Daily Recovery Readings
July 24, 2018

Daily Reflection

HELPING OTHERS

Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 20

Self-centeredness was my problem. All my life people had been doing things for me and I not only expected it, but I was ungrateful and resentful they didn’t do more. Why should I help others, when they were supposed to help me? If others had troubles, didn’t they deserve them? I was filled with self-pity, anger and resentment. Then I learned that by helping others, with no thought of return, I could overcome this obsession with selfishness, and if I understood humility, I would know peace and serenity. No longer do I need to drink.

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

Big Book Quote

“It may seem incredible that these men are to become happy, respected, and useful once more. How can they rise out of such misery, bad repute and hopelessness? The practical answer is that since these things have happened among us, they can happen with you. Should you wish them above all else, and be willing to make use of our experience, we are sure they will come.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 153~

Keep It Simple

The work of adult life is not easy.-–Gail Sheehy

We used to look for a easier, softer way. We tried to take care of ourselves by staying clear of hard task. The result? We haven’t known what the work of adult life is.

The work of adult life is this: to become spiritually centered. And to do this, we work at getting rid of our self-will. There will be many great rewards for doing this. We will wake up spiritually. We will connect with those we love. The result? We will receive self-love to replace self-will. Our work will not be easy, but it will be rewarding.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me to give all to my recovery program. Then help me to be open to the rewards this will bring.

Action for the Day:
I will list the hard parts of my program. Then I’ll talk about them with my sponsor, friends, family, and Higher Power.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Sometimes you care more about caring than being effective. The resistance to being pigeonholed can manifest as rebellion against what people say they actually want. Insisting on your position will only create antagonism today, derailing any potential progress. Being of service often requires adhering to some sort of protocol. It’s not your way or the highway. Do your best to honor what is actually requested of you instead of thinking you know what’s best.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 22, 2018

Daily Reflection

“THE GOOD AND THE BAD”

“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.”

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

The joy of life is in the giving. Being freed of my shortcomings, that I may more freely be of service, allows humility to grow in me. My shortcomings can be humbly placed in God’s loving care and be removed. The essence of Step Seven is humility, and what better way to seek humility than by giving all of myself – good and bad – to God, so that He may remove the bad and return to me the good.

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

Big Book Quote

“Most of us feel we need look no further for Utopia. We have it with us right here and now.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 16

Keep It Simple

. . . for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. —Luke 17:21

We want so much to be good. Even when we used alcohol or other drugs, we wanted to believe we were good people. But we often felt we couldn’t measure up. We thought we had to live by a set of rules that we could never follow.

Now we’re finding the goodness inside us. Goodness isn’t something we do. Goodness is just being what we already are. Our Higher Power speaks to us in many ways, including through our hearts and minds. We don’t have to try so hard top be good. We just learn to relax and invite our Higher Power to be part of our lives.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You have put peace, knowledge, love and joy in my heart today. Help me to always find these things.

Action for the Day:
How’s my Higher Power like a loving king or queen? How can I have a kingdom inside me? I’ll talk with my sponsor about this today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Emotional balance and a peaceful state of mind are key in maintaining your health. Checking in on neighbors or older family members brings you as much joy as it does them, reminding you it’s the little things that mean so much. Learning something fun is right up your alley today, perhaps enrolling in a community art class or visiting the yoga studio for sun salutations. A new acquaintance may invite you out for drinks or dinner; take care to not overindulge or you might regret it in the morning. Enjoy yourself but keep the bigger picture of wellness in mind. Life flows beautifully when you focus your intentions.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 17, 2018

Daily Reflection

SURRENDER AND SELF-EXAMINATION

My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive.

Thus I think it can work out with emotional sobriety. If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependency and its consequent unhealthy demand. Let us, with God’s help, continually surrender these hobbling demands. Then we can be set free to live and love; we may then be able to Twelfth Step ourselves and others into emotional sobriety.

— THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 238

Years of dependency on alcohol as a chemical mood-changer deprived me of the capability to interact emotionally with my fellows. I thought I had to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-motivated in a world of unreliable people. Finally I lost my self-respect and was left with dependency, lacking any ability to trust myself or to believe in anything. Surrender and self-examination while sharing with newcomers helped me to ask humbly for help.

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

Big Book Quote

“In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we could not do for ourselves. We hope you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him. If you have already made a decision, and an inventory of your grosser handicaps, you have made a good beginning. That being so you have swallowed and digested some big chunks of truth about yourself.”

