Online Meetings

I'm thrilled that at any hour I can find someone to talk to.

Twice this week I've had tormented thoughts at three A.M.

Do I have to phone and wake someone up for support?

No, because other sober insomniacs are online,

ready to help me through the night.  I didn't want a drink,

I just needed the loving support of the Fellowship. . .

Online meetings are like any other -- if you get there, you are welcome there.
- Thank You For Sharing,  p. 71  

The Solution

The tremendous fact for every one of us

is that we have discovered a common solution.

__Alcoholics Anonymous,  p 17    

A MEMBER SHARES:
My name is John, and I am an alcoholic of the hopeless variety.  My final drinking days found me living in my own filth, talking to flies and unable to maintain a sober breath.  I was a homeless, helpless drunk, and through a Grace that I did not request, I was led to AA, and will be forever grateful.  I shook, hallucinated, rambled incessantly, and paced my first few months in AA meetings, but I found the truth in AA.  It was fed to me in little bits and pieces.  I tried to absorb it all.  I was like a dried-out sponge in those early days and AA was the restorative fluid I needed to grow.  The old AA 'cats' told their stories and I began to see that they were like me in many ways.  They loved me back to life. They shared the solution of recovery and said it was a simple and spiritual proposition that anyone can get if they just want it.  No rules, no big regulations, just regular people who had found a way up and out.  Like you and me, all I can share is what I found here.  And it matters little if you were as sick as I was or not -- you too can have this -- I am living proof.

Resentments

This business of resentment is infinitely grave. 

We found that it is fatal.

For when harboring such feelings

we shut ourselves off from the sunlight of the Spirit.

The insanity of alcohol returns and we drink again.

And with us, to drink is to die.
- Alcoholics Anonymous,  p. 66  

Tragic Situation

At a certain point in the drinking of every alcoholic,

he passes into a state where

the most powerful desire to stop drinking

is of absolutely no avail.

This tragic situation has already arrived

in practically every case

long before it is suspected.
- Alcoholics Anonymous,  p. 24

Thoughtfood for Friday, June 5, 2009

Our "Big Book"

Thus we grow.  And so can you,

though you be but one man with this book in your hand. . .

We know what you are thinking.  You are saying to yourself:

"I'm jittery and alone.  I couldn't do that."  But you can.

You forget that you have just now tapped into a source of power

much greater than yourself.
- Alcoholics Anonymous,  p. 162-3

From the Big Book:

"Another time, as I opened a letter which lay on my desk, a newspaper clipping fell out.  It was the obituary of one of the best salesmen I ever had.  After two weeks of drinking, he had placed his toe on the trigger of a loaded shotgun--the barrel was in his mouth.  I had discharged him for drinking six weeks before."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 136-137

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may listen for the still, small voice of God. 

I pray that I may obey the leading of my conscience." 

c. 1875, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, June 5. 

Quote for the day:

"None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listen to this whisper which is heard by him alone."  __Ralph Waldo Emerson  (American poet, lecturer and essayist, 1803-1882)

My share:

I trust the small voice I hear.  It always councils me as to what is the next right thing.  I end up making amends whenever I refuse to listen. Be Good To You, Dave

Chronic Crisis

"The medical profession has nothing for you.

The clergy has nothing for you.  There's nobody

in God's world can help you. You're a chronic

alcoholic, period."  Then he says, "Maybe

these men and this book can help you."

Experience, Strength, And Hope, p 185. 

 

Thoughtfood for Sunday, June 7. 2009

Balance

Balance is a difficult thing for everyone,

certainly for alcoholics. . .

However, I know this:

With the program and my God, I have been given tools

which I never had while I was drinking, that give me a chance

to live a full and happy, balanced life.

