Daily Recovery Readings for August 10, 2017:

Daily Reflection

REDOUBLING OUR EFFORTS

To a degree, he has already done this when taking moral inventory, but now the time has come when he ought to redouble his efforts to see how many people he has hurt, and in what ways,

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

As I continue to grow in sobriety, I become more aware of myself as a person of worth. In the process, I am better able to see others as persons, and with this comes the realization that these were people whom I had hurt in my drinking days. I didn’t just lie, I lied about Tom. I didn’t just cheat, I cheated Joe. What were seemingly impersonal acts, were really personal affronts, because it was people—people of worth—whom I had harmed. I need to do something about the people I have hurt so that I may enjoy a peaceful sobriety.

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

Big Book Quote

“In our belief any scheme of combating alcoholism which proposes to shield the sick man from temptation is doomed to failure. If the alcoholic tries to shield himself he may  succeed  or a time, but usually winds up with a bigger explosion than ever. We have tried these  methods. These attempts to do the impossible have always failed.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 101~

Keep It Simple

There are time we must grab God’s and walk forward.— Anonymous

Sometimes we struggle with being part of the problem, instead of being part of the solution.

Inside we know this, but somehow we can’t Let Go and Let God.

To let go takes faith that the outcome will be okay. When we have faith, we know our Higher Power believes in us and will guide us. When we have faith, we believe in ourselves.

When we let go, we let go of our need to always be right. Letting go first takes place on the inside. Letting go allows us to change how we view what’s happening. Often, all we really need is this change of attitude. This is the beauty of faith: it allows us to see the same thing in different ways.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, permit me to let go. Let me see that believing in You must also mean believing in myself.

Action for the Day:
I will review my life since entering the Twelve Step program. I will work at seeing what good partners my Higher Power and I make.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your uncertainty is more of an asset today than a liability because it encourages you to keep your heart open. You don’t normally ask for other people’s input when you already have all the answers. Fortunately, your friends may be instrumental in helping you gain the clarity you seek. Sharing your hopes for the future is fine, but don’t turn it into such a big deal that you forget about the here and now. Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh says, “The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 9, 2017:

Daily Reflection

“. . . OF ALL PERSONS WE HAD HARMED”

. . . and became willing to make amends to them all. 

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

One of the key words in the Eighth Step is the word all. I am not free to select a few names for the list and to disregard others. It is a list of all persons I have harmed. I can see immediately that this Step entails forgiveness because if I’m not willing to forgive someone, there is little chance I will place his name on the list. Before I placed the first name on my list, I said a little prayer: “I forgive anyone and everyone who has ever harmed me at any time and under any circumstances.”

It is well for me to contemplate a small, but very significant, two-letter word every time the Lord’s Prayer is said. The word is as. I ask, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In this case, as means, “in the same manner.” I am asking to be forgiven in the same manner that I forgive others. As I say this portion of the prayer, if I am harboring hatred or resentment, I am inviting more resentment, when I should be calling on the spirit of forgiveness.

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

Big Book Quote

“We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such problems. We ask especially for freedom from self-will, and are careful to make no request for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends. Many of us have wasted a lot of time doing that and it doesn’t work.”

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

Keep It Simple

If there is no wind, row.—Latin proverb

At times, staying sober will be easy; at other times, it will be hard. But we must do what is needed to stay sober. Having a hard week? Go to extra meetings. Feeling alone? Call a friend and ask if you can get together. Feel like drinking? Go to a safe place until the urge passes.

We have no choice. We must row when there’s no wind. If not, we’ll fall back into our addiction.

If we work hard, we’ll stay sober. Plus we’ll grow as spiritual people. Hard times test us and make better people. But this will only happen if we keep our Higher Power and our program close to our heart.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me remember that I grow during hard times. I pray that I’ll accept and use what You’ve given me each day.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list five things I learned from my program in hard times.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your long-term plans may require revision because your initial assumptions now seem to be wrong. Thankfully, your imagination is running at warp speed, sparking your brain with amazing ideas. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to get a thought to hang around long enough to grow into a real plan. Nevertheless, you’re up for the challenge, even if the odds seem stacked against you. Islamic scholar Hamza Yusuf wrote, “The reality of things is hidden in the realm of the unseen.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 8, 2017:

Daily Reflection

“MADE A LIST . . .”

Made a list of all persons we had harmed, . . .

