Milkman's Recovery Reflections - July 1
Habits
A key factor in distinguishing a bad habit from an addiction or mental disease is the element of willpower. If a person still seems to have control over the behavior then it is just a habit. Good intentions are able to override the negative effect of bad habits but their effect seems to be independent and additive—the bad habits remain but are subdued rather than cancelled.
For me it was a "habit" to stop in the local pub after work with the guys for a few beers after a hard days labor each day. I grew up in a town that was called the "Industrial City", and in the group of people that I associated with in my early years, this was the norm. The largest percentage of those could stop, have a beer or two, and then head on home to their families. For myself and a few others, we would continue to drink, sometimes late into the day or night.
In my early years it was a habit at first, but for me, it became addiction quickly. For others, it became addiction over time. At first, my "will power" was able to subdue that drinking to just a few, but it wasn't long before I had lost all control. Addiction had set in and my body and mind had to have all the alcohol I could feed it.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Just For Today - July 1 - A Simple Program
A Simple Program
"The program is simply sharing, working the Twelve Steps, attending meetings, and practicing the principles of the program."
Basic Text, p.188
Our complicated lives can be made a lot less complicated if we concentrate on a few simple things-sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others, regular meeting attendance, and practicing the principles of the program in our daily lives.
By sharing our experience, strength, and hope with other addicts, we provide a powerful example for newcomers to follow. The effort we put into helping others also helps keep self centeredness, the core of our disease, at bay.
Many of us pick one group, a "home group" whose meetings we attend faithfully. This regularity gives some routine to our lives, and lets others know where they can find us if they need us.
Practicing the Twelve Steps in our daily lives makes the difference between a balanced recovery and simply not using. The steps give us some much-needed guidance in managing our everyday affairs.
Yes, we are complex people. But the NA program simplifies our lives, enabling us to live a life free from active addiction. Our lives can be filled with serenity and hope when we live by the guidance of the simple principles of our program.
Just for today: I will remember that, while I am a complex person, NA is the simplest way for me to make my life less complicated.
pg. 191
"The program is simply sharing, working the Twelve Steps, attending meetings, and practicing the principles of the program."
Basic Text, p.188
Our complicated lives can be made a lot less complicated if we concentrate on a few simple things-sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others, regular meeting attendance, and practicing the principles of the program in our daily lives.
By sharing our experience, strength, and hope with other addicts, we provide a powerful example for newcomers to follow. The effort we put into helping others also helps keep self centeredness, the core of our disease, at bay.
Many of us pick one group, a "home group" whose meetings we attend faithfully. This regularity gives some routine to our lives, and lets others know where they can find us if they need us.
Practicing the Twelve Steps in our daily lives makes the difference between a balanced recovery and simply not using. The steps give us some much-needed guidance in managing our everyday affairs.
Yes, we are complex people. But the NA program simplifies our lives, enabling us to live a life free from active addiction. Our lives can be filled with serenity and hope when we live by the guidance of the simple principles of our program.
Just for today: I will remember that, while I am a complex person, NA is the simplest way for me to make my life less complicated.
pg. 191
Just for Today - June 30 | Milkman's Sober Living
Just for Today - June 30 | Milkman's Sober Living: June 30
Maintaining The Foundation
"Our newly found faith serves as a firm foundation for courage in the future."
Basic Text p. 93
The foundation of our lives is what the rest of our lives is built upon. When we were using, that foundation affected everything we did. When we decided that recovery was important, that's where we began to put our energy. As a result, our whole lives changed. In order to maintain those new lives, we must maintain the foundation of those lives: our recovery program.
As we stay clean and our lifestyles change, our priorities will also change. Work and school may become important because they improve the quality of our lives. And new relationships may bring excitement and mutual support. But we need to remember that our recovery program is the foundation upon which our new lives are built. Each day, we must renew our commitment to recovery, maintaining that as our top priority.
Just for today: I want to continue enjoying the life I've found in recovery. Today, I will take steps to maintain my foundation.
pg. 188
Maintaining The Foundation
"Our newly found faith serves as a firm foundation for courage in the future."
Basic Text p. 93
The foundation of our lives is what the rest of our lives is built upon. When we were using, that foundation affected everything we did. When we decided that recovery was important, that's where we began to put our energy. As a result, our whole lives changed. In order to maintain those new lives, we must maintain the foundation of those lives: our recovery program.
As we stay clean and our lifestyles change, our priorities will also change. Work and school may become important because they improve the quality of our lives. And new relationships may bring excitement and mutual support. But we need to remember that our recovery program is the foundation upon which our new lives are built. Each day, we must renew our commitment to recovery, maintaining that as our top priority.
Just for today: I want to continue enjoying the life I've found in recovery. Today, I will take steps to maintain my foundation.
pg. 188
twenty-four hours a day for June 30 | Milkman's Sober Living
twenty-four hours a day for June 30 | Milkman's Sober Living: A.A. Thought for the Day
Alcoholics are unable or unwilling, during their addiction to alcohol, to live in the present. The result is that they live in a constant state or remorse and fear because of their unholy past and its morbid attraction, or the uncertain future and its vague forebodings. So the only real hope for the alcoholic is to face the present. Now is the time. Now is ours. The past is beyond recall. The future is as uncertain as life itself. Only the now belongs to us. AM I LIVING IN THE NOW?
Meditation for the Day
I must forget the past as much as possible. The past is over and gone forever. Nothing can be done about the past, except to make what restitution I can. I must not carry the burden of my past failures. I must go on in faith. The clouds will clear and the way will lighten. The path will become less stony with every forward step I take. God has no reproach for anything that He has healed. I can be made whole and free, even though I have wrecked my life in the past. Remember the saying: "Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more."
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not carry the burden of the past. I pray that I may cast it off and press on in faith.
Alcoholics are unable or unwilling, during their addiction to alcohol, to live in the present. The result is that they live in a constant state or remorse and fear because of their unholy past and its morbid attraction, or the uncertain future and its vague forebodings. So the only real hope for the alcoholic is to face the present. Now is the time. Now is ours. The past is beyond recall. The future is as uncertain as life itself. Only the now belongs to us. AM I LIVING IN THE NOW?
Meditation for the Day
I must forget the past as much as possible. The past is over and gone forever. Nothing can be done about the past, except to make what restitution I can. I must not carry the burden of my past failures. I must go on in faith. The clouds will clear and the way will lighten. The path will become less stony with every forward step I take. God has no reproach for anything that He has healed. I can be made whole and free, even though I have wrecked my life in the past. Remember the saying: "Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more."
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not carry the burden of the past. I pray that I may cast it off and press on in faith.
daily reflections for June 30-SACRIFICE=UNITY=SURVIVAL | Milkman's Sober Living
daily reflections for June 30-SACRIFICE=UNITY=SURVIVAL | Milkman's Sober Living: Sacrifice=Unity=Survival
The unity, the effectiveness, and even the survival of A.A. will always depend upon our continued willingness to give up some of our personal ambitions and desires for the common safety and welfare. Just as sacrifice means survival for the individual alcoholic, so does sacrifice mean unity and survival for the group and for A.A.'s entire Fellowship.
As Bill Sees It,p.220
I have learned that I must sacrifice some of my personality traits for the good of A.A. and, as a result, I have been rewarded with many gifts. False pride can be inflated through prestige but, by living Traditions Six, I receive the gift of humility instead. Cooperation without affiliation is often deceiving. If I remain unrelated to outside interests, I am free to keep A.A. autonomous. Then the Fellowship will be here, healthy and strong for generations to come.
The unity, the effectiveness, and even the survival of A.A. will always depend upon our continued willingness to give up some of our personal ambitions and desires for the common safety and welfare. Just as sacrifice means survival for the individual alcoholic, so does sacrifice mean unity and survival for the group and for A.A.'s entire Fellowship.
As Bill Sees It,p.220
I have learned that I must sacrifice some of my personality traits for the good of A.A. and, as a result, I have been rewarded with many gifts. False pride can be inflated through prestige but, by living Traditions Six, I receive the gift of humility instead. Cooperation without affiliation is often deceiving. If I remain unrelated to outside interests, I am free to keep A.A. autonomous. Then the Fellowship will be here, healthy and strong for generations to come.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Milkman's Recovery Reflections - June 30
Milkman's Recovery Reflections - June 30
Step Three:
Below are paragraphs from my written 3rd step from about 9 years ago. I have changed a few words to fit in for the present. The first three steps were very hard for me to "work", but today I feel the impact of following thru with them. I will have 12 years clean and sober on October 30 of this year. If I can do it......... SO CAN YOU!!!
Written: Saturday, October 04, 2003 11:51:32 AM
It’s hard to admit when I’m wrong, and not control situations or try to do so. I realize that I must work on this as it is, and has been one of my character defects. I just don’t like to be wrong. I believe that I need to turn areas of my life to a higher power so that I don’t keep making the same mistakes and ending up with the same results of the past.
By living my life on my own will, it resulted in many jail and prison "vacations", lost jobs, family and friends. It kept me stagnant causing me to “start over” in life many, many times. It kept me from attaining security for family and myself. It helped to cause me to pass on my life style and addiction to my sons.
In the past, before the start of my recovery, I tried to use my own will to stay clean. I tried going to AA, but I don’t think that I was ready to be clean and sober. My heart wasn’t in it. I could stay clean for a few days, but would start with “one” and then go from there right back to full blown addiction.
I tried to stop on numerous occasions to stay clean and sober, but my will alone wasn’t strong enough.
I tried to stop on numerous occasions to stay clean and sober, but my will alone wasn’t strong enough.
My self-will made me cheat my family out of love and material things. I stole from employers for my addiction and self gain. My self will affected just about everyone I came in contact with.
I believe that God has power and control over my life. I also feel that the 12 step programs are part of my higher power. I know that if I pray, or if I believe in the program, that things usually turn out much better. When things are not, then they help me to accept them and try to do something positive about them.
By turning my will over to the care of God, I am asking for his will and guidance to do the things that will keep me clean and sober, and to live a good life. I have already admitted and came to believe, and now I have turned my will and life over to him.
“We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.”
The central action in Step Three is a decision. The idea of making that decision may terrify us, especially when we look at what we’re deciding to do in this step. Making a decision, any decision, is something most of us haven’t done in a long time. We’ve had our decisions made for us; by our addiction, by the authorities, or just by default because we didn’t want the responsibility of deciding anything for ourselves. When we add to this the concept of entrusting the care of our will and our lives to something that most of us don’t understand at this point, we may just think this whole thing is beyond us and start looking for a shortcut or an easier way to work our programs. These thoughts are dangerous, for when we take shortcuts in our program, we short-circuit our recovery. (from the NA Step 3 Workbook Guide)
Milkman’s Reflections in Recovery - June 29
Milkman’s Reflections in Recovery
Step Two: Was there really a power greater than myself? But I was invincible; there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do if I set my mind to it! Anything I tell ya, anything but not drinking or taking drugs. I tried so many times to quit drinking and drugging, but could never manage more than a couple of days at a time unless I was incarcerated. The jail time came more and more frequent as I got older, and finally I hit the “Big House”. Even after losing all that I had: family, friends, home, along with my freedom, dignity and self respect, I couldn’t stop the active addictions I had.
Having abandoned God so many years before, I didn’t think at first that he would help me if I asked. How wrong I was, I had abandoned HIM, HE hadn’t abandoned me. While in the Prison Program, another inmate came into my life. He was doing mail bible study and got me interested, at first to pass the time, and eventually I started remembering the early religious training I had and got into it. It was this re-association with GOD, in hand with the group sessions, and the 12 steps that let me come to believe that there was a power greater than myself that could restore me to sanity. All I had to do was ASK for help, which I did, and it was there.
Twelve step programs say that you don’t need to believe in GOD, just a higher power, but for me, I need to. I need the prayer in my life and HE is the only one I want to pray to. It works for me, maybe you too and maybe not. Whatever works for you, work it, but don’t try to do it alone. It’s OK to say “I don’t know” and “It’s OK to ask for help”. I have a long way to go but I get better every day. You can too, and you’re worth it, to yourself and your family.
“We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
The Second Step fills the void we feel when we’ve finished Step One. As we approach Step Two, we begin to consider that maybe, just maybe, there’s a Power greater than ourselves-a Power capable of healing our hurt, calming our confusion, and restoring our sanity.
Step Two: Was there really a power greater than myself? But I was invincible; there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do if I set my mind to it! Anything I tell ya, anything but not drinking or taking drugs. I tried so many times to quit drinking and drugging, but could never manage more than a couple of days at a time unless I was incarcerated. The jail time came more and more frequent as I got older, and finally I hit the “Big House”. Even after losing all that I had: family, friends, home, along with my freedom, dignity and self respect, I couldn’t stop the active addictions I had.
Having abandoned God so many years before, I didn’t think at first that he would help me if I asked. How wrong I was, I had abandoned HIM, HE hadn’t abandoned me. While in the Prison Program, another inmate came into my life. He was doing mail bible study and got me interested, at first to pass the time, and eventually I started remembering the early religious training I had and got into it. It was this re-association with GOD, in hand with the group sessions, and the 12 steps that let me come to believe that there was a power greater than myself that could restore me to sanity. All I had to do was ASK for help, which I did, and it was there.
Twelve step programs say that you don’t need to believe in GOD, just a higher power, but for me, I need to. I need the prayer in my life and HE is the only one I want to pray to. It works for me, maybe you too and maybe not. Whatever works for you, work it, but don’t try to do it alone. It’s OK to say “I don’t know” and “It’s OK to ask for help”. I have a long way to go but I get better every day. You can too, and you’re worth it, to yourself and your family.
“We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
The Second Step fills the void we feel when we’ve finished Step One. As we approach Step Two, we begin to consider that maybe, just maybe, there’s a Power greater than ourselves-a Power capable of healing our hurt, calming our confusion, and restoring our sanity.
daily reflections for June 29-A RIPPLING EFFECT | Milkman's Sober Living
daily reflections for June 29-A RIPPLING EFFECT | Milkman's Sober Living: A Rippling Effect
Having learned to live so happily,we'd show everyone else how. ...Yes, we of A.A. did dream those dreams. How natural that was, since most alcoholics are bankrupt idealists. ...So why shouln't we share our way of life with everyone?
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,p.156
The great discovery of sobriety led me to feel the need to spread the "good news" to the world around me. The grandiose thoughts of my drinking days returned. Later, I learned that concentrating on my own recovery was a full-time process. As I became a sober citizen in this world, I observed a rippling effect which, without any conscious effort on my part, reached my "related facility or outside enterprise," without diverting me from my primary purpose of staying sober and helping other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Having learned to live so happily,we'd show everyone else how. ...Yes, we of A.A. did dream those dreams. How natural that was, since most alcoholics are bankrupt idealists. ...So why shouln't we share our way of life with everyone?
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,p.156
The great discovery of sobriety led me to feel the need to spread the "good news" to the world around me. The grandiose thoughts of my drinking days returned. Later, I learned that concentrating on my own recovery was a full-time process. As I became a sober citizen in this world, I observed a rippling effect which, without any conscious effort on my part, reached my "related facility or outside enterprise," without diverting me from my primary purpose of staying sober and helping other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
twenty-four hours a day for June 29 | Milkman's Sober Living
twenty-four hours a day for June 29 | Milkman's Sober Living:
A.A. Thought for the Day
The program of Alcoholics Anonymous involves a continuous striving for improvements. There can be no long resting period. We must try to work at it all the time. We must continually keep in mind that it is a program not to be measured in years, because we never fully reach our goals nor are we ever cured. Our alcoholism is only kept in abeyance by daily living of the program. It is a timeless program in every sense. We live it day by day, or more precisely, moment by moment--now. AM I ALWAYS STRIVING FOR IMPROVEMENT?
