Daily Recovery Readings for July 15, 2017:

Daily Reflection

PRIDE

For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige, and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted.

In all these strivings, so many of them well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility. We had lacked the perspective to see that character-building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfactions were not the purpose of living.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 71

Time and again I approached the Seventh Step, only to fall back and regroup. Something was missing and the impact of the Step escaped me. What had I overlooked? A single word: read but ignored, the foundation of all the Steps, indeed the entire Alcoholics Anonymous program – that word is “humbly.”

I understood my shortcomings: I constantly put tasks off; I angered easily; I felt too much self-pity; and I thought, why me? Then I remembered, “Pride goeth before the fall,” and I eliminated pride from my life.

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

Big Book Quote

“Faith without works was dead, he said. And how appallingly true for the alcoholic! For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead. If he did not work, he would surely drink again, and if he drank, he would surely die. Then faith would be dead indeed. With us it is just like that.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 14~

Keep It Simple

Let there be spaces in your togetherness.—Kahil Gilran

We all need time alone. Then we can get to know our Higher Power better too.

When we were using chemicals, we were afraid of being alone. We didn’t want to think too much.
So we got high.

Now we know we’re never totally alone. Our Higher Power is with us. We can relax. We can rest.

We can think, read, and meditate. We can our own best friend.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me use my time alone to know myself better. Help me get to know You too.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll plan to spend two hours alone to get to know myself better. I could take a long walk, or enjoy a park, or my garden. What will I do, and when?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may try to deflect some of your current feelings because you don’t want to put yourself in an emotionally vulnerable position. Although your preferences are very strong today, going along with someone else’s plan could be logistically less complicated. Nevertheless, it’s a smart idea to let others know what you want without expecting them to take responsibility for your needs. Transparency is the fastest route to intimacy.

Daily Recovery Readings for July 14, 2017:

Daily Reflection

Big Book Quote

“The less people tolerated us, the more we withdrew from society, from life itself. As we became subjects of King Alcohol, shivering denizens of his mad realm, the chilling vapor that is loneliness settled down. It thickened, ever becoming blacker. Some of us sought out sordid places, hoping to find understanding companionship and approval. Momentarily we did—then would come oblivion and the awful awakening to face the hideous Four Horsemen—Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, Despair.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 151~

Keep It Simple

Most of the evils of life arise from man’s being unable to sit still in a room.—Blaise Pascal

Our program teaches us to slow down. We learn to slow down by taking time out. During these times-outs, we look at our values and see if we’re staying true to them.

Because of that, meditation is an important part of our program. It teaches us to slow down. Our Higher Power wants us to have fun and play. But we need to bring our Higher Power along. Remember, our Higher Power loves fun. We can have fun, but not at the expense of others.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray for help so I can remember my values. Higher Power, teach me to have fun. Teach me to be true to You at the same time.

Action for the day: Today. I’ll three times mischief has been good fun. I’ll talk with a friend about the difference between trouble mischief and fun mischief.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It might seem like someone is shutting you down today before you get to speak your piece. Or, perhaps, your progress on a project encounters resistance, making you so frustrated you’re considering resignation. Fortunately, your deep reserve of tenacity will pull you through this momentary obstruction. You’re not in this for the quick buck; your long-term goals are your priority now and your patience will be tested. Ben Franklin wrote, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 13, 2017:

Daily Reflection

HUMILITY IS A GIFT, p.203

As long as we placed self-reliance first, a genuine reliance upon a Higher Power was out of the question. That basic ingredient of all humility, a desire to seek and do God’s will, was missing.

Twelve & Twelve, p.72

When I first came to A.A., I wanted to find some of the elusive quality called humility. I didn’t realize I was looking for humility because I thought it would help me get what I wanted, and I would do anything for others if I thought God would somehow reward me
for it. I try to remember now that the people I meet in the course of my day are as close to God as I am ever going to get while on this earth. I need to pray for knowledge of God’s will today, and see how my experience with hope and pain can help other people; if I can
do that, I don’t need to search for humility, it has found me.

Big Book Quote

“Everybody knows that those in bad health, and those who seldom play, do not laugh much. So let each family play together or separately as much as their circumstances warrant. We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.”

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

Keep It Simple

A brother may not be a friend, but a friend will always be a brother. —Benjamin Franklin

Many of us come from families that aren’t very healthy for us. Many families have lots of love but aren’t able to show it. Maybe our parents argued or drank too much. When we share our recovery with them, they may not seem happy with us. They may be doing the best they can, but they don’t understand our new way of life.

We can have the love we wanted, but it might not come from our family. We can choose healthy friends to be our new “family.” Some friends may seem like the sister or brother we always wanted.

A sponsor can give us advice we never got from our parents. We can have a full, healthy “family life” after all.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me choose a good friend who will help me to be the best that I can be.

