January 3
Daily Reflections
POWERLESS
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become
unmanageable.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21
It is no coincidence that the very first Step mentions powerlessness: An
admission of personal powerlessness over alcohol is a cornerstone of
the foundation of recovery. I've learned that I do not have the power
and control I once thought I had. I am powerless over what people
think about me. I am powerless over having just missed the bus. I am
powerless over how other people work (or don't work) the Steps. But
I've also learned I am not powerless over some things. I am not
powerless over my attitudes. I am not powerless over negativity. I am
not powerless over assuming responsibility for my own recovery. I
have the power to exert a positive influence on myself, my loved ones,
and the world in which I live.
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As Bill Sees It
Pain And Progress, p. 3
"Years ago I used to commiserate with all people who suffered. Now I
commiserate only with those who suffer in ignorance, who do not
understand the purpose and ultimate utility of pain."
<< << << >> >> >>
Someone once remarked that pain is the touchstone of spiritual
progress. How heartily we A.A.'s can agree with him, for we know
that the pains of alcoholism had to come before sobriety, and
emotional turmoil before serenity.
<< << << >> >> >>
"Believe more deeply. Hold your face up to the Light, even though
for the moment you do not see."
1. Letter, 1950
2. 12 & 12, pp. 93-94
3. Letter, 1950
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Alcoholics Anonymous - Fourth Edition
Chapter 7 - WORKING WITH OTHERS
If he does not want to see you, never force yourself upon him. Neither should the family hysterically plead with him to do anything, nor should they tell him much about you. They should wait for the end of his next drinking bout. You might place this book where he can see it in the interval. Here no specific rule can be given. The family must decide these things. But urge them not to be over-anxious, for that might spoil matters.
pp. 90-91
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Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Tradition Five - "Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry it's message to the alcoholic who still suffers."
"His next question: `What are you getting out of it?' "Of course, my answer was `My own sobriety and a mighty happy life.' "Still dubious, he demanded, `Do you really mean the only reason you are here is to try and help me and to help yourself?'
"`Yes,' I said. `That's absolutely all there is to it. There's no angle.'
p. 152
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Serenity isn't freedom from the storm; it is peace within the storm. --unknown
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry
about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely
and earnestly. --Buddha (B.C. 568-488)
"The more you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it becomes." --Amy Grant
Envy shoots at others and wounds herself. --Costa Rican Proverb
If you dig a grave for others, you might fall into it yourself. --Irish Proverb
I embrace the beauty of life, and depend deeply upon God. --Shelley
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Father Leo's Daily Meditation
ISOLATION
"No man is an island, entire of
itself; every man is a piece of
the continent, a part of the
main."
-- John Donne
For years I thought that I was alone; lost isolated and afraid. Today I understand this
to be a symptom of my alcoholism, an aspect of my disease. Alcoholism is "cunning,
baffling and powerful"; it is a mystery that we have only begun to understand. One
thing we know, the disease, the "ism" of alcoholism, involves more than the act
of drinking. Feelings of inadequacy, isolation and fear keep us from recovering until
we discover the spiritual strength to confront the disease in our lives. The initial risk of
"letting go" and trusting others is an essential part of the recovery process.
When we discover that we are not alone, then relationships and hope are reactivated;
life is worth living again.
O Lord, I believe I am part of this world and an important part of You.
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"But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with
God all things are possible." Mark 10:27
Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Matthew 6:34
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
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Daily Inspiration
It is good to know where you are, but better to know where you are going. Lord, may I use every day to grow closer to You.
When you feel you aren't as blessed as your neighbor, consider the troubles that you have been spared. Lord, thank You for the trials that I do not have to endure.
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Each Day a New Beginning (Women)
Food for Thought
Language of Letting Go
Today's Gift
Touchstones (Men)
Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Walk In Dry Places