We will make every personal sacrifice necessary to insure the unity of Alcoholics Anonymous. We will do this because we have learned to love God and one another.
A.A. comes of age, p. 234
To be self-supporting through my own contributions was never a strong characteristic during my days as a practicing alcoholic. The giving of time or money always demanded a price tag.
As a newcomer I was told “we have to give it away in order to keep it.” As I began to adopt the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous in my life, I soon found it was a privilege to give to the Fellowship as an expression of the gratitude I felt in my heart. My love of God and of others became the motivating factor in my life, with no thought of return. I realize now that giving freely is God’s way of expressing Himself through me.
“We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 60
Am I being patient with my growth today? Where can I celebrate progress instead of criticizing myself for not being perfect?
Oh man, I love this one today. I am not expected to be a saint or perfect. Good thing because I’m not. But I do my best. Some days that looks different, and that’s ok. Today I will give myself just a little more grace.
Let us resist the proud assumption that since God has enabled us to do well in one area we are destined to be a channel of saving grace for everybody.
A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 232
A.A. groups exist to help alcoholics achieve sobriety. Large or small, firmly established or brand-new, speaker, discussion or study, each group has but one reason for being: to carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic. The group exists so that the alcoholic can find a new way of life, a life abundant in happiness, joy, and freedom. To recover, most alcoholics need the support of a group of other alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope. Thus my sobriety, and our program’s survival, depend on my determination to put first things first.
“When we drew near to Him, He disclosed Himself to us.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 57
Am I making space today—through prayer, quiet, or honesty—for a deeper connection with my Higher Power?
I began my day with a meditiation about trusting in my HP. This is setting the tine for my day to continue to invite my HP in and to have thy will be done, not my own. Things ALWAYS go better in all areas of my life when I consciously connect to my HP and man am I ever grateful for that connection today.
As active alcoholics we were always looking for a handout in one way or another.
“THE TWELVE TRADITIONS ILLUSTRATED,” p. 14
The challenge of the Seventh Tradition is a personal challenge, reminding me to share and give of myself. Before sobriety the only thing I ever supported was my habit of drinking. Now my efforts are a smile, a kind word, and kindness.
I saw that I had to start carrying my own weight and to allow my new friends to walk with me because, through the practice of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, I’ve never had it so good.
“It must come from deep down within us. It has to be self–destroying, not externally imposed.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 23
Am I staying honest about the inner desire that brought me to recovery—and how do I keep that fire alive today?
This quote reminds us that true change starts from within. Recovery isn’t forced, it’s instead chosen, one day at a time. I can’t stay sober on what someone else wants for me. For me, choosing my recovery also means destroying the old me that used to drink. That was scary! But, the new life it has given me far exceeds anything that I ever thought was possible. So, today I choose to stay and will continue to begin my day with recovery and I will do whatever it takes to end my day sober. Today is the only day that really matters.
. . . he has struck something better than gold. . . .He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129
My part of the Seventh Tradition means so much more than just giving money to pay for the coffee. It means being accepted for myself by belonging to a group. For the first time I can be responsible, because I have a choice. I can learn the principles of working out problems in my daily life by getting involved in the “business” of A.A. By being self-supporting, I can give back to A.A. what A.A. gave to me! Giving back to A.A. not only ensures my own sobriety, but allows me to buy insurance that A.A. will be here for my grandchildren.
“The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 60
Am I trying to control something today that I could instead turn over? What might shift if I trusted my Higher Power more fully?
This quote reminds us that surrender isn’t weakness—it’s the beginning of peace. Self-will isolates us; spiritual willingness connects us.
For so many years, I ran my life on self-will. And…I ran that ship aground. But, there’s times I still want to take back the wheel. This quote reminds me to look for more opportunities to have my HP take the lead instead of my own will. That part about being isolated by my own will is SO true. It takes a village and today I will connect to my HP and let god speak and act through others by connecting with them as well. My disease wants me isolated. My wellness wants me connected. I am grateful for this reminder today.
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, And wisdom to know the difference.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125
The power of this prayer is overwhelming in that its simple beauty parallels the A.A. Fellowship. There are times when I get stuck while reciting it, but if I examine the section which is troubling me, I find the answer to my problem. The first time this happened I was scared, but now I use it as a valuable tool. By accepting life as it is, I gain serenity. By taking action, I gain courage and I thank God for the ability to distinguish between those situations I can work on, and those I must turn over. All that I have now is a gift from God: my life, my usefulness, my contentment, and this program. The serenity enables me to continue walking forward.
