Daily Recovery Readings for December 23, 2017:

Daily Reflection

RECOVERY, UNITY, SERVICE

Our Twelfth Step—carrying the message—is the basic service that AA’s Fellowship gives; this is our principal aim and the main reason for our existence.

— THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 160

I thank God for those who came before me, those who told me not to forget the Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity and Service. In my home group, the Three Legacies were described on a sign which said: “You take a three-legged stool, try to balance it on only one leg, or two. Our Three Legacies must be kept intact. In Recovery, we get sober together; in Unity, we work together for the good of our Steps and Traditions; and through Service—we give away freely what has been given to us.”

One of the chief gifts of my life has been to know that I will have no message to give, unless I recover in unity with A.A. principles.

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

Big Book Quote

“Doubtless you are curious to discover how and why, in the face of expert opinion to the contrary, we have recovered from a hopeless condition of mind and body. If you are an alcoholic who wants to get over it, you may already be asking What do I have to do?”

It is the purpose of this book to answer such questions specifically. We shall tell you what we have done.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, Page 20~

Keep It Simple

We not only need to be willing to give, but also to be open to receiving from others.
—from On Hope

Many of us took so much from others during our addiction that now we may not want to ask for anything.

We may be afraid to ask for help, so our needs go unmet. In fact, many of us would rather give than receive. In recovery, we need to understand the difference between taking and receiving. Giving to others is important. So is receiving from others. As we grow spiritually, we learn to accept gifts. The gift of sobriety teaches us this. We need to accept the gifts the world gives us without shame. We are entitled.

God loves us and will give us much if we’re willing to receive it.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be receptive to Your gifts. Help me see and believe that I’m entitled to all the happiness of the world.

Action for the Day:
I’ll think of what a friend has given me. I’ll thank this friend.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might consciously limit your activities today, especially if you’re running into situations that seem like the universe is out to get you. But there’s no valid reason to support your notion that you’re a target. Shifting the blame alleviates your stress for a while, but it doesn’t fix anything. It’s never wise to assume the role of a victim when you had a hand in creating the circumstances. Those who start fires can’t complain when they get burned.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 22, 2017:

Daily Reflection

PRINCIPLES, NOT PERSONALITIES

The way our “worthy” alcoholics have sometimes tried to judge the “less worthy” is, as we look back on it, rather comical. Imagine, if you can, one alcoholic judging another!

THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 37

Who am I to judge anyone? When I first entered the Fellowship I found that I liked everyone. After all, A.A. was going to help me to a better way of life without alcohol. The reality was that I couldn’t possibly like everyone, nor they me. As I’ve grown in the Fellowship, I’ve learned to love everyone just from listening to what they had to
say. That person over there, or the one right here, may be the one God has chosen to give me the message I need for today. I must always remember to place principles above personalities.

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

Big Book Quote

“Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances!”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 100

Keep It Simple

It is possible to be different and still be right.–Anne Wilson Schaef

Each of us is special. In some ways we’re all different. It’s a good thing too. We’d be bored if we were all the same. Sometimes though, we try to hide the special things about us. We don’t want to be “different.”

But the ways that we’re different makes us special. Others have a knack of fixing things. Some of us make beautiful art. Others are great with kids. Our Higher Power made us as different, as unique, as beautiful snowflakes.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me use my special gifts the way You want me to. Help me be thankful that You have given me something special to share with others.

Action for the Day:
I’ll think of one thing about me that’s special. I’ll talk with my sponsor about it.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Performing the simplest tasks requires extra effort today. You might even feel as if you’re not making any progress at all as mental Mercury stands still in your 6th House of Work. Thankfully, you can still be productive in spite of the awkward pace. Instead of intensifying your frustration by trying to concentrate on one thing at a time, cut yourself some slack and take short breaks throughout the day. Ironically, the change of tempo might be all you need to find your center and regain your focus.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 21, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LISTEN, SHARE AND PRAY

When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100

When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I’ve given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that’s inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do—and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice—is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.

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

Big Book Quote

“We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 19

Keep It Simple

Don’t give your advice before you are called upon.   ~Desiderius Erasmus

If someone wants your advice, the person will ask for it. That’s one reason why in Twelve Step programs we don’t go around trying to talk people into joining. But people will ask us for advice. They’ll see how we’ve changed, and they’ll want what we have. All we have to do is tell them where we found it–in AA, NA or another Twelve Step group. We don’t tell them what to do. We tell them our own story–what it was like, what happened, and where we are now. And we invite them to join us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me carry the healing message of the program to these who ask for advice.

