Daily Recovery Readings for January 22, 2018:

Daily Reflection

HAVING FUN YET?

. . . we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world’s troubles on our shoulders.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 132

When my own house is in order, I find the different parts of my life are more manageable. Stripped from the guilt and remorse that cloaked my drinking years, I am free to assume my proper role in the universe, but this condition requires maintenance. I should stop and ask myself, Am I having fun yet? If I find answering that question difficult or painful, perhaps I’m taking myself too seriously—and finding it difficult to admit that I’ve strayed from my practice of working the program to keep my house in order. I think the pain I experience is one way my Higher Power has to get my attention, coaxing me to take stock of my performance. The slight time and effort it takes to work the program—a spot-check inventory, for example, or the making of amends, whatever is appropriate — are well worth the effort.

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

Big Book Quote

“Those of us who have spent much time in the world of spiritual make-believe have eventually seen the childishness of it. This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose, accompanied by a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives. We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 130~

Keep It Simple

Sex, like all else between human beings, is never prefect. — Theodore Isaac Rubin

Addiction made our sex lives a mess. Maybe we wanted prefect sex or we wanted no sex.

We were afraid. Maybe we wanted a high from sex we just couldn’t seem to get it. Some of us had lots of sex partners; some of us had none. What now?

We’re doing what we need to do by being in recovery. We’re getting to know ourselves. We’re living by our real values. We’re being honest with ourselves and others. We’re learning to love and care about others. It’s open, honest caring we express with our bodies. Thus, sex can be trusting and safe.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I turn over my sex life and my will to You—Just for today. I know You want me to be happy.

Action for the Day:
What do I believe about sex? How does it match with what’s said in the third paragraph above?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

If a project isn’t moving along as quickly as you think it should, it may be time to step in and exert more control. However, your involvement could run up against resistance if you try to limit anyone’s contributions. The current key to your success is your ability to nurture people’s innate abilities while gently directing them toward a shared goal. You can end up being the hero who saves the day if you simply let each person do what they do best.

Daily Recovery Readings for January 22, 2018:

Daily Reflection

“LET’S KEEP IT SIMPLE”

A few hours later I took my leave of Dr. Bob. . . . The wonderful, old, broad smile was on his face as he said almost jokingly, “Remember, Bill, let’s not louse this thing up. Let’s keep it simple!” I turned away, unable to say a word. That was the last time I ever saw him.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGE, p. 214

After years of sobriety I occasionally ask myself: “Can it be this simple?” Then, at meetings, I see former cynics and skeptics who have walked the A.A. path out of hell by packaging their lives, without alcohol, into twenty-four hour segments, during which they practice a few principles to the best of their individual abilities. And then I know again that, while it isn’t always easy, if I keep it simple, it works.

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

Big Book Quote

“…we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.”

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

Keep It Simple

Go often to the house of your friend: for weeds soon choke up the unused path.
== Scandinavian proverb.

Our program has two parts: the Steps, and the fellowship. Both keep us sober. We can’t stay sober if we go it alone. We need to work the Steps. We also need people–the help of our friends daily

Recovery is about relationships. We get new friends. We get involved. We give. We get. In times of need, we may not want to ask our new friends for help. Maybe we don’t want to “burden them.”

“Maybe we’re afraid to ask for help.” Well, go ahead. Make that call. Ask your new friend to spend time with you. You deserve and need it. They deserve it; they need it.

Prayer for the Day:
Hgher Power, help me to get help from my friends as if my life depends on it.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll see or call two program friends and let them know how I’m doing.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You are in the throes of a complex dilemma today as work-related opportunities require your response. Every cell in your body is screaming yes, but circumstances might not allow you to proceed at this time. Fortunately, patience is one of your secret weapons, so focus your energy on where you can be useful now and stop watching the clock. Thankfully, if it becomes a matter of who flinches first, your ability to wait for the right moment gives you the distinct advantage.

Daily Recovery Readings for January 21, 2018:

Daily Reflection

SERVING MY BROTHER

The member talks to the newcomer not in a spirit of power but in a spirit of humility and weakness.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGE, p. 279

As the days pass in A.A., I ask God to guide my thoughts and the words that I speak. In this labor of continuous participation in the Fellowship, I have numerous opportunities to speak. So I frequently ask God to help me watch over my thoughts and my words, that they may be the true and proper reflections of our program; to focus my aspirations once again to seek His guidance; to help me be truly kind and loving, helpful and healing, yet always filled with humility, and free from any trace of arrogance.

