Daily Recovery Readings for September 19, 2017:

Daily Reflection

ACCEPTANCE

We admitted we couldn’t lick alcohol with our own remaining resources, and so we accepted the further fact that dependence upon a Higher Power (if only our A.A. group) could do this hitherto impossible job. The moment we were able to accept these facts fully, our release from the alcohol compulsion had begun.

— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 109

Freedom came to me only with my acceptance that I could turn my will and my life over to the care of my Higher Power, whom I call God. Serenity seeped into the chaos of my life when I accepted that what I was going through was life, and that God would help me through my difficulties – and much more, as well. Since then He has helped me through all of my difficulties! When I accept situations as they are, not as I wish them to be, then I can begin to grow and have serenity and peace of mind.

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

Big Book Quote

When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in Gods hands were better than anything we could have planned.

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

Keep It Simple

When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God’s hands were better than anything we could have planned.—Alcoholics Anonymous
We can’t control the present by looking into the future. We can only look back at the past. The past can teach us how to get more out of the present. But the past is to be learned from, not to be judged.

As we look back, we see the troubles caused by addiction. But we also see recovery. We see how our lives are better. We see our Higher Power’s work in our lives. If we honestly look at our past, we learn.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me learn from the past. With Your help, I’ll stop judging my past, just as I wouldn’t judge those who have gone before me.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll remember my life before I got sober. Do I still hang on to attitudes or behaviors that might make me start to use alcohol and other drugs again?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your brain is being taxed by all the facts and figures you must keep track of now. However, all you really want to do is stare out the window today, and let your imagination run wild as you make up stories in the clouds. But dreaming is a luxury you can’t afford while your concentration is needed in the real world. Luckily, you can narrow your vision and reach your goals by simply exercising a little self-discipline. Your focus determines your future.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 17, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LOVED BACK TO RECOVERY

Our whole treasured philosophy of self-sufficiency had to be cast aside. This had not been done with old-fashioned willpower; it was instead a matter of developing the willingness to accept these new facts of living. We neither ran nor fought. But accept we did. And then we were free.

— BEST OF THE GRAPEVINE, Vol. I, p. 198

I can be free of my old enslaving self. After a while I recognize, and believe in, the good within myself. I see that I have been loved back to recovery by my Higher Power, who envelops me. My Higher Power becomes that source of love and strength that is performing a continuing miracle in me. I am sober . . . and I am grateful.

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

Big Book Quote

…we then look at Step Six. We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable. Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can He now take them all-every one? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 76~

Keep It Simple

We feel that the elimination of our drinking is but a beginning.-–Alcoholics Anonymous

Giving up alcohol or other drugs is just the start. Even if we give up chemicals, can we be happy if we have our old life back in every other way? We have to do more. We have to see how our illness has changed us. To do this, we turn to the Steps. Our program teaches us to become new persons. We will change. And the changes will make us happy. That’s
the best part of recovery—change.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, make me open to changes that will heal me. Help see I’m not cured just because I stopped drinking or using drugs.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll chose one thing about myself I want to change.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You are like a talk radio host today, sounding as if you’re wildly interested in whatever others are saying. However, you’re operating with an agenda of your own now, and each person you interview becomes a pawn in your scheme to promote your point of view. Getting carried away with your self-importance won’t further your cause, so check yourself before it’s too late. Relax your desire to control all the information by considering your role in the larger picture. Tony Robbins said, “Trade your expectation for appreciation and the world changes instantly.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 17, 2017:

<b><u>Daily Reflection</u></b>

<b><u>Big Book Quote</u></b>

Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others,  to never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful. You should not hesitate to visit the most sordid spot on earth on such an errand. Keep on the firing line of life with these
motives and God will keep you unharmed.

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

<b><u>Keep It Simple</u></b>

It is better to be wanted too much than not a all.—Anonymous

It may seem that so many people want our time and love. Parents say we don’t call often enough. Children demand our time. Our partners say we’re gone to much. Our sponsor tells us to check in more often. When we feel off balance by all these people, we need to stop and rest. We need to remember how lonely we were when we were using. No one wanted our time and love then! Now we’re important to others again. You can handle all this by giving people what they need and ask for, within reason—not what you think they need, which may be way too much. Maybe you need Al-Anon, to learn to love others while taking care of yourself.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me put my time and energy to best use today. Help me find the balance I need between work, play, loving others, and self-care.

Action for the Day:
When I feel I have to give too much today, I’ll stop and ask my Higher Power for guidance.

