DR November 8, 2018

On November 8, 2018November 8, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
November 8, 2018

Daily Reflection

AN INDIVIDUAL ADVENTURE

Meditation is something which can always be further developed. It has no boundaries, either of width or height. Aided by such instruction and example as we can find, it is essentially an individual adventure, something which each one of us works out in his own way.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 101

My spiritual growth is with God as I understand Him. With Him I find my true inner self. Daily meditation and prayer strengthen and renew my source of well-being. I receive then the openness to accept all that He has to offer. With God I have the reassurance that my journey will be as He wants for me, and for that I am grateful to have God in my life.

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

Big Book Quote

“Another principle we observe carefully is that we do not relate intimate experiences of another person unless we are sure he would approve. We find it better, when possible, to stick to our own stories. A man may criticize or laugh at himself and it will affect others favorably, but criticism or ridicule coming from another often produces the contrary effect.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 125

Keep It Simple

Any man may make a mistake; none but a fool will persist in it. —Cicero.

The way we face life’s challenges is what gives meaning to our lives. If we run from our mistakes, they follow us. If we stand up and work with them, we learn. Facing our mistakes teaches us wisdom and courage. Our self-respect grows. Spiritual growth means asking, “How would my Higher Power want me to deal with this mistake?” Then we listen for the answer and do what is needed. The better we get at facing our mistakes, the better we become at learning from them. Native American culture teaches us that all mistakes in life are gifts. The gift is that we are given a chance to learn.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me face the mistakes of life and find the lessons that lie within them.

Action for the Day:
When I make a mistake, I’ll stop and ask, “What does my Higher Power want me to learn from this?”

Each Day A New Beginning

As in the physical world, so in the spiritual world, pain does not “last forever.”

–Katherine Mansfield

Each of us struggles with pain and its repercussions; some of us more than others. At times pain seems unending. Sometimes we hang onto the pain in our lives, maybe because we fear even more what’s on the other side. The unknown so easily controls us. Right at this moment, each of us can look back on other painful times and feel thankful for what they taught us. The puzzle pieces take on a deeper meaning when we enjoy the gift of perspective. The pain at this moment fits, too, in the bigger picture of our lives. And it will pass. It is passing.

The wisdom of the past tells us that pain enriches us, prepares us to better serve others. We come to know who we are and the specialness of our gifts through the despair that at times encumbers us. An old, wise saying, is, “We are never given more than we can handle.”
My pain today is bringing me closer to the woman I’m meant to be. With each breath I’ll remember that.

Today’s Gift – Hazelden

First Things First – Order

Busy people often declare, with some exasperation, that they cannot do everything at once. People with emotional problems, a group that includes many alcoholics, often feel that they are trying to do everything at once. Quite often, this pressure means that we waste our time fretting about all the things facing us, becoming totally ineffective as a result.

The simple slogan “First things first” shows us how to set priorities in an orderly way. In every situation or problem, there is always one step we can take that is more important than the others. Following that, we find a step of second importance, another of third importance, and so on. Sometimes, a certain action comes first simply because other things depend on it.

By using “First things first” as a guiding principle in our lives, we can live in an orderly, disciplined manner. If we have work to do today, we can plan to do the most important things first. If we have to reduce our activities, we can decide which activities we ought to retain. Having made these decisions, we can be at peace about our choices. We cannot do everything at once and we need not feel guilty about it.

Knowing that order is Heaven’s first law, I’ll do things today in an orderly manner.

Elder’s Meditation

“See how the boy is with his sister and the other ones of his home lodge and you can know how the man will be with your daughter.”
— LAKOTA Proverb

Very early in our lives we form beliefs, attitudes, expectations, and habits. We will live by these habits when we are older. The Elders say to watch the boy with his sister. If he is respectful and treats her good, then odds are that’s the way he will treat all women when he is older. Also, watch the young girl and how she treats her brother, for that will indicate what kind of woman she will be to her man. We need to teach our children to respect one another while they are young. The best way to teach them is to show respect ourselves.

Great Spirit, let me be a role model for the children.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You receive a much-needed energetic boost when you are willing to commit to a disciplined daily routine. Exuberant Jupiter amplifies your 6th House of Work, empowering you with new ways of executing common tasks. Thankfully, there’s no need to spend too much time integrating this energy into your natural momentum. Embrace the zeal of Jupiter’s partnership with the adventurous Sagittarius Moon and put on your badge of courage. You can grow bigger than your problems if you face your fears with the power of a superhero.

