Tag: recovery

DR – Feb 28, 2017

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

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.

Back to Normality

On By mikeykjrIn Personal

My mini-vacation was a breath of fresh air. My Sponsor and I went to visit his brother in Orange County, New York.  They have a large recovery community which I look forward to every time we plan such a trip. It’s nice to hear new ways people are handling their own recovery.

On our ride to Orange County, there is nothing by small towns in the valleys of large mountains.  As we twist between the giants, all I can think of are questions never to be answered. Who once lived here? How long ago?  What did they do? What did it look like back then?  Oh how I would love to live in a house in the middle of no where with nothing by a river flowing below me and the thick forest around me. Perhaps one day my dream will become a reality? We always stop in Roscoe, New York, half way between home and our destination. “Trout Town USA” it’s labeled.  According to the 2010 census, 510 inhabitants that live around the Willowemoc River that flows right beside State Route 17. It puts me at peace that such beauty still exists in this world. Once we hit Monticello, New York, we thrust back into reality as the merging traffic from the north and south impede on our travels.  Eventually we get to our destination.

Recovery meetings are typically in the morning, afternoon and night.  We just missed the afternoon meeting, so we typically take a nap but a quick storm pushed through with high sidway winds, buckets of rain, tornado warnings west of us and a really nice lighting show. The rain hadn’t let up as we walked across the street to our meeting.

As mentioned before, the meeting formats and styles are different.  This evening was an anniversary meeting – one lady with 20 years of sobriety, the other gentleman with 26 years of sobriety. There was a speaker afterward with just four years of sobriety. I left the meeting inspired. Sunday, the cold temperatures returned.  We attended a meeting in another town close by, one I had never attended yet.  Here we introduced ourselves, our sobriety date, as well as “how you are doing today”.  The topic was gratitude.

When the chance to speak got to me, I wasn’t sure what I was going to say, so I just opened my mouth and let things happen from the heart.  I explained “I don’t do this enough and I should. I thank my Sponsor today for saving my life not once but twice.” First, nine years ago when he offered to take me through the Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and continues to be with me today.  Second, a recent incident (as already explained here) where I had a very strong fear of drinking, something I had not felt so strong in my nine years of sobriety. My Sponsor thanked me later for my kind words.

Then it was over and we were heading home. I was looking forward to watching the NASCAR race.  In Roscoe, New York, we stopped at the local diner for coffee and a donut where they had the festivities of the NASCAR race on TV. Another hour and we where home.

I haven’t been following all the new rules with NASCAR this year.  Apparently they have split the races in three “stages” giving points to drivers on their abilities during the race.  Dale Jr (#88) started in second position but due to a crash was eliminated after his 5 minute “crash” pit stop because he couldn’t maintain a speed of 160 mph when he got back on the track.  I turned off the TV later to return to find that Chase Elliot (#24, Jeff Gordon’s old number) was leading the race.  Earnhardt was talking to Chase giving him tips earlier and it appeared he may even win the race.  Unfortunately, another driver “pushed” him out of the way in the last couple of laps of the race. I watched the race to its end. Oh well, there is always next week.

Now it’s Monday and it doesn’t feel like a Monday. Unfortunately I have to return to the mundane normality I call “life”. Sadly, I can’t wait for Thursday to get here, my next day off, so I can do the things I was suppose to do yesterday after the race.  I ended falling asleep early and I’ve been up since 8 a.m.  This is going to be an interesting day.

 

DR – Feb 27, 2017

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

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.

DR – Feb 26, 2017

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
February 24, 2017

Daily Reflection

NO ORDINARY SUCCESS STORY

A.A. is no success story in the ordinary sense of the word. It is a story of suffering transmuted, under grace, into spiritual progress.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 35

Upon entering A.A. I listened to others talk about the reality of their drinking: loneliness, terror and pain. As I listened further, I soon heard a description of a very different kind—the reality of sobriety. It is a reality of freedom and happiness, of purpose and direction, and of serenity and peace with God, ourselves and others. By attending meetings I am reintroduced to that reality, over and over. I see it in the eyes and hear it in the voices of those around me. By working the program I find the direction and strength with which to make it mine. The joy of A.A. is that this new reality is available to me.