Action for the Day:
I’ll make a decision to spend time with the next person who ask for my help.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might believe that your positive outlook can turn a stressful day into one filled with fun and games. However, the Sun’s current visit to your 7th House of Relationships shines the spotlight on people who make demands of your time. Unfortunately, altering your attitude will not necessarily change the dynamics of the present situation. Trusting your intuition today could lead you down the scenic route when it’s much wiser to take the shortest one. Honesty saves time.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 20, 2017:

Daily Reflection

THE REWARDS OF GIVING

This is indeed the kind of giving that actually demands nothing. He does not expect his brother sufferer to pay him, or even to love him. And then he discovers that by the divine paradox of this kind of giving he has found his own reward, whether his brother has yet received anything or not.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 109

Through experience with Twelfth Step work, I came to understand the rewards of giving that demands nothing in return. At first I expected recovery in others, but I soon learned that this did not happen. Once I acquired the humility to accept the fact that every Twelfth Step call was not going to result in a success, then I was open to receive the rewards of selfless giving.

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

Big Book Quote

“Thus was I convinced that God is concerned with us humans when we want Him enough. At long last I saw, I felt, I believed. Scales of pride and prejudice fell from my eyes. A new world came into view.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 12~

Keep It Simple

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

—Edith Wharton

Our Higher Power is the candle. And our hearts, like a mirror, reflect a warm, loving glow.

But when we used alcohol and other drugs, we tired to be the candle. We wanted to have control. Many of us acted like this to hide how out of control we felt. We never thought we could be happy by admitting we were out of control.

In recovery, we accept that it’s okay to be the mirror. We accept that our Higher Power is the candle that guides us. We want to be the mirror that reflects how much our Higher Power loves us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thank-you for the light and warmth You give me.

Action for the Day:
Tonight, I’ll light a candle and place it in front of a mirror. I’ll study how they work together to light the room.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re eager to cash in your chips today, especially if you see a fast way to make money. Although the financial odds might be in your favor, the question is how much are you willing to risk. Weigh the pros and cons of your current choices, but keep in mind that your chances for success increase in proportion to your investment of time and energy. Fortune favors the bold but only when you don’t push your luck.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 19, 2017:

Daily Reflection

UNDERSTANDING THE MALADY

When dealing with an alcoholic, there may be a natural annoyance that a man could be so weak, stupid and irresponsible. Even when you understand the malady better, you may feel this feeling rising.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 139

Having suffered from alcoholism, I should understand the illness, but sometimes I feel annoyance, even contempt, toward a person who cannot make it in A.A. When I feel that way, I am satisfying my false sense of superiority and I must remember, but for the grace of God, there go I.

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

Big Book Quote

“Many doctors and psychiatrists agree with our conclusions. One of these men, staff member of a world renowned hospital, recently made this statement to some of us, “What you say about the general hopelessness of the average alcoholics plight is, in my opinion, correct. As to two of you men, whose stories I have heard, there is no doubt in my mind that you were 100% hopeless, apart from divine help. Had you offered yourselves as patients at this hospital, I would not have taken you, if I had been able to avoid it. People like you are too heartbreaking. Though not a religious person, I have profound respect for the spiritual approach in such cases as yours. For most
cases, there is virtually no other solution.”

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

Keep It Simple

The truth is more important than the facts. –Frank Lloyd Wright.

Before recovery, we relied on false facts about addiction. We said things like, “I can quit anytime I want.” “If you had my family, you’d drink too.” The truth is, we were out of control. We couldn’t manage our lives. We were sick. We were scared. When others pointed out this truth to us, we denied it. Honesty, the backbone of our program, is about truth. We even start our meetings with the truth about who we are. “Hi, my name is ___________, and I’m an alcoholic,” or “Hi, my name is _______________, and I’m a drug addict.” The truth frees us from our addiction. The truth heals us and gives us comfort.

