Tag: sober living

DR – February 15, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 15, 2018:

Daily Reflection

TAKING ACTION

Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us–sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.

~ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84

One of the most important things A.A. has given me, in addition to freedom from booze, is the ability to take “right action.” It says the promises will ALWAYS materialize if I WORK for them. Fantasizing about them, debating them, preaching about them and faking them just won’t work. I’ll remain a miserable, rationalizing dry drunk. By taking action and working the Twelve Steps in all my affairs, I’ll have a life beyond my wildest dreams.

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

Big Book Quote

“Though we work out our solution on the spiritual as well as an altruistic plane, we favor hospitalization for the alcoholic who is very jittery or befogged. More often than not, it is imperative that a man’s brain be cleared before he is approached, as he has then a better chance of understanding and accepting what we have to offer.”

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

Keep It Simple

Easy Does It.—Twelve Steps slogan

We are people who push ourselves to hard. We try to be perfect. Well, we need to lighten up. Easy Does It.

We need to slow down our pace. Why? Because our program teaches us to give up trying to be perfect.

We begin to love ourselves for who we are. We are enough. Over and over we hear this as we live the Steps. It’s the message of God’s love. Our Higher Power want us to live at a pace that’s not fast and hard, so we always know we’re loved. Remember, we’ve turned our life over to the care of God. And our life is a wonderful gift. As recovering people, we may know better than others.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, teach me to live at Your pace, not mine. Help me keep in mind that life isn’t a race. It’s a spiritual journey. Walk with me.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll take two hours just to relax and do loving things for myself. I’ll take time to count my blessings.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your relationship to a significant person or organization may be the source of trouble now. An imbalance in power creates unsustainable emotional dynamics as you struggle for dominance or seek an escape route. But complicated energetic entanglements make a clean victory unlikely as the Aquarius Solar Eclipse destabilizes your 8th House of Shared Resources. Fortunately, there is a solution in sight, but you must be willing to discuss anything and give up everything before a fair compromise can be reached. Dr. Chester Karrass wrote, “You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate.”

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#daily readings, #sober, #sobriety, #sober living, #recovery

DR – February 14, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 14, 2018:

Daily Reflection

EXPECTATIONS vs. DEMANDS

Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house.

~ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 98

Dealing with expectations is a frequent topic at meetings. It isn’t wrong to expect progress of myself, good things from life, or decent treatment from others. Where I get into trouble is when my expectations become demands. I will fall short of what I wish to be and situations will go in ways I do not like, because people will let me down sometimes. The only question is: “What am I going to about it?” Wallow in self-pity or anger; retaliate and make a bad situation worse; or will I trust in God’s power to bring blessings on the messes in which I find myself? Will I ask Him what I should be learning; do I keep on doing the right things I know how to do, no matter what; do I take the time to share my faith and blessings with others?

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

Big Book Quote

“At a certain point in the drinking of every alcoholic, he passes into a state where the most powerful desire to stop drinking is of absolutely no avail. This tragic situation has already arrived in practically every case long before it is suspected.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 24~

Keep It Simple

Some things have to be believed to be seen. –Ralph Hodgson

In recovery, we learn to trust. We trust that our Higher Power is on our side. Maybe we can’t see our Higher Power , but once we start trusting things change. Step Two says, “Came to believe. . . ” Once we come to believe, we start to see our Higher Power working in many ways. We make new program friends. We find new peace. Our family and friends trust us again. Life won’t always be fair. We won’t get all we want. But we’ll find the love and care we need. If we’re open to believing in love, the easy times will be easier and the harder times a bit softer. Do I believe in love?

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me believe, especially when times are hard. Help me not blame You for the hard times.

Action for the Day:
I will write what I believe the program and my Higher Power want for me.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your internal guidance system appears to be malfunctioning today and you’re at a loss without your intuitive connection. Logical analysis may work for others, but it never gives you emotional Crabs the most satisfying answers. However, the wisdom you seek is usually found in your body and, fortunately, you know when you can trust your gut. Rumi wrote, “We rarely hear the inward music, but we’re all dancing to it nevertheless.”

