Daily Recovery Readings for September 6, 2017:

Daily Reflection

REMOVING THREATS TO SOBRIETY

. . . except when to do so would injure them or others.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59

Step Nine restores in me a feeling of belonging, not only to the human race but also to the everyday world. First, the Step makes me leave the safety of A.A., so that I may deal with non-A.A. people “out there,” on their terms, not mine. It is a frightening but necessary action if I am to get back into life. Second, Step Nine allows me to remove threats to my sobriety by healing past relationships. Step Nine points the way to a more serene sobriety by letting me clear away past wreckage, lest it bring me down.

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

Big Book Quote

It works – it really does.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 88~

Keep It Simple

Addiction is answering the spiritual calling inside us by going to the wrong address. —Chris Ringer

Where can we go to feel better, to feel spiritually alive? Not to alcohol or other drugs. Not to compulsive spending, gambling, or sex. Not to overeating or overworking. When we turn to these things to feel better, we’re trading one addiction for another, we’re going to the “wrong address.”

What is the right address? Our inner needs. Our Higher Power. Our recovery program. Our friends. Soon, we become part of a network of “safe addresses.”

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, keep me on the right path. I don’t want to go to the wrong address anymore.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll make sure I have at least three “right address” in my wallet or purse. I’ll list names and day and evening phone numbers of people who will love and help.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re being asked to reach further than ever in your quest for meaning. But exploring new possibilities at home or at work doesn’t negate your need for emotional security. Nevertheless, the Pisces Full Moon brings magic to your 9th House of Distant Horizons, urging you to extend your vision beyond your mundane concerns. There’s no reason to resist the temptation to fantasize about things you never thought possible. Thankfully, you’re not required to act on every dream; however, imagining your life without the restraints of reality could open doors that previously remained closed.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 5, 2017:

Daily Reflection

EMOTIONAL BALANCE

Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, . . .

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83

When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom my life touched casually, but whose days I troubled through my anger and sarcasm. These people are untraceable, and direct amends to them are not possible. The only amends I can make to those untraceable individuals, the only “changes for the better” I can offer, are indirect amends made to other people, whose paths briefly cross mine. Courtesy and kindness, regularly practiced, help me to live in emotional balance, at peace with myself.

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

Big Book Quote

Psychologists are inclined to agree with us. We have spent thousands of dollars for examinations. We know but few instances where we have given these doctors a fair break. We have seldom told them the whole truth nor have we followed their advice. Unwilling to be honest with these sympathetic men, we were honest with no one else. Small wonder many in the medical profession have a low opinion of alcoholics and their chance for recovery.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 73~

Keep It Simple

I have never seen a greater monster or miracle than myself.—-Montaigne

We know we’ve hurt people. We’ve heard our family cry out from pain we’ve caused them. Because of alcohol and other drugs, we acted like monsters.

But we now live surrounded with love. We now work to make this world better. Recovery is a miracle. The rebirth of our spirit is our miracle.

It’s no wonder we love life the way we do! We’ve been given a second chance. Our joy is overflowing. Our Higher Power must love us very much.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me with the monster that lives within me. I pray it will never again be let out.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll see myself as a miracle. I’ll be grateful for my new life.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

A recent bout with self-doubt has brought you into new territory. Although you’re unsure about what stretches out in front of you, you’re certain that there’s no way to return to your old familiar ground. Oddly enough, your worry about facing the unknown is tempered with a dose of excitement now. Don’t try to resolve all the tension; instead channel your current stress into your work where it will have the greatest positive impact. Author Mark Danielewski wrote, “Maturity, one discovers, has everything to do with the acceptance of not knowing.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 4, 2017:

Daily Reflection

RECONSTRUCTION

Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead. . . .— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83

The reconstruction of my life is the prime goal in my recovery as I avoid taking that first drink, one day at a time. The task is most successfully accomplished by working the Steps of our Fellowship. The spiritual life is not a theory; it works, but I have to live it. Step Two started me on my journey to develop a spiritual life; Step Nine allows me to move into the final phase of the initial Steps which taught me how to live a spiritual life. Without the guidance and strength of a Higher Power, it would be impossible to proceed through the various stages of reconstruction. I realize that God works for me and through me. Proof comes to me when I realize that God did for me what I could not do for myself, by removing that gnawing compulsion to drink. I must continue daily to seek God’s guidance. He grants me a daily reprieve and will provide the power I need for reconstruction.

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

Big Book Quote

Both you and the new man must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress. If you persist, remarkable things will happen.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 100~

Keep It Simple

In my view, we of this world are pupils in great school of life.  ~ Bill W.

Our addiction has taught me much. It has taught us how far we can get from ourselves, our Higher Power, and those who love us.. Hopefully, we’ve learned we can’t go it alone. Do I allow myself to learn from the bad things that happened?