Today I may very well have to deal with disagreeable attitudes or utterances-the typical stock-in-trade attitude of the still-suffering alcoholic. If this should happen, I will take a moment to center myself in God, so that I will be able to respond from a perspective of composure, strength and sensibility.

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

Big Book Quote

“In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine which course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy. We don’t struggle. We are often surprised how the right answers come after we have tried this for a while.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 86

Keep It Simple

What is defeat?…Nothing but the first step to something better. — Wendell Phillips

A man walks into a meeting. He says,” I surrender. I can’t drink like other folks.” We smile and welcome him. We know that feeling. All of us in the program must admit defeat. Our illness is more powerful than we are. We begin recovery when we surrender. Admitting defeat is our first step into a beautiful world. Like all first steps, it’s hard. But what a world we find ourselves in! A world where we count. A world where all are really equal! This first step brings us into God’s world of care. We get love. We give love. We stay sober because daily we admit defeat.

Prayer for the Day:
In surrender, I can’t drink and use other drugs. I’m different. Higher Power, help me surrender daily.

Action for the Day:
Every so often, I need to admit defeat and talk about what it was like, what happened, and where I am now.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Expressing your gratitude has immediate positive consequences today as people catch your contagious enthusiasm. Choosing joy over doubt is a simple task if you consciously acknowledge the good in your life rather than focusing on the possible problems ahead. But your optimism won’t make the challenges go away. You still must do the work to overcome any negativity you encounter. Nevertheless, dwelling on things that might never come to pass is a waste of precious time. Robert Downey, Jr. said, “I’ve noticed that worrying is like praying for what you don’t want to happen.”

Daily Recovery Readings for January 20, 2018:

Daily Reflection

“WE PAUSE . . . AND ASK”

As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87

Today I humbly ask my Higher Power for the grace to find the space between my impulse and my action; to let flow a cooling breeze when I would respond with heat; to interrupt fierceness with gentle peace; to accept the moment which allows judgment to become discernment; to defer to silence when my tongue would rush to attack or defend.

I promise to watch for every opportunity to turn toward my Higher Power for guidance. I know where this power is: it resides within me, as clear as a mountain brook, hidden in the hills—it is the unsuspected Inner Resource.

I thank my Higher Power for this world of light and truth I see when I allow it to direct my vision. I trust it today and hope it trusts me to make all effort to find the right thought or action today.

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

Big Book Quote

“Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation. We shouldn’t be shy on this matter of prayer. Better men than we are using it constantly.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 85

Keep It Simple

SERVICE—A beautiful word fallen upon bad days.  —Claude McKay

Service is really a beautiful word. Service means respect. When we serve others we’re part of the human race. We all need to help each other. Service is a sure way to stay sober. Helping someone else stay sober helps us stay sober. And service frees us from self-will. It teaches us about how to care for ourselves and others. It teaches us that we’re worthwhile. It teaches us that we make a difference. Service keeps us feeling good. Am I quiet when the topic of service comes ap at meetings? If so, how can I change this?

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, show me where I can be of help. Give me the courage to make a difference. Give me the courage to really serve others in need.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list five ways service has made or can make my life better.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re not excited about stepping out on your own today, because working with others increases your sense of emotional security. However, relationships seem to be growing more complicated now that the radiant Sun and romantic Venus are making their way through your 8th House of Intimacy. Although it might fly in the face of logic, listening to someone else share their perspective can show you the value of a more moderate approach. Author Ken Blanchard wrote, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”

Daily Recovery Readings for January 19, 2018:

Daily Reflection

ROUND-THE-CLOCK FAITH

Faith has to work twenty-four hours a day in and through us, or we perish.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 16

The essence of my spirituality, and my sobriety, rests on a round-the-clock faith in a Higher Power. I need to remember and rely on the God of my understanding as I pursue all of my daily activities. How comforting for me is the concept that God works in and through people. As I pause in my day, do I recall specific concrete examples of God’s presence? Am I amazed and uplifted by the number of times this power is evident? I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my God’s presence in my life of recovery. Without this omnipotent force in my every activity, I would again fall into the depths of my disease—and death.

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

Big Book Quote

“We think it no concern of ours what religious bodies our members identify themselves with as individuals. This should be an entirely personal affair which each one decides for himself in the light of past associations, or his present choice.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 28

Keep It Simple

The reality is that changes are coming….they must come. You must share in bring them.