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

When I approached the Eighth Step, I wondered how I could list all the things that I have done to other people since there were so many people, and some of them weren’t alive anymore. Some of the hurts I inflicted weren’t bad, but they really bothered me. The main thing to see in this Step was to become willing to do whatever I had to do to make these amends to the best of my ability at that particular time. Where there is a will, there’s a way, so if I want to feel better, I need to unload the guilt feelings I have. A peaceful mind has no room for feelings of guilt. With the help of my Higher Power, if I am honest with myself, I can cleanse my mind of these feelings.

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

Big Book Quote

“We realized that the people who wronged us were perhaps spiritually sick. Though we did not like their symptoms and the way these disturbed us, they, like ourselves, were sick too. We asked God to help us show them the same tolerance, pity, and patience that we would cheerfully grant a sick friend. When a person offended we said to ourselves, ‘This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done.'”

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

Keep It Simple

Adventure is not outside a man; it is within.—David Grayson

Sobriety. It’s an exciting adventure. It’s a spiritual adventure. We look inward. We find where our Higher Power lives: within us. We then reach outward. We share our joy with others. Not with words and preaching, but by trying to help others. Sobriety is faith turned into action.

Sobriety. It’s an adventure in coming to know one’s self. At times, we’ll have to face our fears. But we’ll also find just how much love we have for life.

Sobriety. It’s as if we’re on a trip. Our Higher Power holds the map. Our job is to listen. And we go in the direction we’re told.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray to be an adventurer. Higher Power, I pray to follow Your direction.

Action for the Day:
I’ll ask some friends to tell me about an adventure their Higher Power has taken them on.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although you might have a day packed with work-related activities, it’s imperative to find time to take care of yourself. The Moon’s current visit to your 8th House of Regeneration inspires you to revitalize your body, reinvigorate your routines and reinvent your life. However, none of these things will magically happen on their own. You need to step in with your intentions at the forefront of your activities. And, more than ever, you must find joy in the journey and passion in your purpose.

Daily Recovery Readings for August 6, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A “DESIGN FOR LIVING”

We in our turn, sought the same escape with all the desperation of drowning men. What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God. A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, “a design for living” that really works.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 28

I try each day to raise my heart and hands in thanks to God for showing me a “design for living” that really works through our beautiful Fellowship. But what, exactly, is this “design for living” that “really works”? For me, it is the practice of the Twelve Steps to the best of my ability, the continued awareness of a God who loves me unconditionally, and the hope that, in each new day, there is a purpose for my being. I am truly, truly blessed in the Fellowship.

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

Big Book Quote

“But my friend sat before me, and he made the point blank declaration that God had done for him what he could not do for himself. His human will had failed. Doctors had pronounced him incurable. Society was about to lock him up. Like myself, he had admitted complete defeat. Then he had, in effect, been raised from the dead, suddenly taken from the scrap heap to a level of life better than the best he had ever known!”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 11~

Keep It Simple

Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave you. . . Alcoholics Anonymous

We don’t have to fear people. They can’t wreck our spirit. We don’t have to fear money problems. We won’t have to starve to death. Our Higher Power will lead us on a safe path through life.

Our Higher power wants us to be safe, happy, and wise. Our Higher power wants us to feel loved.

We’ll learn to trust our Higher Power. And we’ll learn to trust the happiness we find in our new way of life. People may still hurt us, but there will be much more love to carry us through.

Prayer For the Day:
Higher Power, I know You protect me and care for me. Help me stop worrying.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list four fears I have. I will talk with my sponsor about how to turn these over to my Higher Power.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

An unexpected expenditure may require you to drop other plans while you reassess your current fiscal position. However, your personal finances are complicated by your relationship to others. At first glance, the entire situation might appear to be more troublesome than you expected, since the Aquarius Lunar Eclipse falls in your 8th House of Shared Resources. You could easily miss a simple solution if you try to solve the problem on your own. Author Jim Butcher wrote, “Sometimes the only way to carry a heavy burden is to share it with another.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 5, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LISTENING DEEPLY

How persistently we claim the right to decide all by ourselves just what we shall think and just how we shall act. — TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 37

If I accept and act upon the advice of those who have made the program work for themselves, I have a chance to outgrow the limits of the past. Some problems will shrink to nothingness, while others may require patient, well-thought-out action. Listening deeply when others share can develop intuition in handling problems which arise unexpectedly. It is usually best for me to avoid impetuous action. Attending a meeting or calling a fellow A.A. member will usually reduce tension enough to bring relief to a desperate sufferer like me. Sharing problems at meetings with other alcoholics to whom I relate, or privately with my sponsor, can change aspects of the positions in which I find myself. Character defects are identified and I begin to see how they work against me. When I put my faith in the spiritual power of the program, when I trust others to teach me what I need to do to have a better life, I find that I can trust myself to do what is necessary.