Could I ask for more?
- The AA Grapevine, June 2009,  p. 23

From the Big Book:

"Here were three exceptional men lost to this world because I did not understand alcoholism as I do now.  What irony--I became an alcoholic myself! And but for the intervention of an understanding person, I might have followed in their footsteps.  My downfall cost the business community unknown thousands of dollars, for it takes real money to train a man for an executive position.  This kind of waste goes on unabated.  We think the business fabric is shot through with a situation which might be helped by better understanding all around." 

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 137.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may reach forward and upward.  I pray that my character may be changed by this reaching up for the things of the spirit."

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

Quote for the day:

"Life is like riding a bicycle.  To keep your balance you must keep moving."  __Albert Einstein

My share:

Balancing the spiritual aspects of my life with all the rest became easier when I acknowledged that all aspects of my life are spiritual.  Be Good To You, Dave 

Thoughtfood for Monday, June 8, 2009

Challenges

There is no easier, softer way.

To bring the great escape act into sobriety

is to travel with a companion that led me to despair long ago.

The teaching I receive in AA about courage

and love helps me to grapple

with the challenges of life as they are given to me

one day at a time.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 3],  p. 320

From the Big Book:

"Nearly every modern employer feels a moral responsibility for the well-being of his help, and he tries to meet these responsibilities.  That he has not always done so for the alcoholic is easily understood.  To him the alcoholic has often seemed a  fool of the first magnitude.  Because of the employee's special ability, or of his own strong personal attachment to him, the employer has sometimes kept such a man at work long beyond a reasonable period."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 137. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may choose what is good for my soul.  I pray that I may realize God's purpose for my life."

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

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 today prompt me to seek a creative solution, an equitable resolve.  How much better that is than ignoring or denying the challenge and to do nothing while pouring alcohol into an abyss.  Be Good To You, Dave

Living In The Now

"First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober--and it works.  Once the idea has become a part of our thinking, we find that living life in 24-hour segments is an effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters as well."

Living Sober, p.7  

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, June 10, 2009

A New Awakening

With a new awakening each day -- new strengths, new truths,

new acceptance of AA people and people not in AA --

a new world opened up.  And every day it still does.

"Came To Believe"..., p 45

From the Big Book:

"Here, for instance, is a typical example:  An officer of one of the largest banking institutions in America knows I no longer drink.  One day he told me about an executive of the same bank who, from his description, was undoubtedly alcoholic.  This seemed to me like an opportunity to be helpful, so I spent two hours talking about alcoholism, the malady, and described the symptoms and results as well as I could. His comment was, 'Very interesting.  But I'm sure this man is done drinking.  He has just returned from a three months leave of absence, has taken a cure, looks fine, and to clinch the matter, the board of Directors told him this was his last chance.' "

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p 138.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may keep making deposits to God's bank.   I pray that in my hour of need I may call upon these."

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

Quote for the day:

"If every day is an awakening, you will never grow old.  You will just keep growing."  __Gail Sheehy (American author b. 1937.)

My share:

I subscribe to the belief that daily awakening, learning something new everyday, is the only logical and fruitful approach to growth. Without the seeking, the finding is forgotten.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, June 11, 2009

Humility

If humility could enable us to find the grace

by which the deadly alcohol obsession could be banished,

then there must be hope of the same result

respecting any other problems we can possibly have.
- As Bill Sees It,  p. 325

From the Big Book:

"The only answer I could make was that if the man followed the usual pattern, he would go on a bigger bust than ever.  I felt this was inevitable and wondered if the bank was doing the man an injustice.  Why not bring him into contact with some of our alcoholic crowd?  He might have a chance."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 138.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that today I may have inner peace.  I pray that today I may be at peace with myself."

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

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:

Humility is not an easy commodity to stockpile.  It is something that I have to find daily and use with caution.  It is not a thing I can point to saying, "This is good."  But in my heart, I know quietly when humility is serving me well.  Be Good To You, Dave

P.S.  I got a letter of acceptance yesterday from the School of Theatre Arts at the UofA.  I am in the Bachelor of Arts program...finally.  Yea!