DR – February 13, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 13, 2018:

Daily Reflection

WE CAN’T THINK OUR WAY SOBER

To the intellectually self-sufficient man or woman, many A.A.’s can say, “Yes, we were like you–far too smart for our own good…. Secretly, we felt we could float above the rest of the folks on our brain power alone.”

~AS BILL SEES IT, p. 60

Even the most brilliant mind is no defense against the disease of alcoholism. I can’t think my way sober. I try to remember that intelligence is a God-given attribute that I may use, a joy–like having a talent for dancing or drawing or carpentry. It does not make me better than anyone else, and it is not a particularly reliable tool for recovery, for it is a power greater than myself who will restore me to sanity–not a high IQ or a college degree.

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

Big Book Quote

“Despite all we can say, many who are real alcoholics are not going to believe they are in that class. By every form of self deception and experimentation, they will try to prove themselves exceptions to the rule, therefore nonalcoholic. If anyone who is showing inability to control his drinking can do the right about face and drink like a gentleman, our hats are off to him. Heaven knows, we have tried hard enough and long enough to drink like other people!”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 31~

Keep It Simple

Tomorrow doesn’t matter, for I have lived today. –Horace

Life is found in the present. One of the first things we hear when we enter the program is, One Day at a Time. We break life into short time periods. This give us the power to change. We’re not sure we can stay sober for a lifetime. But we know that with God, and our program, we can stay sober for today.

This holds true for many other things in out lives. We’re not sure we can go a lifetime without feeling self-pity, but we can give it up for a day. By living One Day at a Time, we become more sure of our strength. We have the power to change things only in the present. The present holds much for us, if we get a hold on it.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, You are found in the moment. You are here. I will stay with You minute by minute.

Action for the Day:
I will ground myself in the present. Today, I’ll not worry about the past or the future.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Although others are quick to say what’s on their minds, you may keep your current thoughts to yourself because they don’t seem to be supported by the consensus of your peers. You are often quite content with your silence, but the more you try to suppress your feelings today, the stronger they grow. You don’t mind being an outsider now, but you could reach a point where you want everyone to understand the reason you drifted from the group. People will respect you for speaking your truth, and you will respect yourself for telling it.

DR – February 12, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 12, 2018:

Daily Reflection

“THE ROOT OF OUR TROUBLES”

Selfishness–self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of all our troubles.

~ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 62

How amazing the revelation that the world, and everyone in it, can get along just fine with or without me. What a relief to know that people, places and things will be perfectly okay without my control and direction. And how wordlessly wonderful to come to believe that a power greater than me exists separate and apart from myself. I believe that the feeling of separation I experience between me and God will one day vanish. In the meantime, faith must serve as the pathway to the center of my life.

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

Big Book Quote

“Many of us keep liquor in our homes. We often need it to carry green recruits through a severe hangover. Some of us still serve it to our friends provided they are not alcoholic. But some of us think we should not serve liquor to anyone. We never argue this question. We feel that each family, in the light of their own circumstances, ought to decide for themselves.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 102~

Keep It Simple

We are always the same age inside.—Gertrude Stein

Deep inside, we each have a child’s spirit. We still have many of the feelings we had when we were young. Some of us have a hurting child inside. There’s sadness, fear, or anger that hasn’t gone away. We’re still lonely, no matter how many people care about us. Our inner child needs special help to heal. We can be good parents to our inner child. We do this by being gentle and caring with ourselves. In time, this child can be a happy center in our hearts.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, please heal the child inside of me a little more each day. Help my inner child be alive, free, and full of joy.