–John Hersey

Change. It’s scary. It’s hard. It’s needed. Sometimes it feels bad. But one thing is for sure: it keeps on happening. Just when our life seems settled, it changes. We can’t stop life. We can’t stay this age forever. The world changes. Life moves on. There are always new things to do and learn. Changes means we’re always beginners in some ways. We need to ask for wisdom and courage. We get it by listening, by praying, by meditating. When we ask, our Higher Power will teach us to be part of good changes.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me believe that Your plans call for good changes.

Action for the Day:
Today I’ll think about the changes in my life. I’ve lived through a lot. I’ll be okay when more changes come, with God’s help. I can keep on growing.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re weary of too much ambiguity in your life today. However, you believe that you could quickly regain your footing if everyone would simply be honest about their goals. But others are not subject to your timetable, so you can’t commit to your most sensible course of action yet. No matter how you look at your current circumstances, it may require you to be more patient than you prefer. Nevertheless, there is plenty on your plate now that is not dependent on long-term decisions. Focus your laser beam on where you can be the most productive for the best results.

Daily Recovery Readings for January 17, 2018:

Daily Reflection

HAPPINESS COMES QUIETLY

“The trouble with us alcoholics was this: We demanded that the world give us happiness  and peace of mind in just the particular order we wanted to get it – by the alcohol route. And we weren’t successful. But when we take time to find out some of the spiritual laws, and familiarize ourselves with them, and put them into practice, then we do get happiness and peace of mind. . .

There seem to be some rules that we have to follow, but happiness and peace of mind are always here, open and free to anyone.”

DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS, p. 308

The simplicity of the A.A. program teaches me that happiness isn’t something I can  “demand.” It comes upon me quietly, while I serve others. In offering my hand
to the newcomer or to someone who has relapsed, I find that my own sobriety has been recharged with indescribable gratitude and happiness.

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

Big Book Quote

“It is plain that a life which includes deep resentment leads only to futility and unhappiness. To the precise extent that we permit these, do we squander the hours that might have been worth while.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 66

Keep It Simple

When all else fails, read the instructions.   ~Agnes Allen

The instructions for recovery are in our Twelve Step program. Yet, there are times when we feel our program isn’t working. at these times, we need to read the instructions. Have you followed the “instructions,” the wise words are found in The Big Book, The Twelve and Twelve, and other recovery literature? When we do, we recover. It’s hard at times, and easy at others. Our problems go deeper than just staying sober. No matter what our problems, our program can help us start fixing them, if we follow the instructions. Don’t use alcohol or other drugs. Go to meeting. Talk often with sponsors and program friends. Work the Steps. Think. Easy Does It. First Things First. Listen. Let Go and Let God. One Day at a Time.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, tell me which instructions to read today. If I’m headed for trouble, help me out.

Today’s Action:
I’ll read the instructions today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Relationships continue to make demands on your already committed time. Of course, you want to show up while building a foundation in a new partnership or strengthening the bonds in an existing one. Although you may be feeling less vulnerable now, you’re more willing to open your heart in the presence of someone you respect. However, it’s wise to take your time because spontaneous actions might just jeopardize the precious gains you’ve already made. Slow and steady is best when it comes to matters of the heart.

Daily Recovery Readings for January 16, 2018:

Daily Reflection

HITTING BOTTOM

Why all this insistence that every A.A. must hit bottom first? The answer is that few people will sincerely try to practice the A.A. program unless they have hit bottom. For practicing A.A.’s remaining eleven Steps means the adoption of attitudes and actions that almost no alcoholic who is still drinking can dream of taking.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p, 24

Hitting bottom opened my mind and I became willing to try something different. What I tried was A.A. My new life in the Fellowship was a little like learning how to ride a bike for the first time: A.A. became my training wheels and my supporting hand. It’s not that I wanted the help so much at the time; I simply did not want to hurt like that again. My desire to avoid hitting bottom again was more powerful than my desire to drink. In the beginning that was what kept me sober. But after a while I found myself working the Steps to the best of my ability. I soon realized that my attitudes and actions were changing—if ever so slightly. One Day at a Time, I became comfortable with myself, and others, and my hurting started to heal. Thank God for the training wheels and supporting hand that I choose to call Alcoholics Anonymous.

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

Big Book Quote

“Lack of power, that was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?

Well, that’s exactly what this book is about.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 45

Keep It Simple

Fair play is primarily not blaming others for anything that is wrong with us.—Eric Hoffer

It’s tempting to blame others for our problems. Recovery asks us to answer for our actions. Admitting we are powerless over our actions. Admitting we are powerless over our alcohol and other drugs is a start.

