Daily Recovery Readings
July 10, 2018

Daily Reflection

TOWARD PEACE AND SERENITY

. . . when we have taken a square look at some of these defects, have discussed them with another, and have become willing to have them removed, our thinking about humility commences to have a wider meaning.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 74

When situations arise which destroy my serenity, pain often motivates me to ask God for clarity in seeing my part in the situation. Admitting my powerlessness, I humbly pray for acceptance. I try to see how my character defects contributed to the situation. Could I have been more patient? Was I intolerant? Did I insist on having my own way? Was I afraid? As my defects are revealed, I put self-reliance aside and humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings. The situation may not change, but as I practice exercising humility, I enjoy the peace and serenity which are the natural benefits of placing my reliance in a power greater than myself.

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

Big Book Quote

“We avoid retaliation or argument. We wouldn’t treat sick people that way. If we do, we destroy our chance of being helpful.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 67~

Keep It Simple

Everybody knows that when they’re happy, than usually the people around them are happy.
—George Harrison

Do we think we can’t be happy until others are happy? Then nobody is happy. Our unhappy friends won’t take our advice. They say,” Why should I do what you say? You are not happy either.” And we answer, “I’ll be okay when you’re happy.” We make them responsible for our happiness. What a mess!

We can only make one person happy—ourselves. How? By living as our Higher Power leads us. By working the Steps. By being grateful for the good things in our lives. By loving ourselves and others, just as we are.

And maybe when we’re happy, our friends will learn from us. They can be happy too. But only our friends can make themselves happy.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, as I do my part in Your plan today, help me feel connected to You and to life.

Today’s Action:
Today I’ll enjoy my happiness. I’ll look for three ways to share it with others.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Any stagnation in your creative process finally makes a pivot today. Your body, mind, and spirit commune harmoniously, and your innermost subconscious desires are in the space of true metaphysical depth. Even if you don’t know exactly what it is, there’s something deep within gestating to be born. Enjoy the temporary stillness of this metamorphosis, but float in the ocean of emotion to listen for confirmation of your next best move. Author Laura Jaworski wrote, “Inhale possibility, exhale creativity.”

Daily Recovery Readings
July 9, 2018

Daily Reflection

I AM AN INSTRUMENT

Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 70

The subject of humility is a difficult one. Humility is not thinking less of myself than I ought to; it is acknowledging that I do certain things well, it is accepting a compliment graciously.

God can only do for me what He can do through me. Humility is the result of knowing that God is the doer, not me. In the light of this awareness, how can I take pride in my accomplishments? I am an instrument and any work I seem to be doing is being done by God through me. I ask God on a daily basis to remove my shortcomings, in order that I may more freely go about my A.A. business of “love and service.”

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

Big Book Quote

“…we have ceased fighting anything or anyone—, even alcohol.”

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

Keep It Simple

First say to yourself what you would be: and then do what you have to do. – Eptctetus

We often tell ourselves we want to be more peaceful, more in touch with our Higher Power. In other words, we want to become more spiritual. Acting as spiritual people is hard. Tho often, we choose the easy way. We make a nasty comment even if we know it’ll only make things worse.

We say we have a program for living. Are we living our program? We’ll find the answer in our behavior. Sober people act in sober ways. We attend meetings regularly. We study spiritual ideas. We work to bring joy to our lives and the lives of others. Just as we know a good friend by the way he or she behaves, we know a sober person by the way he or she behaves.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be a person whose words and actions match up.

Today’s Action:
Today I’ll take an inventory of my actions to see if they are those of a sober person.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Money’s on your mind, and your familial roots are the key to unlocking the door to prosperity. Start the week right by focusing on your personal goals and trusting in your capability to achieve them. Think about the talents and abilities you’ve received from those who came before you, and you’ll know how to proceed. Steer clear of petty behavior and sarcastic comments; any low-key snark will certainly backfire. Open your mind before your mouth.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 8, 2018

Daily Reflection

AN EVER-GROWING FREEDOM

The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76

When I finally asked God to remove those things blocking me from Him and the sunlight of the Spirit, I embarked on a journey more glorious than I ever imagined. I experienced a freedom from those characteristics that had me wrapped up in myself. Because of this humbling Step, I feel clean.

I am especially aware of this Step because I’m now able to be useful to God and to my fellows. I know that He has granted me strength to do His bidding and has prepared me for anyone, and anything, that comes my way today. I am truly in His hands, and I give thanks for the joy that I can be useful today.

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

Big Book Quote

“Though we work out our solution on the spiritual as well as an altruistic plane, we favor hospitalization for the alcoholic who is very jittery or befogged. More often than not, it is imperative that a man’s brain be cleared before he is approached, as he has then a better chance of understanding and accepting what we have to offer.”

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

Keep It Simple

Pain can’t be avoided. It’s as natural as joy. – Unknown

We got into a lot of trouble trying to avoid pain. We used alcohol and other drugs to avoid pain. We didn’t want to accept pain as a fact of life.

We can’t avoid pain, but now we have the program. The program teaches us how to talk about our pain. The program teaches how to turn over our pain to our Higher Power.