Thoughtfood for Friday, June 12, 2009

Self-respect

I learned how to have self-respect

through work that AA gave me to do.

I learned how to be a friend.

I learned how to go out and help other people --

there was nowhere else I could have done that.

I have learned that the more I give, the more I will have;

the more I learn to give, the more I learn to live.
- Experience, Strength and Hope,  p. 218

From the Big Book:

"I pointed out that I had had nothing to drink whatever for three years, and this in the face of difficulties that would have made nine out of ten men drink their heads off.   Why not at least afford him an opportunity to hear my story?   'Oh no,' said my friend, 'this chap is either trough with liquor, or he is minus a job. If he has your will power and guts, he will make the grade.'"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p.138.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that my life may be founded upon the rock of faith.  I pray that I may be obedient to the heavenly vision." 

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

Quote for the day:

"They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them."  __Mahatma Gandhi

My share:

Alcohol allowed me to be more gregarious, and therefore, more vulnerable to a loss of self-respect.  I did things under the influence that led to loss of self-respect.  I beat myself up over bad choices, and embarrassing actions, many of which, I only heard about the next day.  Regaining any semblance of self-respect has been a long and tedious affair.  Today I not only respect the man I see in the mirror, I have even learned to love him. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, June 13, 2009

 A Priceless Gift

"By this time in all probability we have gained some measure of release from our more devastating handicaps.  We enjoy moments in which there is something like real peace of mind.  To those of us who have hitherto known only excitement, depression, or anxiety--in other words, to all of us--this new found peace is a priceless gift."

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 74

From the Big Book:

"I wanted to throw up my hands in discouragement for I saw that I had failed to help my banker friend understand.  He simply could not believe that his brother-executive suffered from a serious illness.  There was nothing to do but wait."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 138-139

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may try to think God's thoughts after Him.  I pray that my thoughts may be guided by His thoughts."

Quote for the day:

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.  We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."  __Albert Einstein

My share:

I think the greatest gift of this program is fellowship.  Today is one of the greatest opportunities to take advantage of that gift.

  Today is "Founders Day" 

Come celebrate sobriety and learn the History of AA.

Speakers: Bob B and Trinka C.

Two Panel discussions,

"What has AA Done For Me?"

"Getting Involved"

Where: St Frances Cabrini Church, 3201 E Presidio St.

Tucson Arizona

(One block south of E Ft.Lowell, one block east of Country Club)

When:  10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This is a pot luck gathering of hundreds.  Bring a dish to pass.

A.A.'s Birthday is June 10, 1935

Be Good To You, Dave

Endless Tides

The tides of life flow endlessly for better or worse,

 both good and bad,

and I cannot allow my sobriety to become dependent

on these ups and downs of living.

Sobriety must live a life of its own.
- Alcoholics Anonymous,  p. 451

 

Taking Action

One of the most important things AA has given me,

In addition to freedom from booze,

is the ability to take "right action."

It says the promises will always materialize if I work for them.

Fantasizing about the, debating them,

Preaching about them and faking them just won't work.

__Daily Reflections, p. 54

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Honesty
 
The perverse wish to hide a bad motive underneath a good one
permeates human affairs from top to bottom.
- As Bill Sees It, Page 17
  
 

From the Big Book:

"As a moderate drinker, you can take your liquor or leave it alone.  Whenever you want to, you control your drinking.   Of an evening, you can go on a mild bender, get up in the morning, shake your head and go to business.  To you, liquor is no real problem.   You cannot see why it should be to anyone else, save the spineless and stupid."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 139.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not let God be crowded out by the hurly-burly of life.  I pray that I may seek God early and often."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, June 16.

