DR – July 30, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
July 30, 2018

Daily Reflection

GIVING BACK

. . . he has struck something better than gold. . . .He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129

My part of the Seventh Tradition means so much more than just giving money to pay for the coffee. It means being accepted for myself by belonging to a group. For the first time I can be responsible, because I have a choice. I can learn the principles of working out problems in my daily life by getting involved in the “business” of A.A. By being self-supporting, I can give back to A.A. what A.A. gave to me! Giving back to A.A. not only ensures my own sobriety, but allows me to buy insurance that A.A. will be here for my grandchildren.

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

Big Book Quote

“We know what you are thinking. You are saying to yourself: “I’m jittery and alone. I couldn’t do that.” But you can. You forget that you have just now tapped a source of power much greater than yourself. To duplicate, with such backing, what we have accomplished is only a matter of willingness, patience and labor.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 163~

Keep It Simple

Beauty may be said to be God’s trademark in creation. —Henry Ward Beecher

Our addiction was like a veil over our heads. We saw the world as an ugly place.
We saw people as trouble. We thought our drinks and drugs were beautiful. But even they became ugly over time. Life became ugly because we had put distance between our Higher Power and ourselves.

Now we are blessed because the veil is lifted, and we are part of the healing process. We help others step into the beauty of recovery.

Our spirits are again free to seek a relationship with God and others. Through these relationships, we get our hope back. This hope help us focus on the beauty of the world. Hope is the rain that helps our souls grow.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, the world is both beautiful and ugly. For to long I only saw the ugly. Help me focus on the beauty.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll keep an eye out for the beauty recovery holds for me. Throughout the day, I’ll pray for this.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Let go of what you cling to, even if it hurts. Your crab claws know how to hold on and can be unforgiving in their grasp. The truth is you would benefit from a daily practice of waking up and releasing everything before you get out of bed. When you give others their freedom, you can use your extra time to water your garden and nurture your own flowers. What is for you is for you, and no matter how far it wanders or how long the space is, it always comes back.

DR – July 29, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 29, 2018

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

“At the moment we are trying to put our lives in order. But this is not an end in itself.”

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

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

Distinguish between your wants, needs, and desires. However, your coveted treasure might bring you misery after you actually receive it. Needs can help you thrive in life if they are a match to your core values. Desires relate to passion but you can also get caught up in emotions and unclear perceptions. Revisit your self-worth and reevaluate your skillset, so you can better assess your chances for success. Remain rational when choosing your goals, release attachment to outcomes, and return to the fundamentals. Nurturing your self-respect inspires others to see you in a deserving light.

DR – July 28, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 28, 2018

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 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

“I had always believed in a Power greater that myself. I had often pondered these things. I was not an atheist. Few people really are, for that means blind faith in the strange proposition that this universe originated in a cipher and aimlessly rushes no where.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 10~

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 leader, I’d better know that I’m responsible for getting myself on the right path. I also must be honest with my followers, so 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

Go deep or go home. You hunger for passion and real talk with someone who sees your heart; shallow silliness just won’t cut it. You might feel extra sensitive to your partner’s needs or desire more of an intense emotional connection. Money conflicts create tension and misunderstandings may be exaggerated. Let your secrets out and reveal the deeper parts of your heart. The cosmic retrograde traffic jam appears to be stopping progress in its tracks, but trust that detox precedes purification.

DR – July 27, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 27, 2018

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 principals of Alcoholics Anonymous in my life, I soon found it was a privilege to give to the Fellowship as an expression of the gratitude 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

“Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 20

Keep It Simple

To enjoy freedom, we have to con troll 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

Dismantle the darkness by invoking the light. Light, in this case, is defined as awareness and understanding. This Lunar Eclipse occurs in your 8th House of Death and Rebirth, calling you to see your mortality with fresh eyes. Channel retrograde Mars to integrate your shadows by making peace with everything in your past. Reconcile with others so you can become your next best self and move forward freely. Release everything to spirit; your little willingness is all it takes.

DR – July 26, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 26, 2018

Daily Reflection

THE “WORTH” OF SOBRIETY

Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 160

When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I am either too busy to take money out of my purse, or I do not have enough, but I am there because I need this meeting. I heard someone suggest dropping the price of a beer into the basket, and I thought, that’s too much! I almost never give one dollar. Like many others, I rely on the more generous members to finance the Fellowship. I forget that it takes money to rent the meeting room, buy my milk, sugar and cups. I will pay, without hesitation, ninety cents for a cup of coffee at a restaurant after the meeting; I always have money for that. So, how much is my sobriety and my inner peace worth?

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

Big Book Quote

“God has abundantly supplied this world with fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various kinds. Do not hesitate to take your health problems to such persons. Most of them give freely of themselves, that their fellows may enjoy sound minds and bodies.”

