Thoughtfood for Thursday, October 1, 2009

Anger

If we were to live, we had to be free of anger. 
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p .66

From the Big Book:

"Our friend proceeded to tell him.  And with such good effect that the doctor agreed to a test among his patients and certain other alcoholics from a clinic which he attends.  Arrangements were also made with the chief psychiatrist of a large public hospital to select still  others from the stream of misery which flows through that institution."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 163.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may feel that nothing good is too much for me if I look to God for help.  I pray that I may be effective through His guidance."

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

Quote for the day:

" Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind.  Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten."  __Buddha  (HIndu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddism  563-483 B C)

My share:

I pass my share today to Sherri.  Be Good To You, Dave

A MEMBER SHARES:
Hi, I'm Sherri and I am an alcoholic.  I know about anger.  I know it all too well.  I was one very angry woman for a long time.  Angry at the world -- you didn't treat me right; you didn't treat each other right.  I didn't want to be a part of any of it.  Basically, I was great, and all of you weren't.  That summed up my life.  In AA, I learned that I was the one with the problems.  I learned in here to forgive, even without someone asking for it.  Oh, I don't forgive people who wrong me for their sake, I forgive them for mine.  The Big Book tells me that if I don't, I will go back out and drink again.  I am unwilling to do that today.  Six months ago this week, my husband left.  I was ANGRY.  Then, my Higher Power, who I choose to call God, hit me right between the eyes.  It all became clear: I had to sweep off my side of the street.  I could do nothing for him, about him, to him, or to change him.  I had to do what was right by me.  I had to make sure that if I ever saw him again, I could look him in the eye without one bit of shame or resentment.  I immediately began sending him messages of amends.  Many people, my therapist, my sponsor, some of you in here tell me that I shouldn't tell him I was sorry.  He was, after all, the one who left.  I still had to make sure my side of the street was sparkling clean, even if his smelled of garbage.  All I could do was my part, so I did.  Did that change anything?  NO.  Not in my now defunct marriage.  But it changed ME.  I can walk down any street, head held high.  I do NOT have to live in anger today.  I choose to live in peace and joy.  Anger has no place in my life today.  Thanks for letting me share.

Thughtfood for Friday, October 2, 2009

Reality

Beaten into complete defeat by alcohol,

confronted by the living proof of release,

and surrounded by those who can

speak to us from the heart,

we have finally surrendered.

And then, paradoxically, we have

found ourselves in a new dimension,

the real world of spirit and of faith.

Enough willingness, enough open-mindedness --

and there it is!
- The Language of the Heart, p.246

From the Big Book:

"So our fellow worker will soon have friends galore.  Some of them may sink and perhaps never get up, but if our experience is a criterion, more than half of those approached will become fellow members of Alcoholics Anonymous."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 163.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have a yielded will. 

I pray that my will may be attuned to the will of God."

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

Quote for the day:

"Reality is merely an illusion, although a very persistent one."

__Albert Einstein

My share:

My reality includes school, rehearsals and trying to build a candy business.  But none of that would be a part of my reality if I had not joined Alcoholics Anonymous.  My primary purpose is to remember that first and foremost, I am an alcoholic, always will be and must always be willing to pass it on.  Be  Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, October 3, 2009

Time

And what is time to me now? 

It is a most precious asset.

I have the luxury of being able

to cherish the memory of yesterday,

to live today with serenity,

to wait for tomorrow. . .

And I am grateful;

grateful for the existence of AA . . .

I am grateful for this minute. 

My eternity may be in it.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 2], p.21

From the Big Book:

"When a few men in this city have found themselves, and have discovered the joy of helping others to face life again, there will be no stopping until everyone in town has had his opportunity to recover--if he can and will."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, pp. 163-164.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may attain a state of true calmness.  I pray that I may live in quietness and peace."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 3.

Quote for the day:

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail."  __Ralph Waldo Emerson  (1803-1882)

My share:

I finally understand that I can't live in yesterday or in tomorrow. I have only today. That's all I've ever had.  So if that has not changed, I guess I have.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, October 4, 2009

Trust

When I put my faith in the spiritual power of the program,

when I trust others to teach me

what I need to do to have a better life,

I find that I can trust myself to do what is necessary.
- Daily Reflections, p .226
 

From the Big Book:

"Still you may say: 'But I will not have the benefit of contact with you who write this book.'   We cannot be sure. God will determine that, so you must remember that your real reliance is always upon Him.  He will show you how to create the fellowship you crave."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 164.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be spirit-guided.  I pray that I may feel God's presence and power in my life."

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

Quote for the day:

"Trust yourself.  You know more than you think you do." 