DR – November 7, 2018

On November 7, 2018January 2, 2019 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
November 7, 2018

Daily Reflection

LET GO AND LET

“. . . praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out”

~TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96

When I “Let Go and Let God,” I think more clearly and wisely. Without having to think about it, I quickly let go of things that cause me immediate pain and discomfort. Because I find it hard to let go of the kind of worrisome thoughts and attitudes that cause me immense anguish, all I need do during those times is allow God, as I understand Him, to release them for me, and then and there, I let go of the thoughts, memories and attitudes that are troubling me. When I receive help from God, as I understand Him, I can live my life one day at a time and handle whatever challenges that come my way. Only then can I live a life of victory over alcohol, in comfortable sobriety.

Big Book Quote

“My old manner of life was by no means a bad one, but I would not exchange its best moments for the worst I have now. I would not go back to it even if I could.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 43~

Keep It Simple

Telling the truth is a pretty hard thing. —ThomasWolfe.

Often, we get scared to tell the truth. We wonder, “What will happen? Will I get in trouble? Will someone be mad at me?’” These things could happen. But good things could happen too. Sometimes we want to lie.

We don’t want anyone mad at us or unhappy with us. We want people off our back. So we lie. And it comes back to haunt us. We must believe that the best will happen in the long run if we tell the truth. Our program tells us that we can stay sober if we’re honest. Telling the truth takes faith. We must have faint in the program. We must be honest. Our sobriety and our life depend on it.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me remember that I’m doing things Your way when I tell the truth.

Action for the Day:
I will think about what I say today. I will be as honest as I can be.

Each Day A New Beginning

“. . . we will be victorious if we have not forgotten how to learn.” –Rosa Luxemburg

For most of us the struggle was long, painful and lonely to the place where we are now. But survive we have, and survive we will. The times we thought we could go no further are only dimly recalled. The experiences we were certain would destroy us fit ever so neatly into our book of memories.

We have survived, and the program is offering us the means for continued survival. Step by Step we are learning to handle our problems, build relationships based on honesty, and choose responsible behavior. We are promised serenity if we follow the Steps.

Gratitude for our survival is best expressed by working the program, setting an example for others, helping those women who haven’t yet attained victory. We must give away what we have learned to make way for our own new growth. There are many victories in our future if we keep pressing forward, opening new doors, and trusting in the process of the program and its promises.

I am still willing to learn or I wouldn’t be here, now. There are victories in my future. I will look for a victory today. It’s certain to accompany responsible action on my part.

Today’s Gift – Hazelden

Where is God?

AA members have always had a difficult time explaining the “God business.” We didn’t want to be considered religious, but at the same time we’ve always believed some contact with a Higher Power is necessary for real personal growth.

There’s nothing wrong – for our purposes – in simply visualizing God as a Higher Power that has always been within us and around us. “Before they call, I will answer,” goes an old saying, and that was true even in our darkest days. Many of us can look back to realize that a certain force was moving us toward recovery long before we knew we needed any recovery. Many of us also believe that a Higher Power helped bring AA into being and move it along to become a worldwide force for good.

But God works in ways that can seem to come from chance or coincidence. Quite often, we’ll find that little events had far-reaching results in our lives. When we review how such things happened, we should not conclude that this happens only to certain “special” people. All human beings are part of God’s creation and can avail themselves of guidance and direction. The more serious problem is that guidance and direction are sometimes ignored or rejected.

I’ll go about my affairs today with the knowledge that my Higher Power is making the important decisions in my life. I’ll come out about where God wants me to be.

Elder’s Meditation

“Abuse and repression have no place in a traditional family.”
— Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

Traditional families guided by their culture were taught how to live. The were taught about relationships, respect, and spirituality. Only since alcohol was
introduced to Indians have we seen physical abuse, sexual abuse and verbal abuse. These behaviors have no room in traditional families. The cycle of abuse must be broken during this generation. We do this by asking for help to quit drinking and abusing and return to our traditional culture and spirituality.

Creator, plant inside of me the knowledge of the traditional family.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may experience a life-altering epiphany regarding your relationship to fun and pleasure. The Scorpio New Moon’s dive into your 5th House of Fun and Games plunges you into invigorating waters. You’re likely to reconnect to a long-lost activity or object that once gave you plenty of joy. Don’t fret too much about how long this feeling will last or how to make more of it. Instead, fully appreciate the connection as it is now. Embrace your newfound bliss as a cue to enjoy yourself more in the present moment.

