Daily Recovery Readings
June 9, 2017

Daily Reflection

LIVING IN THE NOW

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

— LIVING SOBER, p. 7

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

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

Big Book Quote

“We, in our turn, sought the same escape with all the desperation of drowning men. What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God. A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, “a design for living” that really works.”

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

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

Daily Recovery Readings
June 8, 2017

Daily Reflection

OPENING UP TO CHANGE

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

— AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

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

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

Daily Recovery Readings
June 7, 2017

Daily Reflection

LONG-TERM HOPE

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

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65

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

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

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

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

Daily Recovery Readings
June 6, 2017

Daily Reflection

ALL WE DO IS TRY

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

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

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

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

Daily Recovery Readings
June 5, 2017

Daily Reflection

ENTIRELY READY?

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

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

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

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

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

Daily Recovery Readings
June 4, 2017

Daily Reflection

LETTING GO OF OUR OLD SELVES

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

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 75, 76

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

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

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

Daily Recovery Readings
June 3, 2017

Daily Reflection

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

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

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

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

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

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

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

Daily Recovery Readings
June 2, 2017

Daily Reflection

THE UPWARD PATH

Here are the steps we took. . . . — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59

These are the words that lead into the Twelve Steps. In their direct simplicity, they sweep aside all psychological and philosophical considerations about the rightness of the Steps. They describe what I did: I took the Steps and sobriety was the result. These words do not imply that I should walk the well-trodden path of those who went before, but rather that there is a way for me to become sober and that it is a way I shall have to find. It is a new path, one that leads to infinite light at the top of the mountain. The Steps advise me about the footholds that are safe and about chasms to avoid. They provide me with the tools I need during the many parts of the solitary journey of my soul. When I speak of this journey, I share my experience, strength and hope with others.

Big Book Quote

“We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. ‘Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?’ As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way. It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 47

Keep It Simple

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.—Eleanor Roosevelt

Most of us want to be happy. We just don’t know how. We aren’t sure what happiness is. We’ve learned the hard way that some things we wanted didn’t make us happy. We’re learning that happiness comes when we live the way our Higher Power wants us to live. That’s when we’re honest. When we do our best work. When we are a true friend. We make happiness; we don’t find it. Sometimes we don’t even know we’re happy. We’re too busy with our work, our recovery program, our friends, and family. We need to slow down and know that when we do what we need to, happiness comes.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me know that I’m most happy when I listen to You and do Your will. You know better than I do what makes me happy.

Action for the Day:
What parts of my program am I most happy about? Today I’ll think of these and enjoy myself.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can think of plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t take any chances today. However, upon further analysis, your arguments break down one at a time, especially when you consider all the facts. It turns out that remembering a painful experience is warping your current logic. If you start out in a fearful place, you are likely to wind up with a negative outcome. Fortunately, you have an opportunity to overcome a self-imposed limitation by acknowledging when your worries are not based on the current situation. Jim Rohn wrote, “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

Daily Recovery Readings
June 1, 2017

Daily Reflection

A CHANGED OUTLOOK

Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84

When I was drinking, my attitude was totally selfish, totally self-centered; my pleasure and my comfort came first. Now that I am sober, self-seeking has started to slip away. My whole attitude toward life and other people is changing. For me, the first “A” in our name stands for attitude. My attitude is changed by the second “A” in our name, which stands for action. By working the Steps, attending meetings, and carrying the message, I can be restored to sanity. Action is the magic word! With a positive, helpful attitude and regular A.A. action, I can stay sober and help others to achieve sobriety. My attitude now is that I am willing to go to any length to stay sober!

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

Big Book Quote

“We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator. We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness. Paradoxically, it is the way of strength. The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage. All men of faith have courage. They trust their God. We never apologize for God. Instead, we let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once, we commence to out grow fear.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 68~

Keep It Simple

We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.—Step Six

Character defects include being stubborn, feeling self-pity, and wanting to always be in control. We must be ready to give up these defects, or they will hurt us. Being ready is our part of Step

Six. Our Higher Power will remove these defects. We don’t need to know how. We just need to be ready to give them up when God asks for them. We don’t need to know when. We just have to be ready.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, take away my self-pity, fears, anger, and anything else that hurts my recovery. Help me make room for peace.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll get ready to have my character defects removed. I will list them and ask myself, “What do I get from keeping them?”

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re so hopeful that your hard work and dedication will be rewarded with a promotion or a raise that you go the extra mile in all that you do today. Although the ambitious Venus-Saturn trine grounds your 6th House of Efficiency and your 10th House of Career, this practical aspect influences more than your current work habits. Whatever you seek in life is worth your time now. But don’t get discouraged if success seems far off. When you master patience, you master everything else, too.