<b><u>Daily Horoscope – Cancer</u></b>

Your friends wonder what got into you because you might be acting out of character today. Your normally reserved personality has been replaced by an exuberant and extroverted one. Instead of waiting for another person to start a conversation, you jump right in with pointed questions and respond with clever witticisms. Oddly enough, you don’t even think twice about your outgoing behavior. You only know that interacting with others is more fun now and you don’t want to rock the boat. Mark Twain said, “To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 16, 2017:

Daily Reflection

WE STAND—OR FALL—TOGETHER

. . . no society of men and women ever had a more urgent need for continuous effectiveness and permanent unity. We alcoholics see that we must work together and hang together, else most of us will finally die alone.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 561

Just as the Twelve Steps of A.A. are written in a specific sequence for a reason, so it is with the Twelve Traditions. The First Step and the First Tradition attempt to instill in me enough humility to allow me a chance at survival. Together they are the basic foundation upon which the Steps and Traditions that follow are built. It is a process of ego deflation which allows me to grow as an individual through the Steps, and as a contributing member of a group through the Traditions. Full acceptance of the First Tradition allows me to set aside personal ambitions, fears and anger when they are in conflict with the common good, thus permitting me to work with others for our mutual survival. Without Tradition One I stand little chance of maintaining the unity required to work with others effectively, and I also stand to lose the remaining Traditions, the Fellowship, and my life.

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

Big Book Quote

If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how much we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philosophically comforted, in fact, we could will these things with all our might, but the needed power wasn’t there. Our human resources, as marshaled by the will, were not sufficient, they failed utterly.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 44~

Keep It Simple

Here’s my Golden Rule: Be fair with others but then keep after them until they’re fair with you.

Be fair with others but then keep after them until they’re fair with you. —Alan Alda

Often in our illness, we were ashamed, so we let people take advantage of us. We acted as if we had no rights. In recovery, we work hard to be fair with others. And we deserve to be treated with fairness too. If people are mean to us, we talk with them about it. If people cheat us, we ask them to set it right. In recovery, we live by our human rights.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me to stand for fairness. Help me respect myself and others.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll list people who have wronged me. I will make plans to talk to those with whom I feel will listen. I will let love, not shame or fear, control my actions.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your precise use of language can make all the difference in your world today. Personal subjects are up for discussion now, and one of them may rub an old wound the wrong way. However, carefully describing your experience enables others to see things from your perspective without judgment. It’s pointless to approach a conversation as if it is a debate. There are no winners or losers unless you start off blaming someone else for your predicament. Proceed with caution and kindness. You will catch more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 15, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A NEW LIFE

Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. . . . Life will mean something at last.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 152

Life is better without alcohol. A.A. and the presence of a Higher Power keeps me sober, but the grace of God does even better; it brings service into my life. Contact with the A.A. program teaches me a new and greater understanding of what Alcoholics Anonymous is and what it does, but most importantly, it helps to show me who I am: an alcoholic who needs the constant experience of the Alcoholics Anonymous program so that I may live a life given to me by my Higher Power.

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

Big Book Quote

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

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 87~

Keep It Simple

Often the test of courage is not to die but to live.—Vittorio Alfiert

What brave people we are! We have chosen life. Okay, maybe we had a little push, maybe a big push from our family, police, or the pain of our disease. But still, we’ve chosen recovery. We choose daily to let our Higher Power run our lives. What trust! What faith! What courage! We work hard at recovery. We do our meditate. We look for ways to serve others. Each one of us is building a miracle. We can be proud of this.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that I’ll have the courage to love myself. High Power, teach me to pat myself on the back when I deserve it.

Action for the Day:
I will list three ways I am brave in recovery and share them with my group.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Almost everyone may leave you alone today, and you really don’t mind the distance at all. However, you begin to long for uplifting interpersonal connections as the day wears on. Thankfully, you don’t need to try very hard in your search for companionship now. Once you make your availability known, potential partners-in-crime appear everywhere you look. Nevertheless, it’s still up to you to decide which one is the most compatible with your goals. Remember, it’s the friends you meet along the way that help you appreciate the journey.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 13, 2017:

Daily Reflection

PEACE OF MIND

Do we lay the matter before our sponsor or spiritual adviser, earnestly asking God’s help and guidance — meanwhile resolving to do the right thing when it becomes clear, cost what it may?