It’s like a blanket on a cold winter night.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be an honest person. I pray for the strength to face the truth and speak it.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list 3 ways I have used facts in a dishonest way.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It might seem as if your work is never done, but if you continue to concentrate on fulfilling your current obligations, you will soon begin to see the fruits of your labor. You might believe that someone close to you is being particularly critical of your work, causing you to doubt recent choices. However, you do not have the luxury of questioning the forces that brought you to this present moment. Throw away your rearview mirror and focus on the road ahead. It doesn’t matter what you did or didn’t do yesterday; it only matters what you do today.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 18, 2017:

Daily Reflection

HONESTY WITH NEWCOMERS

Tell him exactly what happened to you. Stress the spiritual feature freely.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 93

The marvel of A.A. is that I tell only what happened to me. I don’t waste time offering advice to potential newcomers, for if advice worked, nobody would get to A.A. All I have to do is show what has brought me sobriety and what has changed my life. If I fail to stress the spiritual feature of A.A.’s program, I am being dishonest. The newcomer should not be given a false impression of sobriety. I am sober only through the grace of my Higher Power, and that makes it possible for me to share with others.

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, “Im jittery and alone. I couldnt 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

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

As addicts, we had lots of fear. Some of us were afraid of failure. So we didn’t try to do much. Or else we tried too hard all the time. We used alcohol and other drugs to forget our fear, but it didn’t go away. It got worse. Now we know we don’t have to be afraid. When our lives are in the care of our Higher Power, we’re safe. Faith is the cure for out fear. But still, fear keeps creeping back inside us. That’s okay. It’s normal. There is so much that’s new in our sober life! We don’t know what will happen next. It’s hard to always remember to trust our Higher Power. It’s hard to always do what our Higher Power says. It’s hard to always have faith. We have to practice turning our fear over to our Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, be with me when I’m afraid. Help me remember to have faith to believe in You, even when my fear tells me not to.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll notice my fear and pray each time get afraid.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your commitments may have piled up so high that you are overwhelmed today. You thought that everything was moving along according to plan, only to realize how much remains to be completed. The Sagittarius New Moon falls in your 6th House of Work, giving you hope that you still can perform a miracle. But its conjunction with taskmaster Saturn reminds you of the long row to hoe extending before you. Although you wish you could find an escape hatch, rely on the fact that you will feel a real sense of accomplishment once you are done. The sooner you start, the sooner you will finish.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 17, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A PRICELESS REWARD

. . . work with other alcoholics. . . . It works when other activities fail.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89

“Life will take on new meaning,” as the Big Book says (p. 89). This promise has helped me to avoid self-seeking and self-pity. To watch others grow in this wonderful program, to see them improve the quality of their lives, is a priceless reward for my effort to help others. Self-examination is yet another reward for an ongoing recovery, as are serenity, peace and contentment. The energy derived from seeing others on a successful path, of sharing with them the joys of the journey, gives to my life a new meaning.

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

The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together. –Saadi.

When we were drinking and drugging, we didn’t have to deal much with feelings. We turned them off. Then, when we let go of the alcohol and other drugs, we started to come back to life. Now–we have feelings again! But, even now, in recovery, we’re scared of too much happiness. It’s true–we don’t want sadness and pain at all. Yet, feelings–the good and the bad–keep on coming.

And we have to handle them. We are learning to handle our feelings. We’re getting strong enough to deal with them. With the help of our friends in the program, and our Higher Power, we’re ready for life.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I want to be fully alive, but I’m a little scared. Help me know what to do with my feelings today.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll be open to feelings. I’ll enjoy my good feelings and share them. I’ll ask for help with hard feelings by praying, and by calling my sponsor.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Sometimes the tiniest changes made at the right moment in time can ripple outward and create significant consequences. Acknowledging the importance of every little thing you do helps you to remain focused today so your actions are not wasted. But don’t be afraid to try something new, even if you’re unsure of its efficacy. A few false starts are to be expected when so many planets are visiting starry-eyed Sagittarius. Ariana Huffington wrote, “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.”

Daily Recovery Readings for December 16, 2017:

Daily Reflection

PARTNERS IN RECOVERY

. . . nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. . . .

Both you and the new man must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress. . . . Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances!

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 89, 100

Doing the right things for the right reasons — this is my way of controlling my selfishness and self-centeredness. I realize that my dependency on a Higher Power clears the way for peace of mind, happiness and sobriety. I pray each day that I will avoid my previous actions, so that I will be helpful to others.

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

Charity sees the need, not the cause.–German proverb.