Recovery has much to teach us too. We need to be students of life. We need to be open to learning. Our spirits can grow if we’re willing to do three things: First, we listen. Second, we think about what we’ve learned. Third, we turn what we’ve learned into action. Listening, combined with thought and action, will help us learn life’s best lessons.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You’ll test me so I can learn. Help me accept the tasks You give me. And help me learn from them.

Action for the Day:
I will view today as a class. I will do three things—listen, think, act.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may be visibly relieved when you accept the fact that you’re not required to know everything about everything. Fortunately, there is plenty of valuable information at your disposal today, and it’s up to you to put it to good use. However, discerning the truth is a complicated task now. Instead of trying to play the role of gatekeeper, just remain open to the data you receive. Reality will sort itself out as long as your intentions remain honorable.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 3, 2017:

Daily Reflection

We feel a man is unthinking when he says sobriety is enough. 

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 82

When I reflect on Step Nine, I see that physical sobriety must be enough for me. I need to remember the hopelessness I felt before I found sobriety, and how I was willing to go to any lengths for it. Physical sobriety is not enough for those around me, however, since I must see that God’s gift is used to build a new life for my family and loved ones. Just as importantly, I must be available to help others who want the A.A. way of life.

I ask God to help me share the gift of sobriety so that its benefits may be shown to those I know and love.

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

Big Book Quote

We have entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 84~

Keep It Simple

You will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. . . — Alcoholics Anonymous

As we work the Steps, we fix our broken lives. Many things in our new life have been painful. Our addiction to alcohol or drugs made it all worse. But if things hadn’t gotten so bad we might not have gotten into recovery.

We have changed so much! We have learned so much about life, our Higher Power, and ourselves in order to fix our lives. We can’t act like nothing in the past matters. It does matter because it brought us to this new life. And is better already!

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me face my past and heal the wounds—my wounds and others’ wounds.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll three things I’m ashamed of. How can I make amends for them when I work Step Nine? I will call my sponsor if I need help.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your thoughts are turning to mundane matters today, particularly those you recently let slide without final resolution. However, you prefer to make use of your free time now by demonstrating your love for friends and family. You’re aware that your actions speak louder than words, but you find yourself repeating what you previously said anyway. You’re worried that people will misinterpret your intentions and you could needlessly obsess over the details of your message. Author Zora Neale Hurston wrote, “It was not death she feared. It was misunderstanding.”

Daily Recovery Readings for September 2, 2017:

Daily Reflection

FINDING “A REASON TO BELIEVE”

The willingness to grow is the essence of all spiritual development. 

— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 171

A line from a song goes, “. . . and I look to find a reason to believe . . .” It reminds me that at one time I was not able to find a reason to believe that my life was all right. Even though my life had been saved by my coming to A.A., three months later I went out and drank again. Someone told me: “You don’t have to believe. Aren’t you willing to believe that there is a reason for your life, even though you may not know yourself what that reason is, or that you may not sometimes know the right way to behave?” When I saw how willing I was to believe there was a reason for my life, then I could start to work on the Steps. Now when I begin with, “I am willing. . . ,” I am using the key that leads to action, honesty, and an openness to a Higher Power moving through my life.

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

Big Book Quote

“Unless one’s family expresses a desire to live upon spiritual principles we think we ought not to urge them. We should not talk incessantly to them about spiritual matters. They will change in time. Our behavior will convince them more than our words. We must remember that ten or twenty years of drunkenness would make a skeptic out of anyone.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 83~

Keep It Simple

“… except when to do so would injure them or others.”—Second half of Step Nine

We have to be careful when we make amends. We must think about people’s well being. Can we help heal by being direct with them? Or would it hurt them again? At times, this means not making direct amends. Sometimes, it’s better to make some other kind of amend. If you’re not sure how to make amends to someone, ask for advice from your sponsor and your group. And pray. Over time, you’ll know if making direct amends is the right thing to do. Remember, Step Nine means we’re responsible for our actions. In recovery, our actions can be healing. Healing takes place when we love ourselves and others. And love is what heals us.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I’ve hurt people in the past. Please use me now to help those people heal. Give me good judgment, courage, and good timing.

Action for the Day:
I will never be able to make direct amends to some people. I will think of amends I can make to them. I can pray daily for their healing.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

A sudden shift in plans might include more people than you bargained for today. Red-hot Mars is heating up shocking Uranus in your 10th House of Status, spontaneously pulling you into the public eye, even if you were imagining a quiet day at home. Acknowledging your mixed feelings about swimming in the social flow doesn’t necessarily lead to isolation. Rather than shying away from the spotlight, a shift in your current attitude allows you to bask in the love of those who wish to be a part of your life.