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 86-87

My belief in a Higher Power is an essential part of my work on Step Nine; forgiveness, timing, and right motives are the other ingredients. My willingness to do the Step is a growing experience that opens the door for new and honest relationships with the people I have harmed. My responsible action brings me closer to the spiritual principles of the program — love and service. Peace of mind, serenity, and a stronger faith are sure to follow.

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

Big Book Quote

Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a while isnt enough. You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be.

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

Keep It Simple

You must look into people, as well as at them. —Lord Chesterfield

When we were using alcohol and other drugs, we only looked at people. We treated them like objects. Often, we could only see how they helped us get high, or how they got in our way.

Now we can see others as people. We look into them. We learn about their feelings and thoughts.
We care about them. What a wonderful change! We are fully human again. We can have relationships.

When we look into others, we see life. We see beauty, courage, hope and love. We see bits of ourselves and our Higher Power. What a miracle life is.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be fully human today. Help me see You in others.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll look into someone. I’ll do this by having a talk with a friend. And I’ll really listen.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Someone might think your self-protective nature could be detrimental, preventing you from reaching your goals. Oddly enough, most people don’t even know what your objectives are, no less your plans for achieving them. Meanwhile, you realize that when you don’t feel emotionally secure, you’re too preoccupied to concentrate on your to-do list. However, you transform into a miracle worker once you know your needs are met and your heart is safe from harm. Author Manprit Kaur wrote, “Don’t whittle your potential, just because others don’t believe in you. The only worthy question is do you believe in you?”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 13, 2017:

Daily Reflection

REPAIRING THE DAMAGE

Good judgment, a careful sense of timing, courage and prudence – these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83

To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor’s fence, I “make a mend,” and that is a direct amend; the second way is by modifying my behavior, for if my actions have harmed someone, I make a daily effort to cause no further harm. I “mend my ways,” and that is an indirect amend. Which is the best approach? The only right approach, provided that I am causing no further harm in so doing, is to do both. If harm is done, then I simply “mend my ways.” To take action in this manner assures me of making honest amends.

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

Big Book Quote

We are careful never to show intolerance or hatred of drinking as an institution. Experience shows that such an attitude is not helpful to anyone. Every new alcoholic looks for this spirit among us and is immensely relieved when he finds we are not witch-burners. A spirit of intolerance might repel alcoholics whose lives could
have been saved, had it not been for such stupidity.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 103~

Keep It Simple

People seldom improve when they have no model but themselves to copy.—Oliver Goldsmith

If we had to get well by ourselves, we’d be in trouble. We’ve already tried this route. We need to learn a new way to live, not the old way we already know. That’s why we have sponsors in Twelve Step programs.

Sponsors are one of the best things about our recovery. We pick people who are happy and doing well in recovery. Then we copy them. We copy them because sponsors are special people who have what we want. They have sobriety. They have happiness. They have common sense. They have peace and serenity. And they will help us get those things too. We learn a new way to live from them.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me pick good models. Help me copy what works for them.

Action for the Day:
If I don’t have a sponsor now, I’ll work today on getting one.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might have more on your plate today than you can easily handle. Unfortunately, your current overload is, at least, partly due to jobs you didn’t finish previously. There’s no room for you to complain or blame others; your only option is to lean into your work and give it your best effort. Author Manoj Arora wrote, “Be like a duck, paddling and working very hard inside the water, but what everyone sees is a smiling and calm face.”s

Daily Recovery Readings for September 12, 2017:

Daily Reflection

I AM RESPONSIBLE

For the readiness to take the full consequences of our past acts, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others at the same time, is the very spirit of Step Nine.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 87

In recovery, and through the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, I learn that the very thing I fear is my freedom. It comes from my tendency to recoil from taking responsibility for anything: I deny, I ignore, I blame, I avoid. Then one day, I look, I admit, I accept. The freedom, the healing and the recovery I experience is in the looking, admitting and accepting. I learn to say, “Yes, I am responsible.” When I can speak those words with honesty and sincerity, then I am free.

From the book Daily Reflections

Big Book Quote

“We are careful never to show intolerance or hatred of drinking as an institution. Experience shows that such an attitude is not helpful to anyone. Every new alcoholic looks for this spirit among us and is immensely relieved when he finds we are not witch-burners. A spirit of intolerance might repel alcoholics whose lives could have been saved, had it not been for such stupidity.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 103~

Keep It Simple

When angry, count to ten before you speak: if very angry, a hundred. —Thomas Jefferson

Sometimes we just want to yell. Maybe a family member or a friend messed up, and we want to “set them straight.” Start counting. Maybe we got chewed out at work and we want “to get even.” Start counting.

