Daily Recovery Readings
January 9, 2017

AA – Daily Reflection

AN ACT OF PROVIDENCE

It is truly awful to admit that, glass in hand, we have warped our minds into such an obsession for destructive drinking that only an act of Providence can remove it from us.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21

My act of Providence, (a manifestation of divine care and direction), came as I experienced the total bankruptcy of active alcoholism—everything meaningful in my life was gone. I telephoned Alcoholics Anonymous and, from that instant, my life has never been the same. When I reflect on that very special moment, I know that God was working in my life long before I was able to acknowledge and accept spiritual concepts. The glass was put down through this one act of Providence and my journey into sobriety began. My life continues to unfold with divine care and direction. Step One, in which I admitted I was powerless over alcohol, that my life had become unmanageable, takes on more meaning for me—one day at a time—in the life-saving, life-giving Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.

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

Big Book Quote of the Day

“We feel we are on the Broad Highway, walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the  Universe.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, Page 75~ 

Keep it Simple

Everything is funny as long as it happening to someone else.
–Will Rogers

We laugh when others do something silly. We’re amused when something funny happens to them. But if the same happens to us and people laugh, we might give them the evil eye. Yet, when others laugh, it can free us. It frees us to see the world through new eyes. Likewise, when we laugh at ourselves, we’re free to see ourselves with new eyes. Instead of trying to be perfect, we accept we’re human. To laugh at ourselves is to accept ourselves. There’s no room for shame when we laugh. We enjoy ourselves just as we are. Can I accept the fact I’m human and I have limits?

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, when I refuse to accept that I’m only human, be gentle with me. I know that, when I least expect it, You will remind me that I’m only human.

Action for the Day:
I will share with a friend one or two stories about funny mistakes I’ve made. 

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although it may be back to work or school today, you wish you had an extra day to indulge in your favorite fantasies. In fact, concentrating on your assignments seems nearly impossible now. Instead of attempting to relentlessly power through your day, set a timer so you can focus on a task for a specific length of time, followed by a designated few minutes of daydreaming. Rather than driving yourself crazy trying to contain your attention within narrow slices of reality, find a rhythm of expansion and contraction that works best for you.

 

Daily Recovery Readings
January 8, 2017

AA – Daily Reflection

DO I HAVE A CHOICE?

The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 24

My powerlessness over alcohol does not cease when I quit drinking. In sobriety I still have no choice — I can’t drink.

The choice I do have is to pick up and use the “kit of spiritual tools” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 25). When I do that, my Higher Power relieves me of my lack of choice—and keeps me sober one more day. If I could choose not to pick up a drink today, where then would be my need for A.A. or a Higher Power?

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

Big Book Quote of the Day

“We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who   earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, Page 46~

Keep it Simple

Believe more deeply. Hold your face up to the light, even though for the moment you do not see…Bill W.

At times, we’ll go through pain and hardship, At times, we’ll have doubts. At times, we’ll get angry and think we just don’t care anymore. These things can spiritually blind us. But this normal. Hopefully, we’ll be ready for those times. Hopefully, we will have friends who will be there for you. Thank God for these moments! Yes, hard times can make our spirits deep and strong. These moments tell us who we are as sober people. These moments help us grow and change. Spirituality is about choice. To be spiritual, we must turn ourselves over to the care of our Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
God, help me find You in my moments of blindness. This is when I really need You.

Action for the Day:
Today I’ll get ready for the hard times ahead. I will list my friends who will be there for me.

 Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Interpersonal dynamics have been quite complicated lately, making you wonder whether or not the stress is truly worth it. Thankfully, the cosmos gives you the green light today, informing you that things are about to improve if you’re willing to do the work. Cerebral Mercury resumes its forward movement in your 6th House of Habits, reminding you that the planning period is over and it’s time to make your move. Remember, you don’t need to reach the finish line right away; many small steps will successfully lead you to your destination.

 

AA – Daily Reflection

AT THE TURNING POINT

Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59

Every day I stand at turning points. My thoughts and actions can propel me toward growth or turn me down the road to old habits and to booze. Sometimes turning points are beginnings, as when I decide to start praising, instead of condemning someone. Or when I begin to ask for help instead of going it alone. At other times turning points are endings, such as when I see clearly the need to stop festering resentments or crippling self-seeking. Many shortcomings tempt me daily; therefore, I also have daily opportunities to become aware of them. In one form or another, many of my character defects appear daily: self-condemnation, anger, running away, being prideful, wanting to get even, or acting out of grandiosity.

Attempting half measures to eliminate these defects merely paralyzes my efforts to change. It is only when I ask God for help, with complete abandon, that I become willing—and able—to change.

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

 Big Book Quote of the Day

“The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.” 
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, Page 30~

 Keep it Simple

A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice.—E.W. Howe

Do you let yourself be afraid of your illness? Many of us were scared into sobriety. Often, a spiritual awakening directly follows a good scare. Fear seems to improve our vision. Are you smart enough to run from your addiction? The First Step should create fear inside us. It’s about looking honestly at our addiction and what would happen to us if we kept using. Looking at Step One regularly will give us the respectful fear we need to stay sober. Often fear is seen as bad, but it can be good, if we listen to it.

