Daily Recovery Readings
March 1, 2017

Daily Reflection

IT WORKS

It works—it really does. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 88

When I got sober I initially had faith only in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Desperation and fear kept me sober (and maybe a caring and/or tough sponsor helped!). Faith in a Higher Power came much later. This faith came slowly at first, after I began listening to others share at meetings about their experiences—experiences that I had never faced sober, but that they were facing with strength from a Higher Power. Out of their sharing came hope that I too would—and could—”get” a Higher Power. In time, I learned that a Higher Power—a faith that works under all conditions—is possible. Today this faith, plus the honesty, open-mindedness and willingness to work the Steps of the program, gives me the serenity that I seek. It works—it really does.

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

Big Book Quote

“We do not like to pronounce any individual as alcoholic, but you can quickly diagnose yourself, Step over to the nearest barroom and try some controlled drinking. Try to drink and stop abruptly. Try it more than once. It will not take long for you to decide, if you are
honest with yourself about it. It may be worth a bad case of jitters if you get a full knowledge of your condition.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 31~

Keep It Simple

Made the decision to turn our will and lives over to God as we understand Him.–Step Three

Care. This is what turn our will and lives over to care of our Higher Power. What peace follows! We see our God as caring, as loving. We turn everything over to this Higher Power, who can take better care of us than we can by ourselves. Care can guide us. If we want to do something, we can ask ourselves, “Would my Higher Power see this as an act of care?” If the answer is yes, then we go ahead. If the answer is no, we don’t it. If we can’t be sure, we wait and talk it over with our friends and sponsor. We wait until we know whether it would be an act of care or not. What wonderful guidance!

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I give to You my will. I give to you my life. I gladly jump into Your loving arms.

Action for the day:
Today, I’ll care about others. I’ll find as many as I can to care for others.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You want to believe in something, but you’re not sure where to put your faith. It’s uncomfortable to feel like a safe haven is out of reach today and all you have to depend on is your own defenses. Fortunately, you have more support than you think as the brave Aries Moon joins ardent Mars in your 10th House of Reputation. Harnessing this fire gives you the courage to stand up for yourself. Remain strong in the face of doubt, but don’t be too quick to judge anyone’s character. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Daily Recovery Readings
February 28, 2017

Daily Reflection

WHAT? NO PRESIDENT?

When told that our Society has no president having authority to govern it, no treasurer who can compel the payment of any dues, . . . our friends gasp and exclaim, “This simply can’t be. . . .”
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 132

When I finally made my way to A.A., I could not believe that there was no treasurer to “compel the payment of dues.” I could not imagine an organization that didn’t require monetary contributions in return for a service. It was my first and, thus far, only experience with getting “something for nothing.” Because I did not feel used or conned by those in A.A., I was able to approach the program free from bias and with an open mind. They wanted nothing from me. What could I lose? I thank God for the wisdom of the early founders who knew so well the alcoholic’s disdain for being manipulated.

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

Big Book Quote

“Highly competent psychiatrists who have dealt with us have found it sometimes impossible to persuade an alcoholic to discuss his situation without reserve. Strangely enough, wives, parents and intimate friends usually find us even more unapproachable than do the psychiatrist and the doctor. But the ex-problem drinker who has found this solution, who is properly armed with facts about himself, can generally win the entire confidence of another alcoholic in a few hours. Until such an understanding is reached, little or nothing can be accomplished.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 18~

Keep It Simple

Leave yourself alone.—Jenny Janacek

We often pick on ourselves. We put ourselves down. But doing this isn’t part of our recovery.

In fact, it goes against our program. Our program is based on loving care. We have turned our lives over to a caring, loving Higher Power who will give us the answers. We are told Easy Does It. We back off. As recovering addicts, we learn not to judge. Instead, we learn to be kind to ourselves. Our job is not to figure out the world, butt to add more love to it. Let’s start with ourselves.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, stop me from judging. Help me know what You want to do. Help me work the Steps Two and Three.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll leave myself alone. I will remember that picking on myself is another from of control.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might be unsure of your current role at work, especially if you’re being asked to assume a position of leadership. Taking on new responsibilities pushes you into uncharted territory, yet you may not feel confident enough now to hold the reins of power. Nevertheless, this could be one of those times when swinging into action is so exciting that you forget about any lingering insecurities. Be the kind of leader you would follow.

