Thoughtfood for Monday, December 1, 2008 World AIDS Day  

From the Big Book:

"This is our twelfth suggestion: Carry this message to other alcoholics!  You can help when no one else can.  You can secure their confidence when others fail.  Remember they are very ill."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcohlics Anonymous,Working With Others, p. 89

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have sympathy for those in temptation.  I pray that I may have compassion for others trials."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 1.

 

Quote for the day:

"The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere."

__Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 

My share: Today is World AIDS Day. Some might say this is an outside issue.  It is.  I bring it up because beyond we alcoholics, no other group needs our compassion and understanding more, No problem requires more exposure through education to stay the growth of the problem.  There are great opportunities within the community suffering from AIDS/HIV to be of service.  Our efforts in this department need not be limited to alcoholics.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Bedevilments

From the Big Book:

"Life will take on new meaning.  To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends--this is an experience you must not miss.  We know you will not want to miss it.  Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 89.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may strive to be the kind of a person that God would have me be.  I pray that I may try to fulfill Gods' vision of what I could be."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec.2.

 

Quote for the day:
"I want, by understanding myself, to understand others.    I want to be all that I am capable of becoming...This all sounds very strenuous and serious.  But now that I have wrestled with it, it's no longer so.  I feel happy--deep down.  All is well." 

__Katherine Mansfield

 

My share:

The basic solution of my "bedevilments" materialized as soon as I truly surrendered my will over to the care and nurture of my Higher Power. Like Ms. Mansfield, I feel happy--deep down. 

And all is well. (whether I get cast in the next musical or not ;-) 

Be Good To You , Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, December 3, 2008

First Things First
This is strictly a matter of survival for us. We have learned that alcoholism is a killer disease, leading to death in a large number of ways. We prefer not to activate that disease by taking a drink. . . When we view alcoholism as the life-or-death matter it is, the answer is plain. If we do not save our health -- our lives -- then certainly we will have no family, no job, and no friends. If we value family, job, and friends, we must first save our own lives in order to cherish all three. 
© 1998 AAWS, Living Sober,  p 32
 

From the Big Book:

"Perhaps you are not acquainted with any drinkers who want to recover.  You can easily find some by asking a few doctors, ministers, priests or hospitals.  They will be only to glad to assist you. Don't start out as an evangelist or reformer.  Unfortunately a lot of prejudice exists.  You will be handicapped if you arouse it.  Ministers and doctors are competent and you can learn much from them if you wish, but it happens that because of your own drinking experience you can be uniquely useful to other alcoholics.  So cooperate; never criticize.  To be helpful is our only aim."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 89.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be content that things which I now see darkly, will some day be made clear.  I pray that I may have faith that someday I will see face to face."

c. 1975, Hazeldend Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 3.

Quote for the day:

"Today, my compassion for myself opens me to the gentleness of the program."  __ Joan Larkin

My share:

Sometimes, no matter how hard I try, my prospect loses his drive to survive.  He throws his hands up and says, "What the hell, this isn't working for me."  He stops calling and won't return my calls. Usually it's because he is struggling to get over that major hurdle we call the Fourth Step.  I must be patient with him and gentle with myself.  His recovery is not my problem.  But I will be there when he needs me.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, December 4, 2008

 

 

The Hand of God? 

When you question your own self-worth,
and doubt the inherent value of your life,
you are actually second-guessing
the wisdom of your Creator.
Be wary of presuming to know more than God!
It is far better simply to trust
there is a reason you are here,
and to act with an assurance
there is a purpose your life will fulfill.
Your openness, acceptance and confidence
in the Hand that put you here
will enable others to see that Hand
working in and through your life
-- even when you cannot. 

__ The Daily Guru

From the Big Book:

"When you discover a prospect for Alcoholics Anonymous, find out all you can about him.  If he does not want to stop drinking, don't waste time trying to persuade him.  You may spoil a later opportunity.  This advice is given for his family also.  They should be patient, realizing they are dealing with a sick person."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 90.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not heed too much the judgment of the world. 

 I pray that I may test things by what seems right to me."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 4.