Meditation & Prayer

On November 6, 2018November 6, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Discussion3 Comments

Meditation and prayer are an important practice in recovery (Step 11). In the past, when I lived alone, it was easy for to meditate. I had another room, a room set up for my spiritual practices, where I would meditate at some point during the day. However, now my living arrangements don’t allow me to have such comforts, as I live with eight other gentleman in the same house. Therefore, I must find another way that works.

At first I thought about using the basement. Even if I had to find a nice corner where I would be able to plug in my laptop, put on some relaxing music for some quiet time. But living in Upstate New York the weather is starting to get nippy and basements typically don’t keep heat well. Or am I just making an excuse?

Another option was going to a park just up the street, putting down a blanket and allowing Nature to infuse me with its own serene music. I honestly don’t think there would be interruptions. Yet, the weather is going to be an issue in the future.

I do have an abundance of churches that surround me. Perhaps I could find a church which has an open door and find a quiet room. Something just doesn’t feel right using a Christian church to talk to Pagan Gods.

Whatever avenue I choose, I need to develop a discipline (which is another topic I’ll talk about tomorrow). Also I need to work on my laziness and procrastination (defects of character and shortcomings). So the whole process will be good for me.

Any comments, questions or suggestions would greatly be appreciated . . . always!

Getting A Sponsor

On November 6, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

We, in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, offer suggestions to newcomers such as go to meetings, get a Sponsor and get involved in service work, specifically getting a home group. It was only when I immerse myself in sober activities did I gain the knowledge from others which kept me sober for so long. However, at only 55 days sober, I need to practice what I preached in the past and do those activities I suggested to others.

When I originally got sober in 2007, I spent seven months in the rooms before gaining enough courage to ask someone to be my Sponsor. I urged people NOT to do what I did since it was only by the grace of my Higher Power I didn’t relapse.

In this very small recovery community there is quite a lot of long tern sobriety. At every meeting, there was always one person I gained the most knowledge when he spoke. Therefore, this time around, I didn’t hesitate to ask him to be my Sponsor.

We spoke a good amount of time last night. He is aware of my long term sobriety and the reason for my relapse. He just wanted to get a since of where I was at today. I explained to him I am more than willing to do anything he feels is necessary in the future. We agreed at some point in the near future we would take a look at the steps. Perhaps reviewing some while doing others from scratch.

After talking to him, I felt a since of relief I can cross off one of my sobriety goals: getting a Sponsor. Today the rain is beginning to increase so besides two AA meetings (the ‘nooner’ and another tonight), I thought I would spend some time on my spirituality quietly at the library.

DR – November 6, 2018

On November 6, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
November 6, 2018

Daily Reflection

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. . . .

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96

The first words I speak when arising in the morning are, “I arise, O God, to do Thy will.” This is the shortest prayer I know and it is deeply ingrained in me. Prayer doesn’t change God’s attitude toward me; it changes my attitude toward God. As distinguished from prayer, meditation is a quiet time, without words. To be centered is to be physically relaxed, emotionally calm, mentally focused and spiritually aware.

One way to keep the channel open and to improve my conscious contact with God is to maintain a grateful attitude. On the days when I am grateful, good things seem to happen in my life. The instant I start cursing things in my life, however, the flow of good stops. God did not interrupt the flow; my own negativity did.

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

Big Book Quote

“Many of us felt that we had plenty of character. There was a tremendous urge to cease forever. Yet we found it impossible. This is the baffling feature of alcoholism as we know it— this utter inability to leave it alone, no matter how great the necessity or the wish.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 34~

Keep It Simple

That suit is best that best suits me.—John Clark

How mush time do we spend trying to “fit in”? Many of us used to care to much what other people thought about us—our clothes, our ideas, our work. Did we drink the right brand, drive the right car, listen to the right music?

In our program, we still have to watch out for fads and peer pressure. We have to ask ourselves if we’re really in touch with our Higher Power. Are we searching for a sponsor who has inner peace and direction? Or do we look for people who are like our old using friends? As we learn to find our own way of following our Higher Power, we need to be okay with being different.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be the best me I can be today.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll work to be me—honestly me—to everyone I meet.

Each Day A New Beginning

Of course fortune has its part in human affairs, but conduct is really much more important. –Jeanne Detourbey

Behaving the way we honestly and sincerely believe God wants us to behave eliminates our confusion. When we contribute in a loving manner to the circumstances involving us, we carry God’s message; and that’s all that’s expected of us in this life.

