Daily Recovery Readings
March 6, 2017

Daily Reflection

THE IDEA OF FAITH

Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 47

The idea of faith is a very large chunk to swallow when fear, doubt and anger abound in and around me. Sometimes just the idea of doing something different, something I am not accustomed to doing, can eventually become an act of faith if I do it regularly, and do it without debating whether it’s the right thing to do. When a bad day comes along and everything is going wrong, a meeting or a talk with another drunk often distracts me just enough to persuade me that everything is not quite as impossible, as overwhelming as I had thought. In the same way, going to a meeting or talking to a fellow alcoholic are acts of faith; I believe I’m arresting my disease. These are ways I slowly move toward faith in a Higher Power.

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

Big Book Quote

“Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kill us! God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self without His aid. Many of us had moral and philosophical convictions galore, but we could not live up to them even though we would have liked to.”

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

Keep It Simple

When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck.

Remember how we tried to make others think we were not in trouble? We walked and talked like addicts. We acted like addicts. Most everyone knew the truth but us. We were like ducks pretending to be eagles.

We see ourselves as we really are. But sometimes we can’t see ourselves that way. This is normal.

That’s why we need others to help us see what we can’t. We were addicts. We are now recovering addicts. We need friends, sponsors, and family members to tell us when we may be acting like addicts again. It may save our lives.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, give my friends and family members the strength to tell me when I’m acting like an addict.

Action for the Day:
I’ll go to people whom I trust and ask them to tell me when I’m acting like an addict.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can learn more than you expect today delving into a favorite topic for research. Whether you’re busy broadening your horizons or just browsing ideas for a dream vacation, you’re like a dry sponge absorbing new information. Follow where your intuitive river flows and your journey will take you to fertile lands ripe for harvest. Anton Chekhov wrote, “Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.”

Daily Recovery Readings
March 4, 2017

Daily Reflection

WEEDING THE GARDEN

The essence of all growth is a willingness to make a change for the better and then an unremitting willingness to shoulder whatever responsibility this entails.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 115

By the time I had reached Step Three I had been freed of my dependence on alcohol, but bitter experience has shown me that continuous sobriety requires continuous effort. Every now and then I pause to take a good look at my progress. More and more of my garden is weeded each time I look, but each time I also find new weeds sprouting where I thought I had made my final pass with the blade. As I head back to get the newly sprouted weed (it’s easier when they are young), I take a moment to admire how lush the growing vegetables and flowers are, and my labors are rewarded. My sobriety grows and bears fruit.

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

Big Book Quote

“Assuming we are spiritually fit, we can do all sorts of things alcoholics are not supposed to do. People have said we must not go where liquor is served; we must not have it in our homes; we must shun friends who drink; we must avoid moving pictures which show drinking scenes; we must not go into bars; our friends must hide their bottles if we go to their houses; we mustn’t think or be reminded about alcohol at all. Our experience shows that this is not necessarily so. 

We meet these conditions every day. An alcoholic who cannot meet them, still has an alcoholic mind; there is something the matter with his spiritual status.”

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

Keep It Simple

Better bend than break.——-Scottish proverb

Our program is based on bending. We call it “surrender.” We surrender our self-will to the care of God. We do what we believe our Higher Power want us to do. We learn this as an act of love.

Many of us believed surrender was a sign of weakness. We tried to control everything. But we change as we’re in the program longer and longer. We learn to bend. We start to see that what is important is learning. We learn to do what’s best for us and others. To learn, we need an open mind. To bend, we must stay open. Love and care become the center of our lives.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, teach me that strength comes from knowing how and when to bend.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll check myself. How open am I? Do I bend when I need to?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It seems as if everything is in flux and you can’t tell which way is up. Your ambitions are beginning a phase of revisions when magnetic Venus marches backward through your 10th House of Profession. Over the next several weeks, you may rethink your career objectives and question your ability to succeed, leaving you lost in unfamiliar territory. However, self-deprecating thoughts are not to be heeded while the cosmic weather is so foggy. Don’t worry about the low visibility now; there will be time to figure out all the details once the sky is clear.

