DR – July 20, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 20, 2018

Daily Reflection

SHORTCOMINGS REMOVED

But now the words “Of myself I am nothing, the Father doeth the works” began to carry bright promise and meaning.

12 & 12, p. 75

When I put the Seventh Step into action I must remember that there are no blanks to fill in. It doesn’t say, “Humbly asked Him to (fill in the blank) remove our shortcomings.” For years I filled in the imaginary blank with “Help me!” “Give me the courage to,” and “Give me the strength,” etc. The Step says simply that God will remove my shortcomings. The only footwork I must do is “humbly ask,” which for me means asking with the knowledge that of myself I am nothing, the Father within “doeth the works.”

I thank my Higher Power for letting me know that He works through other people, and I thank Him for our trusted servants in the Fellowship who aid new members to reject their false ideals and to adopt those which lead to a life of compassion and trust. The elders in A.A. challenge the newcomers to “Come To”–so that they can “Come to Believe.” I ask my Higher Power to help my unbelief.

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

Big Book Quote

“The age of miracles is still with us. Our own recovery proves that!”

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

Keep It Simple

Living so fully. I can’t image what any drug would do for me.-–Joan Baez

When we were using alcohol and other drugs, our lives kept getting emptier. We tired to keep new things out of our lives. We were scared and tired. We saw feelings as bad. So we got high instead of feeling them.

Now we can live fully every day. We don’t want to block our feelings. We aren’t afraid to opening up to new things and people.

And the more we open up, the happier we are. Our feelings are free. They bounce around. They don’t get stuck. We feel alive. Sure, we feel pain and fear sometimes. But we feel joy, love, and laughter too. And, more and more often, we feel alive.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, please help me live fully today. Help me notice my feelings.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list five things I’ve enjoyed in the last twenty-four hours.

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.”

DR – July 19, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 19, 2018

Daily Reflection

FALSE PRIDE

Many of us who had thought ourselves religious awoke to the limitations of this attitude. Refusing to place God first, we had deprived ourselves of His help.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75

Many false notions operate in false pride. The need for direction to live a decent life is satisfied by the hope experienced in the A.A. Fellowship. Those who have walked the way for years – a day at a time – say that a God-centered life has limitless possibilities for personal growth. This being so, much hope is transmitted by the elder A.A.s.

I thank my Higher Power for letting me know that He works through other people, and I thank Him for our trusted servants in the Fellowship who aid new members to reject their false ideals and to adopt those which lead to a life of compassion and trust. The elders in A.A. challenge the newcomers to “Come To” – so that they can “Come to Believe.” I ask my Higher Power to help my unbelief.

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

Big Book Quote

“Perhaps there is a better way–we think so. For we are now on a different basis; the basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves. We are in the world to play the role He assigns. Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 68~

Keep It Simple

We grow small trying to be great.

We dreamed of being great. Trying to be great is about control. We’ve caused a lot of trouble trying to control things. We’ve been afraid to just let things happen, We’re not very trusting. Many of us have good reasons not to trust. Whatever the reasons, we had put our trust in getting drunk or high. We thought that was one thing we could control. What really happened? We got sick.

Recovery is based on trust. We must learn to trust that it’s best for us to give up control. It will seem strange at first. But letting go and trusting can become a way of life. The Steps, our groups, our sponsor, and our Higher Power—here, we find love and caring. We can trust them.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that day by day, I’ll put more trust in my program and in my Higher Power.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list five reasons why I can trust my Twelve Step program.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It’s healthy to give from a place of freedom and acceptance in relationships. Your care for others is noble and beautiful in theory. However, it’s prudent to be objective today to see if your caretaking urge comes from a lack of inner security or fear of abandonment. Reexamine your intentions so your offerings don’t turn into a form of subconscious control. Check your possessiveness and lose your jealous streak. Come out of your shell and allow yourself to be seen.

DR – July 18, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 18, 2018

Daily Reflection

GRATEFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE, p.208

During this process of learning more about humility, the most profound result of all was the change in our attitude toward God.

12 & 12, p. 75

Today my prayers consist mostly of saying thank you to my Higher Power for my sobriety and for the wonder of God’s abundance, but I need also to ask for help and the power to carry out His will for me. I no longer need God each minute to rescue me from the situations I get myself into by not doing His will. Now my gratitude seems to be directly linked to humility. As long as I have the humility to be grateful for what I have, God continues to provide for me.