 __ Dr. Benjamin Spock (American Pediatrician and Author, 1903-1998)

My share: I pass my share today to Steve.  Be Good To You, Dave

A MEMBER SHARES:
Hi family, I'm Steve and I'm just an alcoholic who is grateful to be one today anyway.  Trust?  You don't go where I went, do what I did, and say you trust anybody.  I couldn't trust me when I got here, and you want me to trust a bunch of losers?  That's the attitude I walked in here with.  Trust is earned, at least as I look at it.  You folks asked me, "done drinking yet?"  Yep, I was done.  I was dying, and I knew it.  When you get to the jumping off place, as the Big Book calls it, trust is just another small step.  I had no options.  Death; I had shook his hand, and something said, "no not yet, Steve, not this way."  The Fellowship has saved my life at least four times in this path of mine.  My sobriety date is 17 December,1994.  We lost an 18-year-old son in 1998.  You folks surrounded me and mine.  You made sure, with my sponsor, that the whole family was looked after.  I was so mad at my Higher Power for taking our son, that only you folks could help me.  And you did.  The Fellowship saved us when we lost all at seven years sober in 2001.  One more time you surrounded me and mine.  You did everything you could for us.  Even though I was praying to my HP that whole year like I never had before, you came through.  Give AA and US a chance -- how bad does it have to be before you do?

Thoughtfood for Monday, October 5, 2009

Acceptance 

The key to my serenity is acceptance.

But "acceptance" does not mean that I have to like it,

condone it, or even ignore it.

What it does mean is I am powerless to do anything about it...

and I have to accept that fact.

 Alcoholics Anonymous 3rd Edition, Page 449

From the Big Book:

"Our book is meant to be suggestive only.  We realize we know only a little.  God will constantly disclose more to you and to us.  Ask Him in your morning meditations what you can do each day for the man who is still sick."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 164.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be led by the spirit of God. 

I pray that the Lord will preserve my goings and my comings."

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

Quote for the day:

"Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery."  __Joanne Kathleen Rowling (English Writer,author of Harry Potter series, b. 1965)

My share:

Right now I am challenged to accept all the bureaucracy and restrictions barring my way toward legally producing my line of candy. I don't like it and can't change it.  But the frustration is not going to make me drink over it.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Willingness

If you have decided you want what we have

and are willing to go to any length to get it --

then you are ready to take certain steps. 

At some of these we balked.

We thought we could find an easier, softer way. 

But we could not.

With all the earnestness at our command,

we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p.58

From the Big Book:

"The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven't got.   See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others.  This is the Great Fact for us."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 164.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may believe that God can change me. 

I pray that I may be always willing to be changed for the better."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 6.

Quote for the day:

"Through our willingness to help others we can learn to be happy rather than depressed."  __Gerald Jampolsky (American Psychiatrist)

My share:

A friend (not in the program) sent an email this morning lamenting some troubles in his life and sounded like he was ready to just quit.  I found myself automatically drawn to share with him my experience with personal disaster and how I learned that whatever it is, it will change.  By sharing this information I felt further healed and strengthened. Funny how easy that works.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Attitude

Whatever is done is over. 

It cannot be changed.
But my attitude about it can be changed

through talking with those who

have gone before and with sponsors.
I can wish the past never was,

but if I change my actions in regard to what I have done,

my attitude will change.
I won't have to wish the past away. 

I can change my feelings and attitudes,
but only through my actions and the help of my fellow alcoholics.
- Daily Reflections, p.141

From the Big Book:

"Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.  Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows.  Clear away the wreckage of your past.  Give freely of what you will find and join us.  We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.

May God bless you and keep you -- until then."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 164.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that I may learn to lean on God's strength. 

I pray that I may know that my weakness is God's opportunity."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 7.

Quote for the day:

"We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we

have, and that is our attitude.  I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.  And so it is with you...we are in charge of our Attitudes." __Charles R. Swindoll (American Clergyman b. 1934)

My share:

Over the past 21 months and 7 days, I have shared the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous with you in bits and pieces, from p.1-164. Today we have reached the end of that explanation of our simple program for complicated people.  Tomorrow we will begin again, for that is what this program is all about, new beginnings.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Thursday, October 8, 2009

Right Size

We found many in AA who had once thought as we did.

They helped us get down to our right size.

By their example they showed us that humility and intellect could be compatible,

provided we place humility first.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p 30 

From the Big Book:

"We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.  To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreword to the first Edition, p. xiii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have true tolerance and understanding. 

I pray that I may keep striving for these difficult things."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 7.