“What used to be a hunch or the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 87
What spiritual insights or instincts have become stronger in me over time? How can I trust and follow that inner guidance today?
I was shown this week where I want to (and have) taken back the wheel. It’s fear based. I’m praying and I keep getting answers. But I’m afraid. After a long discussion with my sponsor last night, I was reminded that I’ve built up these spiritual instincts and god speaks-but the fear is louder. I made a pros and cons list. I did a meditation while falling asleep on healing. And today I’ll see the profressionals that will assist me more. I just need to let it happen. It’s one thing to have the guidance come, it’s a whole other thing to actually follow it. My sponsor reminded me that it’s courageous to do what you’re being asked to, even if it’s scary but my HP knows and it speaks to me consistently about this for a reason. It’s a good day to take a leap of faith.
The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83
When new in the program, I couldn’t comprehend living the spiritual aspect of the program, but now that I’m sober, I can’t comprehend living without it. Spirituality was what I had been seeking. God, as I understand Him, has given me answers to the whys that kept me drinking for twenty years. By living a spiritual life, by asking God for help, I have learned to love, care for and feel compassion for all my fellow men, and to feel joy in a world where, before, I felt only fear.
“There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit. But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 98 (12&12)
Am I taking time today to honestly reflect, connect spiritually, and stay open to guidance? Which of these three practices could use more attention in my life right now?
Yes! Doing these things together has been a big key to peace this week for me. For serenity. Acceptance. Knowing I’m on track. Trusting. Working through fears. And truly knowing all is well. Sometimes I do them individually but putting them all together is where life truly is lived better. I’m grateful for this reminder today.
At the moment we are trying to put our lives in order. But this is not an end in itself.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 77
How easily I can become misdirected in approaching the Eighth Step! I wish to be free, somehow transformed by my Sixth and Seventh Step work. Now, more than ever, I am vulnerable to my own self-interest and hidden agenda. I am careful to remember that self-satisfaction, which sometimes comes through the spoken forgiveness of those I have harmed, is not my true objective. I become willing to make amends, knowing that through this process I am mended and made fit to move forward, to know and desire God’s will for me.
“We had to quit playing God. It didn’t work.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 62
Where in my life today am I trying to control outcomes, people, or emotions? What would it feel like to let go and trust instead?
I will remember today to use my serenity prayer and trust in my hp. My hip hurts and I want to do ALL the things. They have also planned a family bbq at the house. I want to do allllll the things to help and be a good host. I’m trying to reminder I am where I am and I can’t control the plans or the event or the fact I have an injury. So today I will do my best to let all of it go and just enjoy the day as it is, not what I want it to be.
August 2~Meditation For The Day (24 Hours A Day-thanks @SinceIAwoke, my book has arrived!)
God is always ready to pour His blessings into our hearts in generous measure. But like the seed-sowing, the ground must be prepared before the seed is dropped in. It is our task to prepare the soil. God’s to drop the seed. This preparation of the soil means many days of right living, choosing the right thing and avoiding the wrong. As you go along, each day you are better prepared for God’s planting, until you reach the time of harvest. Then you share the harvest with God-the harvest of a useful and more abundant life.
Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 77
It is clear that God’s plan for me is expressed through love. God loved me enough to take me from alleys and jails so that I could be made a useful participant in His world. My response is to love all of His children through service and by example. I ask God to help me imitate His love for me through my love for others.
“We are convinced that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health restorative.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 114
How is my spiritual practice supporting my emotional, mental, or even physical well-being today? What small action can I take to nurture that connection?
This quote reminds me that healing in recovery is holistic—when the spirit is cared for, the rest begins to heal too. Working with energy, I do know this but it’s easy to forget when I have my own health issues. Our physical illness can be created by spiritual, mental or emotional impacts. Today I’ll remember to feed my soul and my spiritual side more for full healing and not just focus on my body.
Faith, to be sure, is necessary, but faith alone can avail nothing. We can have faith, yet keep God out of our lives.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 34
As a child I constantly questioned the existence of God. To a “scientific thinker” like me, no answer could withstand a thorough dissection, until a very patient woman finally said to me, “You must have faith.” With that simple statement, the seeds of my recovery were sown!
Today, as I practice my recovery – cutting back the weeds of alcoholism – slowly I am letting those early seeds of faith grow and bloom. Each day of recovery, of ardent gardening, brings the Higher Power of my understanding more fully into my life. My God has always been with me through faith, but it is my responsibility to have the willingness to accept His presence.
I ask God to grant me the willingness to do His will.