Action for the Day:
Right now, I’ll close my eyes for a minute. I’ll think kind thoughts about myself. Than I’ll say out loud, “Inner child, I love you. I’ll take good care of you.” I’ll do this two more times today.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can feel the weight of someone’s negativity and you’re not sure of the best way to handle it today. Ignoring the obvious isn’t a good idea because it sends a message of approval. Although direct confrontation isn’t your style, you’re more inclined to take an aggressive approach while irrepressible Uranus activates warrior Mars. Nevertheless, your best bet is to create a path of moderation between denial and overreaction. The solution may be as simple as a rational conversation where everyone gets to express their feelings without blaming anyone else. Set an example and tell the truth.

DR – February 11, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 11, 2018:

Daily Reflection

THE LIMITS OF SELF-RELIANCE

We asked ourselves why we had them [fears]. Wasn’t it because self-reliance failed us?

~ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.68

All of my character defects separate me from God’s will. When I ignore my association with Him I face the world and my alcoholism alone and must depend on self-reliance. I have never found security and happiness through self-will and the only result is a life of fear and discontent. God provides the path back to Him and to His gift of security and comfort. First, however, I must be willing to acknowledge my fears and understand their source and power over me. I frequently ask God to help me understand how I separate myself from Him.

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

Big Book Quote

“Thus we grow. And so can you, though you be but one man with this book in your hand. We believe and hope it contains all you will need to begin.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 162

Keep It Simple

Sanity is madness put to good use.—George Santayana

In Step Two we come to believe a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. In a way, as we work Step Two, we’re praying that our madness can be put to good use. This is just what happens. Addiction was wrecking our life. But it’s also our addiction that forced us into a new way of life.

As long as we remember what our madness was like, we can put it to good use. When we feel like giving up, let’s remember our madness. It will help us go on. When we see someone suffering from the illness of addiction, let’s remember our days of madness. It will help us be there for that person. It’s also good to remember that our madness is only a pill or a drink away.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I believe You can put my madness to good use. I give up my madness; do with it what You want.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list a couple ways my Higher Power and I have changed my madness into sanity.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Conforming your emotions to match someone else’s expectations is like pounding a round peg into a square hole. Your intentions may be good, but nothing you do makes for a smooth fit. Although you cherish the notion of pleasing someone you love or respect, it’s healthier in the long run to be true to your own heart. You must confront your own fear of rejection before you can speak your truth. Psychologist Brené Brown wrote, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

DR – February 10, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 10, 2018:

Daily Reflection

THE LIMITS OF SELF-RELIANCE

We asked ourselves why we had them [fears]. Wasn’t it because self-reliance failed us?

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.68

All of my character defects separate me from God’s will. When I ignore my association with Him I face the world and my alcoholism alone and must depend on self-reliance.
I have never found security and happiness through self-will and the only result is a life of fear and discontent. God provides the path back to Him and to His gift of security and comfort. First, however, I must be willing to acknowledge my fears and understand their source and power over me. I frequently ask God to help me understand how I separate myself from Him.

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

Big Book Quote

“When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 64~

Keep It Simple

Sanity is madness put to good use.-–George Santayana

In Step Two we come to believe a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. In a way, as we work Step Two, we’re praying that our madness can be put to good use. This is just what happens. Addiction was wrecking our life. But it’s also our addiction that forced us into a new way of life.

As long as we remember what our madness was like, we can put it to good use. When we feel like giving up, let’s remember our madness. It will help us go on. When we see someone suffering from the illness of addiction, let’s remember our days of madness. It will help us be there for that person. It’s also good to remember that our madness is only a pill or a drink away.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I believe You can put my madness to good use. I give up my madness; do with it what You want.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list a couple ways my Higher Power and I have changed my madness into sanity.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You want to throw caution to the wind and start a project today, but unanswered concerns urge you to reconsider your intended actions again and again. Acknowledging your gut instincts is prudent since logic doesn’t always lead to the best answer. You must be extra careful because you could talk yourself into doing nearly anything now. If your uncertainty lingers, lean on someone you trust to play the role of reality checker. Nelson Mandela said, “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