This recovery program has involved us in the affairs of many other people. We are needed to listen, to guide, to sponsor, to suggest. Each time we have an opportunity to make an impact on another person, it’s to our benefit, and hers too, to let God direct our conduct.

Too often God’s message is missed due to our selfish concerns, but it’s never too late to begin listening for it. God is forever at hand, awaiting our recognition. We can be mindful that the ease of our lives is directly proportional to the recognition we offer.

Right conduct is never a mystery to us. We may not always choose to do it, but we never fail to know what should be done.

I will trust my conscience to be my guide every moment.

Today’s Gift – Hazelden

Imagination has always had powers of resurrection that no science can match.
–Ingrid Bengis

In the imagination are transmitted messages, from God to us. Inspiration is born there. So are dreams. Both give rise to the goals that urge us forward, that invite us to honor this life we’ve been given with a contribution, one like no other contribution.

Our imagination offers us ideas to ponder, ideas specific to our development. It encourages us to take steps unique to our time, our place, and our intended gifts to the world. We can be alert to this special “inner voice” and let it guide our decisions; we can trust its urgings. It’s charged with serving us, but only we can decide to “listen.”

The imagination gives us another tool: belief in ourselves. And the magic of believing offers us strength and capabilities even beyond our fondest hopes. It prepares us for the effort we need to make and for handling whatever outcome God has intended.

My imagination will serve me today. It will offer me the ideas and the courage I need to go forth.

Elder’s Meditation

“It is well to be good to women in the strength of our manhood because we must sit under their hands at both ends of our lives.”
–He Dog, OGLALA LAKOTA

The women bring us into this life and nurture us as we grow up. When we reach our manhood, she supports us and sings the songs to help the family grow. The Elders say we must look at the woman in a sacred way. We must realize how special her powers are in brining forth life. The woman will bring balance to a man. The woman will help him see. It is said, behind every successful man is a supporting woman. Maybe we should examine how we are thinking about women. The Great Spirit says we should honor them. Are we respecting and honoring our women today?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Sometimes the key to getting someone to see things your way is not to push too hard. All you need to do is make your feelings clear and give another person enough space to draw his or her own conclusions. You’re certainly long on the passion today. Harness that zeal for the greater good and try not to become wrapped up in your own emotional triggers. Be careful that you don’t come off as overly judgmental now. Thankfully, the justice-loving Libra Moon inspires you to restore order to anything you believe is out of whack. James Dean said, “Only the gentle are ever really strong.”

DR – November 5, 2018

On November 5, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
November 5, 2018

Daily Reflection

“THE QUALITY OF FAITH”

This . . . has to do with the quality of faith. . . . In no deep or meaningful sense had we ever taken stock of ourselves. . . . We had not even prayed rightly. We had always said, “Grant me my wishes” instead of “Thy will be done.”

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 32

God does not grant me material possessions, take away my suffering, or spare me from disasters, but He does give me a good life, the ability to cope, and peace of mind. My prayers are simple: first, they express my gratitude for the good things in my life, regardless of how hard I have to search for them; and second, I ask only for the strength and the wisdom to do His will. He answers with solutions to my problems, sustaining my ability to live through daily frustrations with a serenity I did not believe existed, and with the strength to practice the principles of A.A. in all of my everyday affairs.

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

Big Book Quote

“The less people tolerated us, the more we withdrew from society, from life itself. As we became subjects of King Alcohol, shivering denizens of his mad realm, the chilling vapor that is loneliness settled down. It thickened, ever becoming blacker. Some of us sought out sordid places, hoping to find understanding companionship and approval. Momentarily we did—then would come oblivion and the awful awakening to face the hideous Four Horsemen—Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, Despair.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 151~

Keep It Simple

Acceptance and faith are capable of producing 100% sobriety. –Grapevine.

Acceptance and faith are the most important parts of our recovery. If we boil down Steps One

And Two, we’ll find acceptance and faith. Acceptance means we see the world as it is, not as we want it to be. We start to see ourselves as humans, not as gods. We are good, and we are bad. We need to fit in the world, not run it.

Acceptance also guides us toward faith. Faith is believing. We start to believe that someone or something will take care of us. Faith is about giving up control of outcomes. We learn to say to our Higher Power, “Thy will be done.”

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power help me accept my illness. Give me the faith to know that You and I, together, will keep me sober.

Action for the Day:
Throughout the day, I’ll think of the 11th step. I’ll pray to my Higher Power, “Thy Will be done, not mine.” Amen.