Quote for the day:

"The consequences of things are not always proportionate to the apparent magnitude of those event that have produced them."

__Charles Caleb Colton   (English sportsman and writer, 1780-1832.)

My share:

Today, we begin Volume II of Thoughtfood for the day. I'll share my share with Susan.  Be Good To You, Dave  

A MEMBER SHARES:
I'm Susan, an alcoholic.  I can magnify anything beyond its right proportion.  Can anyone relate?  As the Twelve Steps, brought humility and right size to me, my Higher Power also brought security where I once had none.  The Fellowship is a constant reminder of how God works in the hearts and minds of all of us to accomplish the seemingly impossible.  For me, security is spelled "AA."  The program has taught me that even when I am feeling unsure or doubtful, or afraid, that there is a safe place for me in AA and in the world that I am not small and insignificant anymore, that I am not hopeless, and that if a drunk like me could find hope and security, so can you.  So if you're new, I just want to say what was once said to me when I was new, "you are not alone...and  you are always safe here in AA."  Thanks for letting me share ... Peace  in all things.

Thoughtfood for Friday, October 9, 2009

 Convincing Evidence

The most convincing evidence I have today

that I am an alcoholic is not how much or how long I drank,

nor how drunk I got;

the most convincing evidence I have

is that Alcoholics Anonymous is working for me.
- Thank You For Sharing, p.181

From the Big Book:

"For them, we hope these pages will prove so convincing that no further authentication will be necessary.  We think this account of our experiences will help everyone to better understand the alcoholic.  Many do not comprehend that the alcoholic is a very sick person.  And besides, we are sure that our way of living has its advantages for all."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To First Edition, p. xiii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may welcome the bonds of true fellowship.  I pray that I may be brought closer to unity with God and other people."

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

Quote for the day:

"I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."

__Karl Wilhelm von Humboldt (German Diplomat and Philosopher) 1767-1835)

My share:

There were doubts, in the early years, that I really was an alcoholic.  But as one day followed another, I became convinced

that even if I wasn't an alcoholic, I was in dire need of the design for living that one hundred recovered drunks recorded in Alcoholics Anonymous, the Big Book.  I yearned to share my discovery with everyone I ever met.  Few non-alcoholics would consider following these instructions in spite of how helpful they might be.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Saturday, October 10, 2009

Philosophy

AA is a synthesis of all the philosophy I've ever read,

all of the positive, good philosophy, all of it based on love.

I have seen that there is only one law, the law of love,

and there are only two sins;

the first is to interfere with the growth of another human being,

and the second is to interfere with one's own growth.
- Experience, Strength and Hope, p.431

From the Big Book:

"It is important that we remain anonymous because we are too few, at present, to handle the overwhelming number of personal appeals which may result from this publication.  Being mostly business or professional folk, we could not well carry on our occupations in such an event.  We would like it understood that our alcoholic work is an avocation."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To First Edition, p. xiii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be a good servant.  I pray that I may be willing to go out of my way to be of service." 

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

Quote for the day:

"Mere unbelief in a personal God is no philosophy at all."

--Albert Einstein (1879-1955) 

My share:

The basic tenets of my personal philosophy remain much the same as before I quit drinking.  But sobriety and the resulting improvements in my behavior, have allowed me to act accordingly, and actually employ some of those beliefs in a much less selfish manor.  The hypocrisy of my life drenched in alcohol is now a spiritual tool I use by sharing. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, October 11, 2009

Forgiveness

I must forgive injuries, not just in words,

 or as a matter of form, but in my heart.

I do this not for the other persons' sake,

but for my own sake.
- Daily Reflections, p 88
 

From the Big Book:

"When writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of our Fellowship to omit his personal name, designating himself instead as 'a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.'

Very earnestly we ask the press also, to observe this request, for otherwise we shall be greatly handicapped."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous,  Foreward To First Edition, p. xiii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may  see something good in every person, even the one I dislike, and that I may let God develop the good in that person."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct 11.

Quote for the day:

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."  __Paul Boese

My share:

Today is AIDSWALK 2009 in Tucson.  I will be there to help raise awareness of AIDS and continue the struggle to educate our youth about this opportunistic disease.  Like alcoholism, one is never cured of AIDS, but one can live a long and fruitful life if one takes the necessary steps and is constantly vigilant in helping others.  Be Good To You, Dave.