We get drunk on anger. We may feel powerful when we “set someone straight.” But like an alcohol high, an anger high last only a short time and can hurt others.

We must control our anger. This is why we count. Cool down. Think out what you need or want to say. Use words that you’ll not be ashamed of later. Learning how to respect others when we’re angry is a sign of recovery.

Prayer for the Day :
Higher Power, teach me to respect others when I’m angry.

Action for the Day:
Today, when I feel angry I’ll count. I’ll work at not controlling other with my anger.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You don’t need recognition for your hard work now; you know exactly what you bring to the party and aren’t worried about being acknowledged. However, those who have first-hand knowledge of your tenacity are pleased to shine the spotlight on you for a while. Nevertheless, receiving sweet rewards could also bring its own odd discomfort, but that’s no excuse to close down your heart. Inspirational author Scott Stabile wrote, “Vulnerability supported by love is perhaps the most powerful catalyst for real connection.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 10, 2017:

Daily Reflection

MAKING AMENDS

Above all, we should try to be absolutely sure that we are not delaying because we are afraid.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 87

To have courage, to be unafraid, are gifts of my recovery. They empower me to ask for help and to go forth in making my amends with a sense of dignity and humility. Making amends may require a certain amount of honesty that I feel I lack, yet with the help of God and the wisdom of others, I can reach within and find the strength to act. My amends may be accepted, or they may not, but after they are completed I can walk with a sense of freedom and know that, for today, I am responsible.

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

Big Book Quote

Imagine life without faith! Were nothing left but pure reason, it wouldnt be life.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 54~

Keep It Simple

This above all: To thine own self be true. —William Shakespeare

What does this saying mean: “To thine own self be true”? Hadn’t we thought only of ourselves before recovery? The answer is no. That wasn’t the real us. Each of us lost touch with our real self because of our addiction. We lost our goals, our feelings, our values. We chased the high. In this way, we lost our spirit. We became addicts.
With sobriety, we find ourselves again—and it feels great! We stop playing a role and become ourselves—and it’s wonderful. We follow our dreams and beliefs, not some addictive wild goose chase. We are again free to be ourselves. Thank you. Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
Today, I pray to be myself, to know all of me. I can trust myself because my spirit is good.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll pray: “thine own self be true.”

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may reach your emotional limit today, especially if you are spending a lot of time with your friends. You are quite sensitive to contradictory information yet you’re committed to sorting out useful facts from trivial data. Although you still want the benefit of good advice from those you trust, you also need to integrate current experiences before you open yourself up to feedback that makes you question recent choices. Honor your internal clock and only move forward at a speed that feels right to you.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 10, 2017:

Daily Reflection

RECOVERY BY PROXY?

They [the Promises] will always materialize if we work for them.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84

Sometimes I think: “Making these amends is going too far! No one should have to humble himself like that!” However, it is this very humbling of myself that brings me that much closer to the sunlight of the spirit. A.A. is the only hope I have if I am to continue healing and gain a life of happiness, friendship, and harmony.

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

Big Book Quote

“Whether the family has spiritual convictions or not, they may do well to examine the principles by which the alcoholic member is trying to live. They can hardly fail to approve these simple principles, though the head of the house still fails somewhat in practicing them. Nothing will help the man who is off on a spiritual tangent so much as the wife who adopts a sane spiritual program, making a better practical use of it.”

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

Keep It Simple

If you want a thing done “right,” you have to do it yourself.—Anonymous

We addicts can be very picky. We think there’s only one way to do things. It’s our way,
But we call it the right way. When we think like this, three things happen. First, we put
down other people. Second, we end up doing all the work. Third, everyone feels bad.
The other person feels hurt that we don’t respect him or her. And we feel angry
because we “had” to do all the work.

We need to know that there are many ways to do things. It’s okay when others don’t
do things our way. Their way probably works just fine for them. If they want your
advice they’ll ask for it.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me accept other people and their ways.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll watch how other people do things. Maybe I’ll learn a better way to do some things.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You are meticulous in your approach to solving a dilemma today; you’ll leave no stone unturned as you seek the best solution. Strong analytical skills empower you to ferret out problems, even if you thought they were handled a long time ago. However, you’re also pragmatic enough to call off the search the moment you discover a viable path to follow. Thomas Edison said, “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”