Daily Recovery Readings
February 24, 2017

Daily Reflection

A UNIQUE STABILITY

Where does A.A. get its direction? . . . These practical folk then read Tradition Two, and learn that the sole authority in A.A. is a loving God as He may express Himself in the group conscience. . . . The elder statesman is the one who sees the wisdom of the group’s decision, who holds no resentment over his reduced status, whose judgment, fortified by considerable experience, is sound, and who is willing to sit quietly on the sidelines patiently awaiting developments.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 132, 135

Into the fabric of recovery from alcoholism are woven the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions. As my recovery progressed, I realized that the new mantle was tailor-made for me. The elders of the group gently offered suggestions when change seemed impossible. Everyone’s shared experiences became the substance for treasured friendships. I know that the Fellowship is ready and equipped to aid each suffering alcoholic at all crossroads in life. In a world beset by many problems, I find this assurance a unique stability. I cherish the gift of sobriety. I offer God my gratitude for the strength I receive in a Fellowship that truly exists for the good of all members.

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

Big Book Quote

“Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider another’s conception of God. Our own conception, however inadequate, was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. As soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative  Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to be  possessed of a new sense of power and direction, provided we took other simple steps.”

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

Keep It Simple

Without work all life goes rotten.—Albert Camus

Work is more than earning money. Work means using our time and skills to make life better for those around us. Our work can be our hobbies. Growing food or growing flowers can be our work.

Raising children or caring for older people who need help can be our work. Building homes or helping people live in them can be our work. Thanks to our program of recovery, we can do our best work again. What a change from the drugged-up and hung over days when we didn’t do anything well. We are sober, and we have something to offer.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me see that work makes me part of the human family. Help me do Your will in my work today.

Action for the Day:
Good work teaches us good habits. How do the things I’ve learned in my work help me in my recovery program? I’ll list five ways.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

The emotional support you receive at home acts as a stabilizing force today. Nevertheless, energetic Mars is engaged in a tug-of-war with boundless Jupiter, supplying you with unlimited enthusiasm. Paradoxically, as your optimism pushes you outside your protective shell, you’ll actually feel safer than anyone else. Successful people take big risks, knowing that they might fall hard before they soar to great heights. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Daily Recovery Readings
February 24, 2017

Daily Reflection

THE CHALLENGE OF FAILURE

In God’s economy, nothing is wasted. Through failure, we learn a lesson in humility which is probably needed, painful though it is.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 31

How thankful I am today, to know that all my past failures were necessary for me to be where I am now. Through much pain came experience and, in suffering, I became obedient. When I sought God, as I understand Him, He shared His treasured gifts. Through experience and obedience, growth started, followed by gratitude. Yes, then came peace of mind—living in and sharing sobriety.

Big Book Quote

“…we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will and our life over to God  as we understood Him. Just what do we mean by that, and just what do we do? The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success. On that basis we are almost always in collision with something or somebody, even though our motives are good. Most people try to live by self-propulsion.” 

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 60~

Keep It Simple

Keep It Simple

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.—Willaim James

Step Two speaks of believing. For many years, we had given up believing in ourselves, in a Higher Power, and in others. We believed in getting high. Now our program tells us to believe in love. We are lovable, and we can love others without hurting them. Of course, believing is an important part of recovery.

To believe means to put aside our doubts. To believe means to have hope. Believing makes the road a little smoother. So, believing lets the healing happen a little faster. All of this is how we get ready to let in the care of our Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray for the courage to believe. I’ll not let doubt into my heart. I can recover. I can give myself totally to this simple program.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list four times doubt got in my way. And I’ll think of what I can do to not let that happen again.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Establishing ambitious goals is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it inspires you to apply yourself with greater determination. But, on the other hand, it can set you up for failure if you fall short of your expectations. Nevertheless, you don’t have to let discouragement sabotage your accomplishments. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” Believing in yourself is its own form of success.

Daily Recovery Readings
February 24, 2017

Daily Reflection

A THANKFUL HEART

I try to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot entertain great conceits. When brimming with gratitude, one’s heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion that we can ever know.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 37

My sponsor told me that I should be a grateful alcoholic and always have “an attitude of gratitude”—that gratitude was the basic ingredient of humility, that humility was the basic ingredient of anonymity and that “anonymity was the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” As a result of this guidance, I start every morning on my knees, thanking God for three things: I’m alive, I’m sober, and I’m a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Then I try to live an “attitude of gratitude” and thoroughly enjoy another twenty-four hours of the A.A. way of life. A.A. is not something I joined; it’s something I live.

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

Big Book Quote

“Some people cannot be seen–we send them an honest letter. And there may be a valid reason for postponement in some cases. But we don’t delay if it can be avoided. We should be sensible, tactful, considerate and humble without being servile or scraping. As God’s people we stand on our feet; we don’t crawl before anyone.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, Page 83~

Keep It Simple

Failure is impossible. —Susan B. Anthony

Failure is an attitude. Having an attitude of failure can’t help us. It can only hurt us. If we’re not careful, it can grow into a way of life. So, when we feel like failures, we better look at our attitudes.

An attitude of failure often comes from making mistakes. But we can learn to see our mistakes as lessons. This turns mistakes into gains, not failures. Sometimes, we try to do things that just can’t be done.