 

Quote for the day:

"Be yourself, that's all there is of you." __Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

My share:

My continued sobriety has enabled me to pursue a life-long passion of creating a life in/of theatre arts. In school at Pima College, I just completed a three day audition for the next show, a musical, "Footloose".  After the audition I went to dinner with 26 of the other auditionees.  These young people always talk about their drinking habits and exploits and the fact of my sobriety is no secret. I know more than one of them view my ability to avoid alcohol as an asset and consider my example worth emulating. Be Good To You, Dave

From the Big Book:

"If there is any indication that he wants to stop, hava good talk with the person most interested in him--usually his wife. Get an idea of his behavior, his problems, his background, the seriousness of his codition and his religious leanings.  You need this information to put yourself in his place, to see how you would like him to approach you if the tables were turned."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 90.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that as I have received, so may I give.  I pray that I may have the right answer to those who are confused."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 5.

 

Quote for the day:

"Freedom breeds freedom. Nothing else does."  __Anne Roe

 

My share:

There is a learning experience in first understanding what the next right thing to do is and actually acting on that knowledge.

I have such a decision to make today. To deny the thing HP has put in my path would be nothing if not self-centered and selfish. In realizing that fact, my path is clear.  I will do the next right thing in spite of my desire to do what I had planned.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, December 6, 2008

 

Staying Here

From the Big Book:

"Sometimes it is wise to wait till he (the prospect) goes on a binge.The family may object to this, but unless he is in a dangerous physical condition, it is better to risk it.  Don't deal with him when he is very drunk, unless he is ugly and the family needs your help.  Wait for the end of the spree, or at least for a lucid interval.  Then let his family or a friend ask him if he wants to quit for good and if he would go to any extreme to do so. If he says yes, then his attention should be drawn to you as a person who has recovered.  You should be described to him as one of a fellowship who, as part of their own recovery, try to help others and who will be glad to talk to him if he cares to see you."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p.90. 

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be prepared for whatever temptation may come to me.  I pray that I may see it clearly and avoid it with the help of God."  c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 6.

 

Quote for the day:

"There is a love like a small lamp, which goes out when the oil is consumed; or like a stream, which dries up when it doesn't rain.  But there is a love that is like a mighty spring gushing up out of the earth; it keeps flowing forever, and is inexhaustible." 

__Issac of NIneveh

 

My share:

The lesson of patience (suggested in today's Big Book reading)

is not one I learned quickly. But once understood, its value was obvious.  When I coupled that with unswerving faith that nothing is impossible, my life just got better.  My sense of peace  heightened, my serenity enhanced. 

Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Sunday, December 7, 2008

Back on Track

From the Big Book:

"If he (a prospect) 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 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."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp, 90-91.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not try to live by bread alone.  I pray that my spirit may live by trying to do the will of God as I understand it."

c. 1075, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 7.

 

Quote for the day:

"Trust in experience.  And in the rhythms.  The deep rhythms of your experience."  __ Muriel Rukeyser

 

My share: I am not always sure what the next right thing is.  But I have learned to trust that inner feeling.  It is from within that HP does his best work.  I need to listen closely and utilize my experience to give me strength.  It is that strength that gives me hope.  Hope is the lubricant I need to "ease on into" today. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Monday, December 8, 2008

 

From the Big Book:

"Usually, the family should not try to tell your story. When possible, avoid meeting a man through his family.  Approach through a doctor or an institution is a better bet. If your man needs hospitalization, he should have it, but not forcibly unless he is violent.  Let the doctor, if he will, tell him he has something in the way of a solution." 

 c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 91.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may find a rightful place in the world.  I pray that my work may be made more effective by the grace of God."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 8.

 

Quote for the day:

"Life is an exciting business and most exciting when it is lived for others."  __Helen Keller

 

My share:

The passage today from the Big Book may seem a bit dated, given the rise of treatment centers for alcohol abuse.  But the general guidelines are sustained.  We know a man committed to treatment against his will is likely to be resistant to any suggestions of recovery.  And no one can tell your story for you.

The end result is the same, one drunk talking to another drunk, relating experience, strength, and hope, keeping it simple.  

Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Friends

From the Big Book:

"When your man is better, the doctor might suggest a visit from you.  Though you have talked with the family, leave them out of the first discussion.  Under these conditions you prospect will see he is under no pressure.  He will feel he can deal with you without being nagged by his family.  Call on him while he is still jittery.  He may be more receptive when depressed."

c. 1939, AAWS,  Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 91.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that my soul will lose its restlessness by finding rest in God.  I pray that I may find peace of mind in the thought of God and His purpose in my life."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 9.

Quote for the day:

"It is hard to tell if a man is telling the truth when you know you would lie if you were in his place."   __H. L. Mencken

My share:

Part of the beauty of this program, this process, is the ability of one drunk to empathize with his prospect.  We have all been there, done that, in some form or another.  We can identify and understand.  As a drunk in need of help, I truly needed an understanding friend.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, December 10, 2008

 

This Energetic Knowing

In struggling with a difficult decision,
we often become trapped in
an intellectual analysis of our options
or mired in the emotional intensity
surrounding the issues.

At times like this, it is often helpful to step back
and allow your body's own energy
to inform the decision-making process.

Begin by imagining each of your available options.
In your mind's eye, visualize each choice
as a separate path or scenario rolling out
into the future, and then look at
your body's energetic reaction to each option.

While doing this,  focus your attention
on the movement of energy in your chest and abdomen.
You will find that in most cases
your energetic response will be quick,
and unmistakably clear.

Within 2-3 seconds, if you hold the mind and emotions
in abeyance, you will feel the energy shift
as you consider each of your available options:
either your energy will expand, open and relax
or it will contract, tighten and constrict
-- and you will know immediately
which option toward which you are more powerfully drawn.

As circumstances change, your energetic reaction
may shift and change, as well.
But when the time arrives
for actually making your decision,
you can always trust this energetic knowing.

__The Daily Guru

From the Big Book:

"

See your man alone, if possible.  At first engage in general conversation.  After a while, turn the talk to some phase of drinking.  Tell him enough about your drinking habits, symptoms, and experiences to encourage him to speak of himself. If he wishes to talk, let him do so.  You will thus get a better idea of how you ought to proceed." 

 c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 91.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be still and know that God is with me.  I pray that I may open my mind to the leading of the Divine Mind."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day. Dec. 10.

 

Quote for the day:

A man is the sum of his actions, of what he has done, of what he can do, Nothing else. __John Galsworthy

 

My share:

I am always happy to find elements of our program restated in the literature of other seekers who don't necessarily realize their pronouncements are so integral to the original twelve steps. For me it is a validation that the truth I found in A.A. was just that, truth. Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Thursday, December 11, 2008  

The Gift

  

From the Big Book:
 "If he is not comunicative, give him a sketch of your drinking career up to the time you quit.  But say nothing, for the moment, of how that was accomplished.  If he is in a serious mood dwell on the troubles liquor has caused you, being careful not to moralize or lecture.  If his mood is light, tell him humoruous stories of your escapades.  Get him to tell some of his." 
c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 91.  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that I may take this day as a gift from God.  I pray that I may thank God for this day and be glad in it."
c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 11.  

Quote for the day:
The moment of awakening may be marked by an
outburst of laughter, but this is not the
laughter of someone who has won the lottery
or some kind of victory. It is the laughter
of one who, after searching for something
for a long time, suddenly finds it in the
pocket of his coat."  __ The Daily Guru  

My share: 
Funny how sometimes the topic of the day seems to echo multiple discussions recently shared with others  Humans, living together on earth as one species, in a loving, caring, and compassionate way; that employs a conscious effort of consideration for the well being of others, is such a topic. The general concenus, from those recent discussions, was that man's inhumanity to man, his arrogance, and his tendency toward voilent confrontation may well doom the entire civilization to self destruction.  Much needs change in the world today to avoid such a fate.  That change begins with me.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, December 12, 2008  

From the Big Book:

"When he sees you know all about the drinking game, commence to describe yourself as an alcoholic. Tell him how baffled you were, how you finally learned that you were sick.  Give him an account of the struggles you made to stop.  Show him the mental twist which leads to the first drink of a spree.  We suggest you do this as we have done it in the chapter on alcoholism.  If he is alcoholic, he will understand you at once.  He will match your mental inconsistencies with some of his own."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp.91-92.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that love will drive out the fear in my life.  I pray that my fear will flee before the power of the love of God."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 12.