We don’t have to be alone when we face pain. We have friends to go to. Before, when we hurt, we ran to alcohol or other drugs.

Now, when we hurt, we run to the comfort of our sponsor and our program friends.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me accept pain as part of life. Help me remember that You are always there to help me with my pain. I’m not alone.

Today’s Action:
Today, I’ll list three painful events in my life. I’ll talk with a friend about them.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Imagination excels even in the most logical places. If a plan for a professional project or a group event is brewing in your brain, speak up or miss out. Colleagues and coworkers are more receptive to your ideas now, and by putting your thoughts out there, others can collaboratively build upon them. Fullness is extension, and without creative expression you will be unfulfilled. Listen to your intuition, share with conviction, and be transformed by the expansion of your mind.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 7, 2018

Daily Reflection

. . . AND LETTING GO OF IT

. . . primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or would fail to get something we demanded. Living upon a basis of unsatisfied demands, we were in a state of continual disturbance and frustration. Therefore, no peace was to be had unless we could find a means of reducing these demands. The difference between a demand and a simple request is plain to anyone.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76

Peace is possible for me only when I let go of expectations. When I’m trapped in thoughts about what I want and what should be coming to me, I’m in a state of fear or anxious anticipation and this is not conducive to emotional sobriety. I must surrender – over and over – to the reality of my dependence on God, for then I find peace, gratitude and spiritual security.

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

Big Book Quote

“At a certain point in the drinking of every alcoholic, he passes into a state where the most powerful desire to stop drinking is of absolutely no avail. This tragic situation has already arrived in practically every case long before it is suspected.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 24~

Keep It Simple

Be brave enough to accept the help of others

Often is the past, we acted like we didn’t need anyone. It takes courage to let others help us.
As we get better, our courage grows. We invite people into our lives. We help others, and we let others help us.

We will learn to let others help us if we work our program. Why? Because we need others to stay sober. When we have a problem, we talk about it in our group. When we need a shoulder to cry on, we call a friend or our sponsor. Over time, our relationships become one of the biggest rewards of recovery.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me see my need for others as a test—a test to see if I’ll be brave enough and wise enough to ask for help when I need it.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list four times in my life when I needed help but didn’t ask for it. I’ll tell a friend about how these times would have been different if I had asked for help.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Grab your courage and take the leap today. If not now, when? A flash of intuitive insight shows you how your gifts could bless your sphere of influence and beyond. However, aiming for perfectionism keeps you stagnant; start your new endeavor by simply trusting your vision. Think of who you know with complementary talents to yours, and reach out from a place of desiring collaborative strength instead of neediness. The smallest step of willingness opens a new realm of support from unlikely sources. Anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Daily Recovery Readings
July 6, 2018

Daily Reflection

IDENTIFYING FEAR . . .

The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear. . . .

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76

When I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or depressed, I look for fear. This “evil and corroding thread” is the root of my distress: Fear of failure; fear of others’ opinions; fear of harm, and many other fears. I have found a Higher Power who does not want me to live in fear and, as a result, the experience of A.A. in my life is freedom and joy. I am no longer willing to live with the multitude of character defects that characterized my life while I was drinking. Step Seven is my vehicle to freedom from these defects. I pray for help in identifying the fear underneath the defect, and then I ask God to relieve me of that fear. This method works for me without fail and is one of the great miracles of my life in Alcoholics Anonymous.

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

Big Book Quote

“Despite all we can say, many who are real alcoholics are not going to believe they are in that class. By every form of self-deception and experimentation, they will try to prove themselves exceptions to the rule, therefore nonalcoholic. If anyone who is showing inability to control his drinking can do the right-about-face and drink like a gentleman, our hats are off to him. Heaven knows, we have tried hard enough and long enough to drink like other people!”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 31~

Keep It Simple

When fate hands us a lemon, let’s try to make lemonade.—Dale Carnegie

Our illness is one big lemon, but our recovery is lemonade. None of us signed up to be drunks or drugies, but we all signed up for recovery. That’s when the happiness began. Yes, there will be pain, but the joy will far outweigh the pain. The sweet joy of recovery becomes our drink—our lemonade. And, do we drink!

We have new friends. We love ourselves, our Higher Power, our family, and much more. We are creative when we give joy, love and help to others and to ourselves. If your lemonade isn’t sweet enough, add more of your program.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, it’s easy to forget how much You’ve given me. Thank you for all the joy and love You have given me.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll write down what part of recovery I really enjoy. I will then share this list with my group or friend.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Ironically, an uncomfortable workplace situation might actually propel you forward. In the bigger picture, tension can be the perfect catalyst for growth. Connect with integrity in all of your interactions, whether it’s in a one-on-one partnership or a group collaboration. Take pride and hold yourself accountable for the many valuable roles you play. Hopefully, choosing to travel the high road inspires others to do the same.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 5, 2018

Daily Reflection

A NEW DIRECTION

Our human resources, as marshalled by the will, were not sufficient; they failed utterly. . . . Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s will into all our activities.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 45, 85

I hear talk of the “weak-willed” alcoholic, but I am one of the strongest-willed people on earth! I now know that my incredible strength of will is not enough to save my life. My problem is not one of “weakness,” but rather of direction. When I, without falsely diminishing myself, accept my honest limitations and turn to God’s guidance, my worst faults become my greatest assets. My strong will, rightly directed, keeps me working until the promises of the program become my daily reality.