Daily Recovery Readings for September 1, 2017:

Daily Reflection

WILLINGNESS TO GROW

If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. — AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8

Sobriety fills the painful “hole in the soul” that my alcoholism created. Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done. However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the gift of continued spiritual awakening. Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as application of the principles of recovery in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience with others. My Higher Power presents many opportunities for deeper spiritual awakening. I need only to bring into my recovery the willingness to grow. Today I am ready to grow.

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

Big Book Quote

“Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation. We shouldn’t be shy on this matter of prayer. Better men than we are using it constantly.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 8

Keep It Simple

Made direct amends to such people wherever possible . . . —First half of Step Nine

In our illness, we harmed people. In Step Nine, we are to make amends. Making amends is about asking people we have harmed what we need to do to set things right. But making amends is more than saying, “I’m sorry.” If you ran a store and someone had stolen five dollars, you wouldn’t want them to just say, ”I’m sorry.” You’d want the person to pay back the money. The same is true with amends.

Many people we’ve harmed ask only that we don’t repeat our mistakes. Respect their wishes. Step Nine has healed many wounds. Step Nine allows us to grow up. Step Nine help us regain faith in ourselves. Remember, the best amend we make to all is to stay sober.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, give me courage. Help me face the trouble caused by my disease. Make me ready to help other heals from the harm I’ve caused.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll pray that those I’ve harmed will heal. I will be responsible for my actions.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It seems as if everyone is in your face today, and an excess of passion is lurking at every gate that leads to another conversation. Ironically, the fantasies you try to hide are the very same ones that are responsible for making others seem so intense now. No doubt, a cooling off period would relieve the tension but it’s challenging to untangle your emotional webs. Rather than participating in someone’s melodrama directly, re-examining your core beliefs adds a layer of space between you and issues that are not yours to resolve. Author Joyce Rachelle wrote, “If people keep stepping on you, wear a pointy hat.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 30, 2017:

Daily Reflection

A UNIQUE PROGRAM

Alcoholics Anonymous will never have a professional class. We have gained some understanding of the ancient words “Freely ye have received, freely give.” We have discovered that at the point of professionalism, money and spirituality do not mix.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 166

I believe that Alcoholics Anonymous stands alone in the treatment of alcoholism because it is based solely on the principle of one alcoholic sharing with another alcoholic. This is what makes the program unique. When I decided that I wanted to stay sober, I called a woman who I knew was a sober member of A.A., and she carried the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to me. She received no monetary compensation but rather was paid by staying sober another day herself. Today I could ask for no payment other than another day free from alcohol, so in that respect, I am generously paid for my labor.

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

Big Book Quote

“We think it no concern of ours what religious bodies our members identify themselves with as individuals. This should be an entirely personal affair which each one decides for himself in the light of past associations, or his present choice.”

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

Keep It Simple

One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life. —Eleanor Roosevelt

We’re going to have tough times. Maybe we don’t get a pay raise. Maybe we get fired. Whatever happens, don’t use alcohol or other drugs. Whatever happens, keep working the program. Our program will never turn its back on us. When tough times come, we can always turn to our meetings and sponsors. We’re lucky because we don’t have to face hard times alone. We have no reason to give up because our program will never give up.

So, pull closer to your program when times get tough. Call a friend and talk about your problems. Take in an extra meeting. All of this keeps us from turning our backs on life.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me believe that tough times are a chance to get closer to You.

Action for the Day:
The program will always be there for me in tough times. Today, I’ll make a list of what to do to stay sober when tough times come. I’ll put the list in my Big Book.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You are one-half of a partnership that is requiring you to show up in ways that are taxing your patience. Perhaps you are not as motivated to achieve worldly success as someone assumed. Or maybe your significant other seems more ambitious than you while the calculating Capricorn Moon visits your 7th House of Others. Don’t worry about your different work styles today. Honor the nurturing perspective you bring to the table because it helps to balance the pragmatic nature of your work. Collaboration divides the task and multiplies the success.

Daily Recovery Readings for August 30, 2017:

Daily Reflection

THE ONLY REQUIREMENT . . .

“At one time . . . every A.A. group had many membership rules. Everybody was scared witless that something or somebody would capsize the boat. . . .The total list was a mile long. If all those rules had been in effect everywhere, nobody could have possibly joined A.A. at all, . . .”

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 139-40

I’m grateful that the Third Tradition only requires of me a desire to stop drinking. I had been breaking promises for years. In the Fellowship I didn’t have to make promises, I didn’t have to concentrate. It only required my attending one meeting, in a foggy condition, to know I was home. I didn’t have to pledge undying love. Here, strangers hugged me. “It gets better,” they said, and “One day at a time, you can do it.” They were no longer strangers, but caring friends. I ask God to help me to reach out to people desiring sobriety, and to, please, keep me grateful!