 

Quote for the day:

"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future."
George Bernard Shaw

 

My share:

It really is that simple, isn't it?  Willingness to make amends, rigorous honesty, and a desire to quit drinking is the solution to all the problems my drinking has caused in my life.  Realizing this was, no doubt, the most important moment of my life. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, December 13, 2008

 The Horns of a Dilemma

When you find yourself
sitting on
the horns of a dilemma,
do not be in a hurry
to make your decision.

Take your time,
be patient and
live with the question
as long as is necessary.

With time, you will find
that one day you will wake up
and know, with certainty,
exactly what you need to do
-- and your dilemma
will no longer even be
a question.  

From the Big Book:

"If  you are satisfied that he is a real alcoholic, begin to dwell on the hopeless feature of the malady.  Show him, from your own experience, how the queer mental condition surrounding that first drink prevents normal functioning of the will power. Don't, at this stage, refer to this book, unless he has seen it and wishes to discuss it." 

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 92.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may choose aright today. 
I pray that I may be shown the right way to live today."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 13.

Quote for the day:

"Sometimes it takes ten seconds to see some humor in your dilemmas,
sometimes ten years."
Allen Klein
 

My share:

The major dilemma I faced was in considering the options of drinking or not drinking. Neither option seemed all that interesting.  Drinking would surely bring another incarceration, fines, and loss of certain freedoms for a long time beyond the jail time. Not drinking would be boring and no fun at all.  Fortunately, I saw people enjoying themselves and laughing, and loving at the first meeting.  The dilemma dissolved right then and there.  My choice was clear.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, December 14, 2008  

On The Edge
No one who drank as I did wakes up on the edge of the abyss one morning
and says: Things look pretty scary; I think I'd better stop drinking before I fall in.
I was convinced I could go as far as I wanted,
and then climb back out when it wasn't fun anymore.
What happened was, I found myself at the bottom of the canyon
 thinking I'd never see the sun again.
AA didn't pull me out of that hole.
It did give me the tools to construct a ladder with Twelve Steps.
© 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p 316

From the Big Book:

"And be careful not to brand him as an alcoholic.  Let him draw his own conclusions.  If he sticks to the idea that he can still control his drinking, tell him that possibly he can--if he is not too alcoholic.  But insist that if he is severely afflicted, there may be little chance he can recover by himself."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 92.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may keep this resting place where I can commune with God.  I pray that I may find refreshment in meditation on the Eternal."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 14.

 

Quote for the day:
Success is getting what you want.  Happiness is wanting what you get. __Dale Carnegie

 

My share:

If Mr. Carnegie had it right, I am truly happy.  I'm not completely content, but I am genuinely happy.  At a meeting last night I heard it said that "God loves me uncontrollably".  That made me very happy.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Monday, December 15, 2008  

Seeking Serenity

From the Big Book:
"Continue to speak of alcoholism as an illness, a fatal malady.  Talk about the condition of body and mind which accompany it.  Keep his attention focused mainly on your personal experience.  Explain that many are doomed who never realize their predicament. Doctors are rightly loath to tell alcohlic patients the whole story unless it will serve some good purpose.  But you may talk to him about the hopelessness of alcoholism because you offer a solution."
c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 92.  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that I may face the dull days with courage.
I pray that I may have faith that the bright days will return." 
c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 15.  

Quote for the day:
"As soon as you trust yourself,
you will know how to live." __Goethe

My share:  
I remember dull days while drinking, in fact, dullness was the perfect reason to drink.  Funny thing, I haven't really had any dull days in sobriety.  Oh there have been days when I had nothing to do (not recently), but in sobriety I can think clearly of hundreds of ways to fill my time like being of service to others or even going to a meeting.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, December 16, 2008  

 

 

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, December 17, 2008  

 

 

From the Big Book:

"Stress the spritual feature freely.  If the man be agnostic or atheist, make it emphatic that he does not have to agree with your conception of God.  He can choose any conception he likes, provided it makes sense to Him.  The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a Power greater that himself and that he live by spiritual principles."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 93.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may choose today the way of the spiritual life. 

 I pray that I may live today with fath and hope and love."

c. 1939, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 17.

