finished in a timely manner. However, it’s healthy to leave some room for more enjoyable activities as long as you don’t let them hijack your day. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Daily Recovery Readings for July 31, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A PRAYER FOR ALL SEASONS

God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, And wisdom to know the difference. — TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125

The power of this prayer is overwhelming in that its simple beauty parallels the A.A. Fellowship. There are times when I get stuck while reciting it, but if I examine the section which is troubling me, I find the answer to my problem. The first time this happened I was scared, but now I use it as a valuable tool. By accepting life as it is, I gain serenity. By taking action, I gain courage and I thank God for the ability to distinguish between those situations I can work on, and those I must turn over. All that I have now is a gift from God: my life, my usefulness, my contentment, and this program. The serenity enables me to continue walking forward.

Alcoholics Anonymous is the easier, softer way.

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

Big Book Quote

“Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you. At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth, to effect our first conscious relation with God as we understood Him. Afterward, we found ourselves accepting many things which then seemed entirely out of reach. That was growth, but if we wished to grow we had to begin somewhere. So we used our own conception, however limited it was.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 47~

Keep It Simple

Less is more.—Mies Vander Rohe

Our program is simple. It has four equal parts: sobriety, fellowship, service, and faith.

Sobriety means we don’t use alcohol or drugs any more.

Fellowship means we let people into our lives. We work at having a life that’s rich with friends.

Service means we help when we see the need. It means knowing we have much to offer.

Faith means we believe in a loving, caring Higher Power. It means using our Higher Power as a guide in life.

Ours is a simple, easy program. Just remember sobriety, fellowship, service and faith.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that I may keep my program simple. I pray for sobriety, fellowship, service, and faith.

Action for the Day:
Throughout the day, I’ll remind myself that less is more.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

The cosmos is providing you with a heightened sense of belonging now, adding another layer of depth to a current relationship or introducing a new love interest into your life. A romance that slowly simmers while vulnerable Venus is camped out in your sign emphasizes tender caring rather than a sudden head-over-heels infatuation. There may not be any showy fireworks today, but your feelings can run very deep, nonetheless. Author H. Jackson Brown, Jr. wrote, “Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 29, 2017:

Daily Reflection

ANONYMOUS GIFTS OF KINDNESS

As active alcoholics we were always looking for a handout in one way or another. — “THE TWELVE TRADITIONS ILLUSTRATED,” p. 14

The challenge of the Seventh Tradition is a personal challenge, reminding me to share and give of myself. Before sobriety the only thing I ever supported was my habit of drinking. Now my efforts are a smile, a kind word, and kindness.

I saw that I had to start carrying my own weight and to allow my new friends to walk with me because, through the practice of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, I’ve never had it so good.

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

Big Book Quote

“My drinking assumed more serious proportions, continuing all day and almost every night. The remonstrances of my friends terminated in a row and I became a lone wolf.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 3~

Keep It Simple

They have rights who dare defend them. ––Roger Baldwin

In recovery, we regain our right to have choices, our right to have honest relationships. Do we claim these rights, or do we let them go by?

Sometimes, standing up for our rights will mean going against the crowd. It will mean turning down that drink when everyone else has one. It will mean telling your honest opinion when it’s different from the others think. Being sober will mean, at times being different. Lots of times, we find being different hard. We want to fit in. This is normal.

But we don’t stand alone. We have friends who will stand with us during hard times. We have a Higher Power who will guide and comfort us. We are people with rights. Let’s work hard so nothing takes away our rights.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, please help me keep and defend my dignity and human rights.

Action for the Day:
I’ll take time out to list the rights I’ve gotten back due to my recovery.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

There’s a special satisfaction you derive from taking care of your personal possessions. Whether you are refinishing a cherished piece of furniture, sorting through family heirlooms, or just tinkering about your home, you love surrounding yourself with your favorite things. However, what begins as a casual activity could transform into a major project today. Remember, you define what is important to you by where you spend your time. Energy flows where attention goes.