Quote for the day:

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."  __Thomas Jefferson (American 3rd President, 1762-1826)

My share:

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

A Member Shares:
I'm Terry, an alcoholic.  Rigorous honesty is being honest with myself.  Too often I have been less than honest, but the program is helping me.  A little earlier we were talking about growth, and I believe it is circular . we get better at honesty.  I have struggled with ignorance, but Step 4 helped me see patterns in my life ...  gifts, as well as limitations, defects and blessings.  It wasn't so much lying to myself (though that was part of it) as it was not seeing.  When working with myself and trying to learn to be honest and aware sometimes means not being who I wish I were.  With others, it means also not having to say every nasty thing that comes into my head and I try to apply that to myself as well.  Honesty is rigorous because it requires work and practice.  One thing in my Step work is realizing that sometimes my resentments are couched in honesty.  However, what I am saying is less about my observation or feedback to another than it is about my anger.  And sometimes that means saying "You know, what you are doing/saying bothers me and that isn't necessarily your fault."  Honestly, I find this simple program helps me in counting blessings, thanking my Higher Power for you, and for letting me get bad enough that I hope this program sticks.

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Pain

Alcoholism is deadly, ugly, and tough.

It is also cunning, baffling, and powerful. . .

It wants me to forget that it is a snake in the brain,

hoping to catch my eye, watching, waiting.

The gritty pain of alcoholism is the traction of recovery.

I cannot afford to sell off the principles for an easier, softer way.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 3], p.165

From the Big Book:

"When dealing with an alcoholic, there may be a natural annoyance that a man could be so weak, stupid and irresponsible.  Even when you understand the malady better, you may feel this feeling rising."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous. To Employers, p. 139. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may think of God often. I pray that I may rest in peace at the thought of His love and care."

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

Quote for the day:

"Pain removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul."   __C.S.Lewis (1893-1963)

My share:

It is often said in meetings that without the pain, few of us would have sobered up at all.  Reaching ones bottom is unlikely without experiencing some pain.  Growing pains are good things.  I pray I keep growing.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, June 18, 2009

Progress

Only Step One,

where we made the 100 percent admission

we were powerless over alcohol,

can be practiced with absolute perfection.

The remaining eleven Steps state perfect ideals.

They are the goals toward which we look,

and the measuring sticks by which we estimate our progress.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p.68

From the Big Book:

"A look at the alcoholic in you organization is many times illuminating.  Is he not usually brilliant, fast-thinking, imaginative and likeable?  When sober, does he not work hard and have a knack of getting things done?  If he had these qualities and did not drink, would he be worth retaining?  Should he have the same consideration as other ailing employees?  Is he worth salvaging?  If your decision is yes, whether the reason be humanitarian or business or both, then the following suggestions may be helpful."

(Stay tuned)  ;-)

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 139-140.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may grow strong from my times apart with God.  I pray that I may pass on some of this strength to others."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, June 18.

Quote for the day:

"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." __George Bernard Shaw  (1856-1950)

My share:

In the process of the fourth step I was quick to realize how my thought patterns had been the base cause of all my troubles.   It wasn't so much a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, it was more a case of being in the wrong head space all of the time. Flawed notions of entitlement and self centeredness had to change or nothing would change.  I am grateful for the illumination that allowed me to see how desperately I needed to change the way I think.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, June 19, 2009

Letting Go

I'm beginning to see that letting go doesn't mean giving up.

It means opening myself to new vistas

There have been moments of what I would call ecstasy.

I'm thrilled and I'm scared at the same time. . .

The AA program says,

"Look, we've got some things to give you

that are really going to help --  if you'll slow down long enough and if you'll relax." - Came To Believe ..., p. 41
 

From the Big Book:

"Can you discard the feeling that you are dealing only with habit, with stubbornness, or a weak will?  If this presents difficulty, re-reading chapters two and three, where the alcoholic sickness is discussed at length, might be worth while.  You, as a businessman, want to know the necessities before considering the result.  If you concede that your employee is ill, can he be forgiven for what he has done in the past?  Can his past absurdities be forgotten?  Can it  be appreciated that he has been a victim of crooked thinking, directly caused by the action of alcohol on his brain?"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 140

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may keep growing spiritually. I pray that I may make this my real life's work." 