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

Big Book Quote

“When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do. But urge upon a man’s family that he has been a very sick person and should be treated accordingly. You should warn against arousing resentment or jealousy. You should point out that his defects of character are not going to disappear over night. Show them that he has entered upon a period of growth. Ask them to remember, when they are impatient, the blessed fact of his sobriety.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 100~

Keep It Simple

Forewarned. forearmed: being prepared is half the victory.—Miguel de Cervantes

There will be hard times in our program. There will be hard times in our lives. That’s the way the life is. It helps if we accept this. Then we can prepare for tough times. We can prepare by getting a good set of habits and sticking to them. We can make it a habit to give time to our program each day. Sticking to good habits is like having a savings account: when hard times come, we can take the “investment” we’ve made and overcome our problems.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me accept that there will be hard times. Help me prepare for them. With Your help, I’ll stay close to You, my friends, and the program.

Action for the Day:
I’ll put something into my program “savings account” today. I’ll make that extra call. I’ll read a little longer or go to an extra meeting.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although your idealistic fantasies of travel or education may seem out of reach, acting on your dreams could be well worth your effort. Luckily, the Pisces Solar Eclipse rains drops of inspiration in your 9th House of Big Ideas, watering visions of personal growth. Meanwhile, an electrifying Mars-Uranus conjunction provokes shocking comments when you can no longer keep your opinions to yourself. You might try to avoid conflict, yet the cosmos pushes you to make a radical move that can ultimately improve your life. Do it now; sometimes later becomes never.

A Reprieve – Mini Vacation

On By mikeykjrIn Personal

These days it is very rare I’m able to travel out of town. Typically I have sporadic days off.  Those change like the wind due to staffing issues at work.  I took the opportunity to “request” this weekend off some time ago. Thankfully I’m able to travel out of town to my Sponsor’s brother’s home near New York City. Trips such as this gives me a reprieve from the monotony found in my own recovery community.

Like my Sponsor, his brother has over 25 years of sobriety. His brother is also a very active member of his recovery community.  Whenever we have a chance to visit, he ensures that we receive a warm welcome back.  Many times it’s as we never left, though it’s been at least six months since (my) last visit.

The differences between our local meetings and my Sponsor’s brother’s meetings are like night and day.  For one, they have 100’s of  years of continuous sobriety, whereas at local meetings there are only a couple of meetings where “old timers” attend. Second, meeting formats are completely different.  For instance at many meetings you say your name, “I’m an alcoholic” and your sobriety date. This is not for boasting but an indication for new comers if they work their program, long term sobriety is possible.  Unless it is a “Young People’s” meeting, typically those with less than a year of sobriety are encouraged just to listen.  In other words, you don’t hear about someone with a couple of months of sobriety relapsed yet again and again, yet they can spout their “knowledge” of how the program works. Hence the reason “old timers” where I’m from typically have meetings elsewhere.  Don’t get me wrong, my community does not shun a new comer.  However, when we see the same people come in and out of the program, again and again, hearing the same thing like a broken record, I just want to stand up to say, “Shut up, sit down and listen.  Obviously you don’t know anything.”

Their recovery community always has special events.  There is always a local workshop, recovery activity (baseball, basketball, softball game) or someone is throwing a sobriety anniversary party.  While my community tries, many times they fail. For instance, a gentleman owns a home on a lake who throws a picnic three times a year:  Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Everyone brings something, so there is never a shortage of food or non-alcoholic drinks. The workshops are amazing.  Very good topics, speakers due to large attendances and good planning.

Jealous?  Yes, yes I am.  Since my first attendance “down State”, I have dreamed my own recovery community could become such a strong community. It will never happen.  The commitment to almost anything is slim to nil. It’s unfortunate. But I’ve realized that I play my own part in my recovery community doing the best that I can for those that care to listen.

Basically the trip is one giant vacation for me. Something based on recent events I desperately need right now. Despite the impending weather (heavy rain, thunderstorms, wind and afterward cold temperatures and possible low accumulation of snow) we are committed to make this trip happen today. It’s a four hour drive. We stop in Roscoe, New York for a break (coffee and a donut and/or lunch) getting there for the afternoon and evening meetings.

