Daily Recovery Readings for September 24, 2017:

Daily Reflection

VIGILANCE

We have seen the truth demonstrated again and again: “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic.” Commencing to drink after a period of sobriety, we are in a short time as bad as ever. If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to alcohol.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 33

Today I am an alcoholic. Tomorrow will be no different. My alcoholism lives within me now and forever. I must never forget what I am. Alcohol will surely kill me if I fail to recognize and acknowledge my disease on a daily basis. I am not playing a game in which a loss is a temporary setback. I am dealing with my disease, for which there is no cure, only daily acceptance and vigilance.

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

Big Book Quote

Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it. We must be willing to make amends where we have done harm, provided that we do not bring about still more harm in so doing.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 69~

Keep It Simple

To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves.— Will Durant

Sometimes we say bad things about others. When we do this, it makes us look bad too.

Our friends worry what we might say about them behind their backs. They’re afraid to trust us. We become known as gossips.

The things we say about other people tell a lot about us. We are kind or unkind. We gossip or we don’t. This doesn’t mean we have to say everyone is wonderful all the time. As we work our program to see ourselves better, we begin to see other people more clearly too. We see their strong points and their weak points. But we can know these things without gossiping about them.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me see others clearly, and in their best light. Let me bring out the good in others.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list the people I’m closest to at work, school, and home. I’ll think of how I talk about them to others. Am I kind?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Ironically, your misinterpretation of someone’s message might actually turn out for the best because it gives you a chance to stretch your imagination. Luckily, your illusion could eventually become real as active Mars opposes fantasy-prone Neptune. However, discerning the facts can be quite challenging now as conflicting stories battle for supremacy. Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes wrote, “Truth will rise above falsehood as oil above water.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 23, 2017:

Daily Reflection

“I WAS AN EXCEPTION”

He [Bill W.] said to me, gently and simply, “Do you think that you are one of us?”

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 413 (Third Edition)

During my drinking life I was convinced I was an exception. I thought I was beyond petty requirements and had the right to be excused. I never realized that the dark counterbalance of my attitude was the constant feeling that I did not “belong.” At first, in A.A., I identified with others only as an alcoholic. What a wonderful awakening for me it has been to realize that, if human beings were doing the best they could, then so was I! All of the pains, confusions and joys they feel are not exceptional, but part of my life, just as much as anybody’s.

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

Big Book Quote

If circumstances warrant, we ask our wives or friends to join us in morning meditation. If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to that also. If not members of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few set prayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There are many helpful books also.

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

Keep It Simple

“. . . he who finds himself loses his misery.” ~ Matthew Arnold

We have lost a lot of misery. In it’s place inside us, a spirit grows. . . as love is added.

Especially self-love. In our illness, we came to hate ourselves. It was really our illness we hated. We couldn’t find ourselves. All we saw was what others saw—our illness.

In recovery, we’ve found ourselves again. We’ve found we’re good people. We’ve also come to love the world around us. We see we have something to offer this world—ourselves.

Why? Because we have found ourselves.

Prayer for the Day:
I’m so glad to be alive. At times life hurts, but, in living, I found You. Thank-you Higher Power. I pray that we may always be close.

Action for the Day:
I will list ten great things I’ve discovered about myself in recovery.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You have a message to convey today, and won’t likely be swayed from your previously established agenda. The fixed Scorpio Moon is camped out in your 5th House of Love and Romance, turning even the most casual conversations into ones filled with flirtation and innuendo. Thankfully, you can consciously slow things down if an interaction heats up too quickly. Regardless of where this road takes you, be sure to express your gratitude for the diverse experiences you have along the way. Serve the world with your joy.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 22, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A “LIMITLESS LODE”dr

Like a gaunt prospector, belt drawn in over the last ounce of food, our pick struck gold. Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds. Father feels he has struck something better than gold. For a time he may try to hug the new treasure to himself. He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 128-29

When I talk with a newcomer to A.A., my past looks me straight in the face. I see the pain in those hopeful eyes, I extend my hand, and then the miracle happens: I become healed. My problems vanish as I reach out to this trembling soul.

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

Big Book Quote

One of the many doctors who had the opportunity of reading this book in manuscript form told us that the use of sweets was often helpful, of course depending upon a doctors advice. He thought all alcoholics should constantly have chocolate available for its quick energy value at times of fatigue. He added that occasionally in the night a vague craving arose which would be satisfied by candy. Many of us have noticed a tendency to eat sweets and have found this practice beneficial.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 133~

Keep It Simple

One Day at a Time – Program slogan

This slogan means we are to take with us only the joys and problems of the present day.

We don’t carry with us the mistakes of the days gone by. We have no room for them. We are to work at loving others today. Just today.

It’s crazy for us to think we can handle more than one day at a time. During our illness, we lived everywhere but in the here and now. We looked to the future or punished ourselves with our past. One Day at a Time teaches us to go easy. It teaches us to focus on what really means anything to us: the here and now.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me turn the slogans of my programs into a way of life. Help me to live life moment by moment, One Day at a Time.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll practice living in the present. When I find myself living in the past or in the future, I’ll bring
myself back to today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although you may be dreaming about the future, you’re still quite attached to the past. You enjoy your nostalgic trips down Memory Lane, but you’re obsessed with recreating the good old days now, and preserving them for the journey ahead. Luckily, your mind is like a steel trap today, and time is on your side. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said, “Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower, and draws all good things toward you.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 21, 2017:

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

THE LAST PROMISE

We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84

The last Promise in the Big Book came true for me on the very first day of sobriety. God kept me sober that day, and on every other day I allowed Him to operate in my life. He gives me the strength, courage and guidance to meet my responsibilities in life so that I am then able to reach out and help others stay sober and grow. He manifests within me, making me a channel of His word, thought and deed. He works with my inner self, while I produce in the outer world, for He will not do for me what I can do for myself. I must be willing to do His work, so that He can function through me successfully.

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

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

Do not be discouraged if your prospect does not respond at once. Search out another alcoholic and try again. You are sure to find someone desperate enough to accept with eagerness what you offer. We find it a waste of time to keep chasing a man who cannot or will not work with you. If you leave such a person alone, he may soon become
convinced that he cannot recover by himself. To spend too much time on any one situation is to deny some other alcoholic an opportunity to live and be happy.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 96~

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

Love doesn’t make the world go around. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
—Franklin Jones

Before recovery, anger, self-pity, and sadness often filled our hearts. The world went on. We came to hate the ride.

In recovery, love fills our hearts. We begin to love life. Love is really caring about what happens to other people. Love is what makes the ride worth it. We find much love in our program.

People really mater to us. We really matter to others. For many of us, we learn how to love in our meetings. The program teaches love because the program is love.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that I’ll welcome love into my heart and others into my life. Love brings me closer to my Higher Power.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list all the people I love and why they matter to me.

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

A family member or friend might make unexpected demands of your time today, placing you in an uncomfortable position. You already have plans and aren’t thrilled about canceling them just to accommodate someone else. Nevertheless, you are devoted to keeping the peace now, and will find a way to graciously handle the situation without giving away your power. Evolution reminds us that adaptation is the key to survival.

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?”