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

Big Book Quote

“We have seen the truth demonstrated again and again: ‘Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic.’ Commencing to drink after a period of sobriety, we are in a short time as bad as ever.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 33~

Keep It Simple

Love is something if you give away, you end up having more. — Malvina Reynolds

Service is how we give love away. It’s the “self” of self-help. Service is not a duty; a gift that’s been given to us. We help ourselves by helping others. It’s how we make sure the program will be here tomorrow. We “carry the message.” It’s just one way we see how important we are to others. The world needs us. The world needs our love.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray for help in making service a big part of my program. Higher Power, help me to “carry the message.”

Action for the Day:
Which people could use a kind word and a little love? I will go visit them or give them a call.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re unhappy with your schedule today, because there seems to be very little flexibility when it comes to your work. Your boss has given you specific deadlines when each part of the project must be complete. Although your trajectory was on target, something happens out of the blue and might set your progress back a bit. Your overall agenda is being rewritten and you have neither the initiative nor the stamina to follow it in detail. Clear your mind with a quick walk or a three-minute meditation. Resiliency is your friend.

Daily Recovery Readings for August 28, 2017:

Daily Reflection

I CHOOSE ANONYMITY

We are sure that humility, expressed by anonymity, is the greatest safeguard that Alcoholics Anonymous can ever have.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 187

Since there are no rules in A.A. I place myself where I want to be, and so I choose anonymity. I want my God to use me, humbly, as one of His tools in this program. Sacrifice is the art of giving of myself freely, allowing humility to replace my ego. With sobriety, I suppress that urge to cry out to the world, “I am a member of A.A.” and I experience inner joy and peace. I let people see the changes in me and hope they will ask what happened to me. I place the principles of spirituality ahead of judging, fault-finding, and criticism. I want love and caring in my group, so I can grow.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“We have no monopoly on God; we merely have an approach that worked with us.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 95~

Keep It Simple

This day I choose to spend in perfect peace. — A Course in Miracles

Today, let’s be gentle and kind. Lets talk to ourselves with love and respect. Let’s be gentle with others too.

Today, let’s be clear in how we think, speak, and act. And if we start to get mixed up, let’s stop thinking and listen for our Higher Power’s voice.

Today, we know that we have just a small job to do. It is to live today with love in our heart. We can’t take care of every problem in the world. But we make our actions today part of the answer instead of the part of the problem. Let’s Keep It Simple.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me find Your calmness and peace in my heart today.

Action for the Day: Do I believe that peace starts with me? Today, I’ll listen to the simple voice of peace inside of me. And I’ll Keep It Simple.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Every little challenge seems like a great adventure today, and you’re eager to see where each one takes you. You have little doubt that you can accomplish your goals on the job, especially since your optimism is supported by your mental acuity. But don’t get too cocky with your promises; there’s probably more work now than you estimated. Pace yourself and you could surprise everyone with how much you finish in just one day. Google co-founder Larry Page says, “Always deliver more than expected.”

Daily Recovery Readings for August 28, 2017:

Daily Reflection

LIGHTENING THE BURDEN

Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing which makes life seem so worth while to us now. . . . the dark past is . . . the key to life and happiness for others.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 124

Since I have been sober, I have been healed of many pains: deceiving my partner, deserting my best friend, and spoiling my mother’s hopes for my life. In each case someone in the program told me of a similar problem, and I was able to share what happened to me. When my story was told, both of us got up with lighter hearts.

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

Big Book Quote

“We have no monopoly on God; we merely have an approach that worked with us.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 95~

Keep It Simple

The saints are the sinners who kept going.—Robert Louis Stevenson

The saints are what our program calls the “winner.” We’re told to “stick” with the winners. Saints are just proven winners. They keep on believing in their Higher Power even when things get hard.

There will be times when we’ll want to give up. We may want to stop going to meetings. We may want to get high. We may want to stop working the Steps.

To be winners in this program, we need to follow the example of the saints. This means we live a spiritual life. We need to keep on going. One day at a time.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that I’ll be a winner in this program. Higher Power, be with me in the easy times and the hard times. Help me keep going.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list people who are winners in this program. I’ll ask one of the how he or she keeps going in tough times.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Resolving a misunderstanding between you and a close friend is at the top of your list today. At first, you seem to be all over the map but your position becomes clear as you continue to talk. Perhaps your windup is slow, but your pitch is fast and smooth once you have an engaged audience. But don’t overstay your welcome; say what you must and then respectfully bow out. Rest assured your words will have their intended impact, but it might take time for your message to sink in. James N. Watkins wrote, “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”