Daily Recovery Readings
June 10, 2017

Daily Reflection

FORMING TRUE PARTNERSHIPS

But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability to form a true partnership with another human being.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 53

Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a true partnership with another human being? What a terrible handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life! In my sobriety, I will meditate and pray to discover how I may be a trusted friend and companion.

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

Big Book Quote

“Cessation of drinking is but the first step away from a highly strained, abnormal condition.”

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

Keep It Simple

The lust for power is not rooted in strength, but to weakness.

We believed Alcohol or other drugs could help us control our happiness. But now we’re learning to rely on faith for our happiness. Faith is about leaving things to our Higher Power’s control. Instead of wanting the control ourselves, we trust our Higher Power will help us handle things that come along.

In recovery, we work at having more faith. Faith in a Higher Power. Faith in the Steps. Faith in our groups. Faith that our lives will get better if we don’t use chemicals and we work an honest recovery program. Faith makes life a lot easier.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

People may be expecting more from you today than you can deliver. It’s an honor to be held in such high esteem but you don’t like the performance pressure others place on you. You might even be pushed to a breaking point when you realize you’re likely to let more than one person down. However, it’s not in your best interest to just give up now and walk away from the stress. Author Tobias Wolff wrote, “We are made to persist; that’s how we find out who we are.”

Daily Recovery Readings
June 11, 2017

Daily Reflection

FAMILY OBLIGATIONS

. . . a spiritual life which does not include. . . family obligations may not be so perfect after all.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129

I can be doing great in the program — applying it at meetings, at work, and in service activities — and find that things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and value my progress, but they don’t — unless I show them. Do I neglect their needs and desires for my attention and concern? When I’m around them, am I irritable or boring? Are my “amends” a mumbled “Sorry,” or do they take the form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying to reform or “fix” them? Have I ever really cleaned house with them? “The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it”(Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83).

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

Big Book Quote

“Selfishness—self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles. Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate. Sometimes they hurt us, seemingly without provocation, but we invariably find that at some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a position to be hurt.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 62~

Keep It Simple

Who is the bravest hero? He who turns his enemy into a friend. — Hebrew Proverb

In recovery we take our worst enemy, addiction, and turn it around. We were ashamed of our addiction. Over time we become proud of our recovery. We were our own worst enemy. Now we’re our own best friend. We are brave people.

Being brave is about facing our fears. Often we think brave people don’t get afraid, but this isn’t true. Brave people learn to stay put, even when their knees are shaking. Many times in recovery, we will want to run when we should stay put. We may even think about using chemicals again.

We need to remember our bravery and how we turned our worst enemy into a friend.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, teach me when to run and when to stay put. Help me be brave.

Action for the Day:
I will claim bravery today. I’ll hold my head up high and be proud of how far I’ve come. I now have nothing to be ashamed of.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Some people have very specific ideas about what you should be doing with your time. But you don’t need to explain everything you do today. You may even choose to keep your most important plans private. Ironically, if someone witnesses your actions now, they might misinterpret your intentions. Don’t apologize for who you are. Rather than modifying your behavior to accommodate others, allow your heart to take the lead. However, remain mindful not to confuse the voice of ego with that of intuition.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 10, 2017

Daily Reflection

IMPATIENT? TRY LEVITATING

We reacted more strongly to frustrations than normal people. — AS BILL SEES IT, p. 111

Impatience with other people is one of my principal failings. Following a slow car in a no-passing lane, or waiting in a restaurant for the check, drives me to distraction. Before I give God a chance to slow me down, I explode, and that’s what I call being quicker than God. That repeated experience gave me an idea. I thought if I could look down on these events from God’s point of view, I might better control my feelings and behavior. I tried it and when I encountered the next slow driver, I levitated and looked down on the other car and upon myself. I saw an elderly couple driving along, happily chatting about their grandchildren. They were followed by me — bug-eyed and red of face — who had no time schedule to meet anyway. I looked so silly that I dropped back into reality and slowed down. Seeing things from God’s angle of vision can be very relaxing.

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

Big Book Quote

“Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 98~

Keep It Simple

Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.—Clementine Pappleford

At meetings, we meet people who have what we want. Our old way is to think these people are better or luckier than us. Our old way is to wish we were like them. But our program tells us how to work to change, not just wish for it. There is a big difference!

