Amen!! Saying no thanks has been a big challenge for me but it’s also the best thing for me. It’s a been one of my favorite changes! Not to just to say no to everyone and everything else but to say yes to me too. 
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October 27~Daily Reflections
GLOBAL SHARING
The only thing that matters is that he is an alcoholic who has found a key to sobriety. These legacies of suffering and of recovery are easily passed among alcoholics, one to the other. This is our gift from God, and its bestowal upon others like us is the one aim that today animates A.A.'s all around the globe.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 151
The strength of Alcoholics Anonymous lies in the desire of each member and of each group around the world to share with other alcoholics their suffering and the steps taken to gain, and maintain, recovery. By keeping a conscious contact with my Higher Power, I make sure that I always nurture my desire to help other alcoholics, thus insuring the continuity of the wonderful fraternity of Alcoholics Anonymous.
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you… this is an experience you must not miss.” — Big Book, p. 89
Where do I see hope and healing unfolding around me in recovery today?
Sooooo much I see this within the program of AA. And it’s beautiful. I’ve known of 3 people this week who have died from their addictions completely alone-one of which is a cousin of mine. To see what I could have and also know the polar opposites can happen makes me SO grateful I am part of this program today. For me, it’s not just about getting sober. It’s about recovery and seeing the gifts that can bring into my life. Building bridges instead of barricades is beautiful to witness and experience.
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Related to both of these readings, a bit of my experience: yesterday someone who’s been wandering in and out of AA called me for help with their addiction. Me. For help. It has left me astonished with a new gift, and a new set of abilities and responsibilities.
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October 28~Daily Reflections
AN UNBROKEN TRADITION
We conceive the survival and spread of Alcoholics Anonymous to be something of far greater importance than the weight we could collectively throw back of any other cause.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 177
How much it means to me that an unbroken tradition of more than half a century is a thread that connects me to Bill W. and Dr. Bob. How much more grounded I feel to be in a Fellowship whose aims are constant and unflagging. I am grateful that the energies of A.A. have never been scattered, but focused instead on our members and on individual sobriety.
My beliefs are what make me human; I am free to hold any opinion, but A.A.'s purpose —so clearly stated fifty years ago — is for me to keep sober. That purpose has promoted round-the-clock meeting schedules, and the thousands of intergroup and central service offices, with their thousands of volunteers. Like the sun focused through a magnifying glass, A.A.'s single vision has lit a fire of faith in sobriety in millions of hearts, including mine.
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality—safe and protected.”— Big Book, p. 85
Where in my life today can I rest in that “safe and protected” neutrality instead of struggling to control things?
We ceases fighting all things is another part of the big book that comes to mind here. I live with a “normie” and he always has booze in the house. Some of my old favorites no less. But I’ve been here for almost 2.5 years and it’s never tempted me. I am allergic to it, and I don’t want it at all! Which is wild, and all thanks to this program. I am not tempted here, nor when I’m out eating with others who may have a drink, etc. Granted, I’m not hanging out at the bars or gong to parties. Hang out at the barber long enough and you’ll end up with a haircut. But to me that is neutrality working in my life. I’m grateful for this gift of serenity and acceptance today.
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October 29~Daily Reflections
OUR SURVIVAL
Since recovery from alcoholism is life itself to us, it is imperative that we preserve in full strength our means of survival.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 177
The honesty expressed by the members of A.A. in meetings has the power to open my mind. Nothing can block the flow of energy that honesty carries with it. The only obstacle to this flow of energy is inebriation, but even then, no one will find a closed door if he or she has left and chooses to return. Once he or she has received the gift of sobriety, each A.A. member is challenged on a daily basis to accept a program of honesty.
My Higher Power created me for a purpose in life. I ask Him to accept my honest efforts to continue on my journey in the spiritual way of life. I call on Him for strength to know and seek His will.
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves.” — Big Book, p. 45
How can I lean on my Higher Power today instead of relying on my own strength?
Living life on my own will was not a good time. My HP always knows the best path for me, I just have to stop taking back the wheel. I was considering doing some different things with the end of PT next week, but I’ve now been shown what to do by my HP…and it is absolutely NOTHING I would have come up with on my own. I’m leaning into my faith on this as this message was only getting louder. And the first night I took action toward this, it all began to fall together easily. Trusting in this power greater than myself always brings far better results than I could ever achieve on my own. 
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October 30~Daily Reflections
LIVE AND LET LIVE
Never since it began has Alcoholics Anonymous been divided by a major controversial issue. Nor has our Fellowship ever publicly taken sides on any question in an embattled world. This, however, has been no earned virtue. It could almost be said that we were born with it. . . . “So long as we don’t argue these matters privately, it’s a cinch we never shall publicly.”
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 176
Do I remember that I have a right to my opinion but that others don’t have to share it? That’s the spirit of “Live and Let Live.” The Serenity Prayer reminds me, with God’s help, to “Accept the things I cannot change.” Am I still trying to change others? When it comes to “Courage to change the things I can,” do I remember that my opinions are mine, and yours are yours? Am I still afraid to be me? When it comes to “Wisdom to know the difference,” do I remember that my opinions come from my experience? If I have a know-it-all attitude, aren’t I being deliberately controversial?
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“The greatest enemies of us alcoholics are resentment, jealousy, envy, frustration, and fear.”— Big Book, p. 145
Which of these emotions shows up for me today, and how can I release it through prayer or service?