A MEMBER SHARES:
Hi all.  I'm Celery (Amber), and I'm an alcoholic.  Forgiveness does not mean you give other people free rein to hurt you all over again.  We recite the Serenity Prayer at every meeting -- asking for the courage to change what we can.  The only thing we can change about other people is the way we react to them.  If we continue to hurt over what they have done, it gives them even more power!  The Big Book (p. 77) reminds us, "We are there to sweep off our side of the street."  To forgive, we acknowledge what other people have done -- then, we sweep it aside.  It hurts, but we must heal.  Our sobriety and life depend on it.

Denial

God mercifully intervened through people

I had harmed in an earlier crisis,

for they finally held me to account.

The veil of denial was ripped away,

and I saw for the first time

the darkness in my own heart.

I was no innocent victim.  

I, too,was capable of evil.

I, too, had caused great harm.
- The AA Grapevine, October 2009, p.31

 

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Belief

My brilliant agnosticism vanished,

and I saw for the first time that those who really believed,

or at least honestly tried to find a Power greater than themselves,

were much more composed and contented than I had ever been,

and they seemed to have a degree of happiness I had never known.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, pp.228-229

From the Big Book:

"We shall be interested to hear from those who are getting results from this book, particularly from those who have commenced work with other alcoholics.  We should like to be helpful to such cases.  Inquiry by scientific, medical, and religious societies will be welcomed."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To First  Edition, p. xiv. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be willing to grow.  I pray that I may keep stepping up on the rungs of the ladder of life."

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

Quote for the day:

"The belief that ones own view of reality is the only reality is the most dangerous of all delusions."  __Paul Watzlawick (Austrian-American Philosopher and Psychiatrist, 1927- 2007)

My share:

The ability to observe others happiness and contentedness and to find a way to emulate that image of peace is directly proportionate to my belief that it is even possible.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Anonymity

We now fully realize that 100 percent

personal anonymity before the public

is just as vital to the life of AA as 100 percent sobriety

is to the life of each and every member.

This is not the counsel of fear;

 it is the prudent voice of long experience.

I am sure that we are going to listen;

that we shall make every needed sacrifice.
- The Language of the Heart, p.216

From the Big Book:

"Since the original Foreward to this book was written in 1939, a wholesale miracle has taken place.  Our earliest printing voiced the hope 'that every alcoholic who journeys will find the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous at his destination.  Already,' continues the early text 'twos and threes and fives of us have sprung up in other communities.'"

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xv.  

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not let the beast in me hold me back from my spiritual destiny.  I pray that I may rise and walk upright."

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

Quote for the day:

"People bitch about losing their anonymity and then get insulted when someone doesn't recognize them from whatever success they've had."  __Casey Affleck  (Actor b.1975) 

My share:

In the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, we seek anonymity not among ourselves, but in our public image.  We go about our business of carrying the message to each other with a smile and an extended hand, expecting nothing in return.  In that (the seeking of gratification or recognition for our good works) we are anonymous.  But, so that we can truly love our fellows, we are encouraged to get to know them better.  We are encouraged to know each others full names especially our home group members, but when talking about an alcoholic fellow to others, we refer to him/her using only their first name and the initial of their last name. To you and all of my alcoholic friends, I am David Zinke.  To the world at large when referring to me as an alcoholic, please call me Dave Z.     Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, October 15, 2009

Honesty

Only by discussing ourselves, holding back nothing,

only by being willing to take advice and accept direction,

could we set foot on the road to straight thinking, solid honesty,

and genuine humility.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p.59

From the Big Book:

"Sixteen years have elapsed between our first printing of this book and the presentation in 1955 of our second edition.  In that brief space, Alcoholics Anonymous has mushroomed...Many of our friends encourage us by saying that this is but a beginning, only the augury of a much larger future ahead."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward to Second Edition, p. xv.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have a sense of the eternal value of the work I do.  I pray that I may not only work for now but also for eternity."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct 15.

Quote for the day:

"A person is not given integrity.  It results from the relentless pursuit of honesty at all times."  __Anonymous

My share: I pass my share to Paul.  Be Good To You, Dave

A MEMBER SHARES:
Hi family, Paul here, and I am a forever-grateful recovering alcoholic.  By Gods grace, I am here today sober and alive.  Until I could get honest with self and admit I am an alcoholic, I could not be honest with others.  I had worn so many masks over the years to hide who I was; I no longer knew who I was.  My life was lived in lies and deception for so many years that there was no hope of staying sober unless I became honest with self.  Through working the Steps, I began to see and to learn that the real problem was my own self.  I had to take a long hard deep honest look at self though working the Steps.  I had lost everything more than once through all the years I drank.  A good sponsor walked me through the Steps and I began to learn who I really was, to see my faults, and to begin to change.  Today I can be honest and no longer have to hide who or what I am.  I can tell you people when I am hurting or sad and know that you will be here for me.  Each day I continue to learn from each of you and thanks to God, AA, and all of you I am here alive and sober.  I am no longer ashamed of who I am.  I can honestly say that today I am a grateful recovering alcoholic, and hold my head high.  Thanks for allowing me to share and for my life and sobriety.