Meditation for the Day
Life is all a preparation for something better to come. God has a plan for your life and it will work out, if you try to do His will. God has things planned for you, far beyond what you can imagine now. But you msut prepare yourself so that you will be ready for the better things to come. Now is the time for discipline and prayer. The time of expression will come later. Life can be flooded through and through with joy and gladness. So prepare yourself for those better things to come.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may prepare myself for better things that God has in store for me. I pray that I may trust God for the future.
A.A. Thought for the Day
The program of Alcoholics Anonymous involves a continuous striving for improvements. There can be no long resting period. We must try to work at it all the time. We must continually keep in mind that it is a program not to be measured in years, because we never fully reach our goals nor are we ever cured. Our alcoholism is only kept in abeyance by daily living of the program. It is a timeless program in every sense. We live it day by day, or more precisely, moment by moment--now. AM I ALWAYS STRIVING FOR IMPROVEMENT?
Meditation for the Day
Life is all a preparation for something better to come. God has a plan for your life and it will work out, if you try to do His will. God has things planned for you, far beyond what you can imagine now. But you msut prepare yourself so that you will be ready for the better things to come. Now is the time for discipline and prayer. The time of expression will come later. Life can be flooded through and through with joy and gladness. So prepare yourself for those better things to come.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may prepare myself for better things that God has in store for me. I pray that I may trust God for the future.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Just for Today - June 29
Just for Today - June 29
Keeping Recovery Fresh
"Complacency is the enemy of members with substantial clean time. If we remain complacent for long, the recovery process ceases."
Basic Text, p.80
After the first couple of years in recovery, most of us start to feel like there are no more big deals. If we've been diligent in working the steps, the past is largely resolved and we have a solid foundation on which to build our future. We've learned to take life pretty much as it comes. Familiarity with the steps allows us to resolve problems almost as quickly as they arise.
Once we discover this level of comfort, we may tend to treat it as a "rest stop" on the recovery path. Doing so, however, discounts the nature of our disease. Addiction is patient, subtle, progressive, and incurable. It's also fatal-we can die from this disease, unless we continue to treat it. And the treatment for addiction is a vital, ongoing program of recovery.
The Twelve Steps are a process, a path we take to stay a step ahead of our disease. Meetings, sponsorship, service, and the steps always remain essential to ongoing recovery. Though we may practice our program somewhat differently with five years clean than with five months, this doesn't mean the program has changed or become less important, only that our practical understanding has changed and grown. To keep our recovery fresh and vital, we need to stay alert for opportunities to practice our program.
Just for today: As I keep growing in my recovery, I will search for new ways to practice my program.
pg. 187
Keeping Recovery Fresh
"Complacency is the enemy of members with substantial clean time. If we remain complacent for long, the recovery process ceases."
Basic Text, p.80
After the first couple of years in recovery, most of us start to feel like there are no more big deals. If we've been diligent in working the steps, the past is largely resolved and we have a solid foundation on which to build our future. We've learned to take life pretty much as it comes. Familiarity with the steps allows us to resolve problems almost as quickly as they arise.
Once we discover this level of comfort, we may tend to treat it as a "rest stop" on the recovery path. Doing so, however, discounts the nature of our disease. Addiction is patient, subtle, progressive, and incurable. It's also fatal-we can die from this disease, unless we continue to treat it. And the treatment for addiction is a vital, ongoing program of recovery.
The Twelve Steps are a process, a path we take to stay a step ahead of our disease. Meetings, sponsorship, service, and the steps always remain essential to ongoing recovery. Though we may practice our program somewhat differently with five years clean than with five months, this doesn't mean the program has changed or become less important, only that our practical understanding has changed and grown. To keep our recovery fresh and vital, we need to stay alert for opportunities to practice our program.
Just for today: As I keep growing in my recovery, I will search for new ways to practice my program.
pg. 187
twenty-four hours a day for June 28
twenty-four hours a day for June 28
A.A. Thought for the Day
You can prove to yourself that life is basically and fundamentally an inner attitude. Just try to remember what troubled you most a week ago. You probably will find it difficult to remember. Why then should you unduly worry or fret over the problems that arise today. Your attitude toward them can be changed by putting yourself and your problems in God's hands and trusting Him to see that everything will turn out all right, provided you are trying to do the right thing. Your changed mental attitude toward your problems relieves you of their burden and you can face them without fear. HAS MY MENTAL ATTITUDE CHANGED?
Meditation for the Day
You cannot see the future. It's a blessing that you cannot. You could not bear to know all the future. That is why God only reveals it to you day by day. The first step each day is to lay your will before God as an offering, ready for God to do what is best for you. Be sure that, if you trust God, what He does for you will be for the best. The second step is to be confident that God is powerful enough to do anything He wills, and that no miracle in human lives is impossible with Him. Then leave the future to God.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may gladly leave my future in God's hands. I pray that I may be confident that good things will happen, as long as I am on the right path.
A.A. Thought for the Day
You can prove to yourself that life is basically and fundamentally an inner attitude. Just try to remember what troubled you most a week ago. You probably will find it difficult to remember. Why then should you unduly worry or fret over the problems that arise today. Your attitude toward them can be changed by putting yourself and your problems in God's hands and trusting Him to see that everything will turn out all right, provided you are trying to do the right thing. Your changed mental attitude toward your problems relieves you of their burden and you can face them without fear. HAS MY MENTAL ATTITUDE CHANGED?
Meditation for the Day
You cannot see the future. It's a blessing that you cannot. You could not bear to know all the future. That is why God only reveals it to you day by day. The first step each day is to lay your will before God as an offering, ready for God to do what is best for you. Be sure that, if you trust God, what He does for you will be for the best. The second step is to be confident that God is powerful enough to do anything He wills, and that no miracle in human lives is impossible with Him. Then leave the future to God.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may gladly leave my future in God's hands. I pray that I may be confident that good things will happen, as long as I am on the right path.
daily reflections for June 28-THE DETERMINATION OF OUR FOUNDERS
daily reflections for June 28-THE DETERMINATION OF OUR FOUNDERS |
The Determination Of Our Founders
A year and six months later these three had succeeded with seven more.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.159
If it had not been for the fierce determination of our founders, A.A, would have quickly faded like so many other so-called good causes. I look at the hundreds of meetings weekly in the city where I live and I know A.A. is available twenty-four hours a day. If I had had to hang on with nothing but hope and a desire not to drink, experiencing rejection wherever I went, I would have sought the easier, softer way and returned to my previous way of life.
The Determination Of Our Founders
A year and six months later these three had succeeded with seven more.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.159
If it had not been for the fierce determination of our founders, A.A, would have quickly faded like so many other so-called good causes. I look at the hundreds of meetings weekly in the city where I live and I know A.A. is available twenty-four hours a day. If I had had to hang on with nothing but hope and a desire not to drink, experiencing rejection wherever I went, I would have sought the easier, softer way and returned to my previous way of life.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Recovery Reflections for Today - June 28
Recovery Reflections for Today - June 28
Recovery Reflections for Today
Step One: Admitting that I was an addict/alcoholic was very simple to do. The tough part was truly believing I was.
I was one of “those” that was court ordered to attend 12 step meetings as conditions of probation/parole for alcohol/drug related offenses. Manipulation was a trait that a lot of addictive people have and use in their daily lives to insure the next drink or drug. It was a trait I used often and “fitting in” to mandatory 12 step meetings I followed suit introducing myself as “Mike Alcoholic/Addict”. For many years I was in denial, not thinking that it was really true.
It wasn’t until I had “a rude awakening” while walking the “yard” in San Quentin State Prison in 1996 that I realized that those words were really true. I was an alcoholic addict and my life had become unmanageable. I had finally become HONEST with myself.
"We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable."
A "first" of anything is a beginning, and so it is with the steps: The First Step is the beginning of the recovery process. The healing starts here; we can't go any further until we've worked this step.
Recovery Reflections for Today
Step One: Admitting that I was an addict/alcoholic was very simple to do. The tough part was truly believing I was.
I was one of “those” that was court ordered to attend 12 step meetings as conditions of probation/parole for alcohol/drug related offenses. Manipulation was a trait that a lot of addictive people have and use in their daily lives to insure the next drink or drug. It was a trait I used often and “fitting in” to mandatory 12 step meetings I followed suit introducing myself as “Mike Alcoholic/Addict”. For many years I was in denial, not thinking that it was really true.
It wasn’t until I had “a rude awakening” while walking the “yard” in San Quentin State Prison in 1996 that I realized that those words were really true. I was an alcoholic addict and my life had become unmanageable. I had finally become HONEST with myself.
"We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable."
A "first" of anything is a beginning, and so it is with the steps: The First Step is the beginning of the recovery process. The healing starts here; we can't go any further until we've worked this step.
Just for Today - June 28 - Group Conscience
Just for Today - June 28 - Group Conscience
Group Conscience
"Working with others is only the beginning of service work."
Basic Text, p.56
Service work calls for a selfless devotion to carrying the message to the still-suffering addict. But our attitude of service cannot stop there. Service also requires that we look at ourselves and our motives. Our efforts at service make us highly visible to the fellowship. In NA, it is easy to become a "big fish in a small pond." Our controlling attitude can easily drive away the newcomer.
Group conscience is one of the most important principles in service. It is vital to remember that the group conscience is what counts, not just our individual beliefs and desires. We lend our thoughts and beliefs to the development of a group conscience. Then when that conscience arises, we accept its guidance. The key is working with others, not against them. If we remember that we strive together to develop a collective conscience, we will see that all sides have equal merit. When all the discussions are over, all sides will come back to carry a unified message.
It is often tempting to think that we know what is best for the group. If we remember that it doesn't matter if we get our way, then it is easier to allow service to be the vehicle it is intended to be - a way to carry the message to the addict who still suffers.
Just for today: I will take part in the development of group conscience. I will remember that the world won't end just because I don't get my way. I will think about our p[primary purpose in all my service efforts. I will reach out to a newcomer.
pg. 186
Group Conscience
"Working with others is only the beginning of service work."
Basic Text, p.56
Service work calls for a selfless devotion to carrying the message to the still-suffering addict. But our attitude of service cannot stop there. Service also requires that we look at ourselves and our motives. Our efforts at service make us highly visible to the fellowship. In NA, it is easy to become a "big fish in a small pond." Our controlling attitude can easily drive away the newcomer.
Group conscience is one of the most important principles in service. It is vital to remember that the group conscience is what counts, not just our individual beliefs and desires. We lend our thoughts and beliefs to the development of a group conscience. Then when that conscience arises, we accept its guidance. The key is working with others, not against them. If we remember that we strive together to develop a collective conscience, we will see that all sides have equal merit. When all the discussions are over, all sides will come back to carry a unified message.
It is often tempting to think that we know what is best for the group. If we remember that it doesn't matter if we get our way, then it is easier to allow service to be the vehicle it is intended to be - a way to carry the message to the addict who still suffers.
Just for today: I will take part in the development of group conscience. I will remember that the world won't end just because I don't get my way. I will think about our p[primary purpose in all my service efforts. I will reach out to a newcomer.
pg. 186
daily reflections for June 27-CONFORMING TO THE A.A. WAY | Milkman's Sober Living
daily reflections for June 27-CONFORMING TO THE A.A. WAY | Milkman's Sober Living: Conforming To The A.A. Way
We obey A.A.'s Steps and Traditions because we really want them for ourselves. It is no longer a question of good or evil; we conform because we genuinely want to conform. Such is our process of growth in unity and function. Such is the evidence of God's grace and love among us.
A.A. Comes Of Age,p.106
It is fun to watch myself grow in A.A. I fought conformity to A.A. principles from the moment I entered, but I learned from the pain of my belligerence that, in choosing to live the A.A. way of life, I opened myself to God's grace and love. Then I began to know the full meaning of being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
We obey A.A.'s Steps and Traditions because we really want them for ourselves. It is no longer a question of good or evil; we conform because we genuinely want to conform. Such is our process of growth in unity and function. Such is the evidence of God's grace and love among us.
A.A. Comes Of Age,p.106
It is fun to watch myself grow in A.A. I fought conformity to A.A. principles from the moment I entered, but I learned from the pain of my belligerence that, in choosing to live the A.A. way of life, I opened myself to God's grace and love. Then I began to know the full meaning of being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
twenty-four hours a day for June 27 | Milkman's Sober Living
twenty-four hours a day for June 27 | Milkman's Sober Living: A.A. Thought for the Day
If you can take your troubles as they come, if you can maintain your calm and composure amid pressing duties and unending engagements, if you can rise above the distressing and disturbing circumstances in which you are set down, you have discovered a priceless secret of daily living. Even if you are forced to go through life weighed down by some unescapable misfortune or handcap and yet live each day as it comes with poise and peace of mind, you have succeeded where most people have failed. You have wrought a greater achievement than a person who rules a nation. HAVE I ACHIEVED POISE AND PEACE OF MIND?
Meditation for the Day
Take a blessing with you wherever you go. You have been blessed, so bless others. Such stores of blessings are awaiting you in the months and years that lie ahead. Pass on your blessings. Blessing can and does go around the world, passed on from one person to another. Shed a little blessing in the heart of one person. That person is cheered to pass it on, and so God's vitalizing, joy-giving message travels on. Be a transmitter of God's blessings.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may pass on my blessings. I pray that they may flow into the lives of others.
If you can take your troubles as they come, if you can maintain your calm and composure amid pressing duties and unending engagements, if you can rise above the distressing and disturbing circumstances in which you are set down, you have discovered a priceless secret of daily living. Even if you are forced to go through life weighed down by some unescapable misfortune or handcap and yet live each day as it comes with poise and peace of mind, you have succeeded where most people have failed. You have wrought a greater achievement than a person who rules a nation. HAVE I ACHIEVED POISE AND PEACE OF MIND?
Meditation for the Day
Take a blessing with you wherever you go. You have been blessed, so bless others. Such stores of blessings are awaiting you in the months and years that lie ahead. Pass on your blessings. Blessing can and does go around the world, passed on from one person to another. Shed a little blessing in the heart of one person. That person is cheered to pass it on, and so God's vitalizing, joy-giving message travels on. Be a transmitter of God's blessings.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may pass on my blessings. I pray that they may flow into the lives of others.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Just for Today - June 27 - Change and Growth
Just for Today - June 27 - Change and Growth | Milkman's Sober Living:
Change And Growth
"When someone points out a shortcoming, our first reaction may be defensive. There will always be room for growth."
Basic Text, p. 35
Recovery is a process that brings about change in our lives. We need that change if we are to continue our growth toward freedom. It's important that we remain open-minded when others point out our shortcomings, for they are bringing to light opportunities for us to change and grow. Reacting defensively limits our ability to receive the help they are offering us; letting go of our defenses opens the door to change, growth, and new freedom.
Each day in the recovery process will bring an opportunity for further change and growth. The more we learn to greet change with an open mind and heart, the more we will grow and the more comfortable we will become with our recovery.
Just for today: I will greet each opportunity for growth with an open mind.
Pg. 185
Change And Growth
"When someone points out a shortcoming, our first reaction may be defensive. There will always be room for growth."
Basic Text, p. 35
Recovery is a process that brings about change in our lives. We need that change if we are to continue our growth toward freedom. It's important that we remain open-minded when others point out our shortcomings, for they are bringing to light opportunities for us to change and grow. Reacting defensively limits our ability to receive the help they are offering us; letting go of our defenses opens the door to change, growth, and new freedom.
Each day in the recovery process will bring an opportunity for further change and growth. The more we learn to greet change with an open mind and heart, the more we will grow and the more comfortable we will become with our recovery.
Just for today: I will greet each opportunity for growth with an open mind.