Each Day A New Beginning

The future is made of the same stuff as the present. –Simone Weil

The only lessons that matter for our lives at this time will come to us today. Just as what we needed and were ready for yesterday came yesterday, tomorrow insures more of the same. Concerning ourselves with any other moment but the present prevents us from responding when “the teacher appears.”

In years gone by, we perhaps hung onto yesterday’s problems. We may still struggle to hang onto them. Or perhaps we try to see too far ahead. But we are learning that there is a right time for all growth. A right time for all experiences. And the right time may not fit our timetable. What doesn’t come our way today, will come when the time is right. Each day we are granted just what is needed. We need not worry about the future. It will offer us whatever rightly comes next, but it can’t do so until we have experienced these 24 hours before us.

There is wonder and joy awaiting me, each day. The growth I experience is just what is needed at this time. I am a student, and the teacher will appear.

Today’s Gift – Hazelden

Letting go is a decision.

The obsession to pressure other people to see things our way keeps us agitated. In contrast, the wisdom to understand that every person’s view has validity, at least for that person, is a gift we receive from working the Twelve Steps. Our daily assignment, then, is to be patient and listen so that we may learn this lesson from women and men who have walked this path already, women and men who have come to understand that letting go of others and their addictions promises relief from the obsession that troubles each of us.

Look around. All of us have tried to force solutions that didn’t fit. And we drove ourselves crazy trying to control the behavior of others, certain that “doing it our way” was not only reasonable, but right. Our past sometimes may appear to be a series of failures. But our present experience can be peaceful, hopeful, and successful. It’s our decision to let go. A small decision that we can make many times today, every day.

“Let go” are tiny words with huge rewards. If I want to, I can give up my attempts to control someone today. Peace will be my reward.

Elder’s Meditation

“You could study the ancestors, but without a deep feeling of communication with them it would be surface learning and surface talking. Once you have gone into yourself and have learned very deeply, appreciate it, and relate to it very well, everything will come very easily.”

–Ellen White, NANAIMO

Inside of every human being are our ancestors, and these ancestors still live. Today, the white man calls this DNA, but there is more than DNA. We have the ability to go inside of ourselves and learn from the ancestors. The ancestor teachings reside in the place of the center. The ancestors are waiting for us to come there so they can share the ancient teachings. It is said, “Be still and know”.

Great Spirit, let me walk in the stillness.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

DR – November 4, 2018

On November 4, 2018November 5, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
November 4, 2018

Daily Reflection

A DAILY DISCIPLINE

, . . when they [self-examination, meditation and prayer] are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 98

The last three Steps of the program invoke God’s loving discipline upon my willful nature. If I devote just a few moments every night to a review of the highlights of my day, along with an acknowledgment of those aspects that didn’t please me so much, I gain a personal history of myself, one that is essential to my growth, or lack of it, and to ask in prayerful meditation to be relieved of those continuing shortcomings that cause me pain. Meditation and prayer also teach me the art of focusing and listening. I find that the turmoil of the day gets tuned out as I pray for His will and guidance. The practice of asking Him to help me in my strivings for perfection puts a new slant on the tedium of any day, because I know there is honor in any job done well. The daily discipline of prayer and meditation will keep me in fit spiritual condition, able to face whatever the day brings – without the thought of a
drink.

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

Big Book Quote

“Faith without works was dead, he said. And how appallingly true for the alcoholic! For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead. If he did not work, he would surely drink again, and if he drank, he would surely die. Then faith would be dead indeed. With us it is just like that.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 14~

Keep It Simple

Each day comes bearing its gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker

How full life can be! We can untie the ribbons on this gift by keeping our spirits open.

Open to life. Open to how much our Higher Power love us.

Who knows what the gifts the day may bring? Maybe it brings a solution to a problem.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, remind me to pray to You often. Remind me to stop and listen to You. Remind me that You love me very much.

Action for the Day:
At the end of the day, I’ll take time to list the gifts I’ve been given today. This will be first on my list: I am sober.

Each Day A New Beginning

Beginnings are apt to be shadowy. –Rachel Carson

When we embark on a new career, open an unfamiliar door, begin a loving relationship, we can seldom see nor can we even anticipate where the experience may take us. At best we can see only what this day brings. We can trust with certainty that we will be safely led through the “shadows.”

To make gains in this life we must venture forth to new places, contact new people, chance new experiences. Even though we may be fearful of the new, we must go forward. It’s comforting to remember that we never take any step alone. It is our destiny to experience many new beginnings. And a dimension of the growth process is to develop trust that each of these experiences will in time comfort us and offer us the knowledge our inner self awaits. Without the new beginnings we are unable to fulfill the purpose for which we’ve been created.