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

Big Book Quote

“All these, and many others, have one symptom in common: they cannot start drinking without developing the phenomenon of craving. This phenomenon, as we have suggested, may be the manifestation of an allergy which differentiates these people, and sets them apart as a distinct entity. It has never been, by any treatment with which we are familiar, permanently eradicated. The only relief we have to suggest is entire abstinence.

This immediately precipitates us into a seething caldron of debate. Much has been written pro and con, but among physicians, the general opinion seems to be that most chronic alcoholics are doomed.”

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

Keep It Simple

You’re only human, you’ve suppose to make mistakes.—Billy Joel

Listen to the kind voice inside. Listen to the voice that tells you you’re good enough. Listen to the voice that tells you it’s okay to make mistakes—you’ll learn from them. Listen to the voice that tells you to go to your meeting even though it’s cold outside and you’re tired. Listen and let this voice become more and more clear. Listen, and welcome it in your heart. Talk with the voice.

Ask it questions and seek it out when you need a friend. This voice is your Higher Power. Listen as your Higher Power speaks to you. Listen as your Higher Power tells you what a great person you are.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray to the gentle, loving voice that lives in me. Higher Power, You’ve always been kind to me. You’ve always loved me. Help me to remember You’re always there—inside me.

Action for the Day:
I will take time from my busy day to listen and talk with the loving voice that lives inside me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It’s never any fun to feel as if you’re being pushed into a corner, but today you’re unwilling to let things go that far. You can’t help but see right through someone’s charm if they are operating with self-serving motives. Fortunately, you can nip the bud of control before it even flowers. A proactive strategy is better than waiting until a crisis develops. Just make sure that you’re not a victim of your own imagination now. Don’t end up fighting windmills like Don Quixote. Plato advised, “Take charge of your thoughts. You can do what you will with them.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 4, 2017:

Daily Reflection

SEEDS OF FAITH

Faith, to be sure, is necessary, but faith alone can avail nothing. We can have faith, yet keep God out of our lives. ~TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 34

As a child I constantly questioned the existence of God. To a “scientific thinker” like me, no answer could withstand a thorough dissection, until a very patient woman finally said to me, “You must have faith.” With that simple statement, the seeds of my recovery were sown!

Today, as I practice my recovery — cutting back the weeds of alcoholism — slowly I am letting those early seeds of faith to grow and bloom. Each day of recovery, of ardent gardening, brings the Higher Power of my understanding more fully into my life. My God has always been with me through faith, but it is my responsibility to have the willingness to accept His presence.

I ask God to grant me the willingness to do His will.

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

Big Book Quote

“If we skip this vital step (5th Step), we may not overcome drinking. Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost invariably they got drunk. Having persevered with the rest of the program, they wondered why they fell. We think the reason is that they never completed their housecleaning. They took inventory all right, but hung on to some of the worst items in stock. They only thought they had lost their egoism and fear; they only thought they had humbled themselves. But they had not learned enough of humility, fearlessness and honesty, in the sense we find it necessary, until they told someone else all their life story.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 72~

Keep It Simple

Let him that would move the world, first move himself.—Socrates

Before recovery, most of us were big talkers. The Twelve Steps are for doers, not talkers. In the Steps we find action words: admitted, humbly asked, made direct amends, continued to take personal inventory. All these words speak of action, of doing. Recovery is about action. It’s for doers. An action may be very simple. Such as going to a meeting early to set up chairs. Or it could be helping a neighbor. The program teaches that spirituality active, we grow and change.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, give me movement. Give me spiritual movement. Help me be a doer, not just a talker. Teach me to work my program.

Today’s Action:
Today, I’ll remember the words actions go together.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Oftentimes, you know what you want but are hesitant to reveal your preferences for fear of rejection. Unfortunately, a coworker or partner may step in today, filling the gap by telling you what he or she expects. Although you might be shocked by someone’s directness now, you could also feel angry because their approach leaves you with little choice but agreement. Instead of seething quietly while going along with the plan, stop this power play before things get out of control. Stand up for your rights; saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to people who stress you out.

Daily Recovery Readings for August 3, 2017:

Daily Reflection

. . . TO BE OF SERVICE

Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.  — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 77

It is clear that God’s plan for me is expressed through love. God loved me enough to take me from alleys and jails so that I could be made a useful participant in His world. My response is to love all of His children through service and by example. I ask God to help me imitate His love for me through my love for others.