Pg. 185
twenty-four hours a day for June 26
twenty-four hours a day for June 26 | Milkman's Sober Living:
A.A. Thought for the Day
We must know the nature of our weakness before we can determine how to deal with it. When we are honest about its presence, we may discover that it is imaginary and can be overcome by a change of thinking. We admit that we are alcoholics and we would be foolish if we refused to accept our handicap and do something about it. So by honestly facing our weakness and keeping ever present the knowledge that for us alcoholism is a disease with which we are afflicted, we can take the necessary steps to arrest it. HAVE I FULLY ACCEPTED MY HANDICAP?
Meditation for the Day
There is a proper time for everything. I must learn not to do things at the wrong time, that is, before I am ready or before conditions are right. It is always a temptation to do something at once, instead of waiting until the proper time. Timing is important. I must learn, in the little daily situations of life, to delay action until I am sure that I am doing the right thing at the right time. So many lives lack balance and timing. In the momentous decisions and crises of life, they may ask God's guidance, but into the small situations of life, they rush alone.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may delay action until I feel that I am doing the right thing. I pray that I may not rush in alone.
A.A. Thought for the Day
We must know the nature of our weakness before we can determine how to deal with it. When we are honest about its presence, we may discover that it is imaginary and can be overcome by a change of thinking. We admit that we are alcoholics and we would be foolish if we refused to accept our handicap and do something about it. So by honestly facing our weakness and keeping ever present the knowledge that for us alcoholism is a disease with which we are afflicted, we can take the necessary steps to arrest it. HAVE I FULLY ACCEPTED MY HANDICAP?
Meditation for the Day
There is a proper time for everything. I must learn not to do things at the wrong time, that is, before I am ready or before conditions are right. It is always a temptation to do something at once, instead of waiting until the proper time. Timing is important. I must learn, in the little daily situations of life, to delay action until I am sure that I am doing the right thing at the right time. So many lives lack balance and timing. In the momentous decisions and crises of life, they may ask God's guidance, but into the small situations of life, they rush alone.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may delay action until I feel that I am doing the right thing. I pray that I may not rush in alone.
daily reflections for June 26-A GIFT THAT GROWS WITH TIME
daily reflections for June 26-A GIFT THAT GROWS WITH TIME | Milkman's Sober Living:
A Gift That Grows With Time
For most normal folks, drinking means conviviality, companionship and colorful imagination. It means release from care, boredom and worry. It is joyous intimacy with friends and a feeling that life is good.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.151
The longer I chased these elusive feelings with alcohol, the more out of reach they were. However, by applying this passage to my sobriety, I found that it described the magnificent new life made available to me by the A.A. program. "It" truly does "get better" one day at a time. The warmth, the love and the joy so simply expressed in these words grow in breadth and depth each time I read it. Sobriety is a gift that grows with time.
A Gift That Grows With Time
For most normal folks, drinking means conviviality, companionship and colorful imagination. It means release from care, boredom and worry. It is joyous intimacy with friends and a feeling that life is good.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.151
The longer I chased these elusive feelings with alcohol, the more out of reach they were. However, by applying this passage to my sobriety, I found that it described the magnificent new life made available to me by the A.A. program. "It" truly does "get better" one day at a time. The warmth, the love and the joy so simply expressed in these words grow in breadth and depth each time I read it. Sobriety is a gift that grows with time.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Just for Today - June 26 - Surrendering Self-Will
Just for Today - June 26 - Surrendering Self-Will | Milkman's Sober Living: Surrendering Self-Will
"Our fears are lessened and faith begins to grow as we learn the true meaning of surrender. We are no longer fighting fear, anger, guilt, self-pity, or depression."
Basic Text p. 26
Surrender is the beginning of a new way of life. When driven primarily by self-will, we constantly wondered whether we'd covered all the bases, whether we'd manipulated that person in just the right way to achieve our ends, whether we'd missed a critical detail in our efforts to control and manage the world.
We either felt afraid, fearing our schemes would fail; angry or self-pitying when they fell through; or guilty when we pulled them off. It was hard, living on self-will, but we didn't know any other way.
Not that surrender is always easy. On the contrary, surrender can be difficult, especially in the beginning. Still, it's easier to trust God, a Power capable of managing our lives, than to trust only ourselves, whose lives are unmanageable. And the more we surrender, the easier it gets.
When we turn our will and our lives over to the care of our Higher Power, all we have to do is our part, as responsibly and conscientiously as we can. Then we can leave the results up to our Higher Power. By surrendering, acting on faith, and living our lives according to the simple spiritual principles of this program, we can stop worrying and start living.
Just for today: I will surrender self-will. I will seek knowledge of God's will for me and the power to carry it out. I will leave the results in my Higher Power's hands.
pg. 184
"Our fears are lessened and faith begins to grow as we learn the true meaning of surrender. We are no longer fighting fear, anger, guilt, self-pity, or depression."
Basic Text p. 26
Surrender is the beginning of a new way of life. When driven primarily by self-will, we constantly wondered whether we'd covered all the bases, whether we'd manipulated that person in just the right way to achieve our ends, whether we'd missed a critical detail in our efforts to control and manage the world.
We either felt afraid, fearing our schemes would fail; angry or self-pitying when they fell through; or guilty when we pulled them off. It was hard, living on self-will, but we didn't know any other way.
Not that surrender is always easy. On the contrary, surrender can be difficult, especially in the beginning. Still, it's easier to trust God, a Power capable of managing our lives, than to trust only ourselves, whose lives are unmanageable. And the more we surrender, the easier it gets.
When we turn our will and our lives over to the care of our Higher Power, all we have to do is our part, as responsibly and conscientiously as we can. Then we can leave the results up to our Higher Power. By surrendering, acting on faith, and living our lives according to the simple spiritual principles of this program, we can stop worrying and start living.
Just for today: I will surrender self-will. I will seek knowledge of God's will for me and the power to carry it out. I will leave the results in my Higher Power's hands.
pg. 184
twenty-four hours a day for June 25 | Milkman's Sober Living
twenty-four hours a day for June 25 | Milkman's Sober Living:
A.A. Thought for the Day
One of the most encouraging facts of life is that your weakness can become your greatest asset. Kites and airplanes rise against the wind. In climbing up a high mountain, we need the stony crags and rough places to aid us in our climb. So your weakness can become an asset if you will face it, examine it, and trace it to its origin. Set it in the very center of your mind. No weakness, such as drinking, ever turned into an asset until it was first fairly faced. AM I MAKING MY WEAKNESS MY GREATEST ASSET?
Meditation for the Day
Whenever we seek to worship God, we think of the great universe that God rules over, of creation, of mighty law and order throughout the universe. Then we feel the awe that precedes worship. I too must feel awe, feel the desire to worship God in wondering amazement. My mind is in a box of space and time and it is so made that I cannot conceive of what is beyond space or time, the limitless and the eternal. But I know that there must be something beyond space and time, and that something must be the limitless and eternal Power behind the universe. I also know that I can experience that Power in my life.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may accept the limitless and eternal Spirit. I pray that it may express Itself in my life.
A.A. Thought for the Day
One of the most encouraging facts of life is that your weakness can become your greatest asset. Kites and airplanes rise against the wind. In climbing up a high mountain, we need the stony crags and rough places to aid us in our climb. So your weakness can become an asset if you will face it, examine it, and trace it to its origin. Set it in the very center of your mind. No weakness, such as drinking, ever turned into an asset until it was first fairly faced. AM I MAKING MY WEAKNESS MY GREATEST ASSET?
Meditation for the Day
Whenever we seek to worship God, we think of the great universe that God rules over, of creation, of mighty law and order throughout the universe. Then we feel the awe that precedes worship. I too must feel awe, feel the desire to worship God in wondering amazement. My mind is in a box of space and time and it is so made that I cannot conceive of what is beyond space or time, the limitless and the eternal. But I know that there must be something beyond space and time, and that something must be the limitless and eternal Power behind the universe. I also know that I can experience that Power in my life.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may accept the limitless and eternal Spirit. I pray that it may express Itself in my life.
daily reflections for June 25-A TWO-WAY STREET
daily reflections for June 25-A TWO-WAY STREET | Milkman's Sober Living: A Two-Way Street
If we ask, God will certainly forgive our derelictions. But in no case does He render us white as snow and keep us that way without our cooperation.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,p.65
When I prayed, I used to omit a lot of things for which I needed to be forgiven. I thought that if I didn't mention these things to God, He would never know about them. I did not know that if I had just forgiven myself for some of my past deeds, God would forgive me also. I was always taught to prepare for the journey through life, never realizing until I came to A.A.-- when I honestly became willing to be taught forgiveness and forgiving-- that life itself is the journey. The journey of life is a very happy one, as long as I am willing to accept change and responsibility.
If we ask, God will certainly forgive our derelictions. But in no case does He render us white as snow and keep us that way without our cooperation.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,p.65
When I prayed, I used to omit a lot of things for which I needed to be forgiven. I thought that if I didn't mention these things to God, He would never know about them. I did not know that if I had just forgiven myself for some of my past deeds, God would forgive me also. I was always taught to prepare for the journey through life, never realizing until I came to A.A.-- when I honestly became willing to be taught forgiveness and forgiving-- that life itself is the journey. The journey of life is a very happy one, as long as I am willing to accept change and responsibility.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Just for Today - June 25 | Milkman's Sober Living
Just for Today - June 25 | Milkman's Sober Living:
Not Just Lucky
"The process of coming to believe restores us to sanity. The strength to move into action comes from this belief."
Basic Text p. 24
Coming to believe is a process that stems from personal experience. Each of us has this experience; all addicts who find recovery in NA have solid evidence of a benevolent Power acting for good in their lives. Those of us who are recovering today, after all, are the fortunate ones. Many, many addicts die from our disease, never to experience what we have found in Narcotics Anonymous.
The process of coming to believe involves a willingness to recognize miracles for what they are. We share the miracle of being here clean, and each of us has other miracles that await only our acknowledgment. How many car accidents or overdoses or other near-catastrophes have we survived? Can we look back at our lives and see that we were not just "lucky"? Our experience in recovery, too, gives us examples of a Higher Power working for our good.
When we can look back at the evidence of a loving Higher Power acting on our behalf, it becomes possible to trust that this Higher Power will continue to help us in the future. And trust offers us the strength to move forward.
Just for today: My recovery is more than coincidence. My strength comes from the knowledge that my Higher Power has never let me down and will continue to guide me.
pg. 183
Not Just Lucky
"The process of coming to believe restores us to sanity. The strength to move into action comes from this belief."
Basic Text p. 24
Coming to believe is a process that stems from personal experience. Each of us has this experience; all addicts who find recovery in NA have solid evidence of a benevolent Power acting for good in their lives. Those of us who are recovering today, after all, are the fortunate ones. Many, many addicts die from our disease, never to experience what we have found in Narcotics Anonymous.
The process of coming to believe involves a willingness to recognize miracles for what they are. We share the miracle of being here clean, and each of us has other miracles that await only our acknowledgment. How many car accidents or overdoses or other near-catastrophes have we survived? Can we look back at our lives and see that we were not just "lucky"? Our experience in recovery, too, gives us examples of a Higher Power working for our good.
When we can look back at the evidence of a loving Higher Power acting on our behalf, it becomes possible to trust that this Higher Power will continue to help us in the future. And trust offers us the strength to move forward.
Just for today: My recovery is more than coincidence. My strength comes from the knowledge that my Higher Power has never let me down and will continue to guide me.
pg. 183
daily reflections for June 24-A SPIRITUAL KINDERGARTEN | Milkman's Sober Living
daily reflections for June 24-A SPIRITUAL KINDERGARTEN | Milkman's Sober Living:
A Spiritual Kindergarten
We are only operating a spiritual kindergarten in which people are enabled to get over drinking and find the grace to go on living to better effect.
As Bill Sees It,p.95
When I came to A.A., I was run down by the bottle and wanted to lose the obsession to drink, but I didn't really know how to do that. I decided to stick around long enough to find out from the ones who went before me. All of a sudden I was thinking about God! I was told to get a Higher Power and I had no idea what one looked like. I found out there are many Higher Powers. I was told to find God, as I understand Him, that there was no doctrine of the Godhead in A.A. I found what worked for me and then asked that Power to restore me to sanity. The obsession to drink was removed and-- one day at a time-- my life went on, and I learned how to live sober.
A Spiritual Kindergarten
We are only operating a spiritual kindergarten in which people are enabled to get over drinking and find the grace to go on living to better effect.
As Bill Sees It,p.95
When I came to A.A., I was run down by the bottle and wanted to lose the obsession to drink, but I didn't really know how to do that. I decided to stick around long enough to find out from the ones who went before me. All of a sudden I was thinking about God! I was told to get a Higher Power and I had no idea what one looked like. I found out there are many Higher Powers. I was told to find God, as I understand Him, that there was no doctrine of the Godhead in A.A. I found what worked for me and then asked that Power to restore me to sanity. The obsession to drink was removed and-- one day at a time-- my life went on, and I learned how to live sober.
twenty-four hours a day for June 24 | Milkman's Sober Living
twenty-four hours a day for June 24 | Milkman's Sober Living:
A.A. Thought for the Day
Alcohol is our weakness. We suffer from mental conflicts from which we look for escape by drowning our problems in drink. We try through drink to push away from the realities of life. But alcohol does not feed, alcohol does not build, it only borrows from the future and it ultimately destroys. We try to drown our feelings in order to escape life's realities, little realizing or caring that in continued drinking we are only multiplying our problems. HAVE I GOT CONTROL OVER MY UNSTABLE EMOTIONS?
Meditation for the Day
When I let personal piques and resentments interfere with what I know to be my proper conduct, I am on the wrong track and I am undoing all I have built up by doing the right thing. I must never let personal piques interfere with living the way I know God wants me to live. When I have no clear guidance from God, I must go forward quietly along the path of duty. The attitude of quiet faith will receive its reward as surely as acting upon God's direct guidance. I must not weaken my spiritual power by letting personal piques upset me.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not let myself become too upset. I pray that I may go quietly along the path I have chosen.
A.A. Thought for the Day
Alcohol is our weakness. We suffer from mental conflicts from which we look for escape by drowning our problems in drink. We try through drink to push away from the realities of life. But alcohol does not feed, alcohol does not build, it only borrows from the future and it ultimately destroys. We try to drown our feelings in order to escape life's realities, little realizing or caring that in continued drinking we are only multiplying our problems. HAVE I GOT CONTROL OVER MY UNSTABLE EMOTIONS?
Meditation for the Day
When I let personal piques and resentments interfere with what I know to be my proper conduct, I am on the wrong track and I am undoing all I have built up by doing the right thing. I must never let personal piques interfere with living the way I know God wants me to live. When I have no clear guidance from God, I must go forward quietly along the path of duty. The attitude of quiet faith will receive its reward as surely as acting upon God's direct guidance. I must not weaken my spiritual power by letting personal piques upset me.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not let myself become too upset. I pray that I may go quietly along the path I have chosen.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Just For Today - June 24 - Tolerance | Milkman's Sober Living
Just For Today - June 24 - Tolerance | Milkman's Sober Living:
Tolerance
"...ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."
Tradition Twelve
Sometimes it's hard to accept others' character defects. As we recover together, we not only listen to others talk in meetings, we also watch how they walk through their recovery. The more we get to know other members, the more we become aware of how they live their lives. We may form opinions about how they "work their program." We may find that certain members upset us, or we may even hear ourselves say, "If I worked their program, I would surely use."
We have found tolerance to be a principle that not only strengthens our own recovery but also our relationships with individuals who are a source of irritation to us. It becomes easier to accept other members' frailties when we remember that we ourselves rarely turn over our own character defects until we become painfully aware of them.