Action for the Day:
The best way to have a friend is to be a friend. What will I do today to be a friend?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your bold aspirations of possible adventures aren’t usually part of the Crab’s character. However, you’re inspired to reach beyond the edges of your emotional safety and stretch your mind in the process. But don’t stop to consider if your plans are realistic or even possible; leave the concrete thinking for another day. Just explore every notion that pops into your head as if it were a path to your future without fretting over the logistics. Mason Cooley wrote, “Fantasy mirrors desire. Imagination reshapes it.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 12, 2017:

Daily Reflection

Big Book Quote

“We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 46~

Keep It Simple

If you would be loved, love and be lovable.—Benjamin Franklin

We all want to be loved. and no matter how much we’re loved, we always want more. How can we be lovable? What does the mean? Should we try to be perfect? Should we act cute and helpless? No, being lovable means that we act ourselves. We let others get to know us. When others love us, we enjoy it. We tell them. We let them know that their love isn’t wasted on us, that it’s important to us. We are lovable, and we are loved!

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me accept the love of others today. Help me be lovable.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list all the little things others do that show that they care for me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although you prefer the familiarity of your daily routine, you might feel a sudden urge to break free from your safe and secure world. However, it’s not likely that you’ll quit your job and head overseas today, even if you’re struck with a seemingly incurable case of wanderlust. Follow your instincts to widen your horizons by learning about a subject that’s outside your regular sphere of reference. Attorney Gerry Spence wrote, “I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 11, 2017:

Daily Reflection

they often suspect they are down for the count.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 23~

Keep It Simple

If you would be loved, love and be lovable.—Benjamin Franklin

We all want to be loved. and no matter how much we’re loved, we always want more.
How can we be lovable? What does the mean? Should we try to be perfect? Should we act cute and helpless? No, being lovable means that we act ourselves. We let others get to know us. When others love us, we enjoy it. We tell them. We let them know that their love isn’t wasted on us, that it’s important to us. We are lovable, and we are loved!

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me accept the love of others today. Help me be lovable.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list all the little things others do that show that they care for me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You hope that the current noise at work will give you a chance to go unnoticed for stretches of time today. You like the idea of slipping beneath the radar now as if you’re on a stealth mission. Nevertheless, you’re not as invisible as you think because your behavior influences others. There are many ways to impact your future and leading by example is one of the smartest strategies in your playbook these days. Picasso said, “Action is the foundational key to all success.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 10, 2017:

Daily Reflection

Big Book Quote

“If we were to live, we had to be free of anger. The grouch and the brainstorm were not for us. They may be the dubious luxury of normal men, but for alcoholics these things are poison.” 

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

Keep It Simple

Everybody knows that when they’re happy than usual, the people around them are happy.
—George Harrison

Do we think we can’t be happy until others are happy? Then nobody is happy. Our unhappy friends won’t take our advice. They say,” Why should I do what you say? You are not happy either.” And we answer, “I’ll be okay when you’re happy.” We make them responsible for our happiness. What a mess!

We can only make one person happy—ourselves. How? By living as our Higher Power leads us. By working the Steps. By being grateful for the good things in our lives. By loving ourselves and others, just as we are.

And maybe when we’re happy, our friends will learn from us. They can be happy too. But only our friends can make themselves happy.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, as I do my part in Your plan today, help me feel connected to You and to life.

Today’s Action:
Today I’ll enjoy my happiness. I’ll look for three ways to share it with others.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

An unavoidable disagreement over an intensely emotional issue could provoke random feelings of helplessness now. Thankfully, transformation is your superpower today, enabling you to skillfully turn negative emotions into fuel for positive change. Looking within your heart can lead you to your own tender spot, but your self-awareness won’t matter until you are vulnerable with your partner. Buddha taught, “When words are both true and kind they could change the world.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July  9, 2017:

Daily Reflection

Big Book Quote

“We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way by which faith can be acquired. If what we have learned and felt and seen means anything at all, it means that all of us, whatever our race, creed, or color are the children of a living Creator with whom we may form a relationship upon simple and understandable terms as soon as we are willing and honest enough to try.” 

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

Keep It Simple

First say to yourself what you would be: and then do what you have to do. – Eptctetus

We often tell ourselves we want to be more peaceful, more in touch with our Higher Power. In other words, we want to become more spiritual. Acting as spiritual people is hard. Tho often, we choose the easy way. We make a nasty comment even if we know it’ll only make things worse.

We say we have a program for living. Are we living our program? We’ll find the answer in our behavior. Sober people act in sober ways. We attend meetings regularly. We study spiritual ideas. We work to bring joy to our lives and the lives of others. Just as we know a good friend by the way he or she behaves, we know a sober person by the way he or she behaves.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be a person whose words and actions match up.

Today’s Action:
Today I’ll take an inventory of my actions to see if they are those of a sober person.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

A friendship or partnership might run into obstacles that require you to reexamine your emotions. You must communicate your feelings as honestly as possible while the dutiful Capricorn Full Moon shines in your 7th House of Relationships, stirring up trouble or excitement. If there is someone special in your world, how you handle resolving a touchy conflict now establishes the foundation for what comes next. Either way, responding directly from your heart can improve the overall quality of your everyday life. Brene Brown wrote, “What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 8, 2017:

Daily Reflection

AN EVER-GROWING FREEDOM, p.198

The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude
which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from
ourselves toward others and toward God.