Alternatives

We were in a position where life was becoming impossible,

and if we had passed into the region

from which there is no return through human aid,

we had but two alternatives: 

One was to go on to the bitter end,

blotting out the consciousness of our

intolerable situation as best we could,

and the other, to accept spiritual help.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p.25

Thoughtfood for Saturday, October 16, 2009

Perfection

I never have been and never can be perfect.

As that realization became a part of me -- and it took time --

it brought me one of the greatest of the many blessings

that have come to me from AA.

I learned to accept myself as a fallible human being.

I do not have to strive for perfection.

Mistakes are permissible.  I have the right to be wrong.

- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 2], pp.167-8

From the Big Book:

"He had also been greatly helped by the late Dr. William D. Silkworth, a New York specialist in alcoholism who is now accounted to less that a medical saint by A. A. members, and whose story of the early days of our Society appears in the next pages.  From this doctor, the broker had learned the grave nature of alcoholism.  Though he could not accept all the tenets of the Oxford Groups, he was convinced of the need for moral inventory, confession of personality defect, restitution to those harmed, helpfulness to others, and the necessity of belief in and dependence upon God."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xvi. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that the hidden power within my may be released.  I pray that I may not imprison the spirit that is within me."

c. 1975, Hazedlen Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 16.

Quote for the day:

"If you chase perfection, you often catch excellence." __William Fowble

My share:

I've never harbored thoughts of being perfect, even when totally in my cups. It has always been obvious to me that I am merely human.  But before I found the spiritual program that A.A. has to offer, I beat myself up for falling short of flawless. Today I embrace my foibles as opportunities to make adjustments.  Progress, even daily progress, will still leave me shy of perfection.

Be Good To You, Dave  

Thoughtfood for Sunday, October, 17, 2009

Reliance vs. Defiance

No man, we saw, could believe in God and defy Him, too.

Belief meant reliance, not defiance.

In AA, we saw the fruits of this belief;

men and women spared from alcohol's final catastrophe.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p.31
 

From the Big Book:

"Prior to his journey to Akron, the broker had worked hard with many alcoholics on the theory that only an alcoholic could help an alcoholic, but he had succeeded only in keeping sober himself.  The broker had gone to Akron on a business venture which had collapsed, leaving him greatly in fear that he might start drinking again.  He suddenly realized that in order to save himself he must carry his message to another alcoholic.  That alcoholic turned out to be the Akron physician."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xvi.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may keep my eyes trained above the horizon of myself.  I pray that I may see infinite possibilities for spiritual growth."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct 17.

Quote for the day:

"To character and success, two things, contradictory as they may seem, must go together...humble dependence on God and manly reliance on self." __William Wordsworth  (English Poet 1770-1850)

My share:

I pass my share today to Cyan.  Be Good To You, Dave

so
A MEMBER SHARES:
My name is Cyan, and I'm an alcoholic.  "Reliance vs. Defiance". very interesting topic!  Reliance on what?  Who?  I grew up believing the only thing I could rely upon was death and taxes.  Now I am in a program that asks me to rely on Something greater than self.  Wow!  That blows my mind!  What if Something lets me down?  What if it doesn't work out?  What if I look stupid?.. or a fool?  All these things entered my pea brain while I was settling into AA.   I didn't do a very good job of taking care of me or I would not have ended up in the shape I was in.  I had to surrender, or Rely and quit Defying.  So just what do I rely on now?  I decided that I needed a Power greater than Cyan. that would be AA and God.  The program became a source of reliance for me, but it has been hard at times because that old defying spirit rears its ugly head.  So now what do I do?  I must Rely over and over, one day at a time.  I have a God who is greater than Cyan, and that is GREAT.  I have a Twelve Step program, which allows me to look at Cyan and see where I need to change.  But I am not alone; I can rely on each of you.  And for that, I thank you.

Daily Inventory

When I am feeling good and things are going well,

I can become complacent.

To put it simply, I become lazy and turn

into the problem instead of the solution.

I need to get into action, to take stock:

where am I and where am I going?

A daily inventory will tell me what I must change.
- Daily Reflections, p.283

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New Vistas

If I let go, then I wouldn't be anybody. 

Well, who was I, anyway?

Just a willful alcoholic woman.

Now I'm beginning to see that

letting go doesn't mean giving up.

