Thoughtfood for Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hitting Bottom
 
Few people will sincerely try to practice the AA program
unless they have hit bottom. . .
Then, and only then, do we become as open-minded to conviction
and as willing to listen as the dying can be.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 24

From the Big Book:

"Whether you mention this book is a matter for your discretion.

If he temporizes and still thinks he can ever drink again, even beer, he might as well be discharged after the next bender which, if an alcoholic, he is almost certain to have.  He should understand that emphatically. Either you are dealing with a man who can and will get well or you are not.  If not, why waste time on him?  This may seem severe, but it is usually the best course."

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

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be calm in the midst of storms.  I pray that I may pass on this calmness to others who are lonely and full of fear."

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

Quote for the day:

"Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom."  __George S. Patton (American General WWI and WWII, 1885 - 1945)

My share:

I'm not sure General Patton referred to alcoholics but his comment seems apropos to me.  I am still on my way up after hitting bottom more than twelve years ago.  This upward movement in the ability to feel real emotion is not subject to the rule that, "what goes up must come down." Be Good To You, Dave

P.S. I want to acknowledge the passing of a good friend. Alcohol consumption ultimately consumed him.  He was not one who was ready, or willing to embrace sobriety.  He was a good and gentle man who touched the lives of many with his compassion and kindness and generosity.  I will miss my friend Alan B. 

Thoughtfood for Thursday, July 2, 2009

Liabilities

Past liabilities can be turned around

 and become our strongest points. . .

No need to feel guilt; simply get rid of

 the thing you feel guilty about.

A wonderful way to do this is to reverse your shortcomings

by reaching out to another drunk.  It works.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 1], p. 86

From the Big Book:

"After satisfying yourself that your man wants to recover and that he will go to any extreme to do so, you may suggest a definite course of action.  For most alcoholics who are drinking, or who are just getting over a spree, a certain amount of physical treatment is desirable, even imperative. The matter of physical treatment should, of course, be referred to your own doctor."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 142-143.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may become like a child in faith and hope.  I pray that I may, like a child, be friendly and trusting."

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

Quote for the day:

"If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying."  __Dale Carnegie   (American Lecturer, author, 1888 - 1955)

My share:

Past liabilities never change, they are always there.  But now, instead of being a source of embarassment, they are the basis of my qualification as a member of A.A. and the starting point for my recovery. Be Good To You, Dave

Getting Ahead

The nondrinking alcoholic discovers in AA that
 you cannot Get Ahead until you learn to be Here.

We discover from our Serenity Prayer

that one of the things we cannot change is time.

The Here-and-Now is the only reality,

whereas in the unreal world of the drinking alcoholic

there was only yesterday-and-tomorrow.

--Came to Believe, p. 113. 

Teachable

Slowly, buy surely, some wisdom and humility began to creep in.

I became more teachable.

I found God working all around me where previously

I was sure I had been alone.

When I opened my eyes enough to see the miracle,

I found that it was right in front of my face.

I was growing in God's love.

Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 430.  

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Living Proof
 
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development,
we will be amazed before we are half way through.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83
 
 

From the Big Book:

 "Can you have every confidence in his ability to recover?  While on the subject of confidence, can you adopt the attitude that so far as you are concerned this will be a strictly personal matter, that his alcoholic derelictions, the treatment about to be undertaken, will never be discussed without his consent?  It might be well to have along chat with him on his return."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 143.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be willing to go through a time of testing.  I pray that I may trust God for the outcome."

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

Quote for the day:

"That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well."   __Abraham Lincoln

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

A Member Shares:
Hi I'm Jeff, and a grateful alcoholic.  There's a lot I had forgotten, but I do remember the first time I really knew I had a serious problem.  I was standing at my back door looking out on my patio and, beer in hand, thinking why can't I put this down.  I was drinking up to 18 or more a day.  I remember thinking I'm educated, I know better than this...and yet every morning I made the run for beer and smokes.  As time passed, a feeling welled up in me that something had to give.I can't keep doing this to myself.  I thought talking to a counselor would straighten me out.  "That's what I need, a counselor!"  I talked, but he was a total jerk; someone I would never refer anyone to -- mental health issues or not.  I struggled until finally I exploded.  Unfortunately, it was on my ex-wife and a police officer, who politely landed me here.  And by the grace of God, I don't have to live that life anymore.  Has it been a challenge?  Heck yes!  Has it been worth it?  You bet your life!  It's been an amazing journey so far.  When the Promises say you'll be amazed half way through, that's not a joke -- I'm living proof.  Thank you all for all the support and kindness you've given me.  May God bless each and every one of you.

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, July 8, 2009

From the Big Book:

"To return to the subject matter of this book:  It contains full suggestions by which the employee may solve  his problem.  To you, some of the ideas which it contains are novel.  Perhaps you are not quite in sympathy with the approach we suggest.  By no means do we offer it as the last word on this subject, but so far as we are concerned, it has worked with us.  After all, are you not looking for results rather than methods?   Whether your employee likes it or not, he will learn the grim truth about alcoholism.  That won't hurt him a bit, even though he does not go for this remedy."

c.1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp 143-144.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may try to make God's will my will. 
I pray that I may keep in the stream of goodness in the world."