 

Quote for the day:

"He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows or all he sees." __Benjamin Franklin

My share:

In our text, it is suggested that working with others can be a dangerous thing for the prospect.  It may be true that he/she may be expecially vulnerable and direct judgement or analysis may set him/her off on  a binge.  If such a thing happens it is likely not because of anything I said but that the prospect was looking for an excuse to drink again.  I assure them that it is not the end of the world, merely a chance to see the result of lack of vigilance. 

Be Good To You, Dave. 

Thoughtfood for Thursday, December 18, 2008  

Powerless
I did not know that it was physically impossible for me to drink moderately.
I did not know that my body's drinking machinery had worn out,
and that the parts could not be replaced.
I did not know that just one drink made it impossible
 for me to control my behavior and conduct and my future drinking.
I did not know, in short, that I was powerless over alcohol.
My family and my friends sensed or knew these things about me long before I did.
© 2003 AAWS, Experience, Strength and Hope,  p.153

 

 Thoughtfood for Friday,  December 19, 2008  

Humility

 

From the Big Book:
"Your prospect may belong to a religious denomination.  His religious education and training may be far superior to yours.   In any case he is going to wonder how you can add anything to what he already knows.  But he will be curious to learn why his own convictions have not worked and why yours see to work so well. He may be an example of the truth that faith alone is insufficient." 
c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 93.  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that I may make something good out of my life. 
I pray that I may be a good artisan of the materials which I have been given to use."  c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 19.  

Quote for the day:
"Do not underestimate your own innate magnificence.
All that you are and all that you will become
reflects the Divine in space and time." __The Daily Guru  

My share:
I'm not convinced that faith alone is not sufficient.  But I am sure that the quality of faith, the depth of faith, the type of faith I've been able to maintain falls far short of absolute.  My ego, my self get in the way of that devotion.  I am content to seek a better understanding and a higher level of faith through works. Be Good To You, Dave.  

Thoughtfood for Saturday, December 20, 2008  

From the Big Book:

"To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self-sacrifice, constructive action. Let him see that you are not there to instruct him in religion. Admit that he probably knows more about it than you do, but call to his attention the fact that however deep his faith and knowledge, he could not have applied it or he would not drink.  Perhaps your story will help him see where he has failed to practice the very precepts he knows so well.  We represent no particular faith or denomination.   We are dealing only with general principles common to most denominations." 

 c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp. 93-94.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have such trust in God today that I will not fear anything too greatly.  I pray that I may have assurance that God will take care of me in the long run."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 20.

 

Quote for the day:

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember, you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."  __Audrey Hepburn

 

My share:

To be of service to others is the middle name of Happy, Joyous, and Free. To give comfort, companionship, support, and empathy is the balm that was freely given me.  We pay it forward since we can't, we won't go back.  Be Good To You, Dave

 

Thoughtfood for Sunday, December 21, 2008   Source of Strength When World War II broke out, this spiritual principle had its first major test. A A's entered the services and were scattered all over the world. Would they be able to take discipline, stand up under fire, and endure the monotony of war? Would the kind of dependence they had learned in AA carry them through? Well, it did.  They had even fewer alcoholic lapses or emotional binges than AA's safe at home did. Whether in Alaska or on the Salerno beachhead, their dependence upon a Higher Power worked. And far from being a weakness, this dependence was their chief source of strength. © 1953 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pp.38-9   From the Big Book:  "Outline the program of action, explaining how you made a self-appraisal, how you straightened out your past and why you are now endeavoring to be helpful to him.  It is impoertant for him to realize that your attempt to pass this on to him plays a vital part in your own recovery.  Actually, he may be helping you more than you are helping him." c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p 94.   Prayer for the day:  "I pray that today I may try to follow the inner pressure of God's leading.  I pray that I may try to follow my conscience and do what seems right today." c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 21.   Quote for the day: "Teach this triple truth to all"  A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things that renew humanity."  __Buddha     My share: To me, one of the most pointed dichotomies in AA is the return on investment when it comes to service. Through an effort to be less self-serving and more selfless, by seeking opportunitites to be of service to others, and actually doing it, by volunteering to help, one can't help but enhance and ensure one's own sobriety.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Monday, December 22, 2008  

 

© 1998 The AA Grapevine, Inc.,  The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 3], p.320