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

Quote for the day:

"Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer."  __William S. Burroughs

My share:

Relax.   That's what they told me.  I laughed.  But over time I found the value of that suggestion.  Meditation helps me achieve relaxation.  Prayer helps me maintain it.   Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, June 20, 2009

Loving Friendships 
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.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p.89

From the Big Book:

"I well remember the shock I received when a prominent doctor in Chicago told me of cases where pressure of the spinal fluid actually ruptured the brain.  No wonder an alcoholic is strangely irrational.   Who wouldn't be, with such a fevered brain?  Normal drinkers are not so affected, nor can they understand the aberrations of the alcoholic."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 140.

Thoughtfood for Sunday, June 21, 2009

Habits

Our drinking was connected with many habits -- big and little.

Some of them were thinking habits,

or things we felt inside ourselves.

Others were doing habits -- things we did, actions we took.

In getting used to not drinking,

we have found that we needed new habits

to take the place of those old ones.
- Living Sober, p. 1

From the Big Book:

"Your man has probably been trying to conceal a number of scrapes, perhaps pretty messy ones.  They may be disgusting.  You may be at a loss to understand how such a seemingly above-board chap could be so involved.  But these scrapes can generally be charged, no matter how bad, to the abnormal action of alcohol on his mind.  When drinking, or getting over a bout, an an alcoholic, sometimes the model of honesty when normal, will do incredible things.  Afterward, his revulsion will be terrible.  Nearly always, these  antics indicate nothing more than temporary conditions."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 140-141.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have a calm and sane mind.  I pray that I may look up, around, and away from myself."

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

Quote for the day:

"It is possible that a man could live twice as long if he didn't spend the first half of his life acquiring habits that shortens the other half."   __Anonymous

My share:

Most of the habits I maintained while drinking have evaporated.  In their place are new habits, healthier habits. This daily effort is my favorite habit.  I am refreshed by and enhanced by this service to others. I make a habit of thinking about you all and wishing you nothing but the best everyday.  My reward is knowing you may Be Good To You, Dave

Thankfulness

The day never passes that I do not silently cry out in thankfulness,

not merely for my release from alcohol, but even more

for a change that has given life new meaning, dignity, and beauty.
- Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 107

From the Big Book:

"This is not to say that all alcoholics are honest and upright when not drinking.  Of course that isn't so, and such people often may impose on you.  Seeing your attempt to understand and help, some men will try to take advantage  of your kindness.  If you are sure your man does not want to stop, he may as well be discharged, the sooner the better."

c.1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 141.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may  face the future with courage.  I pray that I may be given strength to face both life and death fearlessly." 

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, June 22.

Quote for the day:

"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude.  Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness.  Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."  __Henri Frederic Amiel (Swiss writer 1821-1881)

My share:

If Henri has it right, my daily thankfulness is reflected in my prayers, and this message would be part of my daily gratitude.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Self-indulgence
 
We want to find out exactly how, when, and where
our natural desires have warped us.
We wish to look squarely at the unhappiness
this has caused others and ourselves.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 43

From the Big Book:

"Firing such an individual may prove a blessing to him.  It may be just the jolt he needs.  I know, in my own particular case, that nothing my company could have done would have stopped me for, so long as I was able to hold my position, I could not possible realize how serious my situation was. Had they fired me first, and had they then taken steps to see that I was presented with the solution contained in this book, I might have returned to them six months later, a well man."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 141.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may rest and become recharged.  I pray that I may pause and wait for the renewing of my strength."