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

Big Book Quote

“If you are as seriously alcoholic as we were, we believe there is no middle-of-the-road solution. We were in a position where life was becoming impossible, and if we had passed into the region from which there is no return through human aid, we had but two alternatives: One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could; and the other, to accept spiritual help. This we did because we honestly wanted to, and were willing to make the effort.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 25~

Keep It Simple

It takes twenty years to become an overnight success.—Eddie Cantor

Successful people make life look easy. But it’s not. Years of hard work, trial and error, and learning probably went on into each success. The key is this: We must choose to do what we really like. If we want to be successful, we’ll have to work at it. We’ll have letdowns, and we’ll get bored at times. But we’ll be happy because we’re doing what we want, what we know is best for us. Real success has to do with our own happiness.

In our programs, we’ll meet many successful people. They’ve worked hard at recovery, and they are still learning. And they’re happy to share their success with us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thank-you for the success the program has already given me.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list three ways I know I am a success today. Number one: I’m sober!

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your family tree is casting shade on your heart today. You might be feeling a sentimentality regarding your roots and bloodline, or a growing attachment toward tradition and culture. Be aware of where you may be relinquishing your power. Sometimes an overly amenable disposition masks fears of inadequacy or an inability to receive. Be generous out of self-interest, but also remember how to graciously accept support. All that you give to others you give to yourself.

DR – July 17, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 17, 2018

Daily Reflection

SURRENDER AND SELF-EXAMINATION

My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive.

Thus I think it can work out with emotional sobriety. If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependency and its consequent unhealthy demand. Let us, with God’s help, continually surrender these hobbling demands. Then we can be set free to live and love; we may then be able to Twelfth Step ourselves and others into emotional sobriety.

— THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 238

Years of dependency on alcohol as a chemical mood-changer deprived me of the capability to interact emotionally with my fellows. I thought I had to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-motivated in a world of unreliable people. Finally I lost my self-respect and was left with dependency, lacking any ability to trust myself or to believe in anything. Surrender and self-examination while sharing with newcomers helped me to ask humbly for help.

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

Big Book Quote

“In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we could not do for ourselves. We hope you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him. If you have already made a decision, and an inventory of your grosser handicaps, you have made a good beginning. That being so you have swallowed and digested some big chunks of truth about yourself.”

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

Keep It Simple

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.-–Marie Curie

We have many sides, some good, and some bad. Maybe we’re afraid to see our faults. But we don’t need to be afraid. After all, we need to know our dark side before we can change it. When we see ourselves clearly, we can stop our dark side from causing trouble.

When we shine light on our fears and secrets, we’ll begin to feel better about ourselves. We’ll feel more safe about sharing our worries. The more honest we are with ourselves and others, the better and stronger we become. The goodness and love in us will blossom. We have a Higher Power and a program to help us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be brave enough to see myself clearly. Gently teach me to see who I really am. Help me know enough to stay sober today.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll look myself in the eyes. I’ll spend two minutes looking into my eyes in a mirror. I’ll talk to my sponsor about what I see.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Allow yourself to daydream; fear not if your head is lost in the clouds. The current cosmic energy lends itself to a more scattered disposition, or at least a more open mental space. There may be more questions than can be answered today, prompting you to seek advice from a coworker or partner. Perhaps initiating a meaningful conversation with someone to resolve an old dispute will wipe out any pangs of regret. Indulge your craving for connection by picking up the phone to call home or dropping in for a visit with a friend. Isaac Newton wrote, “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”

DR – July 16, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 16, 2018

Daily Reflection

“A MEASURE OF HUMILITY”

In every case, pain had been the price of admission into a new life. But this admission price had purchased more than we expected. It brought a measure of humility, which we soon discovered to be a healer of pain.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75

It was painful to give up trying to control my life, even though success eluded me, and when life got too rough, I drank to escape. Accepting life on life’s terms will be mastered through the humility I experience when I turn my will and my life over to the care of God, as I understand Him. With my life in God’s care, fear, uncertainty, and anger are no longer my response to those portions of life that I would rather not have happen to me. The pain of living through these times will be healed by the knowledge that I have received the spiritual strength to survive.

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

We can’t all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. —Will Rogers

Humility is being thankful for the chance to watch the parade. There were days we thought that all that counted were the heroes. But our program has no heroes. It has many fine, spiritual people. . . but no heroes.

When someone is needed to make coffee or pick up after a meeting, we can be willing to do those things. Let’s look at doing these little jobs as our way of looking for a good spot on the curb. . . .to watch the parade! The floats are so colorful, and the bands play so loud!

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be proud of who I am, instead of always putting myself down because I’m not who I “should” be.

Action for the Day:
I will look and help someone today. Service to others is service to my Higher Power.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Dig deep to find the determination to keep moving forward. You know your role in your community, but it’s easy to become overwhelmed on your quest for knowledge and advancement. Let go of some of your responsibilities before your schedule spirals out of control. Delegate to others who enjoy what you don’t. Give up the need to be right and consider other perspectives as valid. Lightening your load allows you to progress much more quickly on your path.