From the Big Book:
"Make it plain that he is under no obligation to you, that you hope only that he will try to help other alcoholics when he escapes his own difficulties.  Suggest how important it is that he place the welfare of other people ahead of his own.  Make it clear that he is not under pressure, that he needn't see you again if he doesn't want to.  You should not be offended if he wants to call it off, for he has helped you more than you have helped him.  If your talk has been sane, quiet and full of human understanding, you have perhaps made a friend.  Maybe you have disturbed him about the question of alcoholism.  This is all to the good.  The more hopeless he feels, the better.  He will be more likely to follow your suggestions."
c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 94.  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that fear of evil will not get me down. 
I pray that I may try to place myself today under the protection of God's grace."
c.1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 22  

Quote for the day:
Accepting Life's gifts is simple and effortless when we stop dictating the terms and conditions for delivery. __The Daily Guru

My share:
I agree with the lady from the Grapevine above. If I just sat in a rocking chair (thinking I was a wise old...fart?)  I'd expire from boredom in a flash.  The challenges I face on a daily basis keep me alive. In sobriety I welcome and thrive on those challenges. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, December 23, 2008  

Pass It On

From the Big Book:
Do not be disappointed if your prospect does not respond at once. Search out another alcoholic and try again. You are sure to find someone desperate enough to accept with eagerness what you offer.  We find it a waste of time to keep chasing a man who cannot or will not work with you. If you leave such a person alone, he may soon become convinced that he cannot recover by himself."
c. AAWS, 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 96.  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that I may try to bring something good into every situation today. 
I pray that I may be constructive in the way I think and speak and act today."
c. 1975, Hazleden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 23.  

Quote for the day:
"Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery." __Joanne Kathleen Rowling  

My share:
Sometimes it isn't easy passing it on.  Often one's mere presence, sober and sane, is all it takes to carry the message.  If I intend to carry the message and not the mess, I have to first get rid of the mess. I accepted that my life was the mess.  I got rid of that life and have a new one today.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2008    

Humility
On his desk, Dr. Bob had a plaque defining humility: 
"Perpetual quietness of heart.  It is to have no trouble.
It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore;
 to wonder at nothing that is done to me,
to feel nothing done against me.
It is to be at rest when nobody praises me,
and when I am blamed or despised,
it is to have a blessed home in myself where I can go in
and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace,
as in a deep sea of calmness,
when all around and about is seeming trouble."
© 1980 AAWS, Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, p. 222
 

From the Big Book:

"To spend too much time on any on situation is to deny some other alcoholic an opportunity to live and be happy.  One of our Fellowship failed entirely with his first half dozen prospects.  He often says that if he had continued to work on them, he might have deprived many others, who have since recovered, of their chance."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 96.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may gladly serve others out of deep gratitude for what I have received.  I pray that I may keep a deep sense of obligation."

c. 1939, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 24.

 

Quote for the day:

"Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige.  It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character." __William Arthur Ward

 

My share:

In early sobriety, I shared at a meeting.  One member suggested that she heard, in my share, a lot of pride.  She suggested I investigate the concept of humility.  I forgave her the minor infraction of crosstalk and took her suggestion to heart.  I continue to seek humility and acknowledge that I may sometimes still seem prideful.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Christmas Day, December 25. 2008  

  

From the Big Book:
 "Suppose now yo are making your second visit to a man.  He has read this volume and says he is prepared to go through with the Twelve Steps of the program of recovery.  Having had the experience yourself, you can give him much practical advice.  Let him know you are available if he wishes to make a decision and tell his story but do not insist upon it if he prefers to consult someone else."
c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 96  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that I may be truly thankful on this Christmas Day. 
I pray that I may bring my gifts and lay them at the altar." 
c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 25.  