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

Keep It Simple

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.-–Marie Curie

We have many sides, some good, and some bad. Maybe we’re afraid to see our faults. But we don’t need to be afraid. After all, we need to know our dark side before we can change it. When we see ourselves clearly, we can stop our dark side from causing trouble.

When we shine light on our fears and secrets, we’ll begin to feel better about ourselves. We’ll feel more safe about sharing our worries. The more honest we are with ourselves and others, the better and stronger we become. The goodness and love in us will blossom. We have a Higher Power and a program to help us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me be brave enough to see myself clearly. Gently teach me to see who I really am. Help me know enough to stay sober today.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll look myself in the eyes. I’ll spend two minutes looking into my eyes in a mirror. I’ll talk to my sponsor about what I see.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Allow yourself to daydream; fear not if your head is lost in the clouds. The current cosmic energy lends itself to a more scattered disposition, or at least a more open mental space. There may be more questions than can be answered today, prompting you to seek advice from a coworker or partner. Perhaps initiating a meaningful conversation with someone to resolve an old dispute will wipe out any pangs of regret. Indulge your craving for connection by picking up the phone to call home or dropping in for a visit with a friend. Isaac Newton wrote, “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”

Daily Recovery Readings
July 14, 2018

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

“…the main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind, rather than
in his body.”

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

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

Your personal knowledge base is of immense value to others now, partly because your experiences are both common and unique. Today’s planetary party helps calm any feelings of inadequacy surrounding your ability to connect with purpose. As you prepare for the week ahead, reflect on the lessons of your journey. You feel better when you know and do better. Focusing on your strengths and pursuing your most noble intentions enable you to be a true blessing to your partners and the community at large.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 13, 2018

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

A NOURISHING INGREDIENT

Where humility had formerly stood for a forced feeding on humble pie, it now begins to mean the nourishing ingredient which can give us serenity.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 74

How often do I focus on my problems and frustrations? When I am having a “good day” these same problems shrink in importance and my preoccupation with them dwindles. Wouldn’t it be better if I could find a key to unlock the “magic” of my “good days” for use on the woes of my “bad days?”

I already have the solution! Instead of trying to run away from my pain and wish my problems away, I can pray for humility! Humility will heal the pain. Humility will take me out of myself. Humility, that strength granted to me by that “power greater than myself,” is mine for the asking! Humility will bring balance back into my life. Humility will allow me to accept my humanness joyously.

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

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

” When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, Page 52~

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

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.

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

Your sense of self-worth is up for review today. You may experience a sobering understanding of how you behave in your commitments and partnerships. Everyone desires love but not everyone is ready to receive it. Are you truly complete within or are you searching for someone to fill an emotional black hole? Heal old heartbreaks, renegotiate vows, and release limiting beliefs. Integrate the facets of your being into wholeness before you seek to create intimacy with another. The seeds of love sprout from within.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 13, 2018

Daily Reflection

HUMILITY IS A GIFT

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 STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, 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 that 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.

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

Big Book Quote

“If a repetition is to be prevented, place the problem, along with everything else, in God’s hands.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, To Wives, Page 120~

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 to 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 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

Service, not selfishness, dear nurturing one. After a jarring eclipse, you’re in a new space that may feel like a rare chance to forget all others and focus on yourself. The planet of innovation lighting up your realm of social networks indicates you’re better served to grow as a leader by remembering the well-being of the greater good. Stand as an example of quality of excellence in a family, organization, or community. The world needs your visionary gifts.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 12, 2018

Daily Reflection

GIVING UP CENTER STAGE, p.202

For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. . . Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.

12 & 12, p.70

Why do I balk at the word “humility”? I am not humbling myself toward other people, but toward God, as I understand Him. Humbly means “to show submissive,” and by being humble I realize I am not the center of the universe. When I was drinking, I was consumed by pride and self-centeredness. I felt the entire world revolved around me, that I was master of my destiny. Humility enables me to depend more on God to help me overcome obstacles, to help me with my own imperfections, so that I may grow spiritually. I must solve more difficult problems to increase my proficiency and, as I encounter life’s stumbling blocks, I must learn to overcome them through God’s help. Daily communion with God demonstrates my humility and provides me with the realization that an entity more powerful than I is willing to help me if I cease trying to play God myself.