It means opening myself to new vistas.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 42

From the Big Book:

"He sobered, never to drink again up to the moment of his death in 1950.  This seemed to prove that one alcoholic could affect another as no nonalcoholic could.  It also indicated that strenuous work, one alcoholic with another, was vital to permanent recovery."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, pp xvi - xvii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may see the working out of God's will in my life.  I pray that I may be content with whatever He wills for me."

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

Quote for the day:

"O to willful men - The injuries that they themselves procure, Must be their schoolmasters." __William Shakespeare  (1564-1616)

My share:

Willfulness is being always determined to act on a desire, regardless of the opinions or advice of others.  When I was drinking, it allowed me to ignore reality.  Now that I am sober, nothing will deter me from starting each day actively engaging in my recovery, no matter who tells me I'm not an alcoholic. (My disease continues to suggest that.)  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Easy Does It

I use that "Easy Does It" every day,

to slow me down a little. 

I have to watch myself all the time.

So I don't just take the inventory at night --

I take it continually throughout the day.

Before I step out and do anything,

I stop and check it over first,

and then let my conscience be my guide. 
 Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 410

From the Big Book:

"Hence, the two men set to work almost frantically upon alcoholics arriving in the ward of the Akron City Hospital.  Their very first case, a desperate one, recovered immediately and became A. A. number three.  He never had another drink.  This work at Akron continued through the summer of 1935. There were many failures but there was an occasional heartening success. When the broker returned to New York in the fall of 1935, the first A.A. group had actually been formed, though no one realized it at the time."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xvii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may let God's spirit come into my heart. 

I pray that it may fill me with an abiding peace."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 21.

Quote for the day:

"There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience."  __French Proverb

My share:

I can never forget that my conscience was once so cluttered and convoluted that I could hardly trust it to keep me from lying or cheating or stealing.  I'm just lucky it didn't leave me guilty of worse crimes against humanity.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Hopelessness

I told myself I would manage better next time,

but I might as well get good and drunk then.  And I did.

The remorse, horror and hopelessness

of the next morning are unforgettable.

The courage to do battle was not there.

My brain raced uncontrollably

and there was a terrible sense of impending calamity.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 6

Thoughtfood for Friday, October 23, 2009

Discovery

I found everything I had ever looked for in AA.

I used to thank God for putting AA in my life;

now I thank AA for putting God in my life.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 336

From the Big Book:

"it was now time, the struggling groups thought, to place their message and unique experience before the world.  This determination bore fruit in the spring of 1939 with the publication of this volume.  The membership had then reached about 100 men and women.  The fledgling society, which had been nameless, now began to be called Alcoholics Anonymous, from the title of its own book.  The flying-blind period ended and A.A. entered a new phase of its pioneering time."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xvii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may believe in the Unsee.  I pray that I may be convinced by the results of the Unseen which I do see."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 23

Quote for the day:

"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely chaging his attitude."   __Oprah Winfrey

My share:

Like in the leading quote, I found everything I had ever looked for in A. A.   My greatest discovery was that I had even been looking for those things. I had been unable to conceptualize the concept of seeking a higher power, or that through service to others my needs would be met; an eye opening experience, to say the least.   Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, October 24, 2009

Listening

In shame and despair, I went to my first AA meeting.

By some minor miracle, I was able to suspend opinion,

analysis, judgment, and criticism,

 and instead to listen and hear. . .

I heard that I should forget about yesterday and tomorrow

and instead concentrate on today and

staying away from the first drink today-- now, 

I tried it, and it worked.
-  Came To Believe . . ., p. 42

From the Big Book:

"With the appearance of the new book a great deal began to happen.  Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick, the noted clergyman, reviewed it with approval.  In the fall of 1939 Fulton Oursler, then editor of Liberty, printed a piece in his magazine, called 'Alcoholics and God."  This brought a new rush of 800 frantic inquiries into the New York office which meanwhile had been established. Each inquiry was painstakingly answered, pamphlets and books were sent out. Businessmen, traveling out of existing groups, were referred to these prospective newcomers.  New groups started up and it was found, to the astonishment of everyone, that A.A.'s message could be transmitted in the mail as well as by word of mouth. By the end of 1939 it was estimated than 800 alcoholics were on their way to recovery."

c. 1955. SAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Fore ward To Second Edition, pp. xvii-xviii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be kept from evil by the grace of God. I pray that henceforth I will try to keep myself more unspotted by the world."

c. 1975, Hazeldn Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 24.