Just for today: I will strive to accept others as they are. I will try not to judge others. I will focus on the principles of love and acceptance.
pg. 182
Tolerance
"...ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."
Tradition Twelve
Sometimes it's hard to accept others' character defects. As we recover together, we not only listen to others talk in meetings, we also watch how they walk through their recovery. The more we get to know other members, the more we become aware of how they live their lives. We may form opinions about how they "work their program." We may find that certain members upset us, or we may even hear ourselves say, "If I worked their program, I would surely use."
We have found tolerance to be a principle that not only strengthens our own recovery but also our relationships with individuals who are a source of irritation to us. It becomes easier to accept other members' frailties when we remember that we ourselves rarely turn over our own character defects until we become painfully aware of them.
Just for today: I will strive to accept others as they are. I will try not to judge others. I will focus on the principles of love and acceptance.
pg. 182
daily reflections for June 23-TRUSTING OTHERS | Milkman's Sober Living
daily reflections for June 23-TRUSTING OTHERS | Milkman's Sober Living: Trusting Others
But does trust require that we be blind to other people's motives or, indeed, to our own? Not at all; this would be folly. Most certainly, we should assess the capacity for harm as well as the capability for good in every person that we would trust. Such a private inventory can reveal the degree of confidence we should extend in any given situation.
As Bill Sees It,p.144
I am not a victim of others, but rather a victim of my expectations, choices and dishonesty. When I expect others to be what I want them to be and not who they are, when they fail to meet my expectations, I am hurt. When my choices are based on self-centeredness, I find I am lonely and distrustful. I gain confidence in myself, however, when I practice honesty in all my affairs. When I search my motives and am honest and trusting, I am aware of the capacity for harm in situations and can avoid those that are harmful.
But does trust require that we be blind to other people's motives or, indeed, to our own? Not at all; this would be folly. Most certainly, we should assess the capacity for harm as well as the capability for good in every person that we would trust. Such a private inventory can reveal the degree of confidence we should extend in any given situation.
As Bill Sees It,p.144
I am not a victim of others, but rather a victim of my expectations, choices and dishonesty. When I expect others to be what I want them to be and not who they are, when they fail to meet my expectations, I am hurt. When my choices are based on self-centeredness, I find I am lonely and distrustful. I gain confidence in myself, however, when I practice honesty in all my affairs. When I search my motives and am honest and trusting, I am aware of the capacity for harm in situations and can avoid those that are harmful.
twenty-four hours a day for June 23 | Milkman's Sober Living
twenty-four hours a day for June 23 | Milkman's Sober Living: A.A. Thought for the Day
No chain is stronger than its weakest link. Likewise, if you fail in the day-by-day program, in all probability it will be at your weakest point. Great faith and constant contact with God's power can help you discover, guard, and undergird your weakest point with a strength not your own. Intelligent faith in God's power can be counted on to help you master your emotions, help you to think kindly of others, and help you with any task that you undertake, no matter how difficult.AM I MASTER OF MY EMOTIONS?
Meditation for the Day
You need to be constantly recharged by the power of the spirit of God. Commune with God in quiet times until the life from God, the Divine life, by that very contact, flows into your being and revives your fainting spirit. When weary, take time out and rest. Rest and gain power and strength from God, and then you will be ready to meet whatever opportunities come your way. Rest until every care and worry and fear have gone and then the tide of peace and serenity, love and joy, will flow into your consciousness.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may rest and become recharged. I pray that I may pause and wait for the renewing of my strength.
No chain is stronger than its weakest link. Likewise, if you fail in the day-by-day program, in all probability it will be at your weakest point. Great faith and constant contact with God's power can help you discover, guard, and undergird your weakest point with a strength not your own. Intelligent faith in God's power can be counted on to help you master your emotions, help you to think kindly of others, and help you with any task that you undertake, no matter how difficult.AM I MASTER OF MY EMOTIONS?
Meditation for the Day
You need to be constantly recharged by the power of the spirit of God. Commune with God in quiet times until the life from God, the Divine life, by that very contact, flows into your being and revives your fainting spirit. When weary, take time out and rest. Rest and gain power and strength from God, and then you will be ready to meet whatever opportunities come your way. Rest until every care and worry and fear have gone and then the tide of peace and serenity, love and joy, will flow into your consciousness.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may rest and become recharged. I pray that I may pause and wait for the renewing of my strength.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Just for Today - June 23
June 23
Surrender
"We didn't stumble into this fellowship brimming with love, honesty, open-mindedness, or willingness....When we were beaten, we became willing."
Basic Text, p. 20
Surrender may be the necessary foundation for recovery, but sometimes we fight it. Most of us look back after some clean time and wonder why on earth we fought so hard to deny our powerlessness when surrender is what finally saved our lives.
As we recover, new opportunities to surrender present themselves. We can either struggle with everyone and everything we encounter or we can recall the benefits of our first surrender and stop fighting.
Most of the pain we experience comes from fighting, not surrendering. In fact, when we surrender, the pain ends and hope takes its place. We begin to believe that all will be well and, after some time, realize that our lives are much better as a result. We feel the same way we did when we gave up the illusion that we could control our using-relieved, free, and filled with fresh hope.
Just for today: Is there a surrender I need to make today? I will remember my first surrender and remind myself that I don't need to fight anymore.
pg. 181
Surrender
"We didn't stumble into this fellowship brimming with love, honesty, open-mindedness, or willingness....When we were beaten, we became willing."
Basic Text, p. 20
Surrender may be the necessary foundation for recovery, but sometimes we fight it. Most of us look back after some clean time and wonder why on earth we fought so hard to deny our powerlessness when surrender is what finally saved our lives.
As we recover, new opportunities to surrender present themselves. We can either struggle with everyone and everything we encounter or we can recall the benefits of our first surrender and stop fighting.
Most of the pain we experience comes from fighting, not surrendering. In fact, when we surrender, the pain ends and hope takes its place. We begin to believe that all will be well and, after some time, realize that our lives are much better as a result. We feel the same way we did when we gave up the illusion that we could control our using-relieved, free, and filled with fresh hope.
Just for today: Is there a surrender I need to make today? I will remember my first surrender and remind myself that I don't need to fight anymore.
pg. 181
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 22
A.A. Thought for the Day
If you have any doubt, just ask any of the older members of the A.A. group, and they will really tell you that since they turned their lives over to the care of God as they understand Him, many of their problems have banished into the forgotten yesterdays. When you allow yourself to be upset over one thing, you succeed only in opening the door from the coming of hundreds of other upsetting things. AM I ALLOWING MYSELF TO BE UPSET OVER LITTLE THINGS?
Meditation for the Day
I would do well not to think of the Red Sea of difficulties that lies ahead. I am sure that when I come to that Red Sea, the waters will part and I will be given all the power I need to face and overcome many difficulties and meet what is in store for me with courage. I believe that I will pass through that Red Sea to the promised land, the land of the spirit where many souls meet in perfect comradeship. I believe that when that time comes, I will be freed of all the dross of material things and find peace.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may face the future with courage. I pray that I may be given strength to face both life and death fearlessly.
If you have any doubt, just ask any of the older members of the A.A. group, and they will really tell you that since they turned their lives over to the care of God as they understand Him, many of their problems have banished into the forgotten yesterdays. When you allow yourself to be upset over one thing, you succeed only in opening the door from the coming of hundreds of other upsetting things. AM I ALLOWING MYSELF TO BE UPSET OVER LITTLE THINGS?
Meditation for the Day
I would do well not to think of the Red Sea of difficulties that lies ahead. I am sure that when I come to that Red Sea, the waters will part and I will be given all the power I need to face and overcome many difficulties and meet what is in store for me with courage. I believe that I will pass through that Red Sea to the promised land, the land of the spirit where many souls meet in perfect comradeship. I believe that when that time comes, I will be freed of all the dross of material things and find peace.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may face the future with courage. I pray that I may be given strength to face both life and death fearlessly.
Daily Reflections - June 22
Today, I'm Free
This brought me to the good healthy realization that there were plenty of situations left in the world over which I had no personal power-- that if I was so ready to admit that to be the case with alcohol, so I must make the same admission with respect to much else. I would have to be still and know that He, not I, was God.
As Bill Sees It,p.114
I am learning to practice acceptance in all circumstances of my life, so that I may enjoy peace of mind. At one time life was a constant battle because I felt I had to go through each day fighting myself, and everyone else. Eventually, this became a losing battle. I ended up getting drunk and crying over my misery. When I began to let go and let God take over my life I began to have peace of mind. Today, I am free. I do not have to fight anybody or anything anymore.
This brought me to the good healthy realization that there were plenty of situations left in the world over which I had no personal power-- that if I was so ready to admit that to be the case with alcohol, so I must make the same admission with respect to much else. I would have to be still and know that He, not I, was God.
As Bill Sees It,p.114
I am learning to practice acceptance in all circumstances of my life, so that I may enjoy peace of mind. At one time life was a constant battle because I felt I had to go through each day fighting myself, and everyone else. Eventually, this became a losing battle. I ended up getting drunk and crying over my misery. When I began to let go and let God take over my life I began to have peace of mind. Today, I am free. I do not have to fight anybody or anything anymore.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Just For Today - June 22
Accepting Life As It Is
"In our recovery, we find it essential to accept reality. Once we can do this, we do not find it necessary to use drugs in an attempt to change our perceptions."
Basic Text, p. 87
Drugs used to buffer us from the full force of life. When we stop using drugs and enter recovery, we find ourselves confronted directly with life. We may experience disappointment, frustration, or anger. Events may not happen the way we want them to. The self-centeredness we cultivated in our addiction has distorted our perceptions of life; it is difficult to let go of our expectations and accept life as it is.
We learn to accept our lives by working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. We discover how to change our attitudes and let go of character defects. We no longer need to distort the truth or to run from situations. The more we practice the spiritual principles contained in the steps, the easier it becomes to accept life exactly as it comes to us.
Just for today: I will practice self-acceptance by practicing the Twelve Steps.
pg. 180
"In our recovery, we find it essential to accept reality. Once we can do this, we do not find it necessary to use drugs in an attempt to change our perceptions."
Basic Text, p. 87
Drugs used to buffer us from the full force of life. When we stop using drugs and enter recovery, we find ourselves confronted directly with life. We may experience disappointment, frustration, or anger. Events may not happen the way we want them to. The self-centeredness we cultivated in our addiction has distorted our perceptions of life; it is difficult to let go of our expectations and accept life as it is.
We learn to accept our lives by working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. We discover how to change our attitudes and let go of character defects. We no longer need to distort the truth or to run from situations. The more we practice the spiritual principles contained in the steps, the easier it becomes to accept life exactly as it comes to us.
Just for today: I will practice self-acceptance by practicing the Twelve Steps.
pg. 180
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 21
A.A. Thought for the Day
Intelligent faith in that Power greater than ourselves can be counted on to stabilize our emotions. It has an incomparable capacity to help us look at life in balanced perspective. We look up, around, and away from ourselves, and we see that nine out of ten things that at the moment upset us will shortly disappear. Problems solve themselves, criticism and unkindness vanish as though they had never been. HAVE I GOT THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE TOWARD LIFE?
Meditation for the Day
A truly spiritual man or woman would like to have a serene mind. The only way to keep calm in this troubled world is to have a serene mind. The calm and sane mind sees spiritual things as the true realities and material things as only temporary and fleeting. That sort of mind you can never obtain by reasoning, because your reasoning powers are limited by space and time. That kind of a mind you can never obtain by reading, because other minds are also limited in the same way. You can only have that mind by an act of faith, by making the venture of belief.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may have a calm and sane mind. I pray that I may look up, around, and away from myself.
Intelligent faith in that Power greater than ourselves can be counted on to stabilize our emotions. It has an incomparable capacity to help us look at life in balanced perspective. We look up, around, and away from ourselves, and we see that nine out of ten things that at the moment upset us will shortly disappear. Problems solve themselves, criticism and unkindness vanish as though they had never been. HAVE I GOT THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE TOWARD LIFE?
Meditation for the Day
A truly spiritual man or woman would like to have a serene mind. The only way to keep calm in this troubled world is to have a serene mind. The calm and sane mind sees spiritual things as the true realities and material things as only temporary and fleeting. That sort of mind you can never obtain by reasoning, because your reasoning powers are limited by space and time. That kind of a mind you can never obtain by reading, because other minds are also limited in the same way. You can only have that mind by an act of faith, by making the venture of belief.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may have a calm and sane mind. I pray that I may look up, around, and away from myself.
Daily Reflections - June 21
Fear And Faith
The achievement of freedom from fear is a lifetime undertaking, one that can never be wholly completed. When under heavy attack, acute illness, or in other conditions of serious insecurity, we shall all react to this emotion-- well or badly, as the case may be. Only the self-deceived will claim perfect freedom from fear.
As Bill Sees It,p.263
Fear has caused suffering when I could have had more faith. There are times when fear suddenly tears me apart, just when I'm experiencing feelings of joy, happiness and a lightness of heart. Faith-- and a feeling of self-worth toward a Higher Power-- helps me endure tragedy and ecstacy. When I choose to give all of my fears over to my Higher Power, I will be free.
The achievement of freedom from fear is a lifetime undertaking, one that can never be wholly completed. When under heavy attack, acute illness, or in other conditions of serious insecurity, we shall all react to this emotion-- well or badly, as the case may be. Only the self-deceived will claim perfect freedom from fear.
As Bill Sees It,p.263
Fear has caused suffering when I could have had more faith. There are times when fear suddenly tears me apart, just when I'm experiencing feelings of joy, happiness and a lightness of heart. Faith-- and a feeling of self-worth toward a Higher Power-- helps me endure tragedy and ecstacy. When I choose to give all of my fears over to my Higher Power, I will be free.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Just For Today - June 21
New Levels Of Honesty
"We have been experts at self-deception and rationalization."
Basic Text, p. 27
When we come to our first meeting and hear that we must be honest, we may think, "Well now, that shouldn't be too difficult. All I have to do is stop lying." To some of us, this comes easily. We no longer have to lie to our employers about our absence from work. We no longer have to lie to our families about where we were the night before. By not using drugs anymore, we find we have less to lie about. Some of us may have difficulty even with this kind of honesty, but at least learning not to lie is simple - you just don't do it, no matter what. With courage, determined practice, the support of our fellow NA members, and the help of our Higher Power, most of us eventually succeed at this kind of honesty.
Honesty, though, means more than just not lying. The kind of honesty that is truly indispensable in recovery is self-honesty, which is neither easy nor simple to achieve. In our addiction, we created a storm of self-deception and rationalization, a whirlwind of lies in which the small, quiet voice of self-honesty could not be heard. To become honest with ourselves, we first must stop lying to ourselves. In our Eleventh Step meditations, we must become quiet. Then, in the resulting stillness, we must listen for truth. When we become silent, self-honesty will be there for us to find.
Just for today: I will be quiet and still, listening for the voice of truth within myself. I will honor the truth I find.
pg. 179
"We have been experts at self-deception and rationalization."
Basic Text, p. 27
When we come to our first meeting and hear that we must be honest, we may think, "Well now, that shouldn't be too difficult. All I have to do is stop lying." To some of us, this comes easily. We no longer have to lie to our employers about our absence from work. We no longer have to lie to our families about where we were the night before. By not using drugs anymore, we find we have less to lie about. Some of us may have difficulty even with this kind of honesty, but at least learning not to lie is simple - you just don't do it, no matter what. With courage, determined practice, the support of our fellow NA members, and the help of our Higher Power, most of us eventually succeed at this kind of honesty.