Quote for the day:
"Your mind knows only some things.  Your inner voice, your instinct, knows everything.  If you listen to what you know instinctively, it will always lead you down the right path."  --Henry Winkler  

My share:
At Christmas, most of all, I do not apologize for my beliefs, I make no excuses, I make no judgments of others.  It is a time of reflection and quietude to remember all the Christmases past that brought joy or sorrow and to cherish each memory equally, since I would not be in recovery today if it were not for all that I have done, both good and bad.  It is a time to resolve greater effort to be of more service, to listen more closely, to exercise more generosity. Merry Christmas to all and to all, Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, December 26, 2008

 

 

From the Big Book:

"He may be broke and homeless.  If he is, you might try to help him about getting a job, or give him a little financial assistance.  But you should not deprive your family or creditors of money they should have. Perhaps you will want to take the man into you home for a few days.  But be sure you use discretion.  Be certain he will be welcomed by your family, and that he is not trying to impose upon you for money, connections, or shelter.  Permit that and you only harm him.  You will be making it possible for him to be insincere.  You may be aiding in his destruction rather than his recovery."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp. 96-97.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may give my life to this worthwhile cause.  I pray that I may enjoy the satisfaction that comes from good work well done."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 26.

 

Quote for the day:

"It is an eternal obligation toward the human being not to let him suffer from hunger when one has a chance of  coming to his assistance."   __Simone Well

 

My Share:

By the time I was willing to do whatever it took to stay sober, I was not so needy that my sponsor felt obliged to give me shelter.  But he (and his wife) bent over backward to assist me in getting to meetings or to work.  At times they even picked me up at one job and dropped me off at another.  I was told early on that my sponsor would help in any way possible and that housing or cash were not possible.  My sponsor said, "to insure your sobriety, always have a service commitment." He always did, still does.  I do to. We just do it.  Be Good To You, Dave

 

And finally, this clever poem for the holidays...

  'Twas the Night Before Christmas or Account of a Visit

'Twas the night before Xmas, we were all in the club,
Providing a meeting, instead of a pub;
The ashtrays were clean and the coffee was made,
The Big Books were out, and we had all prayed.

When out in the lot, there arose such a clatter,
We jumped from the table to see what was the matter.
The Chair with his Big Book, and I with my smokes,
Headed outside and found these two blokes.

They came on inside, and they sat at the table,
And said that they'd chair, as soon as they're able.
"To start with," they said, "it's more than not drinking,
It's doing your best to fix your wrong thinking."

"'Think, Think, Think!' and those slogans we used,
Help keep the newcomer from getting confused.
Step one is a start," they said we should know,
"And after step two, we'll be all aglow."

"We make a decision when we get to step three;
Step four is real tough, we all could agree.
Step five is the one where we let someone else know
Step Six we are ready, and on Step Seven let go. "

"We get to step eight, and we make our long list
And then with step nine, we have to persist.
After step nine, some promises ring true
We didn't just get that out of the blue."

Step Ten makes assumptions, says *when* we are wrong,
We make amends promptly, we don't take too long.
Step Eleven keeps us centered on spiritual things
Step Twelve shows us how to each day be our best.

These chaps they imparted holiday cheer
Reminding us all of the things we hold dear.
They put on their coats and got ready to leave
A pretty good end, for this Christmas Eve.

As to their names, we only could guess
But I'm pretty darn sure it was Bill and Bob S.
The men hopped into a red '35 Ford,
And as they pulled out, one of them roared:
"We leave this message, for our sisters and brothers:
Trust God, clean house, be of service to others
For all of you people, we wanted to say:
Have a nice holiday, and don't drink, just for today."

Thoughtfood for Saturday, December 27, 2008  

A New Dimension
In the late stages of our drinking, the will to resist has fled. Yet when we admit complete defeat and when we become entirely ready to try AA principles, our obsession leaves us and we enter a new dimension --
freedom under God as we understand Him.
© 1967 AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 283

  From the Big Book:
"Never avoid these responsibilities, but be sure you are doing the right thing if you assume them.  Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery.  A kindly act once in a while isn't enough.  You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be.  It may mean the loss of many nights sleep, great interference with your pleasures, interruptions to your business.  It may mean sharing your money and your home, counseling frantic wives and relatives, innumerable trips to police courts, sanitariums, hospitals, jails and asylums." c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 97  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that I may build my life on  A.A. principles. 
I pray that it may be a good building when my work is finished."
c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 27.  