Fear is hands down my greatest opportunity for growth. I do a pretty fair amount of facing them, but they are sneaky and hide under the surface for me. Today I will remember to ask my HP to help more to be revealed so I can continue to work on this defect of character and be of greater service to others.
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October 31~Daily Reflections
AVOIDING CONTROVERSY
All history affords us the spectacle of striving nations and groups finally torn asunder because they were designed for, or tempted into, controversy. Others fell apart because of sheer self-righteousness while trying to enforce upon the rest of mankind some millennium of their own specification.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 176
As an A.A. member and sponsor, I know I can cause real damage if I yield to temptation and give opinions and advice on another’s medical, marital, or religious problems. I am not a doctor, counselor, or lawyer. I cannot tell anyone how he or she should live; however, I can share how I came through similar situations without drinking, and how A.A.'s Steps and Traditions help me in dealing with my life.
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face.” — Big Book, p. 44
What helps me keep choosing spiritual life, one day at a time?
The greatest gift that recovery has given me is a conscious connection with my higher power. The more I have leaned into this and trusted it, the better my life keeps getting. When I was using, I had zero connection and lived on my own will…I saw where that got me. No where good. Becoming willing to try it a new way in this program has brought SO much good into my life. I’ll keep working it, because it works.
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“Others fell apart because of sheer self-righteousness while trying to enforce upon the rest of mankind some millennium of their own specification.” Oh, my. The BB is ever-timely, and a reminder to me that attraction rather than promotion is the way for me to proceed today, and every day.
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The peace and ease of choosing the spiritual life keeps me remembering to choose it. Even when most things that I once would have said in an effort to help or to save someone time and trouble, now go unsaid unless friendly advice is sought. Intercession is for their HP, not for me, but I may offer prayers on their behalf.
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November 1~Daily Reflections
I CANNOT CHANGE THE WIND
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
My first sponsor told me there were two things to say about prayer and meditation: first, I had to start and second, I had to continue. When I came to A.A. my spiritual life was bankrupt; if I considered God at all, He was to be called upon only when my self-will was incapable of a task or when overwhelming fears had eroded my ego.
Today I am grateful for a new life, one in which my prayers are those of thanksgiving. My prayer time is more for listening than for talking. I know today that if I cannot change the wind, I can adjust my sail. I know the difference between superstition and spirituality. I know there is a graceful way of being right, and many ways to be wrong.
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“In this book you will read the experience of a man who thought he was an atheist. His change of heart was dramatic, convincing, and permanent.”— Big Book, p. 56
Where have I seen a change of heart in myself that reminds me transformation is real?
For me, I can absolutely relate to that line. I can’t go back to how life was before, I’ve seen and experienced far too much now. And man am I ever grateful for that! This program truly opened the doors to the biggest and best changes in my life. I had to come in willingly and do what was asked of me. I had no idea what to expect but having that true spiritual connection alone changed everything in my life.
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November 2~Daily Reflections
KEEPING OPTIMISM AFLOAT
The other Steps can keep most of us sober and somehow functioning. But Step Eleven can keep us growing, . . .
THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 240
A sober alcoholic finds it much easier to be optimistic about life. Optimism is the natural result of my finding myself gradually able to make the best, rather than the worst, of each situation. As my physical sobriety continues, I come out of the fog, gain a clearer perspective and am better able to determine what courses of action to take. As vital as physical sobriety is, I can achieve a greater potential for myself by developing an ever-increasing willingness to avail myself of the guidance and direction of a Higher Power. My ability to do so comes from my learning—and practicing—the principles of the A.A. program. The melding of my physical and spiritual sobriety produces the substance of a more positive life.
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“We are sure that God wants us to be victorious, not defeated; strong, not weak; filled with love, not fear.”— Big Book, p. 132
How can I live victoriously in love rather than fear today?
I heard recently that my HP speaks in statements, not in questions. That is my own stuff-my ego, my fears, my insecurities, etc. God wants me to live a better life and what I am asked to do comes in statements, I bring in the questions. This clicked for me and it made sense. The more I can live in love and in alignment with my HP, the better my life gets. I am grateful for this today.
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I remember one of my old sponsors telling me that fear and faith are like a 2 sided coin (fear on 1 side and faith on the other). U can never have both sides. U ar either living in fear or ur living in faith.
I still remember this, even after 11+ years of not seeing her.
I find that when i do give my fears to God, I am practicing (and living in) faith. Fear is based on self will and faith is Gods will. I try not to pick and choose what I hand over to God. Sometimes (due to fear) I will try to control the situation so that I get a desired outcome. In all reality, i have no control over that. But when i choose to hand everything over to God, things always work out as they should.
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November 3~Daily Reflections
FOCUSING AND LISTENING
There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 98
If I do my self-examination first, then surely, I’ll have enough humility to pray and meditate—because I’ll see and feel my need for them. Some wish to begin and end with prayer, leaving the self-examination and meditation to take place in between, whereas others start with meditation, listening for advice from God about their still hidden or unacknowledged defects. Still others engage in written and verbal work on their defects, ending with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. These three—self-examination, meditation and prayer—form a circle, without a beginning or an end. No matter where, or how, I start, I eventually arrive at my destination: a better life.
From the book Daily Reflections.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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