Honesty, though, means more than just not lying. The kind of honesty that is truly indispensable in recovery is self-honesty, which is neither easy nor simple to achieve. In our addiction, we created a storm of self-deception and rationalization, a whirlwind of lies in which the small, quiet voice of self-honesty could not be heard. To become honest with ourselves, we first must stop lying to ourselves. In our Eleventh Step meditations, we must become quiet. Then, in the resulting stillness, we must listen for truth. When we become silent, self-honesty will be there for us to find.
Just for today: I will be quiet and still, listening for the voice of truth within myself. I will honor the truth I find.
pg. 179
Daily Reflections - June 20
Release From Fear
The problem of resolving fear has two aspects. We shall have to try for all the freedom from fear that is possible for us to attain. Then we shall need to find both the courage and grace to deal constructively with whatever fears remain.
As Bill Sees It,p.61
Most of my decisions were based on fear. Alcohol made life easier to face, but the time came when alcohol was no longer an alternative to fear. One of the greatest gifts in A.A. for me has been the courage to take action, which I can do with God's help. After five years of sobriety I had to deal with a heavy dose of fear. God put people in my life to help me do that and, through my working the Twelve Steps, I am becoming the whole person I wish to be and, for that, I am deeply grateful.
The problem of resolving fear has two aspects. We shall have to try for all the freedom from fear that is possible for us to attain. Then we shall need to find both the courage and grace to deal constructively with whatever fears remain.
As Bill Sees It,p.61
Most of my decisions were based on fear. Alcohol made life easier to face, but the time came when alcohol was no longer an alternative to fear. One of the greatest gifts in A.A. for me has been the courage to take action, which I can do with God's help. After five years of sobriety I had to deal with a heavy dose of fear. God put people in my life to help me do that and, through my working the Twelve Steps, I am becoming the whole person I wish to be and, for that, I am deeply grateful.
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 20
A.A. Thought for the Day
You should be ready and willing to carry the A.A. message when called upon to do so. Live for some purpose greater than yourself. Each day you will have something to work for. You have received so much from this program that you should have a vision that gives your life a direction and a purpose that gives meaning to each new day. Let us not slide along through life. Let us have a purpose for each day and let us make that purpose for something greater than just ourselves. WHAT IS MY PURPOSE FOR TODAY?
Meditation for the Day
To see God with eyes of faith is to cause God's power to manifest itself in the material world. God cannot do His work because of unbelief. In response to your belief, God can work a miracle in your personality. All miracles happen in the realm of personality and all are caused by and based on belief in God's never-failing power. But God's power cannot manifest itself in personalities unless those personalities make His power available by their faith. We can only see God with the eyes of faith, but this kind of seeing produces a great change in our way of living.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may see God with the eyes of faith. I pray that this seeing will produce a change in my personality.
You should be ready and willing to carry the A.A. message when called upon to do so. Live for some purpose greater than yourself. Each day you will have something to work for. You have received so much from this program that you should have a vision that gives your life a direction and a purpose that gives meaning to each new day. Let us not slide along through life. Let us have a purpose for each day and let us make that purpose for something greater than just ourselves. WHAT IS MY PURPOSE FOR TODAY?
Meditation for the Day
To see God with eyes of faith is to cause God's power to manifest itself in the material world. God cannot do His work because of unbelief. In response to your belief, God can work a miracle in your personality. All miracles happen in the realm of personality and all are caused by and based on belief in God's never-failing power. But God's power cannot manifest itself in personalities unless those personalities make His power available by their faith. We can only see God with the eyes of faith, but this kind of seeing produces a great change in our way of living.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may see God with the eyes of faith. I pray that this seeing will produce a change in my personality.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Just For Today - June 20 - Meditation For Beginners
Meditation For Beginners
"For some, prayer is asking for God's help; meditation is listening for God's answer. Quieting the mind through meditation brings an inner peace that brings us into contact with the God within us."
Basic Text, pp.44-45
"Be patient when you're learning to meditate," many of us were told. "It takes practice to know what to ‘listen’ for."
We're glad someone told us that, or many of us would have quit after a week or two of meditating. For the first few weeks, we may have sat each morning, stilled our thoughts, and "listened", just as the Basic Text said-but "heard" nothing. It may have taken a few more weeks before anything really happened. Even then, what happened was often barely noticeable. We were rising from our morning meditations feeling just a little better about our lives, a little more empathy for those we encountered during the day, and a little more in touch with our Higher Power.
For most of us, there was nothing dramatic in that awareness - no bolts of lightning or claps of thunder. Instead, it was something quietly powerful. We were taking time to get our egos and our ideas out of the way. In that clear space, we were improving our conscious contact with the source of our daily recovery, the God of our understanding. Meditation was new, and it took time and practice. But, like all the steps, it worked - when we worked it.
Just for today: I will practice "listening" for knowledge of God's will for me, even if I don't know what to "listen" for yet.
pg. 178
"For some, prayer is asking for God's help; meditation is listening for God's answer. Quieting the mind through meditation brings an inner peace that brings us into contact with the God within us."
Basic Text, pp.44-45
"Be patient when you're learning to meditate," many of us were told. "It takes practice to know what to ‘listen’ for."
We're glad someone told us that, or many of us would have quit after a week or two of meditating. For the first few weeks, we may have sat each morning, stilled our thoughts, and "listened", just as the Basic Text said-but "heard" nothing. It may have taken a few more weeks before anything really happened. Even then, what happened was often barely noticeable. We were rising from our morning meditations feeling just a little better about our lives, a little more empathy for those we encountered during the day, and a little more in touch with our Higher Power.
For most of us, there was nothing dramatic in that awareness - no bolts of lightning or claps of thunder. Instead, it was something quietly powerful. We were taking time to get our egos and our ideas out of the way. In that clear space, we were improving our conscious contact with the source of our daily recovery, the God of our understanding. Meditation was new, and it took time and practice. But, like all the steps, it worked - when we worked it.
Just for today: I will practice "listening" for knowledge of God's will for me, even if I don't know what to "listen" for yet.
pg. 178
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 19
A.A. Thought for the Day
We have this choice every day of our lives. We can take the path that leads to insanity and death. And remember, our next drunk could be our last one. Or we can take the path that leads to a reasonably happy and useful life. The choice is ours each day of our lives. God grant that we take the right path. HAVE I MADE MY CHOICE TODAY?
Meditation for the Day
Your real work in life is to grow spiritually. To do this you must follow the path diligently seeking good. The hidden spiritual wonders are revealed to those who diligently seek this treasure. From one point to the next, you have to follow the way of obedience to God's will until finally you reach greater and greater spiritual heights. Work on the material plane should be secondary to your real life's work. The material things that you need most are those that help you to attain the spiritual.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may keep growing spiritually. I pray that I may make this my real life's work.
We have this choice every day of our lives. We can take the path that leads to insanity and death. And remember, our next drunk could be our last one. Or we can take the path that leads to a reasonably happy and useful life. The choice is ours each day of our lives. God grant that we take the right path. HAVE I MADE MY CHOICE TODAY?
Meditation for the Day
Your real work in life is to grow spiritually. To do this you must follow the path diligently seeking good. The hidden spiritual wonders are revealed to those who diligently seek this treasure. From one point to the next, you have to follow the way of obedience to God's will until finally you reach greater and greater spiritual heights. Work on the material plane should be secondary to your real life's work. The material things that you need most are those that help you to attain the spiritual.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may keep growing spiritually. I pray that I may make this my real life's work.
Daily Reflections - June 19
"A.A. Regeneration"
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
A thousand beatings by John Barleycorn did not encourage me to admit defeat. I believe it was my moral obligation to conquer my "enemy-friend." At my first A.A. meeting I was blessed with a feeling that it was all right to admit defeat to a disease which had nothing to do with my "moral fiber." I knew instinctively that I was in the presence of a great love when I entered the doors of A.A. With no effort on my part, I became aware that to love myself was good and right, as God had intended. My feelings set me free, where my thoughts had held me in bondage. I am grateful.
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
A thousand beatings by John Barleycorn did not encourage me to admit defeat. I believe it was my moral obligation to conquer my "enemy-friend." At my first A.A. meeting I was blessed with a feeling that it was all right to admit defeat to a disease which had nothing to do with my "moral fiber." I knew instinctively that I was in the presence of a great love when I entered the doors of A.A. With no effort on my part, I became aware that to love myself was good and right, as God had intended. My feelings set me free, where my thoughts had held me in bondage. I am grateful.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Just For Today - June 19 - A Sense Of Humor
A Sense Of Humor
"We find that when we lose self-obsession, we are able to understand what it means to be happy, joyous, and free."
Basic Text, p.103
The laughter in our meetings often surprises the newcomer. As a group, we appreciate the healing that healthy laughter brings. Even if we are deeply troubled, the joy that often fills the meeting rooms allows us, for a time, to have some fun with our recovery. Through humor, we can be temporarily relieved of our obsession with self.
Life on life's terms is often anything but funny. But if we can keep a sense of humor about us, things that might overwhelm us can be made bearable. How often have we allowed ourselves to be upset by incidents that, taken with a bit of humor, are not all that intolerable? When we become annoyed with people and events, a search for the humor in the situation can put things in a brighter perspective. An ability to find humor in a difficult situation is a gift to develop.
Just for today: I will look to find the humor in adversity. When I make mistakes, I will find a way to laugh at the humor of my imperfections.
pg. 177
"We find that when we lose self-obsession, we are able to understand what it means to be happy, joyous, and free."
Basic Text, p.103
The laughter in our meetings often surprises the newcomer. As a group, we appreciate the healing that healthy laughter brings. Even if we are deeply troubled, the joy that often fills the meeting rooms allows us, for a time, to have some fun with our recovery. Through humor, we can be temporarily relieved of our obsession with self.
Life on life's terms is often anything but funny. But if we can keep a sense of humor about us, things that might overwhelm us can be made bearable. How often have we allowed ourselves to be upset by incidents that, taken with a bit of humor, are not all that intolerable? When we become annoyed with people and events, a search for the humor in the situation can put things in a brighter perspective. An ability to find humor in a difficult situation is a gift to develop.
Just for today: I will look to find the humor in adversity. When I make mistakes, I will find a way to laugh at the humor of my imperfections.
pg. 177
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 18
A.A. Thought for the Day
The A.A. way of living is not an easy one. But it's an adventure in living that is really worthwhile. And it's so much better than our old drunken way of living that there's no comparison. Our lives without A.A. would be worth nothing. With A.A., we have a chance to live reasonably good lives. It's worth the battle, no matter how tough the going is from day to day. ISN'T IT WORTH THE BATTLE?
Meditation for the Day
The spiritual life has two parts. One is the life apart, the life of prayer and quiet communion with God. You spend this part of your life apart with God. Every day your mind can be set in the right direction so that your thoughts will be of the right kind. The other is the life impart-- imparting to others what you have learned from your own meditative experience. The victories you have won over yourself through the help of God can be shared with others. You can help them by imparting to them some of the victory and security that you have gained in your life apart.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may grow strong from my times apart with God. I pray that I may pass on some of this strength to others.
The A.A. way of living is not an easy one. But it's an adventure in living that is really worthwhile. And it's so much better than our old drunken way of living that there's no comparison. Our lives without A.A. would be worth nothing. With A.A., we have a chance to live reasonably good lives. It's worth the battle, no matter how tough the going is from day to day. ISN'T IT WORTH THE BATTLE?
Meditation for the Day
The spiritual life has two parts. One is the life apart, the life of prayer and quiet communion with God. You spend this part of your life apart with God. Every day your mind can be set in the right direction so that your thoughts will be of the right kind. The other is the life impart-- imparting to others what you have learned from your own meditative experience. The victories you have won over yourself through the help of God can be shared with others. You can help them by imparting to them some of the victory and security that you have gained in your life apart.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may grow strong from my times apart with God. I pray that I may pass on some of this strength to others.
Daily Reflections - June 18 - A Fellowship Of Freedom
A Fellowship Of Freedom
... if only men we granted absolute liberty, and were compelled to obey no one, they would then voluntarily associate themselves in the common interest.
As Bill Sees It,p.50
When I no longer live under the dictates of another or of alcohol, I live in a new freedom. When I release the past and all the excess baggage I have carried for so very long, I come to know freedom. I have been introduced into a life and a fellowship of freedom. The Steps are a "recommended" way of finding a new life, there are no commands or dictates in A.A. I am free to serve from desire rather than decree. There is the understanding that I will benefit from the growth of other members and I take what I learn and bring it back to the group. The "common welfare" finds room to grow in the society of personal freedom.
... if only men we granted absolute liberty, and were compelled to obey no one, they would then voluntarily associate themselves in the common interest.
As Bill Sees It,p.50
When I no longer live under the dictates of another or of alcohol, I live in a new freedom. When I release the past and all the excess baggage I have carried for so very long, I come to know freedom. I have been introduced into a life and a fellowship of freedom. The Steps are a "recommended" way of finding a new life, there are no commands or dictates in A.A. I am free to serve from desire rather than decree. There is the understanding that I will benefit from the growth of other members and I take what I learn and bring it back to the group. The "common welfare" finds room to grow in the society of personal freedom.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Just for Today - June 18 - Indirect Amends
Indirect Amends
"Indirect amends may be necessary where direct ones would be unsafe or endanger other people."
Basic Text, p.40
When we used, we allowed nothing to stand in the way of that next high. As a result, many of us didn't always know precisely whom we had injured, either financially or emotionally. When it came time to make amends through our Ninth Step, we found that there were so many people we had victimized that we might never remember them all.
With the help of our sponsor and other recovering members of NA, we found a solution to this obstacle. We vowed to complete these nameless amends by making restitution to our communities. We focused our service efforts on helping the still-suffering addict. In this manner, we found a way to give back to society.
Today, with the love and guidance of members in NA, we are giving back to the world around us rather than taking. We are making our communities better places to live by carrying the message of recovery to those we encounter in our daily lives.
Just for today: I will make indirect amends by reaching out to an addict who may need help. I will strive in some small way to make my community a better place in which to live.
pg. 176
"Indirect amends may be necessary where direct ones would be unsafe or endanger other people."
Basic Text, p.40
When we used, we allowed nothing to stand in the way of that next high. As a result, many of us didn't always know precisely whom we had injured, either financially or emotionally. When it came time to make amends through our Ninth Step, we found that there were so many people we had victimized that we might never remember them all.
With the help of our sponsor and other recovering members of NA, we found a solution to this obstacle. We vowed to complete these nameless amends by making restitution to our communities. We focused our service efforts on helping the still-suffering addict. In this manner, we found a way to give back to society.
Today, with the love and guidance of members in NA, we are giving back to the world around us rather than taking. We are making our communities better places to live by carrying the message of recovery to those we encounter in our daily lives.
Just for today: I will make indirect amends by reaching out to an addict who may need help. I will strive in some small way to make my community a better place in which to live.
pg. 176
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 17
A.A. Thought for the Day
We in A.A. have the privilege of living two lives in one lifetime. One life of drunkenness, failure, and defeat. Then, through A.A., another life of sobriety, peace of mind, and usefulness. We who have recovered our sobriety are modern miracles. And we're living on borrowed time. Some of us might have been dead long ago. But we have been given another chance to live. DO I OWE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO A.A. THAT I CAN NEVER REPAY AS LONG AS I LIVE?
We in A.A. have the privilege of living two lives in one lifetime. One life of drunkenness, failure, and defeat. Then, through A.A., another life of sobriety, peace of mind, and usefulness. We who have recovered our sobriety are modern miracles. And we're living on borrowed time. Some of us might have been dead long ago. But we have been given another chance to live. DO I OWE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO A.A. THAT I CAN NEVER REPAY AS LONG AS I LIVE?
Daily Reflections - June 17
"Deep Down Within Us"
We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis it is only there that He may be found. ...search diligently within yourself. ... With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.55
We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis it is only there that He may be found. ...search diligently within yourself. ... With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.55
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Just for Today - June 17
June 17:
Walls
"Reaching out is the beginning of the struggle that will set us free. It will break down the walls that imprison us."