There are many ways to work for recovery. We practice the Steps. We attend meetings, and we help out at meetings. We welcome new members. We call our sponsor often. And we sponsor others when we’re ready. It takes more than a wishbone. It takes courage and hard work, with the help of our Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me know that wishing is lost energy. I must work at recovery. As I do today’s work, guide me.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll do an extra bit of work on my recovery. I’ll call a group member. I’ll read. I’ll spend extra time in prayer and meditation.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Relationship dynamics are moved to the front burner today, especially if you and a friend or partner have unfinished business. Perhaps you are working together on a project at home and you agreed to take care of a specific task. If you have let your promises slide, you cannot avoid your commitments any longer. Although it can be frustrating if it feels like your hard work is for someone else’s benefit, stick with your obligations. The reward for completing a job makes your earlier annoyance seem unimportant in the big picture.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 9, 2017

Daily Reflection

LIVING IN THE NOW

First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober — and it works. Once the idea has become a part of our thinking, we find that living life in 24-hour segments is an effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters as well.

— LIVING SOBER, p. 7

“One Day At A Time.” To a newcomer, this and other one-liners of A.A. may seem ridiculous. The passwords of the A.A. Fellowship can become lifelines in moments of stress. Each day can be like a rose unfurling according to the plan of a Power greater than myself. My program should be planted in the right location, just as it will need to be groomed, nourished, and protected from disease. My planting will require patience and my realizing that some flowers will be more perfect than others. Each stage of the petals’ unfolding can bring wonder and delight if I do not interfere or let my expectations override my acceptance — and this brings serenity.

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

Big Book Quote

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

Keep It Simple

Anyone can blame; it takes a specialist to praise.—Konstantin Stanislawski

Are we blamers? We sure were blamers when we were using alcohol and other drugs. Then everything was someone’s fault. Some of us did our blaming out loud. And some of us blamed others silently.

It’s harder to praise than to blame people. Faults stand out like street signs, but the good things about people may be harder to see. We can see the good in people when we slow down, watch, and listen.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me pay attention to people around me. Help me praise them.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list three people who mean a lot to me. I’ll write what I like about each of them. I’ll talk to them and tell them what I wrote.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You often leave your strongest desires unspoken without even telling your secrets to those you love and trust. Unfortunately, this cautious strategy reduces the likelihood of being fully satisfied in a relationship. Much to your chagrin, your belief that people should just intuitively know what you need isn’t based on reality. The extroverted Sagittarius Full Moon lights up your 6th House of Habits, inspiring you to step out of your comfort zone. Improve your chances for emotional fulfillment by putting your feelings out in the open. A good relationship starts with good communication.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 8, 2017

Daily Reflection

OPENING UP TO CHANGE

Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision, action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side of our natures. With it comes the development of that kind of humility that makes it possible for us to receive God’s help. . . . we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life — the one that did not work — for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever.

— AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8

I have been given a daily reprieve contingent upon my spiritual condition, provided I seek progress, not perfection. To become ready for change, I practice willingness, opening myself to possibilities of change. If I realize there are defects that hinder my usefulness in A.A. and toward others, I become ready by meditating and receiving direction. “Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely” ( Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58). To let go and let God, I need only surrender my old ways to Him; I no longer fight nor do I try to control, but simply believe that, with God’s help, I am changed and affirming this belief makes me ready. I empty myself to be full of awareness, light, and love, and I am ready to face each day with hope.

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

Big Book Quote

“If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson. If we are not sorry, and our conduct continues to harm others, we are quite sure to drink. We are not
theorizing. These are facts out of our experience.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 70~

Keep It Simple

It’s not enough to talk to plants, you also have to listen.—David Bergman

Sometimes, we find ourselves doing all the talking. When this happens, we need to stop, think, and listen.

When we do all the talking, we’re trying to control what happens. But when we listen, we get better results. No one has to be in control. What a relief!

And we’re learning to listen better every day. It’s great—the care, love, and help we find—just by listening.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me learn the “give-and-take” of talking and listening.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll focus on listening, not only to other people but to my Higher Power’s voice.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can feel your own resistance build as you think about putting a temporary halt to the never-ending bickering. Although it might seem as if confronting someone’s overactive persuasion techniques isn’t worth the effort, fighting for respect is a noble cause. Don’t give up your power in unnecessary ways. However, consider all your options before declaring war on an adversary. Your best verbal sparring is done now if you pick your battles with care.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 7, 2017

Daily Reflection

LONG-TERM HOPE

Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it isn’t strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose. When they drive us blindly, or we willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point at which we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65

This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is gained, both of the nature of my illness and the path of my recovery. The beauty of A.A. lies in knowing that my life, with God’s help, will improve. The A.A. journey becomes richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams become realities — and today becomes forever.

As I step into the A.A. light, my heart fills with the presence of God.

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

Big Book Quote

“We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 17~

Keep It Simple

Forgiveness is the way to true health and happiness.—Gerald Jampolsky

We can’t afford to hold grudges. We have all felt hurt by others at times. But when we stay angry at another person, it hurts us. It keeps our wounds open. It takes our energy away from healing.