Charity is not just giving money to good causes. Charity is having a heart that’s ready to give. Charity is helping a friend at two in the morning. Charity is going early to the meeting to put on coffee without being asked.
Service is how Twelve Step programs refer to “Charity”. Service and charity are a lifestyle. We see a need, so we try to help. Our values and our heart will guide us in how we help. Service is a big part of our program. Service helps us think of others, not just of ourselves. We stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” The act of helping others is what’s in it for us. Sobriety is what’s in it for us. Serenity is what’s in it for us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You have given me many talents. Help me see how my talents can make the world a better place. Giving of myself is believing in You and myself.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list my talents and I’ll think of ways I can use them to help others.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your excitement about starting a new project or possibly switching jobs adds a touch of instability to your world. You know that a change of routine is overdue, but you’re not sure if this is the right moment to turn your life upside down. The timing of your transition is less important than your attitude about it. Remaining open-minded is the secret to allowing everything to unfold organically at its own pace. Less worry, less stress.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 15, 2017:

Daily Reflection

DOING ANYTHING TO HELP

Offer him [the alcoholic] friendship and fellowship. Tell him that if he wants to get well you will do anything to help.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 95

I remember how attracted I was to the two men from A.A. who Twelfth-Stepped me. They said I could have what they had, with no conditions attached, that all I had to do was make my own decision to join them on the pathway to recovery. When I start convincing a newcomer to do things my way, I forget how helpful those two men were to me in
their open-minded generosity.

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

As ass is beautiful to an ass, and a pig to a pig.— English proverb.

When we see someone drunk and out of control, can we see the beautiful person inside them?

If we can’t, who will? Step Twelve reminds us that we have to help the alcoholic or other drug addict who suffers. This task has been given to us because we, most of all, should be able to look past the drunkenness and see the person. We were there. We know what it’s like to be trapped in a world without meaning. If these memories have faded, we may need to go back over Step One. We may find ourselves angry with the practicing drunk or other drug addict. This is a sign that we have gotten too far from our past. Remember, “But for the grace of God…”

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, Help me remember my past and what it’s like now. This helps me care about the person who still suffers.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll respect my illness. I’ll look for the beauty inside every drunk and other drug addict.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You know where your current routines fall short of your highest ideals and you truly want to improve your lifestyle. You might share your ideas about cleaning up your diet, but verbalizing your intentions is not the same as putting a plan into action. Unfortunately, you could talk yourself out of initiating a healthier regimen because of a past failure. However, experience is the best teacher. Just start small and watch the benefits grow over time.

Daily Recovery Readings for December 14, 2017:

Daily Reflection

REACHING OUT

Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 95

When I come into contact with a newcomer, do I have a tendency to look at him from my perceived angle of success in A.A.? Do I compare him with the large number of acquaintances I have made in the Fellowship? Do I point out to him in a magisterial way the voice of A.A.? What is my real attitude toward him? I must examine myself whenever I meet a newcomer to make sure that I am carrying the message with simplicity, humility and generosity. The one who still suffers from the terrible disease of alcoholism must find in me a friend who will allow him to get to know the A.A. way, because I had such a friend when I arrived in A.A. Today it is my turn to hold out my hand, with love, to my sister or brother alcoholic, and to show her or him the way to happiness.

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

Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is broken winged bird that cannot fly.
–Langston Hughes

Many of our dreams died as our addiction got worse. We felt the loss but couldn’t speak it. With recovery, we regain our ability to dream. Dreams of sharing our lives with family and friends return. They push out thoughts of getting high. Dreams of pride and self-respect reappear. They replace the awful feeling of shame. Like the quote above says, “Hold fast to dreams….” Our dreams are our wishes for the future.

They hold a picture of who we want to be. In our dreams, we let our spirits soar. Often, we fell close to God, others and ourselves. Thanks God, we can dream again.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thanks to you, my wings have been mended. Guide me as I fly.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll take time out to dream and share my dream with those I love.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You are on a creative jag today, but still need to balance your artistic pursuits with your mundane responsibilities. One way to maximize your current enthusiasm is to make a schedule and stick to it. Some people may think that inspiration can’t fit into a time slot, but a certain amount of structure works well for you now. You will be happy to discover that your self-expression doesn’t need to negatively impact your job performance. In fact, a little distraction at the right time improves your overall productivity.