Daily Recovery Readings
March 3, 2017

Daily Reflection

OVERCOMING SELF-WILL

So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though he usually doesn’t think so. Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us!
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 62

For so many years my life revolved solely around myself. I was consumed with self in all forms—self-centeredness, self-pity, self-seeking, all of which stemmed from pride. Today I have been given the gift, through the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, of practicing the Steps and Traditions in my daily life, of my group and sponsor, and the capacity—if I so choose—to put my pride aside in all situations which arise in my life. Until I could honestly look at myself and see that I was the problem in many situations and react appropriately inside and out; until I could discard my expectations and understand that my serenity was directly proportional to them, I could not experience serenity and sound sobriety.

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

Big Book Quote

“We have learned that whatever the human frailties of various faiths may be, those faiths have given purpose and direction to millions. People of faith have a logical idea of what life is all about.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 49

Keep It Simple

But the alcoholic . . . will be absolutely unable to stop drinking on the basis of self-knowledge.
~Alcoholics Anonymous

Our program says three things are more important than knowing ourselves: (1) admitting we have no control over our addiction, (2) believing in a Higher Power, and (3) turning our lives over to the care of that Higher Power. knowing ourselves makes our lives better in recovery. But it does not give us sobriety. Sobriety starts with surrender to our Higher Power. We now know we need faith and strength we get from a Higher Power. We also need the support of others in our program.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, thanks you for my sobriety today. Teach me what I need to know about myself to do Your will today.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll talk with my sponsor about the change in my spirit that keeps me sober.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can hardly wait to get together with friends or family to seek the solace only they provide. Planning for your future seems like too much trouble today, especially when you could gather with your loved ones and reminisce about the good old days instead. Although you can’t make your duties magically disappear today, focusing on your blessings brings a sense of ease to your workday until it’s time to kick off your shoes and relax with your favorite people. A grateful mind is a powerful mind.

Daily Recovery Readings
March 2, 2017

Daily Reflection

HOPE

Do not be discouraged. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 60

Few experiences are of less value to me than fast sobriety. Too many times discouragement has been the bonus for unrealistic expectations, not to mention self-pity or fatigue from my wanting to change the world by the weekend. Discouragement is a warning signal that I may have wandered across the God line. The secret of fulfilling my potential is in acknowledging my limitations and believing that time is a gift, not a threat.

Hope is the key that unlocks the door of discouragement. The program promises me that if I do not pick up the first drink today, I will always have hope. Having come to believe that I keep what I share, every time I encourage, I receive courage. It is with others that, with the grace of God and the Fellowship of A.A., I trudge the road of happy destiny. May I always remember that the power within me is far greater than any fear before me. May I always have patience, for I am on the right road.

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

Big Book Quote

“So our rule is not to avoid a place where there is drinking, if we have a legitimate reason for being there. That includes bars, nightclubs, dances, receptions, weddings, even plain ordinary whoopee parties. To a person who has had experience with an alcoholic, this
may seem like tempting Providence, but it isn’t.

You will note that we made an important qualification. Therefore, ask yourself on each occasion, ‘Have I any good social, business, or personal reason for going to this place? Or am I expecting to steal a little vicarious pleasure from the atmosphere of such places?’ If you answer these questions satisfactorily, you need have no apprehension. Go or stay away, whichever seems best. But be sure you are on solid spiritual ground before you start and that your motive in going is thoroughly good. Do not think of what you will
get out of the occasion. Think of what you can bring to it. But if you are shaky, you had better work with another alcoholic instead”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 101

Keep It Simple

Love conquers all; let us surrender to love.—Virgil

In Step Three, we turn our lives over to God’s care, God love. If we turn our lives over to a loving God, we can conquer all. If you need proof, look around at your next meeting. The room will be full of people who know that love conquers addiction. Like them, we’ve surrendered to love. Once we’ve done this, we can’t use again. For us, using alcohol or others drugs is an act of hate, not love. To Face the hard things in life, we’ll need a lot of love. We’ll find love in our Higher Power, groups, and friends .We’re all working at turning our lives over to love.

Prayer for the Day:
There was a time that love scared me. It still does, at times. Higher Power, help me see that You are love, and I must follow where love takes me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might think your prospects are limited by your past mistakes, but in reality you could be outgrowing the shoes you wear. You find yourself rethinking career possibilities, and for once the future doesn’t seem as restricted by your personal history. This window of opportunity to refashion your loftiest ambitions may be so exciting as to be a bit overwhelming, but there’s no need to fear what such changes portend. As the sensible Taurus Moon transits your 11th House of Friends, reach out to your pals for the moral support you need to face these developments with courage. Nothing is gained by looking for trouble where it doesn’t exist.

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.