We can forgive now. We know that living our program of honesty and love make us safe. We don’t have to be afraid. We don’t have to be angry. We don’t have to let old hurts stand in our way. We let them go. We empty the angers from the hearts to clear the way for love.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me forgive the people I’m still angry with. Help me see that each of those people taught me something about myself.

Action for the Day:
Am I holding on to anger and resentment? If so, I’ll make a list today, and I’ll talk with my sponsor about ways to let go of them.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your thoughts are running around in a multitude of directions today and you could exhaust yourself chasing each and every one of them. However, messenger Mercury’s move into your 12th House of Privacy obscures your true motives. You are quite self-contained and even people close to you won’t likely realize the intensity of your unsettled emotions. There’s nothing wrong with keeping your visions to yourself as long as you remember to stay conscious of them. Scott Ringenbach wrote, “Imagination is the reality of the dreamer.”

Daily Recovery Readings
June 6, 2017

Daily Reflection

ALL WE DO IS TRY

Can He now take them all — every one? — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

In doing Step Six it helped me a lot to remember that I am striving for “spiritual progress.” Some of my character defects may be with me for the rest of my life, but most have been toned down or eliminated. All that Step Six asks of me is to become willing to name my defects, claim them as my own, and be willing to discard the ones I can, just for today. As I grow in the program, many of my defects become more objectionable to me than previously and, therefore, I need to repeat Step Six so that I can become happier with myself and maintain my serenity.

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

Big Book Quote

“We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that
we were alcoholics.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 30~

Keep It Simple

Fortunate are the people whose roots are deep.—Agnes Meyer

A tree’s roots seek water and minerals. Though the roots can’t be seen easily seen, they are there.

The life of the tree depends on them. The stronger a tree’s roots, the higher a tree can grow.

We need to set deep roots into the soil of recovery. The soil of recovery is made up of the Twelve Steps, fellowship, and service to others. We’ll have to get through storms and high winds in our return to health. In so doing, we’ll become beautiful, strong, and spiritual. We’ll be able to live with both the gentle breezes and the heavy winds of life.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me believe in what I can’t see. Just as I believe that the roots of a tree are there because I can see the leaves. I believe in a Higher Power because I can see the results.

Action for the Day:
I will ask myself, “Which Step do I need to work on the most right now?” I will volunteer to give a meeting on that Step.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can’t avoid your current obligations, but you might attempt to lessen your workload today. Your long-term career goals are shifting now that you’re participating in more social activities. Sweet Venus moves into your 11th House of Groups, drawing you closer to your circle of friends. Thankfully, you’re more prone to accept help with your chores, which gives you a chance to bask in a lovely sense of camaraderie. Activist Dorothy Day said, “We have all known the long loneliness, and we have found that the answer is community.”

Daily Recovery Readings
June 5, 2017

Daily Reflection

ENTIRELY READY?

“This is the Step that separates the men from the boys.”. . . the difference between “the boys and the men” is the difference between striving for a self-determined objective and for the perfect objective which is of God. . . . It is suggested that we ought to become entirely willing to aim toward perfection. . . . The moment we say, “No, never!” our minds close against the grace of God. . . . This is the exact point at which we abandon limited objectives, and move toward God’s will for us.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 63, 68, 69

Am I entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character? Do I know at long last that I cannot save myself? I have come to believe that I cannot. If I am unable, if my best intentions go wrong, if my desires are selfishly motivated and if my knowledge and will are limited — then I am ready to embrace God’s will for my life.

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

Big Book Quote

“No words can tell of the loneliness and despair I found in that bitter morass of self-pity. Quicksand stretched around me in all directions. I had met my match. I had been overwhelmed. Alcohol was my master.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 8~

Keep It Simple

Life is only this place, this time, and these people right here and now.—Vincent Collins

Staying in the present can be hard. This busy world pulls our focus from the present. We often wonder if the future will bring good times or bad times.

Life is right before us. Look around. Life is happening—now! The more we live in the moment, the better we feel. Why? Because we can do something about the present. We can’t do anything about the future. We have choices in the present, and we can do something with our lives. Addiction ran our lives before. Now with the help of others and our Higher Power, we run our lives again. This gives us peace of mind.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thank-you for giving back my life. Teach me how to run my life. Have me seek others when I need help. It’s okay to ask for it.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list five things I do well. Then I’ll list three things I don’t do well. I’ll think of people who can help me, and I’ll call them.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

If you would like someone to be more forthcoming with their feelings, there’s no reason to wait for the right moment to initiate action. Impetuous Mars in your sign is harmonizing with the magnetic Scorpio Moon in your 5th House of Self-Expression, prompting you to ask for what you want. However, this is not a golden ticket that gains you entry to everyone’s heart, so use your cosmic assistance with care. He or she who does not venture has no luck.