Basic Text, p.80
Walls
"Reaching out is the beginning of the struggle that will set us free. It will break down the walls that imprison us."
Basic Text, p.80
What I Am Looking Forward To In Sobriety
Going thru some old email files I came across this from an old member on my sites, Chuck H. Great little story in Sobriety. Be sure to scroll down to view his movie "What I Am Looking Forward to In Sobriety". This is the email I got from him three years ago:
twenty-four hours a day for June 16
twenty-four hours a day for June 16
A.A. Thought for the Day
But even faith is not the whole story. There must be service. We must give this thing away if we want to keep it. The Dead Sea has no outlet and it is stagnant and full of salt. The Sea of Galilee is clear and clean and blue, as the Jordan River carries it out to irrigate the desert. To be of service to other people makes our lives worth living. DOES SERVICE TO OTHERS GIVE ME A REAL PURPOSE IN LIFE?
Meditation for the Day
Seek God early in the day, before He gets crowded out by life's problems, difficulties, or pleasures. In that early quiet time gain a calm, strong confidence in the goodness and purpose in the universe. Do not seek God only when the world's struggles prove too much and too many for you to bear or face alone. Seek God early, whe you can have a consciousness of God's spirit in the world. People often only seek God when their difficulties are too great to be surmounted in any other way, forgetting that if they sought God's companionship before they need it, many of their difficulties would never arise.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not let God be crowded out by the hurly-burly of life. I pray that I may seek God early and often.
A.A. Thought for the Day
But even faith is not the whole story. There must be service. We must give this thing away if we want to keep it. The Dead Sea has no outlet and it is stagnant and full of salt. The Sea of Galilee is clear and clean and blue, as the Jordan River carries it out to irrigate the desert. To be of service to other people makes our lives worth living. DOES SERVICE TO OTHERS GIVE ME A REAL PURPOSE IN LIFE?
Meditation for the Day
Seek God early in the day, before He gets crowded out by life's problems, difficulties, or pleasures. In that early quiet time gain a calm, strong confidence in the goodness and purpose in the universe. Do not seek God only when the world's struggles prove too much and too many for you to bear or face alone. Seek God early, whe you can have a consciousness of God's spirit in the world. People often only seek God when their difficulties are too great to be surmounted in any other way, forgetting that if they sought God's companionship before they need it, many of their difficulties would never arise.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not let God be crowded out by the hurly-burly of life. I pray that I may seek God early and often.
daily reflections for June 16-OPEN-MINDEDNESS
daily reflections for June 16-OPEN-MINDEDNESS
Open-Mindedness
We have 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.
As Bill Sees It,p.7
Open-mindedness to concepts of a Higher Power can open doors to the spirit. Often I find the human spirit in various dogmas and faiths. I can be spiritual in the sharing of myself. The sharing of self joins me to the human race and brings me closer to God, as I understand Him.
Open-Mindedness
We have 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.
As Bill Sees It,p.7
Open-mindedness to concepts of a Higher Power can open doors to the spirit. Often I find the human spirit in various dogmas and faiths. I can be spiritual in the sharing of myself. The sharing of self joins me to the human race and brings me closer to God, as I understand Him.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Just For Today - June 16
Accepting Life
"Some things we must accept, others we can change. The wisdom to know the difference comes with growth in our spiritual program."
Basic Text, p.92
It's relatively easy to accept the things we like-it's the things we don't like that are hard to accept. But remaking the world and everyone in it to suit our tastes would solve nothing. After all, the idea that the world was to blame for all our problems was the attitude that kept us using-and that attitude nearly killed us.
In the course of working the steps, we begin to ask ourselves hard questions about the roles we ourselves have played in creating the unacceptable lives we've lived. In most cases, we've found that what needed changing was our own attitude and our own actions, not the people, places, and things around us.
In recovery, we pray for wisdom to know the difference between what can and can't be changed. Then, once we see the truth of our situation, we pray for the willingness to change ourselves.
Just for today: Higher Power, grant me the wisdom to know the difference between what can be changed and what I must accept. Please help me gratefully accept the life I've been given.
pg. 174
"Some things we must accept, others we can change. The wisdom to know the difference comes with growth in our spiritual program."
Basic Text, p.92
It's relatively easy to accept the things we like-it's the things we don't like that are hard to accept. But remaking the world and everyone in it to suit our tastes would solve nothing. After all, the idea that the world was to blame for all our problems was the attitude that kept us using-and that attitude nearly killed us.
In the course of working the steps, we begin to ask ourselves hard questions about the roles we ourselves have played in creating the unacceptable lives we've lived. In most cases, we've found that what needed changing was our own attitude and our own actions, not the people, places, and things around us.
In recovery, we pray for wisdom to know the difference between what can and can't be changed. Then, once we see the truth of our situation, we pray for the willingness to change ourselves.
Just for today: Higher Power, grant me the wisdom to know the difference between what can be changed and what I must accept. Please help me gratefully accept the life I've been given.
pg. 174
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 15
A.A. Thought for the Day
In A.A. we have three things: fellowship, faith, and service. Fellowship is wonderful, but its wonder lasts just so long. Then some gossip, disillusionment, and boredom may come in. Worry and fear come back at times and we find that fellowship is not the whole story. Then we need faith. When we're alone, with nobody to pat us on the back, we must turn to God for help.Can I say: "THY WILL BE DONE"-- AND MEAN IT?
Meditation for the Day
There is beauty in a God-guided life. There is wonder in the feeling of being led by God. Try to realize God's bounty and goodness more and more. God is planning for you. Wonderful are His ways-- they are beyond your knowledge. But God's leading will enter your consciousness more and more and bring you even more peace and joy. Your life is being planned and blessed by God. You may count all material things as loss if they prevent your winning your way to the consciousness of God's guidance.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may earn the rewards of God's power and peace. I pray that I may develop the feeling of being led by God.
In A.A. we have three things: fellowship, faith, and service. Fellowship is wonderful, but its wonder lasts just so long. Then some gossip, disillusionment, and boredom may come in. Worry and fear come back at times and we find that fellowship is not the whole story. Then we need faith. When we're alone, with nobody to pat us on the back, we must turn to God for help.Can I say: "THY WILL BE DONE"-- AND MEAN IT?
Meditation for the Day
There is beauty in a God-guided life. There is wonder in the feeling of being led by God. Try to realize God's bounty and goodness more and more. God is planning for you. Wonderful are His ways-- they are beyond your knowledge. But God's leading will enter your consciousness more and more and bring you even more peace and joy. Your life is being planned and blessed by God. You may count all material things as loss if they prevent your winning your way to the consciousness of God's guidance.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may earn the rewards of God's power and peace. I pray that I may develop the feeling of being led by God.
Daily Reflections - June 15
Making A.A. Your Higher Power
"...You can... make A.A. itself your 'higher power.' Here's a very large group of people who have solved their alcohol problem. ... many members.. have crossed the threshold just this way. ... their faith broadened and deepened. ... transformed, they came to believe in a Higher Power. ..."
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,pp.27-28
No one was greater than I, at least in my eyes, when I was drinking. Nevertheless, I couldn't smile at myself in the mirror, so I came to A.A. where, with others, I heard talk of a Higher Power. I couldn't accept the concept of a Higher Power because I believed God was cruel and unloving. In desperation I chose a table, a tree, then my A.A. group, as my Higher Power. Time passed, my life improved, and I began to wonder about this Higher Power. Gradually, with patience, humility and a lot of questions, I came to believe in God. Now my relationship with my Higher Power gives me the strength to live a happy, sober life.
"...You can... make A.A. itself your 'higher power.' Here's a very large group of people who have solved their alcohol problem. ... many members.. have crossed the threshold just this way. ... their faith broadened and deepened. ... transformed, they came to believe in a Higher Power. ..."
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,pp.27-28
No one was greater than I, at least in my eyes, when I was drinking. Nevertheless, I couldn't smile at myself in the mirror, so I came to A.A. where, with others, I heard talk of a Higher Power. I couldn't accept the concept of a Higher Power because I believed God was cruel and unloving. In desperation I chose a table, a tree, then my A.A. group, as my Higher Power. Time passed, my life improved, and I began to wonder about this Higher Power. Gradually, with patience, humility and a lot of questions, I came to believe in God. Now my relationship with my Higher Power gives me the strength to live a happy, sober life.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Just for Today - June 15 - Resistance To Change
Resistance To Change
"Many of us cling to our fears, doubts, self-loathing, or hatred because there is a certain distorted security in familiar pain. It seems safer to embrace what we know than to let go of it for the unknown."
Basic Text, p.33
We have often heard it said that "when the pain of remaining the same becomes greater than the pain of changing, we will change" Our fear can keep us from growing, afraid to end relationships, change careers, attend new meetings, begin new friendships, or attempt anything out of the ordinary. We stay in situations that are no longer working far longer than we have to simply because what is familiar feels safer than the unknown. Any change involves overcoming fear. "What if I'm alone forever?" we might think if we consider leaving our lover. "What if I find out I'm incompetent?" we may wonder when we contemplate changing careers. We may balk at attending new meetings because we will have to reach out. Our minds manufacture a hundred excuses for remaining right where we are, afraid to try something new.
We find that most of our pain comes not from change but from resistance to change. In NA, we learn that change is how we move forward in our lives. New friends, new relationships, new interests and challenges will replace the old. With these new things in our lives, we find new joys and loves.
Just for today: I will release the old, embrace the new, and grow.
pg. 173
"Many of us cling to our fears, doubts, self-loathing, or hatred because there is a certain distorted security in familiar pain. It seems safer to embrace what we know than to let go of it for the unknown."
Basic Text, p.33
We have often heard it said that "when the pain of remaining the same becomes greater than the pain of changing, we will change" Our fear can keep us from growing, afraid to end relationships, change careers, attend new meetings, begin new friendships, or attempt anything out of the ordinary. We stay in situations that are no longer working far longer than we have to simply because what is familiar feels safer than the unknown. Any change involves overcoming fear. "What if I'm alone forever?" we might think if we consider leaving our lover. "What if I find out I'm incompetent?" we may wonder when we contemplate changing careers. We may balk at attending new meetings because we will have to reach out. Our minds manufacture a hundred excuses for remaining right where we are, afraid to try something new.
We find that most of our pain comes not from change but from resistance to change. In NA, we learn that change is how we move forward in our lives. New friends, new relationships, new interests and challenges will replace the old. With these new things in our lives, we find new joys and loves.
Just for today: I will release the old, embrace the new, and grow.
pg. 173
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 14
A.A. Thought for the Day
In A.A. we have to learn that drink is our greatest enemy. Although we used to think that liquor was our friend, the time came when it turned against us and became our enemy. We don't know just when this happened, but we know that it did because we began to get into trouble-- jails and hospitals. We realize now that liquor is our enemy. IS IT STILL MY MAIN BUSINESS TO KEEP SOBER?
Meditation for the Day
It is not your circumstances that need altering so much as yourself. After you have changed, conditions will naturally change. Spare no effort to become all that God would have you become. Follow every good leading of your conscience. Take each day with no backward look. Face the day's problems with God and seek God's help and guidance as to what you should do in every situation that may arise. Never look back. Never leave until tomorrow the thing that you are guided to do today.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that God will help me become all that He would have me be. I pray that I may face today's problems with good grace.
In A.A. we have to learn that drink is our greatest enemy. Although we used to think that liquor was our friend, the time came when it turned against us and became our enemy. We don't know just when this happened, but we know that it did because we began to get into trouble-- jails and hospitals. We realize now that liquor is our enemy. IS IT STILL MY MAIN BUSINESS TO KEEP SOBER?
Meditation for the Day
It is not your circumstances that need altering so much as yourself. After you have changed, conditions will naturally change. Spare no effort to become all that God would have you become. Follow every good leading of your conscience. Take each day with no backward look. Face the day's problems with God and seek God's help and guidance as to what you should do in every situation that may arise. Never look back. Never leave until tomorrow the thing that you are guided to do today.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that God will help me become all that He would have me be. I pray that I may face today's problems with good grace.
Daily Reflections - June 14 - When The Going Gets Rough
When The Going Gets Rough
It is a design for living that works in rough going.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.15
When I came to A.A., I realized that A.A. worked wonderfully to help keep me sober. But could it work on real life problems, not concerned with drinking? I had my doubts. After being sober for more than two years I got my answer. I lost my job, developed physical problems, my diabetic father lost a leg, and someone I loved left me for another-- and all this happened during a two-week period. Reality crashed in, yet A.A. was there to support, comfort, and strengthen me. The principles I had learned furing my early days of sobriety became a mainstay of my life for not only did I come through, but I never stopped being able to help newcomers. A.A. taught me not to be overwhelmed, but rather to accept and understand my life as it unfolded.
It is a design for living that works in rough going.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.15
When I came to A.A., I realized that A.A. worked wonderfully to help keep me sober. But could it work on real life problems, not concerned with drinking? I had my doubts. After being sober for more than two years I got my answer. I lost my job, developed physical problems, my diabetic father lost a leg, and someone I loved left me for another-- and all this happened during a two-week period. Reality crashed in, yet A.A. was there to support, comfort, and strengthen me. The principles I had learned furing my early days of sobriety became a mainstay of my life for not only did I come through, but I never stopped being able to help newcomers. A.A. taught me not to be overwhelmed, but rather to accept and understand my life as it unfolded.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Just for Today - June 14 - Maintaining Our Faith
Maintaining Our Faith
"If we maintain our spiritual condition daily, we find it easier to deal with the pain and confusion."
Basic Text, p. 92
When we first began searching for a Power greater than ourselves, many of us got stuck in old beliefs or ideas. These ranged from the fear of a punishing or vengeful God to no belief at all. Some of us felt we had done such terrible things that a loving Power would never have anything to do with us. Others were convinced that the "bad" things that happened to us would not have occurred if a loving Power had actually existed. It took time, effort, open-mindedness, and faith to acquire a working belief in a loving Higher Power that would guide us through life's challenges.
Even after we come to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, our old ideas can come back to haunt us. Major setbacks in our lives and the insecurity such events can trigger may give rise to the return of our old, inadequate ideas about God. When this happens, we need to assure ourselves that our Higher Power has not abandoned us but is waiting to help us make it through the hard times in our recovery. No matter how painful our loss may be, we will survive our setback and continue to grow if we maintain the faith our program has given us.
Just for today: I have worked hard to build my faith in a loving, caring Higher Power that will guide me through life's challenges. Today, I will trust that Power.
pg. 172
"If we maintain our spiritual condition daily, we find it easier to deal with the pain and confusion."
Basic Text, p. 92
When we first began searching for a Power greater than ourselves, many of us got stuck in old beliefs or ideas. These ranged from the fear of a punishing or vengeful God to no belief at all. Some of us felt we had done such terrible things that a loving Power would never have anything to do with us. Others were convinced that the "bad" things that happened to us would not have occurred if a loving Power had actually existed. It took time, effort, open-mindedness, and faith to acquire a working belief in a loving Higher Power that would guide us through life's challenges.
Even after we come to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, our old ideas can come back to haunt us. Major setbacks in our lives and the insecurity such events can trigger may give rise to the return of our old, inadequate ideas about God. When this happens, we need to assure ourselves that our Higher Power has not abandoned us but is waiting to help us make it through the hard times in our recovery. No matter how painful our loss may be, we will survive our setback and continue to grow if we maintain the faith our program has given us.