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

Keep It Simple

I was never less alone when by myself.—Edward Gibson

To stay in this program, we need to accept that we have an illness. We need to accept that we were out of control. And we need to accept that we need others and they need us. At times, we won’t want to accept these facts. We will want to deny we have an illness and our lives were out of control.

Many of us get into trouble when we don’t accept that we need others. This is why helping others is so important. It teaches us that we need others, and others need us. By helping others, we learn about the give-and-take of human relationships. There is no give-an-take in addiction. There is just take. Now, finally, we can give too!

Prayer for the Day:
I pray to remember that I need other people.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll help out. I will make coffee at the next meeting or offer to do the Step next week. I will let a fellow addict know I’m glad he or she is sober.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Re-evaluate your values and your relationship with your finances. Replenishing a savings or investment account today ensures there are resources for a rainy day. Review discretionary expenses to see if they are truly necessary. If you’re in business, restock your inventory in case there are shipping or technical glitches later in the retrograde transit. Track your spending and do your best to get on the same page as your partner to avoid trouble down the line. Prep now so you don’t have to redo later.

DR – July 25, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 25, 2018

Daily Reflection

THOSE WHO STILL SUFFER

For us, if we neglect those who are still sick, there is unremitting danger to our own lives and sanity.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 151

I know the torment of drinking compulsively to quiet my nerves and my fears. I also know the pain of white-knuckled sobriety. Today, I do not forget the unknown person who suffers quietly, withdrawn and hiding in the desperate relief of drinking. I ask my Higher Power to give me His guidance and the courage to be willing to be His instrument to carry within me compassion and unselfish actions. Let the group continue to give me the strength to do with others what I cannot do alone.

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

Big Book Quote

“An alcoholic in his cups is an unlovely creature.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 16~

Keep It Simple

If the spirit within us withers (dies), so to will all the world we build around us.
—Theodore Roszab

This is what happened during our illness—our spirits were dying. Our relationships were dying. this is because addiction is death.

And recovery is life! The Steps breathe like into us. Our groups breathe life into us. We start to heal because we once again feel hope. We’re less afraid of what tomorrow may bring. As our hope grows, others feel it too.

We’re starting to slowly rebuild our world. We’re building our world on the Twelve Steps and their message of hope.

Prayer for the Day:
I give myself to life. Higher Power, work with me as I rebuild my world.

Action for the Day:
I’ll talk with a friend about hope. I’ll see my hope as a sign of how close I am to my program.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Things are up in the air and you need to get comfortable with the instability sooner than later. Humanitarian endeavors are alluring now, but their best implementations may be elusive at the moment. Cultivate harmony and beauty in your immediate environment. Watch for the tendency to be possessive or restrictive. Examine where your own habits keep you stuck. The oscillation between your relationship to self and others may appear to be at odds, but integration will come if you remain patient and open to change.

DR – July 24, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 24, 2018

Daily Reflection

HELPING OTHERS

Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 20

Self-centeredness was my problem. All my life people had been doing things for me and I not only expected it, but I was ungrateful and resentful they didn’t do more. Why should I help others, when they were supposed to help me? If others had troubles, didn’t they deserve them? I was filled with self-pity, anger and resentment. Then I learned that by helping others, with no thought of return, I could overcome this obsession with selfishness, and if I understood humility, I would know peace and serenity. No longer do I need to drink.

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

Big Book Quote

“It may seem incredible that these men are to become happy, respected, and useful once more. How can they rise out of such misery, bad repute and hopelessness? The practical answer is that since these things have happened among us, they can happen with you. Should you wish them above all else, and be willing to make use of our experience, we are sure they will come.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 153~

Keep It Simple

The work of adult life is not easy.-–Gail Sheehy

We used to look for a easier, softer way. We tried to take care of ourselves by staying clear of hard task. The result? We haven’t known what the work of adult life is.

The work of adult life is this: to become spiritually centered. And to do this, we work at getting rid of our self-will. There will be many great rewards for doing this. We will wake up spiritually. We will connect with those we love. The result? We will receive self-love to replace self-will. Our work will not be easy, but it will be rewarding.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me to give all to my recovery program. Then help me to be open to the rewards this will bring.

Action for the Day:
I will list the hard parts of my program. Then I’ll talk about them with my sponsor, friends, family, and Higher Power.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Sometimes you care more about caring than being effective. The resistance to being pigeonholed can manifest as rebellion against what people say they actually want. Insisting on your position will only create antagonism today, derailing any potential progress. Being of service often requires adhering to some sort of protocol. It’s not your way or the highway. Do your best to honor what is actually requested of you instead of thinking you know what’s best.

DR – July 23, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 23, 2018

Daily Reflection

I ASK GOD TO DECIDE

“I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.”

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

Having admitted my powerlessness and made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God, as I understand Him, I don’t decide which defects get removed, or the order in which defects get removed, or the time frame in which they get removed. I ask God to decide which defects stand in the way of my usefulness to Him and to others, and then I humbly ask Him to remove them.