Daily Recovery Readings
June 4, 2017

Daily Reflection

LETTING GO OF OUR OLD SELVES

Carefully reading the first five proposals we ask if we have omitted anything, for we are building an arch through which we shall walk a free man at last. . . .Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable?

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 75, 76

The Sixth Step is the last “preparation” Step. Although I have already used prayer extensively, I have made no formal request of my Higher Power in the first Six Steps. I have identified my problem, come to believe that there is a solution, made a decision to seek this solution, and have “cleaned house.” I now ask: Am I willing to live a life of sobriety, of change, to let go of my old self? I must determine if I am truly ready to change. I review what I have done and become willing for God to remove all my defects of character; for in the next Step, I will tell my Creator I am willing and will ask for help. If I have been thorough in the preparation of my foundation and feel that I am willing to change, I am then ready to continue with the next Step. “If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76)

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

Big Book Quote

“We believe, and so suggested a few years ago, that the action of alcohol on these chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an allergy; that the phenomenon of craving is limited to this class and never occurs in the average temperate drinker. These allergic types can never safely use alcohol in any form at all; and once having formed the habit and found they cannot break it, once having lost their self- confidence, their reliance upon things human, their problems pile up on them and become astonishingly difficult to solve.”

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

Keep It Simple

We cannot solve life’s problems except by solving them. —M. Scott Peck

Before getting into the program, we ran from problems at all costs. As time went on, we had more problems. As our problems grew, we became afraid of life.

The program—the Twelve Steps—teaches us how to face and solve our problem. We stop running and stand up to problems. That way, life’s problems scare us less and less over time.

In fact, life’s problems help us better know our Higher Power and ourselves. We now know our Higher Power is with us every step of the way.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray for the courage to stand and face life’s problems. I pray for the wisdom to ask my Higher Power for help.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list all problems I now have. I will talk about them with friends and with my Higher Power. I will make plans to solve them (sometimes solving problems means accepting them).

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your emotional reactions can be so overwhelming that you resist sharing your desires, scared that your intensity will alienate those you love. Unfortunately, your inaction only leads to a different set of problems as warrior Mars enters your sign today, intensifying your feelings. But the truth is there’s no need to pretend that all is well. Try letting a trusted friend know what’s been troubling you. Nevertheless, be careful not to blame anyone else for your current worries. First Lady Rosalynn Carter said, “Once you accept the fact that you’re not perfect, then you develop some confidence.”

Daily Recovery Readings
June 3, 2017

Daily Reflection

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

. . . we then look at Step Six. We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

Steps Four and Five were difficult but worthwhile. Now I was stuck on Step Six and, in despair, I picked up the Big Book and read this passage. I was outside, praying for willingness when I raised my eyes and saw a huge bird rising in the sky. I watched it suddenly give itself up to the powerful air currents of the mountains. Swept along, swooping and soaring, the bird did things seemingly impossible for mortal birds to do. It was an inspiring example of a fellow creature “letting go” to a power greater than itself. I realized that if the bird “took back his will” and tried to fly with less trust, on its power alone, it would spoil its apparent free flight. That insight granted me the willingness to pray the Seventh Step prayer.

It’s not easy to know God’s will in each circumstance. I must search out and be ready for the currents, and that’s where prayer and meditation help! Because I am, of myself, nothing, I ask God to grant me the knowledge of His will and the power and courage to carry it out today.

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

Big Book Quote

“There is a solution. Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation. But we saw that it really worked in others…”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 25~

Keep It Simple

When I have listened to my mistakes, I have grown.—Hugh Prather

Everyone makes mistakes. We all know that. So why is it so hard to admit out own? We seem to think we have to be perfect. We have a hard time looking at our mistakes. But our mistakes can be very good teachers. Our Twelve Step program helps us learn and grow from our mistakes. In Step Four, half of our work is to think of our mistakes. In Step Five, we admit our mistakes to God, ourselves, and another person. We learn, we grow and become whole. All by coming to know our mistakes The gift of recovery is not being free from mistakes. Instead, we do the Steps to claim our mistakes and talk about them. We find the gift of recovery when we learn from our mistakes.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me to see my mistakes as changes to get to know myself better.

Action for the Day:
Today I’ll talk to a friend about what my mistakes taught me. Today I’ll feel less shame.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Wearing a smile is your secret weapon today, especially if you are obsessed with your current worries. Nevertheless, displaying your joyful personality does not give you free license to ignore the most pressing issues of the day. Staying consciously aware of a currently irresolvable dilemma is a necessity. You are playing parts in two different scripts now so don’t try to fit everything you say and do into one tidy package. The stress will eventually settle down, enabling your temporary happy face to turn into a permanent grin. Sometimes faking it actually leads to making it.