It can be a great mover. When you’re afraid, your spirit is trying to tell you something.
Prayer for the Day:
God, direct my fear. Have me go to You, family, friends, and others who love me. Help me see my fear and listen to it’s message.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list five ways that my fear has taught me important lessons. I’ll see that my fear can help me as long as I listen to it and not live it.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although it’s nearly impossible to know where your current trajectory is heading, it’s obvious your world is irrevocably changing. There might not be anything you can do to slow this evolutionary process, but you could ease the pressures along the way. Turning your fear into hard work might be productive, but it won’t help you get to the underlying issue. There’s really no need to struggle; the simple act of letting go of your attachment to the caterpillar paves a smooth road to becoming a butterfly.

 

Daily Readings for Recovery

AA – Daily Reflection

THE VICTORY OF SURRENDER

We perceive that only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength. Our admissions of personal powerlessness finally turn out to be firm bedrock upon which happy and purposeful lives may be built.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21

When alcohol influenced every facet of my life, when bottles became the symbol of all my self indulgence and permissiveness, when I came to realize that, by myself, I could do nothing to overcome the power of alcohol, I realized I had no recourse except surrender. In surrender I found victory—victory over my selfish self-indulgence, victory over my stubborn resistance to life as it was given to me. When I stopped fighting anybody or anything, I started on the path to sobriety, serenity and peace.

From the book Daily Reflections

Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

 

Big Book Quote of the Day

“Faith without works is dead.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, Page 76~

 

Keep it Simple

“We.”—First word of the Twelve Steps.

We. This little word says a lot about the Twelve Steps. Our addiction made us lonely. The “we” of the program makes us whole again. It makes us a member of a living, growing group of people. Our addiction isolated us from others. We couldn’t be honest. We felt a lot of shame. But all this is in the past. The “we” of the program helps us live outside ourselves. Now we tell each other about our pasts. We comfort each other. We try to help each other.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me to join the WE of the program. Help me to admit and accept my illness, so the healing can begin.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll work to make the WE of the program even stronger. I’ll find someone to help.

 

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You relish the notion of spending quiet time with friends or family, but you might not get your chance until later in the day. Thankfully, you possess a deep well of patience and can go about your current activities with a smile on your face. Although an emotional storm may be brewing, you’re motivated to take on anything and anyone who stands in your way. After all, you’re only willing to delay gratification so long. Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction.

AA – Daily Reflection

BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE

We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 19

It’s usually pretty easy for me to be pleasant to the people in an A.A. setting. While I’m working to stay sober, I’m celebrating with my fellow A.A.s our common release from the hell of drinking. It’s often not so hard to spread glad tidings to my old and new friends in the program.

At home or at work, though, it can be a different story. It is in situations arising in both of those areas that the little day-to-day frustrations are most evident, and where it can be tough to smile or reach out with a kind word or an attentive ear. It’s outside of the A.A. rooms that I face the real test of the effectiveness of my walk through A.A.’s Twelve Steps.

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

Big Book Quote of the Day

“To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, Page 44~

Keep It Simple

He who is swift to believe is swift to forget.—-Abraham Joshua Herschel

Life is full of questions. Many people tell us they have the answers. We have to be careful of who and what we believe. Other people’s ideas may not fit us. The program doesn’t tell us much about what to believe. It teaches us how to believe. How well the program works for us depends on what we believe and how well we live it. When we face all the facts, we can really believe. We believe we are powerless over our addiction. We believe we must and can change some things in our lives. We believe we can trust a Higher Power to care for us. When we choose to believe, we want to choose the best beliefs we can. And once we believe, we must not forget.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me know You, and help me know the truth.

Action for the Day:
Today I’ll think about my First Step. Do I truly believe I’m powerless over my disease?

Horoscope

Your mind is brimming with good ideas about nearly everything and you are capable of inventing a better plan than anyone else today. The problem is that people won’t accept your solution at face value; in fact, they may even oppose your efforts. You’re often willing to set your position aside or, at least, negotiate a workable compromise. However, you’re quite prepared to head off on your own now if no one jumps in with the support you want. Those who fly solo have the strongest wings.

AA – Daily Reflection

POWERLESS

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable. — TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21

It is no coincidence that the very first Step mentions powerlessness: An admission of personal powerlessness over alcohol is a cornerstone of the foundation of recovery. I’ve learned that I do not have the power and control I once thought I had. I am powerless over what people think about me. I am powerless over having just missed the bus. I am powerless over how other people work (or don’t work) the Steps. But I’ve also learned I am not powerless over some things. I am not powerless over my attitudes. I am not powerless over negativity. I am not powerless over assuming responsibility for my own recovery. I have the power to exert a positive influence on myself, my loved ones, and the world in which I live.