DR – July 15, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 14, 2018

Daily Reflection

PRIDE

For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige, and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted.

In all these strivings, so many of them well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility. We had lacked the perspective to see that character-building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfactions were not the purpose of living.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 71

Time and again I approached the Seventh Step, only to fall back and regroup. Something was missing and the impact of the Step escaped me. What had I overlooked? A single word: read but ignored, the foundation of all the Steps, indeed the entire Alcoholics Anonymous program – that word is “humbly.”

I understood my shortcomings: I constantly put tasks off; I angered easily; I felt too much self-pity; and I thought, why me? Then I remembered, “Pride goeth before the fall,” and I eliminated pride from my life.

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

Big Book Quote

“…the main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind, rather than
in his body.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, Page 23~

Keep It Simple

Let there be spaces in your togetherness.—Kahil Gilran

We all need time alone. Then we can get to know our Higher Power better too.

When we were using chemicals, we were afraid of being alone. We didn’t want to think too much.

So we got high.

Now we know we’re never totally alone. Our Higher Power is with us. We can relax. We can rest.

We can think, read, and meditate. We can our own best friend.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me use my time alone to know myself better.
Help me get to know You too.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll plan to spend two hours alone to get to know myself better. I could take a long walk, or enjoy a park, or my garden. What will I do, and when?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your personal knowledge base is of immense value to others now, partly because your experiences are both common and unique. Today’s planetary party helps calm any feelings of inadequacy surrounding your ability to connect with purpose. As you prepare for the week ahead, reflect on the lessons of your journey. You feel better when you know and do better. Focusing on your strengths and pursuing your most noble intentions enable you to be a true blessing to your partners and the community at large.

DR – July 14, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 13, 2018

Daily Reflection

A NOURISHING INGREDIENT

Where humility had formerly stood for a forced feeding on humble pie, it now begins to mean the nourishing ingredient which can give us serenity.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 74

How often do I focus on my problems and frustrations? When I am having a “good day” these same problems shrink in importance and my preoccupation with them dwindles. Wouldn’t it be better if I could find a key to unlock the “magic” of my “good days” for use on the woes of my “bad days?”

I already have the solution! Instead of trying to run away from my pain and wish my problems away, I can pray for humility! Humility will heal the pain. Humility will take me out of myself. Humility, that strength granted to me by that “power greater than myself,” is mine for the asking! Humility will bring balance back into my life. Humility will allow me to accept my humanness joyously.

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

Big Book Quote

” When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, Page 52~

Keep It Simple

Most of the evils of life arise from man’s being unable to sit still in a room.

—Blaise Pascal

Our program teaches us to slow down. We learn to slow down by taking time out. During these times-outs, we look at our values and see if we’re staying true to them.

Because of that, meditation is an important part of our program. It teaches us to slow down. Our Higher Power wants us to have fun and play. But we need to bring our Higher Power along. Remember, our Higher Power loves fun. We can have fun, but not at the expense of others.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray for help so I can remember my values. Higher Power, teach me to have fun. Teach me to be true to You at the same time.

Action for the day:
Today. I’ll three times mischief has been good fun. I’ll talk with a friend about the difference between trouble mischief and fun mischief.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your sense of self-worth is up for review today. You may experience a sobering understanding of how you behave in your commitments and partnerships. Everyone desires love but not everyone is ready to receive it. Are you truly complete within or are you searching for someone to fill an emotional black hole? Heal old heartbreaks, renegotiate vows, and release limiting beliefs. Integrate the facets of your being into wholeness before you seek to create intimacy with another. The seeds of love sprout from within.

DR – July 13, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 13, 2018

Daily Reflection

HUMILITY IS A GIFT

As long as we placed self-reliance first, a genuine reliance upon a Higher Power was out of the question. That basic ingredient of all humility, a desire to seek and do God’s will, was missing.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 72

When I first came to A.A., I wanted to find some of the elusive quality called humility. I didn’t realize I was looking for humility because I thought it would help me get what I wanted, and that I would do anything for others if I thought God would somehow reward me for it. I try to remember now that the people I meet in the course of my day are as close to God as I am ever going to get while on this earth. I need to pray for knowledge of God’s will today, and see how my experience with hope and pain can help other people; if I can do that, I don’t need to search for humility, it has found me.

Big Book Quote

“If a repetition is to be prevented, place the problem, along with everything else, in God’s hands.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, To Wives, Page 120~

Keep It Simple

A brother may not be a friend, but a friend will always be a brother.