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

Big Book Quote

“Many of us keep liquor in our homes. We often need it to carry green recruits through a severe hangover. Some of us still serve it to our friends provided they are not alcoholic. But some of us think we should not serve liquor to anyone. We never argue this question. We feel that each family, in the light of their own circumstances, ought to decide for themselves.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 102~

Keep It Simple

If at first you don’t succeed, you’re running about average.—Ovid

Our program speaks of spiritual progress, not perfection. We can take all the time we need. Our bottom line is steady progress. We can ask ourselves, “Am I a little more spiritual than I was a year ago? A month ago?” If the answer is yes, we’re doing great. If the answer is no, we should look at why.

Our illness pushes us to be prefect. In recovery, we learn that we are free to be what we are—human. Even the world’s fastest runners are average in most other areas of their lives.. This is okay. Remember, “spiritual progress, not perfection.”

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I’ll not be ashamed of how average I am. I’ll remember I’m average—and that’s good.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list what is average about me. I’ll share this with a friend. Than I’ll ask my friend what is special about me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your sensitivity adds steam to your professional life. The enterprising Aries Moon stimulates your self-awareness today, but there’s no need for passive aggression. If everyone immediately snapped to attention and performed as you commanded, there would be no catalyst for growth in your interpersonal communication skills. Speak how you want to be spoken to by infusing a heart-centered energy to the delivery of your message. Author Chetan Bhagat wrote, “Be so busy improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.”

Daily Recovery Readings
July 3, 2018

Daily Reflection

EXPERIENCE: THE BEST TEACHER

Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87

Some say that experience is the best teacher, but I believe that experience is the only teacher. I have been able to learn of God’s love for me only by the experience of my dependence on that love. At first I could not be sure of His direction in my life, but now I see that if I am to be bold enough to ask for His guidance, I must act as if He has provided it. I frequently ask God to help me remember that He has a path for me.

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

Big Book Quote

“When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 64~

Keep It Simple

We are only as sick as the secrets we keep.— Anonymous

It is dangerous for us to keep secrets. Shame builds, and we’ll want relief. We may turn to alcohol or other drugs. True relief comes by talking about our secrets, by sharing who we really are with others. Our program helps us live a life based on honesty. Our program helps us battle shame. We don’t keep secrets anymore. We start our meetings and share what we tried to keep secret before.

” Hi, my name is____________, and I’m am alcoholic.” ” Hi my name is_____________, and I’m a drug addict.” We keep telling our secret, and the shame gets less and less.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I pray to live an honest life.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list any secrets I’ve been keeping. I’ll talk with my sponsor about them.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Today brings some gravity to how you show nurturance. While there is an expansive flow of spirit and emotions, Saturn is calling for a disciplined and reserved way of showing up for others. If it seems you’re speaking a different language in conversation, pause and ask questions to demonstrate your desire to understand where someone is coming from. This allows others to feel truly heard while you read between the lines to feel the essence of the message. Active listening creates the space for authentic connection.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 2, 2018

Daily Reflection

THE HEART OF TRUE SOBRIETY

We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 568

Am I honest enough to accept myself as I am and let this be the “me” that I let others see? Do I have the willingness to go to any length, to do whatever is necessary to stay sober? Do I have the open-mindedness to hear what I have to hear, to think what I have to think, and to feel what I have to feel?

If my answer to these questions is “Yes,” I know enough about the spirituality of the program to stay sober. As I continue to work the Twelve Steps, I move on to the heart of true sobriety: serenity with myself, with others, and with God as I understand Him.

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

Big Book Quote

“If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to alcohol.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 33~

Keep It Simple

I never think of the future. It comes soon enough. — Albert Einstein

None of us know anything for sure about the future. We don’t know if we’ll be sober tomorrow.

But we can be sure of this moment. We get sober by moments. Our sober moments then stretch into hours, day, and years

Our program tell us to live in the present moment. This is because we can control this moment

We can’t control the past or the future. We need to have a sense of control in our life. In our illness, we were out of control. This was because we wouldn’t live from moment to moment.

Each moment is filled with as much life as we can handle. Each moment is filled with enough to keep us alive, interested, and growing.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me find You in each moment.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll stop and focus on the present moment. I will work to see how much control I can have if I stay with the moment at hand.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Today’s cosmic weather supports roaming and adventure. Whether it’s enjoying a more scenic route to work or indulging in your daydreams, going with the flow brings a lightness of spirit and optimism. Breaking free from the mundane tickles your heart. Feel free to detach from your old philosophical ideals in the random pursuit of knowledge. Shaking up the status quo is the name of the game, so welcome new opportunities when they knock at your door. The possibilities are endless if you’re willing to embrace the unknown.