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

Quote for the day:

"There are limits to self-indulgence, none to restraint."  __Mahatma Gandhi  (Indian Philosopher internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest, 1869-1948) 

My share: Let's hear from Mikey about self indulgence.  Be Good To You, Dave
 
A Member Shares:
I'm Mikey . just an alcoholic.  I was thinking about this subject earlier. I have this idea in my head of my behavior:  how I should be, how I am with others, how others see me, and how I behave.  Sometimes these things do not always match.  I judge others by how I want to be myself, and I feel bad for it.  I act up, and it harms others around me.  But in my heart and head, I am not like this.  The guilt is not real.  It is false.  However, in my head, it can be all encompassing, and it takes over, leading me to keep trying to raise my standards to be that perfect being -- the one I can never be.   But always I judge others for not being able to be perfect . guess I must really be an alkie!

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, June 24, 2009

A Spiritual Lifestyle

Reluctantly, I opened my mind to the fact that maybe,

just maybe,

there was something to this spiritual lifestyle.

Slowly, but surely,

 I realized that there was indeed a Power greater than myself,

and I soon found myself with a full-time God in my life

and following a spiritual path that didn't conflict

with my personal religious convictions.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 287

From the Big Book:

"But there are many men who want to stop, and with them you can go far.  Your understanding treatment of their cases will pay dividends."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 141. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not let myself become too upset.  I pray that I may go quietly along the path I have chosen."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, June 24.

Quote for the day:

"God be thanked for books; they are the voices of the distant and the dead, and make us heirs of the spiritual life of past ages." __William Ellery Channing (American, Unitarian Clergyman and Author,  1780-1842)

My share:

Our basic text, Alcoholics Anonymous gives me an insight into the spiritual life of its authors.  It also gives me a blueprint for my own spiritual house.  Be Good To You, Dave

Apologies for the lack of Thoughtfood yesterday due to computer connectivity issues. 

Thoughtfood for Friday, June 28, 2009

Willingness

The answer was on page fifty-eight:

"Those who do not recover

are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves

to this simple program. . . ."

My problem was not that I could not, because I knew I could;

My problem was that I would not.

After this discovery, I commenced to follow the program

as outlined in the Big Book, and for the first time in my life,

I completely gave myself to this simple program.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 3], p. 17

From the Big Book:

"Perhaps you have such a man in mind.  He wants to quit drinking and you want to help him, even if it be only a matter of good business.  You now know more about alcoholism.  You can see that he is mentally and physically sick.  You are willing to overlook his past performances."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p.141.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may delay action until I feel that I am doing the right thing.  I pray that I may not rush in alone."

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

Quote for the day:

"The willingness to take risks is our grasp of faith." 

__George E. Woodberry (American poet, critic, and teacher, 1855 - 1930)

My share:

 There is no doubt in my mind that willingness made all the difference for me.  I had had contact with A.A. a couple times before (court ordered) but it didn't work for me because I was unwilling to accept that I was an alcoholic in need of help. ( I felt I could drink just fine all by myself, thank you. ) When I was finally willing to seek help, A.A. was still there for me.  For that I am very grateful.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, June 27, 2009

Action

We shall have to come to grips with

some of our worst character defects

and take action toward their removal as quickly as we can.

The moment we say, "No, never!"

our minds close against the grace of God.

Delay is dangerous, and rebellion may be fatal.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 69

From the Big Book:

Suppose an approach is made something like this:

State that you know about his drinking, and that it must stop.  You might say you appreciate  his abilities, would like to keep him, but

cannot if he continues to drink.  A firm attitude at this point has helped many of us."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 141-142.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may pass on my blessings.  I pray that they may flow into the lives of others."

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

Quote for the day:

"A.A. is more than a set of principles; it is a society of alcoholics in action."   __Bill W. (from the A.A. Service Manual, p 5.)

My share:

There was a time when I would often come to, blink painfully, and pull the covers up over my head to block the world out; ignoring any scheduled action.  These days I can hardly wait to spring into action at the top of each new day.  I relish the challenge of a new day and the discovery that awaits me. Sobriety has given me the resolve to face life on life's terms, through action, and through service to others.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughftood for Sunday, June 28, 2009

Ego
 
Selfishness -- self-centeredness! 