When we act like we know everything, we’re going to fail. if we try to act like God, we’re going to fail.

We can’t control others. We can’t know everything. We’re not God. We’re human. If we act human, we’ve already won.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher power, help me to learn from my attitudes. Whatever the outcome, help me learn.

Action for the Day:
Facing our past “failures” is the first step to learning from them. I’ll talk to my sponsor about a past “failure” and the good that came from it.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You know that you must step up your game soon, but for now you want to keep your cards close to your chest. You don’t feel quite like yourself, but your mismatched mood has an unexpected upside. It’s as if you can see the real you from an outsider’s perspective today, allowing you to identify what’s wrong in the dynamics of a close relationship. This moment of clarity might be slightly unnerving, but you could be pleasantly surprised by the difference in your feelings if you’re willing to explore

Daily Recovery Readings
February 23, 2017

Daily Reflection

MYSTERIOUS PARADOXES

Such is the paradox of A.A. regeneration: strength arising out of complete defeat and weakness, the loss of one’s old life as a condition for finding a new one.
— A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 46

What glorious mysteries paradoxes are! They do not compute, yet when recognized and accepted, they reaffirm something in the universe beyond human logic. When I face a fear, I am given courage; when I support a brother or sister, my capacity to love myself is increased; when I accept pain as part of the growing experience of life, I realize a greater happiness; when I look at my dark side, I am brought into new light; when I accept my vulnerabilities and surrender to a Higher Power, I am graced with unforeseen strength. I stumbled through the doors of A.A. in disgrace, expecting nothing from life, and I have been given hope and dignity. Miraculously, the only way to keep the gifts of the program is to pass them on.

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

Big Book Quote

“Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real alcoholics. No person likes to think he is bodily and mentally different from his fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our drinking careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could drink like other people. The idea that somehow, someday he will control and enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death.” 
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, Page 30~

Keep It Simple

Keep It Simple

Hitch your wagon to a star.—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Millions of people are sober and have peace of mind through the Twelve Steps. Like the stars, the Steps are always there. At times, clouds block our view of the stars, but we know they are still there. Let’s view the Twelve Steps the same way.

It is said that the stars are the gate to heaven, that we pass through their beauty to get ready to enter heaven. The Twelve Steps are the gate to spirituality here on earth. We travel through their beauty on our way to a spiritual awakening. Hitch your wagon to the Steps, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray to remember that the Steps keep me sober. I pray that I will follow where the Steps take me.

Action For the Day:
I’ll look at the stars tonight. I’ll think of them as symbols of my life touched by the Twelve Steps.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It’s as if the atmosphere is pulled taut and you don’t want to misstep for fear of breaking the tenuous connections holding it all together. At the same time, it feels like it’s now or never in the realm of your professional goals as three planets grow restless in fiery Aries and your 10th House of Career. Balancing this combination of cosmic energies is best accomplished by formulating a concrete plan which you can follow consistently. Creating a simple list is the perfect medium between charging full speed ahead and spinning your wheels.

Daily Recovery Readings
February 22, 2017

Daily Reflection

GUIDANCE

. . . this means a belief in a Creator who is all power, justice, and love; a God who intends for me a purpose, a meaning, and a destiny to grow, however . . . haltingly, toward His own likeness and image.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 51

As I began to understand my own powerlessness and my dependence on God, as I understand Him, I began to see that there was a life which, if I could have it, I would have chosen for myself from the beginning. It is through the continuing work of the Steps and the life in the Fellowship that I’ve learned to see that there is truly a better way into which I am being guided. As I come to know more about God, I am able to trust His ways and His plans for the development of His character in me. Quickly or not so quickly, I grow toward His own image and likeness.

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

Big Book Quote

“I have seen hundreds of families set their feet in the path that really goes  somewhere; have seen the most impossible domestic situations righted; feuds and bitterness of all sorts wiped out. I have seen men come out of asylums and resume a vital place in the lives of their families and communities. Business and professional men have regained their standing. There is scarcely any form of trouble and misery which has not been overcome among us.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, Page 15~

Keep It Simple

To thine own self be true.–AA medallions

Sometimes we hear that we have a “selfish program.” Being “selfish” means that we ask for help when we need it. We only go to places that are safe for us, no matter what others are doing. Being selfish comes to mean safety for us.

Being selfish doesn’t mean we act like brats. We must act in ways that show respect and love—for ourselves and for others. being selfish means we do what is good for us. What is good for us? First, we have to save our lives by stopping our drinking and drugging. Next, we start working the Steps. We come to know a loving Higher Power. This is how we come to know our true self.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be true to myself and my values. Help me be “selfish” about spending time to talk with You each day.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list ten ways I need to be “selfish” in recovery. If I get stuck, I’ll be “selfish” and ask for help.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It’s hard to find your place before someone else makes their move, like an endless game of duck-duck-goose. Between your past experiences and your future aspirations, a compression takes place that seems to be funneled into your relationships. You may be projecting your stress onto the ones closest to you today, causing needless tension and unwelcome drama. Fortunately, if you’re brave enough to reveal the source of your frustration, the climax of a situation could result in a breakthrough rather than a breakdown.