~Twelve & Twelve, p.76

When I finally asked God to remove those things blocking me
from Him and the sunlight of the Spirit, I embarked on a journey
more glorious than I ever imagined. I experienced freedom from
those characteristics that had me wrapped up in myself. Because
of this humbling Step, I feel clean. I am especially aware of this
Step because I’m now able to be useful to God and to my fellows. I
know that He has granted me strength to do His bidding and has
prepared me for anyone, and anything, that comes my way today. I
am truly in His hands, and I give thanks for the joy that I can be useful
today.

Big Book Quote

“Let families realize, as they start their journey, that all will not be fair weather. Each in his turn may be footsore and may struggle. There will be alluring shortcuts and by-paths down which they may wander and lose their way.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 122~

Keep It Simple

Pain can’t be avoided. It’s as natural as joy. – Unknown

We got into a lot of trouble trying to avoid pain. We used alcohol and other drugs to avoid pain. We didn’t want to accept pain as a fact of life.

We can’t avoid pain, but now we have the program. The program teaches us how to talk about our pain. The program teaches how to turn over our pain to our Higher Power.
We don’t have to be alone when we face pain. We have friends to go to. Before, when we hurt, we ran to alcohol or other drugs.

Now, when we hurt, we run to the comfort of our sponsor and our program friends.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me accept pain as part of life. Help me remember that You are always there to help me with my pain. I’m not alone.

Today’s Action:
Today, I’ll list three painful events in my life. I’ll talk with a friend about them.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re ready to lighten the mood but it seems as if everyone else is being overly serious today. Although there appears to be an attitude difference between you and those close to you, this might be a reflection of your inner dynamics. Take a few moments to check on your unexpressed feelings, especially if you’re angry about an issue you don’t wish to discuss. Author Steven Pressfield wrote, “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 7, 2017:

Daily Reflection

Big Book Quote

“Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family back. This just isn’t so. In some cases, the wife will never come back for one reason or another. Remind the prospect that his recovery is not dependent upon people. It is dependent upon his relationship with God. We have seen men get well whose families have not returned at all. We have seen others slip when the family came back too soon.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 99~

Keep It Simple

Be brave enough to accept the help of others.

Often is the past, we acted like we didn’t need anyone. It takes courage to let others help us.

As we get better, our courage grows. We invite people into our lives. We help others, and we let others help us.

We will learn to let others help us if we work our program. Why? Because we need others to stay sober. When we have a problem, we talk about it in our group. When we need a shoulder to cry on, we call a friend or our sponsor. Over time, our relationships become one of the biggest rewards of recovery.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me see my need for others as a test—a test to see if I’ll be brave enough and wise enough to ask for help when I need it.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list four times in my life when I needed help but didn’t ask for it. I’ll tell a friend about how these times would have been different if I had asked for help.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Pursuing a relationship for business or pleasure may be so effortless today that you don’t realize the intensity of your charm. But your inflated expectations could lead to disappointment later in the day when reality sets back in. Fortunately, you can minimize the let down by remaining cautious from the beginning. However, there’s no reason to entertain negativity, either. Focus on the present moment without turning any molehills into mountains. Jack Welch said, “Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.”

Daily Recovery Readings for July 6, 2017:

Daily Reflection

Big Book Quote

“In dealing with resentments, we set them on paper. We listed people, institutions or principles with whom we were angry. We asked ourselves why we were angry. In most cases, it was found that our self-esteem, our pocketbooks, our ambitions, our personal
relationships,(including sex) were hurt or threatened.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 64~

Keep It Simple

When fate hands us a lemon, let’s try to make lemonade.—Dale Carnegie

Our illness is one big lemon, but our recovery is lemonade. None of us signed up to be drunks or drugies, but we all signed up for recovery. That’s when the happiness began.

Yes, there will be pain, but the joy will far outweigh the pain. The sweet joy of recovery becomes our drink—our lemonade. And, do we drink!

We have new friends. We love ourselves, our Higher Power, our family, and much more.

We are creative when we give joy, love, and help to others and to ourselves. If your lemonade isn’t sweet enough, add more of your program.
Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, it’s easy to forget how much You’ve given me. Thank you for all the joy and love You have given me.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll write down what part of recovery I really enjoy. I will then share this list with my group or friend.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might harbor regrets about something you recently did, especially if you didn’t heed the common-sense advice you received. It’s possible that you had an excellent idea and simply took it too far. Fortunately, there’s still time to compensate for overplaying your hand, but you need to act quickly. There’s no shame in retreating in order to consolidate your position today. However, if you continue to ignore an imbalance of your making, you will suffer the consequences soon enough. People who create their own drama are subject to their own karma.