That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 62

From the Big Book:

"Next he can be assured that you do not intend to lecture, moralize, or condemn, that if this was done formerly, it was because of misunderstanding.  If possible express alack of hard fooling toward him.  At this point, it might be well to explain alcoholism, the illness."

c.1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 142.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may gladly leave my future in God's hand.  I pray that I may be confident that good things will happen, as long as I am on the right path."

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

Quote for the day:

"It is the nature of the ego to take, and the nature of the spirit to share."  __Proverb

My share:

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

A Member Shares:
Hi, I'm Judy and I'm an alcoholic.  I felt everyone and everything was about me.  Odd thing for me, though, is when they were talking about me I didn't get that.  I thought I had them all fooled; that they didn't know of my addictions, my problems.  When they were not speaking of me, I would get tremendously defensive.  The Steps, meetings, getting a sponsor, and doing AA taught me how to live.  One of the very basics I have learned is not to talk of others -- it's just not a good idea.  If I mention you today, it is because I genuinely care about you as a person.  It is not gossip; it is not mean spirited, but a love and understanding which enables me to live life on life's terms in a better way.  I do the best I can at every moment.  That is what God asks of me today, and I get to stay sober and am happier than ever before in my life.  Because it is not about me.  I am not afraid to say it was this way or that way when it does not make me look good.  I am not afraid to be who I am becoming -- the other person is not so bad, and I am not so bad.  After all, there are some things that are worth keeping that I found out in my Fourth and Fifth Steps.  Being able to listen constructively to someone who loved me enough to say, "You might want to look at that a little closer," or, "You might just want to let that go -- how important is it, really?"  Being able to make sense and not be so baffled at simple life experiences, I love being sober today.  I NEVER thought I would say that, ever!  But it is my truth today.  I am glad it's not all about me today.  I thank God and you for helping keep me sober today.

Thoughtfood for Monday, June 29, 2009

Unity

For thousands of alcoholics yet to come,

AA does have an answer.

But there is one condition.

We must, at all costs, preserve out essential unity'

it must be made unbreakably secure.

--The Language of the Heart, p. 70. 

From the Big Book:

"Say that you believe he is a gravely ill person, with this qualification--being perhaps fatally ill, does he want to get well?  You ask, because many alcoholics, being warped and drugged, do not want to quit.  But does he?  Will he take every necessary step, submit to anything to get well, to stop drinking forever?"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 142. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may prepare myself for better things which God has in store for me.  I pray that I may trust God for the future."

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

Quote for the day:

"He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye."  __Buddha (Hindu Prince Gautama Siddhartha, founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

My share:

I can easily see the wisdom in the Buddhist concept of omnipotence.  If I am a part of you and you are a part of me then we are but parts of the greater consciousness we can call God.

It is based on this concept that I believe God speaks to me through you all.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, June 30. 2009

Warning Bells

The thought of a drink is not necessarily

the same thing as the desire for one,

and neither need plunge us into gloom or fear.

Both can be viewed simply as warning bells

to remind us of the perils of alcoholism.
.- Living Sober, pp. 43-44

From the Big Book:

"If he says yes, does he really mean it, or down inside does he think he is fooling you, and that after rest and treatment he will be able to get away with a few drinks now and then?  We believe a man should be thoroughly probed on these points.  Be satisfied he is not deceiving himself or you."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p.142.

Prayer for the day:

" I pray that I may not carry the burden of the past.  I pray that I may cast it off and press on in faith."

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

Quote for the day:

"A fool who, after plain warning, persists in dosing himself with dangerous drugs should be free to do so, for his death is a benefit to the race in general."  __Henry Louis Mencken (American Humorist and Critic 1880 - 1956)

My share:

Fortunately, Mr Mencken (above) was making a joke.  But it indicates the general attitude alcoholics faced in the days before A.A., that they were hopeless and better off dead.  I am so grateful that A.A. is alive and well and able to continue the tradition of helping the helpless.  Be Good To You, Dave