No new beginning is more than we can handle. Every new beginning is needed by our developing selves, and we are ready for whatever comes.

I will look to my new beginnings gladly. They are special to the growth I am now ready for.

Today’s Gift – Hazelden

When we are feeling unloved and depressed and empty inside, finding someone to give us love is not really the solution. –Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D.

Each of us wants to be significant to someone else. And we are – we’re significant to all the lives we’re touching at this very moment.

The emptiness we sometimes feel is a good reminder that the women and men in our lives need our attention. Too much self-focus fosters our feelings of loneliness, and then with desperation we look to others to fill us up. The paradox is that we heal ourselves while offering our attention to another who is, by design, on our path.

It is not by chance our lives are intertwined. Loving someone today will heal two wounds, ours and theirs.

Elder’s Meditation

Not received today 😦

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your bleak assessment of thorny issues with family or with someone dear to you might be gloomier than the truth now. You may be emotionally unsettled while the sweet Libra Moon squares stern Saturn in your 7th House of Partners. Perhaps you’re so anxious about pleasing another or avoiding conflict altogether that you’re not acting to address your concerns. Talk sensitively and respectfully about what’s on your mind. Tact and diplomacy are the tools of your trade.

DR – November 3, 2018

On November 3, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
November 3, 2018

Daily Reflection

FOCUSING AND LISTENING

There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 98

If I do my self-examination first, then surely, I’ll have enough humility to pray and meditate—because I’ll see and feel my need for them. Some wish to begin and end with prayer, leaving the self-examination and meditation to take place in between, whereas others start with meditation, listening for advice from God about their still hidden or unacknowledged defects. Still others engage in written and verbal work on their defects, ending with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. These three—self-examination, meditation and prayer—form a circle, without a beginning or an end. No matter where, or how, I start, I eventually arrive at my destination: a better life.

Big Book Quote

“Everybody knows that those in bad health, and those who seldom play, do not laugh much. So let each family play together or separately as much as their circumstances warrant. We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 132~

Keep It Simple

Words are the voice of the heart. —Confucius

What does my heart have to say today? Am I happy ? Or I’m I troubled? We will find this out if we slow down and listen to our words. We can also hear our spirit in the tone of our words.

We are to meditate. Meditation is about slowing down so we can hear what our spirit is trying to tell us. Meditation is listening. Our spirit is but a quiet whisper inside us. To hear we must quiet ourselves.

Slowing down allows us to find our center. As we find our center we find our spirit and our
Higher Power. Do I take the time needed to slow myself down? Do I take the time ot listen—to listen to my heart?

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, teach me to slow down. Teach me to hear Your whisper as well as Your yells.

Action for the Day:
Today, I will take a half hour to slow down and listen. I will find a place to relax and listen to my heart and my words.

Each Day A New Beginning

It is the calm after the storm. I feel a rainbow where there once were clouds, and while my Spirit dances in gratitude, my mind speculates on the next disaster. Duality.
–Mary Casey

Our growth as women is contingent on our ability to flow with the dualities, the contradictions inherent in one’s lifetime, not only to flow with them but to capitalize on them.

We are not offered a painless existence, but we are offered opportunities for gathering perspective from the painful moments. And our perspectives are cushioned by the principles of the program. The rough edges of life, the storms that whip our very being, are gifts in disguise. We see life anew, when the storm has subsided.

We can enjoy the calm, if that surrounds us today. We deserve the resting periods. They give us a chance to contemplate and make fully our own that which the recent storm brought so forcefully to our attention. We are powerless over the storm’s onslaught. But we can gain from it and be assured that the storm gives all the meaning there is in the calm.
I will be glad today for the clouds or the rainbows. Both are meant for my good. And without both, neither has meaning.

Today’s Gift – Hazelden

Recovery is civil war, but it is a war that can be won.
–Sister Imelda

How often do we hear people say, “Sure, I know it’s the right thing to do – but it’s easier said than done!” But “it,” whatever “it” is for each of us, is actually easier done than not done. As hard as it is to turn our will and our behavior toward recovery, failing to recover is much harder. Ultimately, any price we pay for recovery is far less than the cost of giving up everything we’ve gained.

Some of us have a very difficult time making phone calls. Others are scared to death of speaking at meetings, talking to strangers, or admitting that we have feelings. But the alternative has simply been too painful. Whatever we have to do is worth it. The payoff is immense. How many of us, when we did attend that meeting that frightened us, felt an enormous surge of self-confidence and happiness? How often, when we have stood our ground and found it did not kill us, have we felt that we could lick the world? The payoff is that we learn to like ourselves more, and that is as good as it gets.