—Benjamin Franklin

Many of us come from families that aren’t very healthy for us. Many families have lots of love but aren’t able to show it. Maybe our parents argued or drank to much. When we share our recovery with them, they may not seem happy with us. They may be doing the best they can, but they don’t understand our new way of life.

We can have the love we wanted, but it might not come from our family. We can choose healthy friends to be our new “family.” Some friends may seem like the sister or brother we always wanted.

A sponsor can give us advice we never got from our parents. We can have a full, healthy “family life” after all.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me choose good friend who will help me to be the best that I can be.

Action for the Day:
The best way to have a friend is to be a friend. What will I do today to be a friend.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Service, not selfishness, dear nurturing one. After a jarring eclipse, you’re in a new space that may feel like a rare chance to forget all others and focus on yourself. The planet of innovation lighting up your realm of social networks indicates you’re better served to grow as a leader by remembering the well-being of the greater good. Stand as an example of quality of excellence in a family, organization, or community. The world needs your visionary gifts.

DR – July 12, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 12, 2018

Daily Reflection

GIVING UP CENTER STAGE, p.202

For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. . . Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.

12 & 12, p.70

Why do I balk at the word “humility”? I am not humbling myself toward other people, but toward God, as I understand Him. Humbly means “to show submissive,” and by being humble I realize I am not the center of the universe. When I was drinking, I was consumed by pride and self-centeredness. I felt the entire world revolved around me, that I was master of my destiny. Humility enables me to depend more on God to help me overcome obstacles, to help me with my own imperfections, so that I may grow spiritually. I must solve more difficult problems to increase my proficiency and, as I encounter life’s stumbling blocks, I must learn to overcome them through God’s help. Daily communion with God demonstrates my humility and provides me with the realization that an entity more powerful than I is willing to help me if I cease trying to play God myself.

Big Book Quote

“A body badly burned by alcohol does not often recover overnight nor do twisted thinking and depression vanish in a twinkling. We are convinced that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health restorative.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, Page 133~

Keep It Simple

Just because everything is different doesn’t mean anything has changed.—Irene Peter

Our life changed a lot when we stopped drinking and using other drugs. But this is only a start. We need to go further.

Our old attitudes can kill us, even if we aren’t drinking or drugging any more. This is called a “dry drunk.” If we’re on a dry drunk, we’ve changed the way we act without changing the way we think.

Our program shows us how to change the way we think. And we change how we treat ourselves and others. We learn to live a new life based on love and care.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me guard against my old attitudes. Help me keep changing.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list four ways I’ve changed because I’m sober. I’ll list four ways I haven’t changed yet.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It’s imperative that you love yourself first. Current partnership challenges reveal where you could pursue a path of forgiveness while this eclipse is illuminating your axis of self and others. You cannot receive what you do not give, and you cannot give what you have not received. Take care of yourself with the same compassion with which you nurture your loved ones. Forgive yourself of mistakes, release others from the bonds of guilt, and experience the power of self-liberation.

DR – July 11, 2018

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Daily Recovery Readings
July 11, 2018

Daily Reflection

A TURNING POINT, p.301

A great turning point in our lives came when we sought for humility as something we really wanted, rather than as something we must have.

12 & 12, p.75

Either the A.A. way of life becomes one of joy or I return to the darkness and despair of alcoholism. Joy comes to me when my attitude concerning God and humility turns to one of desire rather than of burden. The darkness in my life changes to radiant light when I arrive at the realization that being truthful and honest in dealing with my inventory results in my life being filled with serenity, freedom, and joy. Trust in my Higher Power deepens, and the flush of gratitude spreads through my being. I am convinced that being humble is being truthful and honest in dealing with myself and God. It is then that humility is something I “really want,” rather being
“something I must have.”

Big Book Quote

“To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Foreword To First Edition, pg. xiii~

Keep It Simple

If you would be loved, love and be lovable.—Benjamin Franklin

We all want to be loved. and no matter how much we’re loved, we always want more.

How can we be lovable? What does the mean? Should we try to be perfect? Should we act cute and helpless? No, being lovable means that we act ourselves. We let others get to know us. When others love us, we enjoy it. We tell them. We let them know that their love isn’t wasted on us, that it’s important to us. We are lovable, and we are loved!

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me accept the love of others today. Help me be lovable.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list all the little things others do that show that they care for me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your aesthetic tastes are yearning for a change of pace and there is no reason to deny your craving for variety. Whether it’s a unique accessory, a fresh piece of home decor, or a new spot for happy hour, give yourself permission to say yes. It’s okay to contradict yourself or connect with irreverent individuals outside your normal circles. Everything is expanding, inspiring you to create new memories with different people. There’s no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this.