Daily Recovery Readings
February 21, 2017

Daily Reflection

I’M PART OF THE WHOLE

At once, I became a part—if only a tiny part—of a cosmos. . . .
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 225

When I first came to A.A., I decided that “they” were very nice people — perhaps a little naive, a little too friendly, but basically decent, earnest people (with whom I had nothing in common). I saw “them” at meetings—after all, that was where “they” existed. I shook hands with “them” and, when I went out the door, I forgot about “them.”

Then one day my Higher Power, whom I did not then believe in, arranged to create a community project outside of A.A., but one which happened to involve many A.A. members. We worked together, I got to know “them” as people. I came to admire “them,” even to like “them” and, in spite of myself, to enjoy “them.” “Their” practice of the program in their daily lives—not just in talk at meetings—attracted me and I wanted what they had. Suddenly the “they” became “we.” I have not had a drink since.

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

Big Book Quote

“The basic principles of the A.A. program, it appears, hold good for individuals with many different lifestyles, just as the program has brought recovery to those of many different nationalities. The Twelve Steps that summarize the program may be called los Doce Pasos
in one country, les Douze Etapes in another, but they trace exactly the same path to recovery that was blazed by the earliest members of Alcoholics Anonymous.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Foreward To Third Edition, Page

Keep It Simple

It easier to speak of love, than to practice it. –Anonymous

Do we help our neighbor who is in need? We must help when we see the need, not just when it fits our schedule. In the program, this becomes our goal. We work at helping out. For example, when someone is needed to run the meeting, we offer. We see that the needs of the group are also our needs. We are the group. Over time, the idea of service spreads to the rest of our lives. Maybe we help a family down the street. We start to see that we have something to offer the world; ourselves. We start to see that the needs of the world are also our needs. We are an important part of the world.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, make me quick to act when I see a need. Please don’t let my fear stop me..

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list what I have to offer the world. I will think of two ways I can use these gifts my Higher Power has given me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’ve been putting a lot of effort into personal growth and it feels good to flex your intellectual muscles. Unfortunately, you were so immersed in your agenda that you might have neglected the people who matter the most. Ironically, a friend’s petulant behavior is likely to be a reflection of your own emotional needs that aren’t being met while you concentrate on self-discovery. Although solitude is good for your soul, spending time with those you love is good for your heart.

Daily Recovery Readings
February 16, 2017

Daily Reflection

COMMITMENT

Understanding is the key to right principles and attitudes, and right
action is the key to good living.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125

There came a time in my program of recovery when the third stanza of the Serenity Prayer — “The wisdom to know the difference” — became indelibly imprinted in my mind. From that time on, I had to face the ever-present knowledge that my every action, word and thought was within, or outside, the principles of the program. I could no longer hide behind self-rationalization, nor behind the insanity of my disease. The only course open to me, if I was to attain a joyous life for myself (and subsequently for those I love), was one in which I imposed on myself an effort of commitment, discipline, and responsibility.

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

Big Book Quote

“Since the home has suffered more than anything else, it is well that a man exert himself there. He is not likely to get far in any direction if he fails to show unselfishness and love under his own roof. We know there are difficult wives and families, but the man who is getting over alcoholism must remember he did much to make them so.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 127~

Keep It Simple

Friendships, like marriages, are dependent on avoiding the unforgivable.—John D. MacDonald

We need to remember that relationships are made up of people—people who are strong, but also fragile.

We don’t break easily, but we do break. We need to be aware of how fragile relationships are. Don’t say something that will hurt others even if it’s honest. It’s mean to be honest with someone, without showing that you care for the person’s feelings. We can learn to be honest without being cruel. The backbone of any relationship is this: we need to honor the rules and agreements we make. If we promise to be faithful to someone, we follow this rule. And we need to trust the other person to do the same. When we see that our agreements don’t work, we need to go to that person and talk about them.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me become a person who honors rules and agreements in my relationships.

Actions for the Day: I’ll make no promises today that I will not keep.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You know bottling your emotions doesn’t help in the long run, but sometimes it doesn’t feel safe to express them either. However, the magnetic Scorpio Moon intensifies your resentment and makes it harder to let go of a situation you feel was unfair or hurtful. Oddly enough, this inability to play nice works in your favor when courageous Mars and chatty Mercury conspire to give your feelings a verbal outlet. Taking the first step is always the hardest part of any process. But once you say your piece you’ll feel stronger than you did before. Bob Marley sang, “Get up; stand up for your rights.”