I will make sure today that I am not forgetting the benefits of recovery and only considering the price of recovery.

Elder’s Meditation

“A sundance woman is like the morning star, filled with spiritual beauty, wisdom and knowledge. Men and women are the most powerful of the polarities. We walk beside men as equal partners. It takes men and women who have respect and love for one another to live within the embrace of Father Sky and Mother Earth.”

–Dr. Henrietta Mann, SOUTHERN CHEYENNE

Our ceremonies bring out the best in us. It’s in the ceremony that we find the place of honor and respect for each other. The place where the men honor the women and the women honor the men. We dance for each other. The ceremony helps us remember our responsibility toward each other. Men and women need to be strong, to love one another and be faithful. Only by doing this can we give our children knowledge of good relationships.

Great Spirit, today I will notice the power of the women; today I will notice the power of the men.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Moodiness might prompt you to react too fast to a perceived slight. The touchy Moon opposes delicate Neptune, signaling that you’re more emotionally raw than usual. It’s better to use your innate sensitivity to tap into reliable sources of inspiration such as music, art, or spirituality. Cultivating inner tranquility enables you to gain a healthy perspective. Ringo Starr said, “At the end of the day, I can end up just totally wacky, because I’ve made mountains out of molehills. With meditation, I can keep them as molehills.”

Resting on Laurels

On November 2, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings3 Comments

“It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels.
We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.”

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85

I spent nine years in Binghamton, NY, building a solid recovery program and ‘practicing those principles in all our affairs’. My sponsor and I talked, I went to meetings and I did service work on a regular basis. Then I made a decision to move and my world slowly crumbled away until nothing was left.

We hear in meetings all the time one must be vigilant in attending meetings, speaking with your sponsor, working the steps and doing service work. All three are essential parts of any recovery program. Meetings, at the least, were a reminder of where I could be if I didn’t follow the guidelines of the programs nor the suggestions given to me by others.

When I moved something in me changed. For a while I lived life on life’s terms. But after a while I allowed my pride to get in the way of my sobriety. I had convinced myself, “I have my addiction licked . . .” In addition, I watched my connection to my Higher Power slowly fade away. No longer did I trust in ‘gut instincts’ I had previously recognized as my Higher Power. Instead I made rash decisions based on my emotions. First thought, wrong thought.

As months went by I became a miserable human being. I wasn’t satisfied by anyone or anything; I wanted things run my way. The though of drinking crept in time to time but I held it at bay. One day after work I just said, “F**k it” stopping at a gas station getting a six pack of Budweiser.

I knew where I was going and where I would end up. But I didn’t care. I had given up.

For the next four months, I went from drinking two beers a night to an eighteen pack. It was only a few nights I got drunk. It was as if I hadn’t quit drinking for the last ten years; I just couldn’t get the desired inebriation at all. Did I care? Nope, I just kept drinking.

I became severely depressed. Most of the time the only light in my room was that of the TV which I used as a computer screen. I only slept a couple hours a night. Weekends I would sleep twelve or more hours out of pure exhaustion from not getting enough sleep during the week. I would eat maybe every other day if that. With the amount of beer I was drinking, I wasn’t hungry at all. Instead of getting a refill on necessary medications I desired my alcohol. Either before work or most times after work I would be at one of two stores getting my daily dose of alcohol for the night.

My relapse lasted for a couple of months. One day I woke up doing what I needed to do to get my life back. A week later, I was picked up and taken to an inpatient rehabilitation program. So now I start my life over again. But what is different this time is I’ve learned from my lessons of the past. Therefore taking more effort to not repeat the mistakes of my past.

DR – November 2, 2018

On November 2, 2018 By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
November 2, 2018

Daily Reflection

KEEPING OPTIMISM AFLOAT

The other Steps can keep most of us sober and somehow functioning. But Step Eleven can keep us growing, . . .

— THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 240

A sober alcoholic finds it much easier to be optimistic about life. Optimism is the natural result of my finding myself gradually able to make the best, rather than the worst, of each situation. As my physical sobriety continues, I come out of the fog, gain a clearer perspective and am better able to determine what courses of action to take. As vital as physical sobriety is, I can achieve a greater potential for myself by developing an ever-increasing willingness to avail myself of the guidance and direction of a Higher Power. My ability to do so comes from my learning—and practicing—the principles of the A.A. program. The melding of my physical and spiritual sobriety produces the substance of a more positive life.