Quote for the day:

"It is better to listen in order to understand than to listen in order to reply."  __Anonymous

My share:

I heard a fellow drunk at a meeting say, "Take the cotton out of your ears and stuff it in your mouth.  You may hear something that will change your life.  All you gotta do is listen."  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Sunday, October 25, 2009

Spirituality

We have entered the world of the Spirit.

Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness.

This is not an overnight matter.  It should continue for our lifetime.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 84

From the Big Book:

"In the spring of 1940, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. gave a dinner for many of his friends to which he invited A.A. members to tell their stories.  News of this got on the world wires; inquiries poured in again and many people went to the bookstores to get the book 'Alcoholics Anonymous.' By March 1942 Jack Alexander wrote a feature article in the Saturday Evening Post and place such a compelling picture of A.A. before the general public that alcoholics in need of help really deluged us.  By the close of 1941, A.A. numbered 8,000 members.  The mushrooming process was in full swing.  A.A. had become a national institution."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p xviii.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may strive to overcome my selfishness.  I pray that I may achieve the right perspective of my position in the world."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 25.

Quote for the day:

"The contemporary form of true greatness lies in a civilization founded on the spirituality of work." Simone Weil (French Philosopher, Mystic and Activist 1909-1943)

My share: Happy Sunday. At the risk of offending by mentioning an outside issue...The show is up and running and playing to very pleased audiences.  Angels in America runs through Nov. 8.  Call  731-1559 for tickets. It is an integral part of my sobriety.  Without A.A. I would not be involved pursuing this, my life's passion.

I include the following share from Mike.  Be Good To You, Dave

A MEMBER SHARES:
My name is Mike, and I'm an alcoholic.  When I arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, my spirit was nearly dead.  It had been neglected for years.  It was dark and empty.  As the alcohol left my system, my spirit began to scream for attention, demanding fulfillment.  The Twelve Steps provided a path to the grace of God where my spirit finds nourishment and growth.  I must remember that if I am honestly open to the right answer, and willing to accept it, the right answer always comes according to God's schedule, not mine.  I found that to survive the deadly power of my disease, I had to develop a thankful heart and, not only an interest in God's will, but the willingness to do His will in my daily life.  My Higher Power granted me the willingness to apply the Twelve Steps to my day-by-day life.  When I make myself available to Him, God gives me opportunities to be an example of His power.  My goal is to be able to be thankful even when God's will is difficult.  Thank you for letting me share.

Thoughtfood for Monday, October 26, 2009

Peace of Mind

AA has taught me that I will have peace of mind

in exact proportion to the peace of mind

I bring into the lives of other people,
and it has taught me the true meaning of the admonition
"happy are ye who know these things and do them."
For the only problems I have now are those I create

when I break out in a rash of self-will.
-  Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 550-551

From the Big Book:

"Our society then entered a fearsome and exciting adolescent period.  The test that it faced was this: Could these large numbers of erstwhile erratic alcoholics successfully meet and work together?  Would there be quarrels over membership, leadership, and money?  Would there be strivings for power and prestige?  Would there be schisms which would split A.A. apart?  Soon A. A. was beset by these very problems on every side and in every group.  But out of this frightening and at first disrupting experience the conviction grew that A.A.'s had to hang together or die separately.  We had to unify our Fellowship or pass off the scene."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, pp. xviii-xix.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may walk in companionship with God along the way.  I pray that I may keep my feet upon the path that leads upward."

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

Quote for the day:

"If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else."  __Marvin Gaye (American soul singer, song writer and producer.  1939-1984)

My share:

One way to bring peace to the lives of others is to avoid dishing out hassles.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Challenges

Life is meant to be lived by facing the challenges it brings.

Otherwise, I'm not living, just existing.

God didn't give me this gift of sobriety to sit in a rocking chair,

imagining myself as some wise old woman who has arrived somewhere.

There is no easier, softer way. 
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 3], p. 320

From the Big Book:

"As we discovered the principles by which the individual alcoholic could live, so we had to evolve principles by which the A.A. Groups and A. A. as a whole could survive and function effectively.  It was thought that no alcoholic man or woman could be excluded from our Society; that our leaders might serve but never govern; that each group was to be autonomous and there was to be no professional class of therapy. There were to be no fees or dues; our expenses were to be met by our own voluntary contributions.  There was to be the least possible organization, even in our service centers.  Our public relations were to be based upon attraction rather than promotion.  It was decided that all members ought to be anonymous at the level of press, radio, TV and films.  And in no circumstances should we give endorsements, make alliances, or enter public controversies."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xix.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may choose the good and resist the evil.  I pray that I will not be a loser in the battle for righteousness."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 27.

Quote for the day:

"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are."  __Bernice Johnson Reagon (American Historian and Musician, b. 1942.)