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

Big Book Quote

“Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent, we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense. But we must go further
and that means more action.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 85~

Keep It Simple

Alcoholism isn’t a spectator sport. Eventually, the whole family gets to play.
—Joyce Rebeta-Burditt

One of the biggest lies addicts can tell themselves is, “I’m not hurting
anyone but myself.”

This is just another way we don’t see how important we are to others.

During our using, love was a burden. When anyone showed love for us, we turned away. They hurt. And we hurt.

In recovery, when ready, we try and help our families heal. We listen as
they speak of how our illness has hurt them. We comfort them as they tell their stories. Remember, our illness hurt them. Remember, our recovery will help them heal.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me face the pain my illness has brought to others. Let me know their pain. Let it help me stay sober.

Action for the Day:
I will list all persons my illness has hurt. I will say a prayer for them,
even if they have harmed me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might think your agenda is bulletproof, but it is not. In fact, shifting circumstances at work may shoot holes through your plans today, forcing you to reassess your assumptions. But all is not lost; thankfully, the cosmos is offering you a chance to proceed with greater certainty than ever before. Just don’t let self-doubt tempt you to quit before you reach your goal. The biggest mistake you could ever make now is being too afraid to make one.

Daily Recovery Readings for August 2, 2017:

Daily Reflection

WE BECOME WILLING . . .

At the moment we are trying to put our lives in order. But this is not an end in itself.— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 77

How easily I can become misdirected in approaching the Eighth Step! I wish to be free, somehow transformed by my Sixth and Seventh Step work. Now, more than ever, I am vulnerable to my own self-interest and hidden agenda. I am careful to remember that self-satisfaction, which sometimes comes through the spoken forgiveness of those I have harmed, is not my true objective. I become willing to make amends, knowing that through this process I am mended and made fit to move forward, to know and desire God’s will for me.

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

Big Book Quote

“When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 51~

Keep It Simple

. . . and because willing to make amends to them all.—Second half of Step Eight.

We have made our list of persons we’ve harmed. Now we look at how willing we are to make amends. We might find that we aren’t ready and willing to make amends to everyone. Maybe they have wronged us more than we have wronged them. Maybe we’re afraid they’ll get angry with us. Maybe we’re afraid they’ll put us in jail.

We get ready to make amends by listening and talking to others in our group—and to our sponsor. We pray for help to be willing to make amends. Becoming willing does not just happen.

We have to work at it. We need to be willing to let go of the past.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me become willing. Help me see my part. I know “my part”
is the only part I can change.

Action for the Day:
I will take time to go over my list. To whom am I not ready to make amends? I will take time to read the Serenity Prayer.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might surprise your coworkers with your uncharacteristically freewheeling style today. It may appear as if you’ve thrown caution out the window, but you’re actually more careful than anyone realizes. Although your current positivity does not invite reckless behavior, it does encourage you to make the most of a situation while it lasts. Theologian Paul Tillich wrote, “He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 1, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LIVING IT

The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83

When new in the program, I couldn’t comprehend living the spiritual aspect of the program, but now that I’m sober, I can’t comprehend living without it. Spirituality was what I had been seeking. God, as I understand Him, has given me answers to the whys that kept me drinking for twenty years. By living a spiritual life, by asking God for help, I have learned to love, care for and feel compassion for all my fellow men, and to feel joy in a world where, before, I felt only fear.

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

Big Book Quote

“The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 17

Keep It Simple

Made a list of all persons we had harmed . . . —First half of Step Eight

By the time we get to Step Eight, we’re ready to work on our relationships.

We start by making a list of all persons we’ve harmed. We look at where we
have been at fault. We own our behavior.

Now we’re healing, and we must help others to heal too. Our list must be as
complete as we can make it. As our recovery goes on we’ll remember others
we have hurt. We add them to our list. By doing this, we heal even more.

Remember, this Step is for us. It is to help us stay sober.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me make a complete list. Help me keep it open-ended.
Allow me and those I’ve harmed to be healed.

Action for the Day:
Even if I’ve made a list before, I’ll make another one today. I will list
all those I have harmed.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might not have a lot to say today; you’re too busy taking care of business to waste time in social niceties. The Moon’s shift into your 6th House of Daily Routine demands that you are serious when it comes to meeting your responsibilities. Of course, it’s crucial to get your chores finished in a timely manner. However, it’s healthy to leave some room for more enjoyable activities as long as you don’t let them hijack your day. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.