Big Book Quote

“We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 46~

Keep It Simple

“. . .praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
–Second half of Step Eleven

Step Eleven teaches us how to pray. We pray for God’s will to replace ours. Our will got us in trouble. God’s will guides us to simple serenity. We pray for power to live a spiritual life. This is important, for it takes much strength and courage to live a spiritual life.

The sober path is not always easy. It takes self-discipline. We have to say no to our self-will. We follow God’s will for us. The rewards are great. We get sobriety. We get serenity. We get friendship. We regain our family. We get a deep, loving relationship with a Higher Power who wants peace and joy for us and for the world.

Prayer for the Day:
Dear Higher Power, I pray the words of Step Eleven. I pray to know Your will for me. And I pray that I have the power to carry out Your will.

Action for the Day:
I will examine my life. I will look to see how my will gets in the way of God’s will.

A New Beginning

Love and the hope of it are not things one can learn; they are a part of life’s heritage.
–Maria Montessori

Love is a gift we’ve been given by our Creator. The fact of our existence guarantees that we deserve it. As our recognition of this grows, so does our self-love and our ability to love others.

High self-esteem, stable self-worth were not our legacies before finding this program. We sought both through means which led nowhere. These Steps and our present relationships are providing the substance and direction needed in our lives to discover our worthiness.

Had we understood that we were loved, in all the years of our youth, perhaps we’d not have struggled so in the pain of alienation. We were always at the right hand of God, never apart, loved and watched over. But we didn’t recognize the signs. The signs are everywhere present now. Each Step is a constant reminder. Every human contact is a message from God. Any desire we are eager to make manifest is a beckoning from God for growth.

I will look for the signs of my benefactor today. They’re present everywhere.

Today’s Gift – Hazelden

Love-ability

A friend of mine recently told me how he met his wife. He had watched her walk by his store every day for a year with her young son. She also happened to be a friend of his neighbor.

“Fix me up,” he suggested to his neighbor. “We’ll go on a double date. I really want to meet her.” Unfortunately, the neighbor never got around to setting up that first date.

Finally my friend devised a plan. Every day when she walked by the store, they said hello to each other, but she never stopped to chat. This day, he was ready. He had his store keys in hand. “Would it be all right if I walked with you for a while?” he asked when she walked by.

“Don’t you have to mind your store?”

“I’ll lock it up,” he said.

“You don’t have to do that,” she said. “We can sit here and chat.”

That Friday, they had their first date. She was nervous.

The next weekend, they went out again. She was still nervous. He turned to her, “You can relax,” he said. “I’m not going to try anything inappropriate. I just want to enjoy your company.” As time passed, she did relax, and they continued to become friends. Three years later, they were married in a small ceremony. “I didn’t want to overwhelm her son,” my friend recalled.

He wrote his wedding vows. He promised to love her and care for her all of his life. He promised to love her son and protect him, as if he were his own. She lit up his life, he said, and he was grateful for her promise of companionship for the rest of their lives.

My friend is a lucky man, but not just because he found someone he truly loves. He is lucky because he is able to recognize the gift of his wife’s love. Most of us have the ability to see when we have been harmed, hurt, or slighted, when we’re not loved or treated the way we’d like to be. But we can learn to see those acts big and small when someone shows us love. They are the greatest gifts of all.

Call it believing we deserve love, lovability, or love-ability, the value is opening our eyes and hearts so we can see and receive love from others, friends, family, romantic involvements, and God.

Elder’s Meditation

“Praying is what has brought us old people through life. We’ve all gone through hard times. We’ve all done our share of bad things. But through our prayers and faith in the Creator we get together again and we try hard to live right.”
–Paula Weasel Head, BLOOD

As we go through life we find ourselves on track one day and off track the next day. We gain consistency through prayer. Prayer is our connection to the Great Spirit. Prayer is our channel for knowledge and wisdom. Prayer is how we keep our sanity. The Elders say we should walk in prayer.

Great Spirit, teach me to walk in prayer. Help keep my faith strong.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

There may be a distinct disconnect between what you’re being told and what you actually hear today. Although you can’t be sure you’re entirely right, don’t be too quick to dismiss your intuition. It’s easy to lapse into awkward miscommunication and leave feelings unexpressed with trickster Mercury in the picture now. The sharp Virgo Moon pushes you to ask for clarity, giving you the chance to discover the missing pieces. Playing the role of an intrepid detective serves you well.