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

Big Book Quote

“A body badly burned by alcohol does not often recover overnight nor do twisted thinking and depression vanish in a twinkling. We are convinced that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health restorative.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, Page 133~

Keep It Simple

Just because everything is different doesn’t mean anything has changed.—Irene Peter

Our life changed a lot when we stopped drinking and using other drugs. But this is only a start. We need to go further.

Our old attitudes can kill us, even if we aren’t drinking or drugging any more. This is called a “dry drunk.” If we’re on a dry drunk, we’ve changed the way we act without changing the way we think.

Our program shows us how to change the way we think. And we change how we treat ourselves and others. We learn to live a new life based on love and care.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me guard against my old attitudes. Help me keep changing.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list four ways I’ve changed because I’m sober. I’ll list four ways I haven’t changed yet.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It’s imperative that you love yourself first. Current partnership challenges reveal where you could pursue a path of forgiveness while this eclipse is illuminating your axis of self and others. You cannot receive what you do not give, and you cannot give what you have not received. Take care of yourself with the same compassion with which you nurture your loved ones. Forgive yourself of mistakes, release others from the bonds of guilt, and experience the power of self-liberation.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 10, 2018

Daily Reflection

TOWARD PEACE AND SERENITY

. . . when we have taken a square look at some of these defects, have discussed them with another, and have become willing to have them removed, our thinking about humility commences to have a wider meaning.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 74

When situations arise which destroy my serenity, pain often motivates me to ask God for clarity in seeing my part in the situation. Admitting my powerlessness, I humbly pray for acceptance. I try to see how my character defects contributed to the situation. Could I have been more patient? Was I intolerant? Did I insist on having my own way? Was I afraid? As my defects are revealed, I put self-reliance aside and humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings. The situation may not change, but as I practice exercising humility, I enjoy the peace and serenity which are the natural benefits of placing my reliance in a power greater than myself.

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

Big Book Quote

“We avoid retaliation or argument. We wouldn’t treat sick people that way. If we do, we destroy our chance of being helpful.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 67~

Keep It Simple

Everybody knows that when they’re happy, than usually 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

Any stagnation in your creative process finally makes a pivot today. Your body, mind, and spirit commune harmoniously, and your innermost subconscious desires are in the space of true metaphysical depth. Even if you don’t know exactly what it is, there’s something deep within gestating to be born. Enjoy the temporary stillness of this metamorphosis, but float in the ocean of emotion to listen for confirmation of your next best move. Author Laura Jaworski wrote, “Inhale possibility, exhale creativity.”

Daily Recovery Readings
July 9, 2018

Daily Reflection

I AM AN INSTRUMENT

Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 70

The subject of humility is a difficult one. Humility is not thinking less of myself than I ought to; it is acknowledging that I do certain things well, it is accepting a compliment graciously.

God can only do for me what He can do through me. Humility is the result of knowing that God is the doer, not me. In the light of this awareness, how can I take pride in my accomplishments? I am an instrument and any work I seem to be doing is being done by God through me. I ask God on a daily basis to remove my shortcomings, in order that I may more freely go about my A.A. business of “love and service.”

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

Big Book Quote

“…we have ceased fighting anything or anyone—, even alcohol.”

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

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

Money’s on your mind, and your familial roots are the key to unlocking the door to prosperity. Start the week right by focusing on your personal goals and trusting in your capability to achieve them. Think about the talents and abilities you’ve received from those who came before you, and you’ll know how to proceed. Steer clear of petty behavior and sarcastic comments; any low-key snark will certainly backfire. Open your mind before your mouth.

Daily Recovery Readings
July 8, 2018

Daily Reflection

AN EVER-GROWING FREEDOM

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 STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, 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 a 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.

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

Big Book Quote

“Though we work out our solution on the spiritual as well as an altruistic plane, we favor hospitalization for the alcoholic who is very jittery or befogged. More often than not, it is imperative that a man’s brain be cleared before he is approached, as he has then a better chance of understanding and accepting what we have to offer.”

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

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

Imagination excels even in the most logical places. If a plan for a professional project or a group event is brewing in your brain, speak up or miss out. Colleagues and coworkers are more receptive to your ideas now, and by putting your thoughts out there, others can collaboratively build upon them. Fullness is extension, and without creative expression you will be unfulfilled. Listen to your intuition, share with conviction, and be transformed by the expansion of your mind.