My share:

Challenges cease to present themselves to those who retire to a rocking chair to vegetate. I'm not without challenges on a daily basis and don't even own a rocker.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Surprise

Somewhat to our surprise, staying sober turns

 out not to be the grim,

wet-blanket experience we had expected!

While we were drinking, a life without alcohol

seemed like no life at all.

But for most members of AA, living sober is really living --

a joyous experience. . .

The trick is to stay and to live sober.
-  Living Sober, Foreword

From the Big Book:

"While the internal difficulties of our adolescent period were being ironed out public acceptance of A. A, grew by leaps and bounds.  For this there were two principal reasons:  the large numbers of recoveries, and reunited homes.  These made their impressions everywhere.  Of alcoholics who came to A. A. and really tried, 50% got sober at once and remained that way; 25% sobered up after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with A.A. showed improvement. Other thousands came to a few A.A. meetings and at first decided they didn't want the program.  But great numbers of these--about two out of three--began to return as time passed."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, pp. xix-xx.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not ask to see the distant scene. 

I pray that one step may be enough for me."

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

Quote for the day:

"Don't tell people how to do things.  Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."  __George S. Patton (American General WWI and WWII, 1885-1945)

My share:

I was indeed surprised when I realized how pleasant life had become compared to how it had been.  It was all about my changes in attitude, in how I approached what life threw at me. 

Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Thursday, October 29, 2009

Insanity

No alcoholic, soberly analyzing his destructive behavior,

whether the destruction fell on the dining-room furniture

or his own moral fiber,

From the Big Book:

"Another reason for the wide acceptance of A. A. was the ministration of friends--friends in medicine, religion, and the press, together with innumerable others who became our able and persistent advocates.  Without such support, A. A. could have made only the slowest progress.  Some of the recommendations of A.A.'s early medical and religious friends will be found further on in this book."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xx.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may so live that others will see in me something of the working out of the will of God.  I pray that my life may be a demonstration of what the grace of God can do."

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

Quote for the day:

"Where does one go from a world of insanity?  Somewhere on the other side of despair."  __T.S. Eliot (American born English Editor, Playwright, Poet and Critic 1888-1965)

My share: I pass my  share today to Richie. Be Good To You, Dave

A MEMBER SHARES:
My name is Richie, and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic.  They say insanity is doing things over and over again, expecting a different result.  When I was drinking, I would become a madman on a mission to wherever my next drink would take me.  My whole personality would change for the worse.  I would fight with anyone who didn't agree with my own messed-up thinking.  I became my own nemesis.  My family got the worst of my cruelty and bitterness toward life.  I am still trying to make amends there.  My parents would worry incessantly at home on the weekend nights wondering if I was dead or in jail.  It broke my mom's heart.  There were hospital visits for stitches and broken bones, counseling sessions with everyone telling me I was on the road to ruin.  The madness just wouldn't stop.  Then freedom arose from my own misery: I took your hand, walked through the doors, and became involved in AA.  It was one of you who welcomed me, gave me a cup of coffee, and invited me to keep coming back.  When I had tears in my eyes, asking for help, you listened with kindness and compassion.  No more insanity.  You showed me the way.  Today I am doing things the complete opposite of the old Richie.  Thank you for letting me share.

Thoughtfood for Friday, October 30, 2009

Inspiration 

Being still inexperienced and having just

made conscious contact with God,

it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times.

We might pay for this presumption in all sorts of

absurd actions and ideas.

Nevertheless, we find that our thinking will,

as time passes,

be more and more on the plane of inspiration. 

We come to rely on it.
-  Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 87

From the Big Book:

"Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organization.  Neither does A.A. take any particular medical point of view, though we cooperate widely with the men of medicine as well as with the men of religion.

Alcohol being no respecter of persons, we are an accurate cross section of America, and in distant lands, the same democratic evening-up process is now going on.  By personal religious affiliation, we include Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Hindus, and a sprinkling of Moslems, and Buddhists.  More than 15% of us are women."

c. 1955, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Foreward To Second Edition, p. xx.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may learn the lesson of waiting pariently.  I pray that I may not expect things until I have earned the right ot have them."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Oct. 30.

Quote for the day:

"We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival."  __Winston Churchill  (British Orator, Author, and Prime Minister during WWII. 1874-1965)

My share:

It seems appropriate that the man who inspired the people of England to bully through the horror of WWII can also provide encouragement to we who struggle through our own private war against an even more formidable foe.  A foe that never dies and cannot be defeated.  Alcoholism is much like unexploded shells in the rubble we've left behind as a result of our firestorm of insanity.

Be Good To You, Dave