Just for today: I have worked hard to build my faith in a loving, caring Higher Power that will guide me through life's challenges. Today, I will trust that Power.
pg. 172
Twenty Four Hours a Day for June 13
A.A. Thought for the Day
In A.A. we have to reeducate our minds. We have to learn to think differently. We have to take a long view of drinking instead of a short view. We have to look through the glass to what lies beyond it. We have to look through the night before to the morning after. No matter how good liquor looks from the short view, we must realize that in the long run it is poison to us. HAVE I LEARNED TO LOOK THROUGH THE BOTTLE TO THE BETTER LIFE THAT LIES AHEAD?
Meditation for the Day
If you are honestly trying to live the way you believe God wants you to live, you can get guidance from God in times of quiet communion with Him, provided your thoughts are directed towards God's will and all good things. The attitude of "Thy will, not mine, be done" leads to clear guidance. Act on this guidance and you will be led to better things. Your impulses seem to become less your own and more the leading of God's spirit acting through your thoughts. Obeyed, they will bring you the answers to your prayers.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may try to think God's thoughts after Him. I pray that my thoughts may be guided by His thoughts.
In A.A. we have to reeducate our minds. We have to learn to think differently. We have to take a long view of drinking instead of a short view. We have to look through the glass to what lies beyond it. We have to look through the night before to the morning after. No matter how good liquor looks from the short view, we must realize that in the long run it is poison to us. HAVE I LEARNED TO LOOK THROUGH THE BOTTLE TO THE BETTER LIFE THAT LIES AHEAD?
Meditation for the Day
If you are honestly trying to live the way you believe God wants you to live, you can get guidance from God in times of quiet communion with Him, provided your thoughts are directed towards God's will and all good things. The attitude of "Thy will, not mine, be done" leads to clear guidance. Act on this guidance and you will be led to better things. Your impulses seem to become less your own and more the leading of God's spirit acting through your thoughts. Obeyed, they will bring you the answers to your prayers.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may try to think God's thoughts after Him. I pray that my thoughts may be guided by His thoughts.
Daily Reflections - June 13 - Living Our Amends
Living Our Amends
"Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some extent, ill."
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.122
It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not only hurt myself, but also those around me. Making amends to my family, and to the families of alcoholics still suffering, will always be important. Understanding the havoc I created and trying to repair the destruction, will be a lifelong endeavor. The example of my sobriety may give others hope, and faith to help themselves.
"Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some extent, ill."
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.122
It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not only hurt myself, but also those around me. Making amends to my family, and to the families of alcoholics still suffering, will always be important. Understanding the havoc I created and trying to repair the destruction, will be a lifelong endeavor. The example of my sobriety may give others hope, and faith to help themselves.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Just for Today - June 13 - A Full Life
A Full Life
"The program works a miracle in our lives....We become free to live."
Basic Text, p. 11
Most of us-if we've been in recovery for any length of time at all-have heard some member complaining in a meeting about being terribly overworked, too busy for meetings or sponsorship or other activities. In fact, we may have been the complaining member. The days seem so full: job, family and friends, meetings, activities, sponsorship, step work. "There just aren't enough hours in the day;" the member complains, "to get everything done and meet everyone's demands on my time!"
When this happens, usually there's soft laughter from some of the other members-probably members who had planned to grumble about the same sort of thing. The laughter stems from our recognition that we are complaining about the miracle of the life that is ours today. Not so long ago, few of us were capable of having any of these "problems" in our life. We devoted all of our energy to maintaining our active addiction. Today we have full lives, complete with all the feelings and problems that go with living in reality.
Just for today: I will remember that my life is a miracle. Instead of resenting how busy I am, I will be thankful my life is so full.
pg. 171
"The program works a miracle in our lives....We become free to live."
Basic Text, p. 11
Most of us-if we've been in recovery for any length of time at all-have heard some member complaining in a meeting about being terribly overworked, too busy for meetings or sponsorship or other activities. In fact, we may have been the complaining member. The days seem so full: job, family and friends, meetings, activities, sponsorship, step work. "There just aren't enough hours in the day;" the member complains, "to get everything done and meet everyone's demands on my time!"
When this happens, usually there's soft laughter from some of the other members-probably members who had planned to grumble about the same sort of thing. The laughter stems from our recognition that we are complaining about the miracle of the life that is ours today. Not so long ago, few of us were capable of having any of these "problems" in our life. We devoted all of our energy to maintaining our active addiction. Today we have full lives, complete with all the feelings and problems that go with living in reality.
Just for today: I will remember that my life is a miracle. Instead of resenting how busy I am, I will be thankful my life is so full.
pg. 171
Twenty Four Hours A Day - June 12
A.A. Thought for the Day
When we came into A.A., we made a tremendous discovery. We found that we were sick persons rather than moral lepers. We were not such odd ducks as we thought we were. We found other people who had the same illness that we had, who had been through the same experiences that we had been through. They had recovered. If they could do it, we could do it.WAS HOPE BORN IN ME THE DAY I WALKED INTO A.A.?
Meditation for the Day
"He that heareth these sayings and doeth them is like unto a man who built his house upon a rock and the rain descended and the floods came and the wind blew and beat upon that house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock." When your life is built upon obedience to God and upon doing His will as you understand it, you will be steadfast and unmovable even in the midst of storms. The serene, steadfast, unmovable life-- the rock home-- is laid stone by stone-- foundation, walls, and roof-- by acts of obedience to the heavenly vision. The daily following of God's guidance and the daily doing of His will shall build your house upon a rock.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that my life may be founded upon the rock of faith. I pray that I may be obedient to the heavenly vision.
When we came into A.A., we made a tremendous discovery. We found that we were sick persons rather than moral lepers. We were not such odd ducks as we thought we were. We found other people who had the same illness that we had, who had been through the same experiences that we had been through. They had recovered. If they could do it, we could do it.WAS HOPE BORN IN ME THE DAY I WALKED INTO A.A.?
Meditation for the Day
"He that heareth these sayings and doeth them is like unto a man who built his house upon a rock and the rain descended and the floods came and the wind blew and beat upon that house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock." When your life is built upon obedience to God and upon doing His will as you understand it, you will be steadfast and unmovable even in the midst of storms. The serene, steadfast, unmovable life-- the rock home-- is laid stone by stone-- foundation, walls, and roof-- by acts of obedience to the heavenly vision. The daily following of God's guidance and the daily doing of His will shall build your house upon a rock.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that my life may be founded upon the rock of faith. I pray that I may be obedient to the heavenly vision.
Daily Reflections - June 12 - Forming True Partnerships
Forming True Partnerships
But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability to form a true partnership with another human being.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,p.53
Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a true partnership with another human being? What a terrible handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life! In my sobriety I will meditate and pray to discover how I may be a trusted friend and companion.
But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability to form a true partnership with another human being.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,p.53
Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a true partnership with another human being? What a terrible handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life! In my sobriety I will meditate and pray to discover how I may be a trusted friend and companion.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Sleep Problems in Sobriety
I don’t know about anyone else, but when I got clean and sober I had one heck of a time falling asleep. I got sober while I was in jail and prison. It took about 13 or 14 months before I finally got more than 4 or 5 hours of sleep at a time. I’m sure the stress of being locked up had a lot to do with it, but I’m told that it can take many months before all the alcohol and drugs leave our system.
For over 35 years I would sedate myself (knock myself out) with drugs and alcohol. According to some studies, I wasn’t really getting the kind of sleep that is required. Sleep, so they say, is one of the last things to get restored in our new life of sobriety. I’m sure that a lot of people can relapse due to this problem as it is part of the HALT that we hear so much about. (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, TIRED)
My sleep has been great up to about three months ago, and I’ve started experiencing problems falling asleep and of staying asleep. There’s been a lot going on in my life lately so I’m sure some of this is due to some unnecessary stress. I say “unnecessary” because I don’t have control how a situation is going to turn out. I’ve decided to look into how to remove this stress and attack the problem of sleep at this point first. I don’t want to take any type of sedatives, over counter or otherwise, so I’ve got to counter, using tools that I’ve acquired in the program and the years of recovery that I have.
I’ve also slacked off on exercise the last few months and plan on resuming my exercise program.
Any other suggestions will also be welcomed.
Do any of you have this problem? If so, how long did it take you to start getting proper sleep, or how long were you clean/sober before you started having this problem?
Heres a link on this subject: http://earlyrecovery.wordpress.com/2009/09/21/sleep-and-sobriety/
This here is an article by Keven T. McCauley, M.D., http://www.instituteforaddictionstudy.com/PDF/Insomnia%20in%20Early%20Recovery.pdf
I hope this helps anyone that is experiencing this problem.
Mike
For over 35 years I would sedate myself (knock myself out) with drugs and alcohol. According to some studies, I wasn’t really getting the kind of sleep that is required. Sleep, so they say, is one of the last things to get restored in our new life of sobriety. I’m sure that a lot of people can relapse due to this problem as it is part of the HALT that we hear so much about. (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, TIRED)
My sleep has been great up to about three months ago, and I’ve started experiencing problems falling asleep and of staying asleep. There’s been a lot going on in my life lately so I’m sure some of this is due to some unnecessary stress. I say “unnecessary” because I don’t have control how a situation is going to turn out. I’ve decided to look into how to remove this stress and attack the problem of sleep at this point first. I don’t want to take any type of sedatives, over counter or otherwise, so I’ve got to counter, using tools that I’ve acquired in the program and the years of recovery that I have.
I’ve also slacked off on exercise the last few months and plan on resuming my exercise program.
Any other suggestions will also be welcomed.
Do any of you have this problem? If so, how long did it take you to start getting proper sleep, or how long were you clean/sober before you started having this problem?
Heres a link on this subject: http://earlyrecovery.wordpress.com/2009/09/21/sleep-and-sobriety/
This here is an article by Keven T. McCauley, M.D., http://www.instituteforaddictionstudy.com/PDF/Insomnia%20in%20Early%20Recovery.pdf
I hope this helps anyone that is experiencing this problem.
Mike
Just for Today - June 12 - A vision Of Hope
A Vision Of Hope
"Yes, we are a vision of hope..."
Basic Text, p. 51
By the time we reached the end of our road, many of us had lost all hope for a life without the use of drugs. We believed we were destined to die from our disease. What an inspiration it was, then, coming to our first meeting and seeing a room full of addicts who were staying clean! A clean addict is, indeed, a vision of hope.
Today, we give that same hope to others. The newcomers see the joyful light in our eyes, notice how we carry ourselves, listen to us speak in meetings, and often want what we have found. They believe in us until they learn to believe in themselves.
Newcomers hear us carry a message of hope to them. They tend to see us through "rose-colored glasses," They don't always recognize our struggle with a particular character defect or our difficulties with improving our conscious contact with our Higher Power. It takes them time to realize that we, the "old-timers" with three or six or ten years clean, often place personalities before principles or suffer from some other unsightly character defects. Yes, the newcomer sometimes places us on a pedestal. It is good, though, to openly admit the nature of our struggles in recovery for, in time, the newcomer will be walking through those same trials. And that newcomer will remember that others walked through that difficulty and stayed clean.
Just for today: I will remember that I am a beacon to all who follow in my path, a vision of hope.
pg. 170
"Yes, we are a vision of hope..."
Basic Text, p. 51
By the time we reached the end of our road, many of us had lost all hope for a life without the use of drugs. We believed we were destined to die from our disease. What an inspiration it was, then, coming to our first meeting and seeing a room full of addicts who were staying clean! A clean addict is, indeed, a vision of hope.
Today, we give that same hope to others. The newcomers see the joyful light in our eyes, notice how we carry ourselves, listen to us speak in meetings, and often want what we have found. They believe in us until they learn to believe in themselves.
Newcomers hear us carry a message of hope to them. They tend to see us through "rose-colored glasses," They don't always recognize our struggle with a particular character defect or our difficulties with improving our conscious contact with our Higher Power. It takes them time to realize that we, the "old-timers" with three or six or ten years clean, often place personalities before principles or suffer from some other unsightly character defects. Yes, the newcomer sometimes places us on a pedestal. It is good, though, to openly admit the nature of our struggles in recovery for, in time, the newcomer will be walking through those same trials. And that newcomer will remember that others walked through that difficulty and stayed clean.
Just for today: I will remember that I am a beacon to all who follow in my path, a vision of hope.
pg. 170
Pretender to Hope
Pretender to Hope
A Member shares
My name is Steve and I am an addict. I am a 43 year old man trying to make this last bout of sobriety stick for real this time. I have had my share of attempts to stay completely sober but with only limited success. It would appear that I dont know how to deal with emotions of any type. I have become a very reclusive person and a mean spirited one at that. So it was with great trepidation that I started this latest clean time. I know in my heart this time theres a difference. I say this because this time I realized that, as step one says "i admitted that my life had become unmanageable".
The thing is that I realized and said this without ever knowing what step one really was. I say this because every other time I tryed to stay clean I was a pretender. I never worked the program or used the rooms. This time all of this has changed thanks to a friend and an overwhelming desire to get back to who and what I really am. I also know that my soon to be ex will make an issue of this court when I file for visitation. So all things considered I need to now more than ever make this work. I am glad I have found this group because its whole layout and plan is awesome. I feel like I finally found a place online where I can belong. So heres to the site and hopes to get to know all of you in this thing we call sobriety.
Thanx for letting me share Stevie
A reply to Stevie's post:
Hello Stevie Ray and Welcome, or should I say Welcome back? Either way, you are most welcome. When we can "See Step one, before actually getting to it", as you put it, then I believe we are ready to take certain steps, or all twelve of them. I believe I was there, where you are now, when I finally came to AA at age 41. I had seen enough of the world, and really didn't want to see much more. My powerlessness and unmanagability was really not in question by me, at this point, and similar to you, I had not yet walked into the rooms of Recovery, so I had not even heard Step 1. In fact, so much of the debate had gone out of me.
My Wife had already left me, had given up on me, at least two years before that. My Military Career was the last to go, and it went also. They were the Powers That Be, in my life, and before they unleashed me into Society, they sent me to Treatment-thus AA. I did not believe anyone could do anything, much less me. But it turns out I was far more teachable than I thought.
I immediately identified with the first Sentence in the AA Book, where it said "We are more than 100 people who have recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body". And then it went on to say, "To Show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book". And this gave me hope. I was indeed grateful Steve, that you expressed that you now have hope. I agree with Julie, that it would probably be better for you, if you went to Face To Face Meetings. You are probably ready now, and it probably won't take much time or convincing, to realize that you need to be around people who have a lot in common with you. This you will probably see, just as you saw where you were unmanageable, before actually seeing or understanding Step One.
You see, these 12 step programs are refferred to as "Programs Of Attraction", and "Not Promotion", and I believe the attraction comes or is helped along, by what we can see or experience before we get here. We don't arrive here by mistake. We belong here. I lived in a lonely place, a one bedroom dump. The window shades were drawn shut, there was no light. I did not want anyone to come in. And I did not go out. I did not want to show myself. I did not want others to see how bad it was. I did not want my own children to see me. I needed to come out of that.
If the Internet had been available to me in those days, I probably would have delayed coming out of that prison I had constructed for myself. I would have no doubt been more tempted to try and show something or someone else, other than who was actually behind those walls. It was a great thing for me that they sent me to treatment, where I had about 30 other classmates. There I could not Isolate. There I got the chance to actually see, sense and feel that there were others like me, or similar. I got the opportunity to open up a little, as others were doing. There I would actually believe at times that others had been reading my mail or something, because they seemed to know me or know about me, as they were actually talking about themselves. This too, told me I belonged, and that I should have been here doing this a long time ago. It told me I was not alone. And as I started doing AA, after treatment, these feelings of belonging, increased.
I may have felt differently had I just remained on the line to communicate, and could not actually see what I was getting or allow others to see me. So I hope you physically get out and get to some meetings. I would also encourage treatment. It did not hurt me, and "Jump Started" me. Welcome again. Hope to hear from you more and often.