 

DR – February 9, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 9, 2018:

Daily Reflection

GETTING THE “SPIRITUAL ANGLE”

How often do we sit in AA meetings and hear the speaker declare, “But I haven’t yet got the spiritual angle.” Prior to this statement, he had described a miracle of transformation which had occurred in him—not only his release from alcohol, but a complete change in his whole attitude toward life and the living of it. It is apparent to nearly everyone else present that he has received a great gift; “. . . except that he doesn’t seem to know it yet!” We well know that this questioning individual will tell us six months or a year hence that he has found faith in God.

— THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 275

A spiritual experience can be the realization that a life which once seemed empty and devoid of meaning is now joyous and full. In my life today, daily prayer and meditation, coupled with living the Twelve Steps, has brought about an inner peace and feeling of belonging which was missing when I was drinking.

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

Big Book Quote

“If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to alcohol.”

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

Keep It Simple

You may be very proud of your recent contribution to a group effort, but don’t understand the mixed reviews you are currently receiving. Some people appear to go out of their way to make sure you know how much they appreciate all your hard work. But there are others who are more critical and point out your shortcomings. Look for the nuggets of truth in the feedback and let the rest go. Actor Spencer Tracy said, “It is up to us to give ourselves recognition. If we wait for it to come from others, we feel resentful when it doesn’t, and when it does, we may well reject it.”

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may be very proud of your recent contribution to a group effort, but don’t understand the mixed reviews you are currently receiving. Some people appear to go out of their way to make sure you know how much they appreciate all your hard work. But there are others who are more critical and point out your shortcomings. Look for the nuggets of truth in the feedback and let the rest go. Actor Spencer Tracy said, “It is up to us to give ourselves recognition. If we wait for it to come from others, we feel resentful when it doesn’t, and when it does, we may well reject it.”

DR – February 8, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 8, 2018:

Daily Reflection

CONVINCING “MR. HYDE”

Even then, as we hew away, peace and joy may still elude us. That’s the place so many of us A.A. oldsters have come to. And it’s a hell of a spot, literally. How shall our unconscious—from which so many of our fears, compulsions, and phony aspirations still stream—be brought into line with what we actually believe, know, and want! How to convince our dumb, raging, and hidden “Mr. Hyde” becomes our main task.

— THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 237

Regular attendance at meetings, serving and helping others is the recipe that many have tried and found to be successful. Whenever I stray from these basic principles, my old habits resurface and my old self also comes back with all its fears and defects. The ultimate goal of each A.A. member is permanent sobriety, achieved One Day at a Time.

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

Big Book Quote

“Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was going to be our Director. He is the Principal; we are His agents. He is the Father, and we are His children. Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom.”

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

Keep It Simple

H.A.L.T. — AA Slogan

H.A.L.T. stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. These feelings can be danger to us. They can lead us away from our program. We need to eat regular meals. When we get too hungry, we get cranky. Then we say and do things we regret. We need to turn anger over to our Higher Power, or else our anger turns into rage. We need friends to help us in recovery. If we get to lonely, we may turn our addictive way for friendship. We don’t stay sober by ourselves. We need a clear mind to deal with life. If we get too tried, we tend to feel sorry for ourselves. Being tired get us into crazy thinking.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, remind me to H.A.L.T. Help me to not get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll review the four parts of H.A.L.T. In which areas do I practice good self-care? In which areas do I not? How can I improve?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You can accomplish anything today if you set ambitious goals and then commit to reaching them. Unfortunately, your fear of failure may be so overwhelming that you resist taking the first step on your journey. But no one has ever succeeded unless they actually try. Luckily, you are in possession of a secret weapon now, which unfolds like a parachute once you jump. You have the extraordinary capability to conjure up a vision, develop a strategy to manifest it, and then execute your plan on point. Don’t waste time dreaming about your success; just get out of your own way and make it happen.