Quote for the day:
"It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities." __Josiah Charles Stamp   

My share:
I don't really know who Josiah is but he certainly nailed it with that quote.  Sooner or later consequences of my actions will come round to bite my butt.  Even after making amends and enjoying sobriety for several years, things I did when drinking denied me jobs and opportunities.  Had I done nothing to change that lifestyle, I am convinced I would have spent a great more deal of time in jail.  Be Good To You, Dave  

Thoughtfood for Sunday, December 28, 2008   

H.O.W.
They said if you want to know how this program works, take the first word of your question -- the "H" is for honesty, the "O" is for open-mindedness, and the "W" is for willingness; these our Big Book calls the essentials of recovery.
© 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 549-550
    

From the Big Book:

"Your telephone my jangle at any time of the day or night.  Your wife may sometimes say she is neglected.  A drunk may smash the furniture in your home, or burn a mattress.  You may have to fight with him if he is violent.  Sometimes you will have to call a doctor and administer sedatives under his direction.  Another time you may have to send for the police or an ambulance.  Occasionally you will have to meet such conditions."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, Dec. 28.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may feel that God is not too far away to depend on for help.  I pray that I may feel confident of His readiness to give me the power that I need."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 28.

 

Quote for the day:

"Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves, but deal in our privacy with the last honesty and truth."  --Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

My share:
Some would argue that treatment centers have negated the information found in this chapter of the Big Book. Perhaps that is true in our larger cities.  But, I hazard to guess, that much is still the same for the majority of practicing alcoholics.

The disease has not changed,  and those faced with helping those, who have no treatment centers available, will find much of value in this chapter.  Be Good To You, Dave.  

Thoughtfood for Monday, December 29, 2008  

Housecleaning
We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated
 out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves.
If we haven't the will to do this, we ask until it comes.
Remember it was agreed at the beginning we would go
to any lengths for victory over alcohol.
© 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76

From the Big Book:

"We seldom allow an alcoholic to live in our homes for long at a time.  It is not good for him, and it sometimes creates serious complications in a family."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 97.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that my life may be balanced between prayer and work. 

 I pray that I may not work without prayer or pray without work."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 29

 

Quote for the day:

"A man's house burns down.  The smoking wreckage represents only a ruined home that was dear through years of use and pleasant association.  By and by, as the days and weeks go on, first he misses this, then that, then the other thing. And when he casts about for it he finds that it was in that house,  Always, it is an essential--there was but one of its kind.  It cannot be replaced.  It was in that house. It is irrevocably lost.  It will be years before the tale of lost essentials is complete, and not till then can he truly know the magnitude of his disaster."

__Mark Twain.

My share:

My life is much like the burned down house.  I am to this day realizing how monstrous was the destruction I caused. I can never retrieve the house or its furnishings.  They are all gone. But on the ash and armed with knowledge I lacked then, I am bebuilding.  This is a big house, it is my God's house and I am blessed to be in it.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, December 30, 2008  

Tolerance
Honesty with ourselves and others gets us sober, but it is tolerance that keeps us that way. Experience shows that few alcoholics will long stay away from a group just because they don't like the way it is run. Most return and adjust themselves to whatever conditions they must. Some go to a different group, or form a new one. In other words, once an alcoholic fully realizes he cannot get well alone, he will somehow find a way to get well  and stay well in the company of others. It has been that way from the beginning of AA and probably always will be so.
© 1967 AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 312  

From the Big Book:
"Though an alcoholic does not respond, there is no reason why you should neglect his family.  You should continue to be friendly to them.  The family should be offered your way of life.  Should they accept and practice spiritual principles, there is a much better chance that the head of the family will recover.   And even though he continues to drink, the family will find life more bearable."
c. 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 97.  

Prayer for the day:
"I pray that I will not come empty to the end of my life. 
I pray that I may so live that I will not be afraid to die."
c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Dec. 30  

Quote for the day:
"Tolerance is giving to every other human being
every right that you claim for yourself."
  __Robert Green Ingersoll 


  My Share: 
I thought I was a pretty tolerant guy when I was drinking.  But in retrospect, I now realize how much a superior, arrogant, snob I really was. I didn't well abide the drunk who couldn't hold his liquor, or the queen that needed multiple shots of schnapps to get up on the stage. I judged and dismissed more people than I care to remember.  I have since been judged and dismissed and know how that feels. I like me better today, I'm much more tolerant. And I live by the golden rule, "
DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU." 
Be Good To You, Dave.