Each of the Twelve Steps asks us to answer for our actions in some way. And the program shows us how to do this. Over time, we see that being responsible for our actions is the best way to live. Our self-confidence grows as we become more responsible. We start to see just how much we can do. We have gone from being drunks to being responsible people. If we can do this, then we can do anything!

Prayer for the Day:
I pray to remember that I’m responsible for my actions. Blaming puts distance between me and other people. Higher Power, help me to play fair.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list four times I’ve blamed someone else for a problem that was really my problem.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Avoid impulsive reactions when dealing with an uncomfortable relationship situation today. Although you might feel like crawling into your shell, it’s crucial to rise to the occasion if a significant other requests your help. The responsible Capricorn New Moon lurks in your 7th House of Partnerships, limiting your options until you fulfill your obligations. Someone else’s presence can complicate your current decisions, for their feelings must be taken into consideration as you develop your plan. Give yourself time to sort out all the variables before jumping into action so there are no regrets in your future.

Daily Recovery Readings for January 14, 2018:

Daily Reflection

AN UNSUSPECTED INNER RESOURCE

With few exceptions our members find that they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with their own conception of a Power greater than themselves.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 567-68

From my first days in A.A., as I struggled for sobriety, I found hope in these words from our founders. I often pondered the phrase: “they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource.” How, I asked myself, can I find the Power within myself, since I am so powerless? In time, as the founders promised, it came to me: I have always had the choice between goodness and evil, between unselfishness and selfishness, between serenity and fear. That Power greater than myself is an original gift that I did not recognize until I achieved daily sobriety through living A.A.’s Twelve Steps.

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

Big Book Quote

“Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or
trying on our own power. We had to have God’s help.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 62

Keep It Simple

I shall tell you a great secret, my friend. Don not wait for the last judgment, it takes place every day.
–Albert Camus

“Later.” How often have we said this? This trick help us avoid the tasks of the day. Life is full of task–many fun, some boring, others hard. Can I accept the task my Higher Power gives me, easy or hard?

When we used alcohol or other drugs, we’d avoid task, if they became hard for us. We believed we had more control than we really did. We started to believe we could control outcomes. What we really were doing was setting ourselves up for a great fall. We had to face the fact that when our Higher Power had given us a task, we said no, and turned away. Thus, we turned away from the guiding hand of our Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
God, help me face You and the tasks You give me. Make me a grateful student of life.

Today’s Action:
Today I will talk with friends. I will tell them what tasks I’m working on.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

There are many conflicting demands being made on your time today and your exuberance might seem out of context to others. However, your optimism is driven by your desire to make an impact on the lives of those close to you. Fortunately, your muse is present and ready to assist your creative efforts. Don’t stop to consider anyone else’s negativity; just push ahead with your plans and watch how your intentions inspire your peers. Athlete Wade Boggs wrote, “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.”

Daily Recovery Readings for January 14, 2018:

Daily Reflection

NO REGRETS

We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83

Once I became sober, I began to see how wasteful my life had been and I experienced overwhelming guilt and feelings of regret. The program’s Fourth and Fifth Steps assisted me enormously in healing those troubling regrets. I learned that my self-centeredness and dishonesty stemmed largely from my drinking and that I drank because I was an alcoholic. Now I see how even my most distasteful past experiences can turn to gold because, as a sober alcoholic, I can share them to help my fellow alcoholics, particularly newcomers. Sober for several years in A.A., I no longer regret the past; I am simply grateful to be conscious of God’s love and of the help I can give to others in the Fellowship.

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

Big Book Quote

“Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. We can look the world in the eye. We can be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from us. We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator. We may have had certain spiritual beliefs, but now we begin to have a spiritual experience.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 75

Keep It Simple

If you play with a thing long enough, you will surely break it.—Anonymous

Some things shouldn’t be played with. Our recovery program is one these things. When we play with our program, we’re taking a risk. We play with the program by missing meetings. Or by not calling our sponsors. Or by skipping the Steps we think are to hard. It’s okay to play. But it’s not okay to play with our program, we risk our lives.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me know that I must work this program with care and respect.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll make two list. On one list, I’ll write ways I work on my program. On the other list, I’ll write ways I play with my program. And I’ll put my energy into working the program.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although relationships can be hard work, they offer you the emotional security you crave. However, you worry about living up to the expectations of your partner or friend. It’s frustrating when you are doing your best and it’s still not enough. You might reach a point today when you realize something needs to change, but losing your temper is not the answer. Running away doesn’t solve anything either. The solution requires honest communication without blaming anyone for your feelings. Bob Marley said, “Being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.”