DR – February 7, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 7, 2018:

Daily Reflection

A PATH TO FAITH

True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that God will restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves to Him.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 33

My last drunk had landed me in the hospital, totally broken. It was then that I was able to see my past float in front of me. I realized that, through drinking, I had lived every nightmare I had ever had. My own self-will and obsession to drink had driven me into a dark pit of hallucinations, blackouts and despair. Finally beaten, I asked for God’s help. His presence told me to believe. My obsession for alcohol was taken away and my paranoia has since been lifted. I am no longer afraid. I know my life is healthy and sane.

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

Big Book Quote

“When people presented us with spiritual approaches, how frequently did we all say, “I wish I had what that man has. Im sure it would work if I could only believe as he believes. But I cannot accept as surely true the many articles of faith which are so plain to him.” So it was comforting to learn that we could commence at a simpler level.”

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

Keep It Simple

I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.
—Helen Keller

None of us ever wanted to be addicts. It’s not what we would choose to be— just as no one would choose to blind and deaf. Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf, told of how her problems became her biggest gift. Through them, she found true meaning in her life. We can accept our handicap—our addiction— and learn from it. The truth is, we’re all handicapped in some way. Recovery is about facing our addiction and learning to live with it. When we see we can’t do things alone, we see the need for a Higher Power.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me see myself as I really am. Give me the serenity that comes from accepting my handicaps.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list all the ways I am handicapped. I’ll ask myself, “What gift does each of these hold for me?”

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

It really doesn’t matter how young or old you are now, your inner child is poised and ready to rise to the occasion. However, people expect you to meet your obligations before heading out to the playground for a self-declared recess. Nevertheless, you could get away with a well-timed escape if you plan it in advance. But overextending your break would be a mistake. The sooner you return to work, the earlier you’ll be able to call it quits for the day. Neale Donald Walsh wrote, “The struggle ends when gratitude begins.”

DR – February 6, 2018

On By mikeykjrIn Daily Recovery Readings

Daily Recovery Readings for February 6, 2018:

Daily Reflection

A RALLYING POINT

Therefore, Step Two is the rallying point for all of us. “Whether agnostic, atheist, or former believer, we can stand together on this Step.

~TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 33

I feel that A.A. is a God-inspired program and that God is at every A.A. meeting. I see, believe, and have come to know that A.A. works, because I have stayed sober today. I am turning my life over to A.A. and to God by going to an A.A. meeting. If God is in my heart and He speaks to me through other people, then I must be a channel of God to other people. I should seek to do His will by living spiritual principles and my reward will be sanity and emotional sobriety.

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

Big Book Quote

“We meet frequently so that newcomers may find the fellowship they seek.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 15~

Keep It Simple

We will not know unless we begin.——-Howard Zinn

Let us begin! Whether it be working on our First Step, Finding a sponsor, or talking to someone we hurt—Let us begin. Doubt will set in if we wait too long. Fear will follow. So, let us begin. We learn by doing. Recovery is for doers. Sobriety doesn’t just happen. We create it. We create it by working the Steps and learning from them. We’ll never totally understand the Steps unless we work them. In the same way, we’ll never learn how to have friends unless we try. So, call your friends, instead of waiting to be called. Begin and begin again. Each day is a new beginning.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, today I’ll begin. I begin by asking for Your help and love. Be with me as I go through my day. Help me work for progress, not perfection.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll not sit on the sidelines. I’ll be a doer. I’ll decide what to do to move closer to friends, family, Higher Power, and myself.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You are driven by your need to express what’s in your heart today, but it might not be as easy as it sounds. Part of the problem is the intensity of your current feelings, and you’re concerned that a direct approach will be upsetting to others. Although you could, in fact, shock people with your matter-of-fact style now, their reactions to your truth is not your problem unless you let it become one. Trust the process of disclosure, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. President Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”