Love Sincerely, W......
A Member shares
My name is Steve and I am an addict. I am a 43 year old man trying to make this last bout of sobriety stick for real this time. I have had my share of attempts to stay completely sober but with only limited success. It would appear that I dont know how to deal with emotions of any type. I have become a very reclusive person and a mean spirited one at that. So it was with great trepidation that I started this latest clean time. I know in my heart this time theres a difference. I say this because this time I realized that, as step one says "i admitted that my life had become unmanageable".
The thing is that I realized and said this without ever knowing what step one really was. I say this because every other time I tryed to stay clean I was a pretender. I never worked the program or used the rooms. This time all of this has changed thanks to a friend and an overwhelming desire to get back to who and what I really am. I also know that my soon to be ex will make an issue of this court when I file for visitation. So all things considered I need to now more than ever make this work. I am glad I have found this group because its whole layout and plan is awesome. I feel like I finally found a place online where I can belong. So heres to the site and hopes to get to know all of you in this thing we call sobriety.
Thanx for letting me share Stevie
A reply to Stevie's post:
Hello Stevie Ray and Welcome, or should I say Welcome back? Either way, you are most welcome. When we can "See Step one, before actually getting to it", as you put it, then I believe we are ready to take certain steps, or all twelve of them. I believe I was there, where you are now, when I finally came to AA at age 41. I had seen enough of the world, and really didn't want to see much more. My powerlessness and unmanagability was really not in question by me, at this point, and similar to you, I had not yet walked into the rooms of Recovery, so I had not even heard Step 1. In fact, so much of the debate had gone out of me.
My Wife had already left me, had given up on me, at least two years before that. My Military Career was the last to go, and it went also. They were the Powers That Be, in my life, and before they unleashed me into Society, they sent me to Treatment-thus AA. I did not believe anyone could do anything, much less me. But it turns out I was far more teachable than I thought.
I immediately identified with the first Sentence in the AA Book, where it said "We are more than 100 people who have recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body". And then it went on to say, "To Show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book". And this gave me hope. I was indeed grateful Steve, that you expressed that you now have hope. I agree with Julie, that it would probably be better for you, if you went to Face To Face Meetings. You are probably ready now, and it probably won't take much time or convincing, to realize that you need to be around people who have a lot in common with you. This you will probably see, just as you saw where you were unmanageable, before actually seeing or understanding Step One.
You see, these 12 step programs are refferred to as "Programs Of Attraction", and "Not Promotion", and I believe the attraction comes or is helped along, by what we can see or experience before we get here. We don't arrive here by mistake. We belong here. I lived in a lonely place, a one bedroom dump. The window shades were drawn shut, there was no light. I did not want anyone to come in. And I did not go out. I did not want to show myself. I did not want others to see how bad it was. I did not want my own children to see me. I needed to come out of that.
If the Internet had been available to me in those days, I probably would have delayed coming out of that prison I had constructed for myself. I would have no doubt been more tempted to try and show something or someone else, other than who was actually behind those walls. It was a great thing for me that they sent me to treatment, where I had about 30 other classmates. There I could not Isolate. There I got the chance to actually see, sense and feel that there were others like me, or similar. I got the opportunity to open up a little, as others were doing. There I would actually believe at times that others had been reading my mail or something, because they seemed to know me or know about me, as they were actually talking about themselves. This too, told me I belonged, and that I should have been here doing this a long time ago. It told me I was not alone. And as I started doing AA, after treatment, these feelings of belonging, increased.
I may have felt differently had I just remained on the line to communicate, and could not actually see what I was getting or allow others to see me. So I hope you physically get out and get to some meetings. I would also encourage treatment. It did not hurt me, and "Jump Started" me. Welcome again. Hope to hear from you more and often.
Love Sincerely, W......
daily reflections for June 11-FAMILY OBLIGATIONS
daily reflections for June 11-FAMILY OBLIGATIONS
Family Obligations
... a spiritual life which does not include.... family obligations may not be so perfect after all.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.129
I can be doing great in the program-- applying it at meetings, at work, and in service activities-- and find that things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and value my progress, but they don't-- unless I show them. Do I neglect their needs and desires for my attention and concern? When I'm around them, am I irritable or boring? Are my "amends" a mumbled "Sorry," or do they take the form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying to reform or "fix" them? Have I ever really cleaned house with them?" The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it" (Alcoholics Anonymous,p.83).
Family Obligations
... a spiritual life which does not include.... family obligations may not be so perfect after all.
Alcoholics Anonymous,p.129
I can be doing great in the program-- applying it at meetings, at work, and in service activities-- and find that things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and value my progress, but they don't-- unless I show them. Do I neglect their needs and desires for my attention and concern? When I'm around them, am I irritable or boring? Are my "amends" a mumbled "Sorry," or do they take the form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying to reform or "fix" them? Have I ever really cleaned house with them?" The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it" (Alcoholics Anonymous,p.83).
twenty-four hours a day for June 11
twenty-four hours a day for June 11
A.A. Thought for the Day
We alcoholics have to believe in some Power greater than ourselves. Yes, we have to believe in God. Not to believe in a Higher Power drives us to atheism. Atheism, it has been said before, is blind faith in the strange proposition that this universe originated in a cypher and aimlessly rushes nowhere. That's practically impossible to believe. So we turn to that Divine Principle in the universe that we call God. HAVE I STOPPED TRYING TO RUN MY OWN LIFE?
Meditation for the Day
"Lord, we thank thee for the great gift of peace, that peace which passeth all understanding, that peace which the world can neither give nor take away." That is the peace that only God can give in the midst of a restless world and surrounded by trouble and difficulty. To know that peace is to have received the stamp of the kingdom of God. When you have earned that peace, you are fit to judge between true and false values, between the values of the kingdom of God and the values of all that the world has to offer.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that today I may have inner peace. I pray that today I may be at peace with myself.
A.A. Thought for the Day
We alcoholics have to believe in some Power greater than ourselves. Yes, we have to believe in God. Not to believe in a Higher Power drives us to atheism. Atheism, it has been said before, is blind faith in the strange proposition that this universe originated in a cypher and aimlessly rushes nowhere. That's practically impossible to believe. So we turn to that Divine Principle in the universe that we call God. HAVE I STOPPED TRYING TO RUN MY OWN LIFE?
Meditation for the Day
"Lord, we thank thee for the great gift of peace, that peace which passeth all understanding, that peace which the world can neither give nor take away." That is the peace that only God can give in the midst of a restless world and surrounded by trouble and difficulty. To know that peace is to have received the stamp of the kingdom of God. When you have earned that peace, you are fit to judge between true and false values, between the values of the kingdom of God and the values of all that the world has to offer.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that today I may have inner peace. I pray that today I may be at peace with myself.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Just for Today - June 11 - Living Clean
Living Clean
"As we recover; we gain a new outlook on being clean.... Life can become a new adventure for us."
Basic Text, p. 88
The using life is not a clean one-no one knows this better than we do. Some of us lived in physical squalor, caring neither for our surroundings nor ourselves. Worse, though, than any external filth was the way most of us felt inside. The things we did to get our drugs, the way we treated other people, and the way we treated ourselves had us feeling dirty. Many of us recall waking too many mornings just wishing that, for once, we could feel clean about ourselves and our lives.
Today, we have a chance to feel clean by living clean. For us addicts, living clean starts with not using - after all, that's our primary use for the word "clean" in Narcotics Anonymous. But as we stay "clean" and work the Twelve Steps, we discover another kind of clean. It's the clean that comes from admitting the truth about our addiction rather than hiding or denying our disease. It's the freshness that comes from owning up to our wrongs and making amends for them. It's the vitality that comes from the new set of values we develop as we seek a Higher Power's will for us. When we practice the principles of our program in all our affairs, we have no reason to feel dirty about our lives or our lifestyles - we're living clean, and grateful to be doing so at last.
"Clean living" used to be just for the "squares." Today, living clean is the only way we'd have it.
Just for today: I feel clean because I'm living clean - and that's the way I want to keep it.
pg. 169
"As we recover; we gain a new outlook on being clean.... Life can become a new adventure for us."
Basic Text, p. 88
The using life is not a clean one-no one knows this better than we do. Some of us lived in physical squalor, caring neither for our surroundings nor ourselves. Worse, though, than any external filth was the way most of us felt inside. The things we did to get our drugs, the way we treated other people, and the way we treated ourselves had us feeling dirty. Many of us recall waking too many mornings just wishing that, for once, we could feel clean about ourselves and our lives.
Today, we have a chance to feel clean by living clean. For us addicts, living clean starts with not using - after all, that's our primary use for the word "clean" in Narcotics Anonymous. But as we stay "clean" and work the Twelve Steps, we discover another kind of clean. It's the clean that comes from admitting the truth about our addiction rather than hiding or denying our disease. It's the freshness that comes from owning up to our wrongs and making amends for them. It's the vitality that comes from the new set of values we develop as we seek a Higher Power's will for us. When we practice the principles of our program in all our affairs, we have no reason to feel dirty about our lives or our lifestyles - we're living clean, and grateful to be doing so at last.
"Clean living" used to be just for the "squares." Today, living clean is the only way we'd have it.
Just for today: I feel clean because I'm living clean - and that's the way I want to keep it.
pg. 169
Ramblings from Milkman Mike
I wrote this about a year ago and thought I'd repost.
Does making coffee, greeting people at the door, chairing meeting and the other things people of 12 step programs do, Keep them clean/sober? I think not!! BUT........ with service comes commitment, and with commitment comes sobriety. At least for this alkie/addict, it does. Show up and boot up, how many times you heard THIS? Yea, right! Show up and boot up, when it suits YOU!! There's not much commitment there, now IS there? BUT........ If you make a commitment to make the coffee every Tuesday night at 7:00pm, you (at least, most people will) will show up that night clean/sober to do your service (commitment) for the group.
NOW, maybe that might be the ONLY night you stay sober, but it's a start, isn't it? Now, doing that "service" every week for whatever amount of time you COMITT to, is just liable to rub off on ya, isn't it?
Now, moving on just a bit, if YOU don't make the coffee, help set up the room, chair and all the other service jobs available and NEEDED, then WHO WILL? Who will keep the doors open for the Alcoholic/Addict that still suffers, the alcoholic/addict that NEEDS to fellowship and share ESH, in order to stay sober/clean another 24? Should we all stop at the nearest Starbucks for a cup of coffee, maybe a 1.50 or 2.00 that many can't afford in early sobriety? Or should we wait till someone invites us over to their house for a meeting?
Now, for this alcoholic/addict, I'm just a simple man. I don't do a lot of reading in the Big Book, Basic Text, or read articles on the programs higher structure, but I have enough knowledge for what I need, to have this program, assist me in staying clean and sober for today. I leave the politics; YES politics of the programs to those that wish to seek out MORE, maybe MORE than what most of us need to know. To those that read and investigate the "innards" of the program, my hat is off to you for your commitment to know more, and the exploration and research it must take to obtain it. Your posts on these boards HELP me, help me to understand, or at least see other sides that I might not be aware of, of the programs.
Now, as dumb as I might be about the complexity of the programs above the local meetings, I DO know that the meetings, and the way MOST of them are handled, contribute to sobriety to many of us. Like any organization that grows, so grows the people that want to profit from it in their own ways. Whether it be in ego, monetary or other, people will use people for their own personal gain. When there is "evil" in the program, most of us are aware of it. BUT, do we want to publicize and demean this program, because of a few bad "apples"? Do we need to show the members (newcomers included) that we know more about "OUR" side that the other man knows about "HIS" side? Do we need to put someone else DOWN, in relating our views and opinions, maybe based on fact, maybe not, only the writer know, huh? It's kind of funny, that the people that use their words, at the expense of others, are generally people that are excellent writers. People that can use the pen (or keyboard, in this case) like a saber, cutting into others with the sharpness of that blade. It can be interesting and amusing at times, but for me, I see no need for it. Implying a statement or quote, tells MOST of us, whom you're taking a shot at, we're not all stupid (ARE WE?).
Well gang, it's getting late, and I'm just a rambling on with my thoughts from the day, a day of watching the boards, working at my job, and all in all, just having another GOOD DAY. Even with the BS that's happened around me today, it's been A GREAT DAY. I'm going to bed, SOBER and CLEAN, with no alcohol or drugs in my body, and tomorrow morning I'll wake up to a new day, and with the grace of GOD, tomorrow night, I'll get to do the same. Good night to all, and to all a good night. Keep those sabers in the sheath, will ya?
Milkman
Does making coffee, greeting people at the door, chairing meeting and the other things people of 12 step programs do, Keep them clean/sober? I think not!! BUT........ with service comes commitment, and with commitment comes sobriety. At least for this alkie/addict, it does. Show up and boot up, how many times you heard THIS? Yea, right! Show up and boot up, when it suits YOU!! There's not much commitment there, now IS there? BUT........ If you make a commitment to make the coffee every Tuesday night at 7:00pm, you (at least, most people will) will show up that night clean/sober to do your service (commitment) for the group.
NOW, maybe that might be the ONLY night you stay sober, but it's a start, isn't it? Now, doing that "service" every week for whatever amount of time you COMITT to, is just liable to rub off on ya, isn't it?
Now, moving on just a bit, if YOU don't make the coffee, help set up the room, chair and all the other service jobs available and NEEDED, then WHO WILL? Who will keep the doors open for the Alcoholic/Addict that still suffers, the alcoholic/addict that NEEDS to fellowship and share ESH, in order to stay sober/clean another 24? Should we all stop at the nearest Starbucks for a cup of coffee, maybe a 1.50 or 2.00 that many can't afford in early sobriety? Or should we wait till someone invites us over to their house for a meeting?
Now, for this alcoholic/addict, I'm just a simple man. I don't do a lot of reading in the Big Book, Basic Text, or read articles on the programs higher structure, but I have enough knowledge for what I need, to have this program, assist me in staying clean and sober for today. I leave the politics; YES politics of the programs to those that wish to seek out MORE, maybe MORE than what most of us need to know. To those that read and investigate the "innards" of the program, my hat is off to you for your commitment to know more, and the exploration and research it must take to obtain it. Your posts on these boards HELP me, help me to understand, or at least see other sides that I might not be aware of, of the programs.
Now, as dumb as I might be about the complexity of the programs above the local meetings, I DO know that the meetings, and the way MOST of them are handled, contribute to sobriety to many of us. Like any organization that grows, so grows the people that want to profit from it in their own ways. Whether it be in ego, monetary or other, people will use people for their own personal gain. When there is "evil" in the program, most of us are aware of it. BUT, do we want to publicize and demean this program, because of a few bad "apples"? Do we need to show the members (newcomers included) that we know more about "OUR" side that the other man knows about "HIS" side? Do we need to put someone else DOWN, in relating our views and opinions, maybe based on fact, maybe not, only the writer know, huh? It's kind of funny, that the people that use their words, at the expense of others, are generally people that are excellent writers. People that can use the pen (or keyboard, in this case) like a saber, cutting into others with the sharpness of that blade. It can be interesting and amusing at times, but for me, I see no need for it. Implying a statement or quote, tells MOST of us, whom you're taking a shot at, we're not all stupid (ARE WE?).
Well gang, it's getting late, and I'm just a rambling on with my thoughts from the day, a day of watching the boards, working at my job, and all in all, just having another GOOD DAY. Even with the BS that's happened around me today, it's been A GREAT DAY. I'm going to bed, SOBER and CLEAN, with no alcohol or drugs in my body, and tomorrow morning I'll wake up to a new day, and with the grace of GOD, tomorrow night, I'll get to do the same. Good night to all, and to all a good night. Keep those sabers in the sheath, will ya?
Milkman
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