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

Big Book Quote of the Day

“…I would enter upon a new relationship with my Creator; that I would have the elements of a way of living which answered all my problems. Belief in the power of God, plus enough willingness, honesty and humility to establish and maintain the new order of things, were the essential requirements.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, Page 13~

Keep It Simple

Never play leapfrog with a unicorn.—Unknown

As we work Step One, we accept that alcohol and other drugs are poison to us. We accept our limits.
This means we know that hanging around our using “buddies” can remind us of “the good old days.”
Hanging around “slippery places” means we could “slip” back into our old ways. This isn’t testing our sobriety; it’s being reckless with it. So let’s accept our limits. Everybody has limits. When we know our limits, we protect our recovery against the people and places that pull us from our spiritual center. This is what true acceptance means.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray for true acceptance. Higher Power, help me to stay away from slippery places. I will protect the gift You’ve given me.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list the people and places that are risky for me to be around. I will share this list with my sponsor, my group, and my sober friends.

Horoscope

Nurturing relationships and keeping everyone happy can be exhausting, prompting you to plan your great escape. It’s all too tempting to think about running away when alluring Venus slips into your 9th House of Faraway Places. Imagine foreign lands where you are free from the responsibilities and complications of your current life. Take these impressions as inspirations for future travel but don’t lose touch with the realities of the present moment. You can dream all you want but you must live in the here and now if you want to maintain your integrity.

 

AA – Daily Reflection

FIRST, THE FOUNDATION

Is sobriety all that we can expect of a spiritual awakening? No, sobriety is only a bare beginning. — AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8

Practicing the A.A. program is like building a house. First I had to pour a big, thick concrete slab on which to erect the house; that, to me, was the equivalent of stopping drinking. But it’s pretty uncomfortable living on a concrete slab, unprotected and exposed to the heat, cold, wind and rain. So I built a room on the slab by starting to practice the program. The first room was rickety because I wasn’t used to the work. But as time passed, as I practiced the program, I learned to build better rooms. The more I practiced, and the more I built, the more comfortable, and happy, was the home I now have to live in.

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

Big Book Quote of the Day

“…we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, Page 25~

Keep It Simple

Keep It Simple

..our lives had become unmanageable. Second half of Step One.

The First Step tells us a lot about our addiction. We were out of control. Our addiction was in control. Addiction managed everything. It managed our relationships. It managed how we behaved with our families. As Step One says, “…our lives had become unmanageable.” But we pretended we managed our lives. What a lie! Addiction ran our lives–not us. We weren’t honest with ourselves. Our program heals us through self-honesty. We feel better just speaking the truth. We are becoming good people with spiritual values. Our spiritual journey has begun.

Prayer:
Higher Power, I give YOU my life to manage. When I’m faced with a choice, I’ll ask myself, “What would my Higher Power choose for me?”

Action:
Today, I’ll be honest with a friend about how unmanageable my life had become.

Horoscope

You’re like Don Quixote who is lost in fantasy, imagining that he’s on a knightly adventure. Mundane events take on mythic proportions, making it nearly impossible to separate your dreams from reality. Fortunately, you can grow into your visions over time, but only if you are unwavering in your search for the facts. Don’t deviate from what you know to be true. And if you doubt your objectivity, rely on the perceptions of those you trust until your clarity returns. Computer scientist Linus Torvalds said, “That which works, works.”

AA – Daily Reflection

“I AM A MIRACLE”

The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 25

This truly is a fact in my life today, and a real miracle. I always believed in God, but could never put that belief meaningfully into my life. Today, because of Alcoholics Anonymous, I now trust and rely on God, as I understand Him; I am sober today because of that! Learning to trust and rely on God was something I could never have done alone. I now believe in miracles because I am one!

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

Big Book Quote of the Day

“For a brief moment, I had needed and wanted God. There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me — and He came.” ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, Page 12

Keep It Simple

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol…–First part of Step One.

In Step One, we accept our powerlessness over alcohol and other drugs. But we are powerless over many parts of life. We are powerless over other people. We are powerless over what our HP has planned for us. Before recovery, we only believed in control. We tried to control everything. We fought against a basic truth, the truth that we are powerless over much of life. When we accept this truth, we begin to see what power we do have. We have the power to make choices. When we’re lonely, we have the power to reach out to others. We have power over how we live our own lives.

PRAYER:
HP, help me to know that it’s You who is running my life. Help me to know that power comes from accepting I am powerless.

ACTION:
I am powerless over much of life. Today, I’ll look to see how this is true. I’ll look to see what I really have control over and what I don’t.

Horoscope

You’re happy to set aside this first day of the New Year for a fantastical escape of imagination and adventure. A dreamy Mars-Neptune hookup in your 9th House of Big Ideas is a cosmic reminder that the magic is within you. Nevertheless, an inspired relative or a free-spirited friend shows you that there’s no need to struggle to make your dreams come true. Exploring your fantasies can be a powerful vehicle to free you from your fears, revealing ways to bypass any obstacles. Sometimes play is serious business if you use it to fuel your confidence.