I haven’t been this excited in a long time. Even when I get back there is another reward!  The 2017 NASCAR season starts tonight. I couldn’t ask for anything more 🙂

 

DR – Feb 25, 2017

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
February 24, 2017

Daily Reflection

THE CHALLENGE OF FAILURE

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

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

Keep It Simple

Keep It Simple

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

DR – Feb 24, 2017

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
February 24, 2017

Daily Reflection

A THANKFUL HEART

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

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

Keep It Simple

Failure is impossible. —Susan B. Anthony

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

A Recap – Where I Am Now?

On By mikeykjrIn Personal

A week ago I was in a dark place.  For the first time in nine years of sobriety I was afraid I was going to drink.  My job, as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), is always stressful when taking care of the elderly. Many have dementia compounded with other mental illnesses and health issues. However, I have come to “walk in their shoes”. The issue was my employer:  staffing issues, miserable employees, management problems and the fact I’m the only male CNA in the facility. I felt alone, was verbally warned by my employer “to pick up your [my] pace” and I almost just threw in the towel with the job, as well as sobriety. However, the last week, I reflected my part in the whole situation and thank my Higher Power for getting involved.  There is no other explanation.

After calling my Sponsor and talking to unexpected ally at work, I went to bed sober Wednesday night.  Friday, I knew something was stirring at work.  There was something in the wind that just didn’t feel right.  I was given a warning by my employer for my job performance. Despite the lack of cooperation from my co-workers, I knew I had to do something quickly.  I kept to myself and got my job done.

Sunday night rolled around.  A rumor was going around the Director of Nursing (DON) was stepping down.  The supervisor on my shift was accepting the position.  A co-worker, who is now an ally and a recovering addict, and I talked about his possibility just the night before.  Right before our eyes it was becoming a reality.  Monday, it was officially announced. Suddenly there is a change with my fellow co-workers.  There were suddenly nervous, as I have never seen them.

Sunday night, I pulled a double shift, working 16 hours.  The new coming DON had already filled one shift herself, she couldn’t get anyone to come in early nor come in at all, so I volunteered. Overnight shift is just me, myself and I besides a charge nurse. I have more freedom, can get things done quickly, however there is a lot of downtime I sit twiddling my thumbs.  Monday morning, a co-worker graciously offered to stay until 5 p.m., so that I may get a couple hours of extra sleep.  Now that is teamwork!

I was looking forward to a day off on Wednesday.  As expected, they called to ask me to work, “Michael, you can refuse.”  The Assistant DON, who was calling, then threw in, “I can give you Friday off, so you have a three day weekend.”  Accepted!  Hell YES! When I came into work, the Assistant DON said, “Thank you for coming in.”  For the first time, I felt it was a genuine comment.

In addition, I have started to attend a local ‘nooner’ meeting.  Just a couple of days, thus far, due to my schedule changes.  But I think I’m going to make it my temporary home group (until I move this Summer) and attend it daily.  There is a lot of sobriety and I heard a lot of good messages.

My Sponsor and I are texting, as he is checking in with me.  I apologized for yesterday since it was suppose to be “our day” to get together to discuss recent events in person.  He says, “It’s been smooth sailing because you adjusted your sails.”  I added, “With your help and my Higher Power, yes!”

I’m looking forward to my three day weekend.  Saturday and Sunday, my Sponsor and I are going to visit his brother who lives near NYC.  They have a large recovery community with hundreds of years of sobriety (literally).  The meetings there are a little different from local meetings and it will be a nice change to return since July 2016.  Sunday night is NASCAR night for me too- Daytona 500 !  Dale Jr qualified 2nd, so this might a good start to a new year.

It was rough but I got through it!  Today I am thankful to AA, my Higher Power, my Sponsor, those following this blog, as well those blogging about recovery.  Everyone gave me hope and kept me strong.  Thank you all!

DR – Feb 23, 2017

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
February 23, 2017

Daily Reflection

MYSTERIOUS PARADOXES

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

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

Keep It Simple

Keep It Simple

Hitch your wagon to a star.—Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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

DR – Feb 22, 2017

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings
February 22, 2017

Daily Reflection

GUIDANCE

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

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

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

Big Book Quote

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

Keep It Simple

To thine own self be true.–AA medallions

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

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

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

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

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

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