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

Big Book Quote

“How dark it is before the dawn! In reality that was the beginning of my last debauch. I was soon to be catapulted into what I like to call the fourth dimension of existence. I was to know happiness, peace, and usefulness, in a way of life that is incredibly more wonderful as time passes.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 8

Keep It Simple

Don’t talk unless you can improve the silence.—Laurence Couglin

“Do I talk to much?” Most of us wonder this sometimes. There are some ways to find out.

Asked yourself these questions: “How much do I know about people in my life?”

“What do they think and feel?” “Do I listen to them?” “Do I often feel that I say too much?”

Then ask a few trusted friends these questions: “Do you think I talk to much?” “How well do you think I listen to you?”

Silence help us listen—to ourselves, to others, and to our Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me enjoy the silent moments in my day.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll think before I speak. what do I really want to say.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Sometimes you care more about caring than being effective. The resistance to being pigeonholed can manifest as rebellion against what people say they actually want. Insisting on your position will only create antagonism today, derailing any potential progress. Being of service often requires adhering to some sort of protocol. It’s not your way or the highway. Do your best to honor what is actually requested of you instead of thinking you know what’s best.

DR – July 22, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 22, 2018

Daily Reflection

“THE GOOD AND THE BAD”

“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.”

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

The joy of life is in the giving. Being freed of my shortcomings, that I may more freely be of service, allows humility to grow in me. My shortcomings can be humbly placed in God’s loving care and be removed. The essence of Step Seven is humility, and what better way to seek humility than by giving all of myself – good and bad – to God, so that He may remove the bad and return to me the good.

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

Big Book Quote

“Most of us feel we need look no further for Utopia. We have it with us right here and now.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 16

Keep It Simple

. . . for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. —Luke 17:21

We want so much to be good. Even when we used alcohol or other drugs, we wanted to believe we were good people. But we often felt we couldn’t measure up. We thought we had to live by a set of rules that we could never follow.

Now we’re finding the goodness inside us. Goodness isn’t something we do. Goodness is just being what we already are. Our Higher Power speaks to us in many ways, including through our hearts and minds. We don’t have to try so hard top be good. We just learn to relax and invite our Higher Power to be part of our lives.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You have put peace, knowledge, love and joy in my heart today. Help me to always find these things.

Action for the Day:
How’s my Higher Power like a loving king or queen? How can I have a kingdom inside me? I’ll talk with my sponsor about this today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Emotional balance and a peaceful state of mind are key in maintaining your health. Checking in on neighbors or older family members brings you as much joy as it does them, reminding you it’s the little things that mean so much. Learning something fun is right up your alley today, perhaps enrolling in a community art class or visiting the yoga studio for sun salutations. A new acquaintance may invite you out for drinks or dinner; take care to not overindulge or you might regret it in the morning. Enjoy yourself but keep the bigger picture of wellness in mind. Life flows beautifully when you focus your intentions.

DR – July 21, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 21, 2018

Daily Reflection

A PRICELESS GIFT

By this time in all probability we have gained some measure of release from our more devastating handicaps. We enjoy moments in which there is something like real peace of mind. To those of us who have hitherto known only excitement, depression, or anxiety – in other words, to all of us – this newfound peace is a priceless gift.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 74

I am learning to let go and let God, to have a mind that is open and a heart that is willing to receive God’s grace in all my affairs; in this way I can experience the peace and freedom that come as a result of surrender. It has been proven that an act of surrender, originating in desperation and defeat, can grow into an ongoing act of faith, and that faith means freedom and victory.

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

Big Book Quote

“For the type of alcoholic who is able and willing get well, little charity, in the ordinary sense of the word, is need or wanted. The men who cry for money and shelter before conquering alcohol, are on the wrong track.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 97

Keep It Simple

There is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise.
—Gore Vidal

Many of us used a “know it all” act to keep people away. We kept everyone around us on edge. They were afraid of our judgments, just we were secretly afraid of theirs. Why were we so busy with everyone else’s life? So we didn’t have to look at our own! We were afraid of what was happening to us. But we didn’t want to see how sick we were becoming. Now we’re not afraid. We don’t need to keep people away. We don’t need to run their lives. We have our life to live. And we’re enjoying it.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You are the expert, not me. Teach me. I am Your student.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list the ways I chased away those who cared about me.. I’ll work on the Steps on these items for the next week.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

The more you push for anything, the more you encounter resistance. Love is on your mind, and it’s tough to think about anything else now. Unfortunately, you may run into a wall or two when it comes to getting what you want today. A winning strategy includes releasing attachment to any particular outcome and avoiding any ultimatums. Remain open to attracting the actual experience which will benefit you the most. Others want to give to you, but not out of pressure or obligation. William Shakespeare wrote, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.”