Daily Recovery Readings for July 28, 2017:

Daily Reflection

THOSE WHO STILL SUFFER

Let us resist the proud assumption that since God has enabled us to do well in one area we are destined to be a channel of saving grace for everybody.

— A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 232

A.A. groups exist to help alcoholics achieve sobriety. Large or small, firmly established or brand-new, speaker, discussion or study, each group has but one reason for being: to carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic. The group exists so that the alcoholic can find a new way of life, a life abundant in happiness, joy, and freedom. To recover, most alcoholics need the support of a group of other alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope. Thus my sobriety and our program’s survival depend on my determination to put first things first.

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

Big Book Quote

“But life among Alcoholics Anonymous is more than attending gatherings and visiting hospitals. Cleaning up old scrapes, helping to settle family differences, explaining the disinherited son to his irate parents, lending money and securing jobs for each other, when justified—these are everyday occurrences. No one is too discredited or has sunk too low to be welcomed cordially—if he means business.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 161~

Keep It Simple

The best leaders are those who know how to follow.—Anonymous

Am I a leader or a follower? The fact is, I am responsible for where I end up. If I choose to be a follower, I’d better follow leaders who know where they are going. And I had better know where they’re going.

If I choose to be a leader, I’d better know that I’m responsible for getting myself on the right path. I also must be honest with my followers, o they can make good choices. I’m not responsible for my followers choices, but I must give them the truth. Being a leader doesn’t always mean that I know where I’ll end up. But it can mean that I know I’m on the right path, following the lead from my Higher Power—one step at a time.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, give me the faith and courage to choose good leaders to follow. When it is Your will, help me be a good leader.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list my leaders. They might be a Higher Power, a sponsor, or a friend. I’ll think of why I choose to follow these leaders.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Keeping your desires under wraps seems like a smart strategy today. You don’t want to create any weird interpersonal dynamics and you’re afraid that talking about your feelings will complicate matters at work. It appears as if sharing your attractions and repulsions is not the problem; it’s how others respond that makes things messy. However, as Noam Chomsky wrote, “You are responsible for the predictable consequences of your actions.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 27, 2017:

Daily Reflection

GIVING FREELY

We will make every personal sacrifice necessary to insure the unity of Alcoholics Anonymous. We will do this because we have learned to love God and one another.

— A.A. comes of age, p. 234

To be self-supporting through my own contributions was never a strong characteristic during my days as a practicing alcoholic. The giving of time or money always demanded a price tag.

As a newcomer I was told “we have to give it away in order to keep it.” As I began to adopt the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous in my life, I soon found it was a privilege to give to the Fellowship as an expression of the gratitude I felt in my heart. My love of God and of others became the motivating factor in my life, with no thought of return. I realize now that giving freely is God’s way of expressing Himself through me.

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

Big Book Quote

“Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious, they cannot after a time differentiate the true from the false. To them, their alcoholic life seems the only normal one. They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks—, drinks which they see others taking with impunity.”

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

Keep It Simple

To enjoy freedom, we have to control ourselves. Virginia Woolf

Freedom is a funny thing, in a way, it makes life harder. We are free to do what we want but every choice makes a difference in our lives. Some choices make us happy and some bring trouble.

We can make good choices. We can control our actions. We can start by having control in little ways: follow the law, pay the rent, and make the bed every day. These choices put order in our lives. Eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. These choices make us strong enough to live each day to the fullest.

These kinds of choices set us free.

Prayer for the day:
Higher Power, I was drinking and drugging. I couldn’t enjoy my freedom. I had no control over the little things in my life. Help me stay sober today.

Action for the day:
Today, I’ll be grateful for having some control. I will list five way I am more free because I can control my actions.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You feel quite magnanimous toward your friends and family, often going out of your way to shower them with praise or gifts. However, you could be generous to a fault today, giving so much that you leave little left over for your own needs. Self-improvement can be just as important now as doing good deeds. Ultimately, finding the balance between caring for yourself and loving others is a never-ending dance. Colonel William Prescott wrote, “Self-interest, be it enlightened, works indirectly for the public good.”