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

Quote for the day:

"Of conflict with others we make retorica, of conflicts with ourselves poetry."  __William Butler Yeats (Irish Writer, Dramatist,and Poet.  Nobel Prize for Literature 1923.  1865-1939)

My share:

I can finally register for classes at UofA, got a call back for the audition for Angels in America, completed the transfer of glass cases for Ace Hardware's pending move; none of which would ever have happened without the peace, hope, and confidence my sobriety has given me.   Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Thursday, July 9, 2009

Serene Confidence

My problems haven't gone away just because I'm sober.

The truth is, they've increased.

But it's a joy to fearlessly face the problems

with serene confidence

that the answer will intuitively come.

Page 84 of the Big Book says so.  It's the God's truth.

- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 2], p. 72

From the Big Book:

"We suggest you draw the book to the attention of the doctor who is to attend your patient during treatment.  If the book is read the moment the patient is able, while acutely depressed, realization of his condition may come to him.

We hope the doctor will tell the patient the truth about his condition, whatever that happens to be.  When the man is presented with this volume it is best that no one tell his he must abide by its suggestions.  The man must decide for himself."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p 144.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I will not be paralyzed by doubt.  I pray that I may go along on the venture of faith."

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

Quote for the day:

"I w as always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within."   __Anna Freud  (Austrian born British founder of child psychoanalysis. Daughter of Sigmund Freud. 1895 - 1982) 

My share: 

If my problems have increased it is directly proportionate to the volume of things I am doing.  I don't anymore spend hours doing nothing but sitting on a bar stool planning to get busy.  I am busy.  I have many "irons in the fire" and am always on the go. I like it, no, I love it.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, July 10, 2009

Staying Sober
 
Our experience has taught us to make

no long-term promises about staying sober.
We have found it more realistic -- and more successful to say,
"I am not taking a drink just for today."
- Living Sober,  p. 8

From the Big Book:

"You are betting, of course, that your changed attitude plus the contents of this book will turn the trick.  In In some cases it will, and in others it may not.  But we think that if you persevere, the percentage of successes will gratify you.  As our work spreads and out numbers increase, we hope your employees may be put in personal contact with some of us.  Meanwhile, we are sure a great deal can be accomplished by the use of the book alone."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 144.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have the faith to expect miracles.  I pray that I may be used by God to help change the lives of others."

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

Quote for the day:

"The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them."  __Albert Einstein

My share: 
I'll know about the result of the call back audition by Sunday.  I think it went well.    Now, a word from Sharon.   Be Good To You, Dave

A Member Shares:
Hi, I'm Sharon, alcoholic.  "We are not cured of alcoholism.  What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition."  -- Big Book, page 85.  That means I cannot stay sober today on what I did yesterday.  The amount of time I have in the program does not promise me that I'm not going to get drunk today.  I must do at least one thing each day for my sobriety, and most days it's a lot more than just one thing.  That's why in the beginning it's so important to get a good foundation by attending at least 90 meetings in 90 days.  I have to make sobriety a habit like I did my drinking.  Other habits include praying, talking to my sponsor and friends in the program, reading literature, service work, or whatever works for me.  Lately, things have been crazy and I've been unable to get to meetings every day.  Some of my character defects have really been kicking my butt, but I know that as long as I do what I am supposed to, things will be OK in spite of me.  So far, everything is going good even if it's not the way I want it.  In the beginning, I couldn't imagine making it through an entire day without drinking, and that's where my focus was.  But as the days without a drink progressed, I learned there's a lot more to sobriety than not drinking.  AA has taught me how to be responsible for my own actions, not yours, and to let you be you without trying to make you into what I think you should be (though I still struggle with this).  So, no matter where you are on your own journey, just remember to do at least one thing today to get you where you want to be.

Thoughtfood for Saturday, July 11, 2009

A Reminder

I must never forget that, until the day I die,

 I will always be an alcoholic.

I will always be just one drink away from losing it all --

my sanity, my self-respect, my hope, my life.

I need to remind myself that this life I have been allowed to live --

everything good that I have today -- has been a gift.
- The AA Grapevine, July 2009,  p. 37

From the Big Book:

"On your employee's return, talk with him.  Ask him if he thinks he has the answer.  If he feels free to discuss his problems with you, if he knows you understand and will not be upset by anything he wishes to say, he will probably be off to a fast start."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 144-145.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may rely on God as I go through this day.  I pray that I may feel deeply secure, no matter what happens to me."

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

Quote for the day:

"Quotations help us remember the simple yet profound truths that give life perspective and meaning.  When it comes to life's most important lessons, we can all use gentle reminders."   __Chriswell Freeman

My share:

These daily searches for quotations on a theme are welcome reminders to me that I do not have all the answers, know not all things, understand little.  I survive by seeking new truths.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, July 12, 2009

"Cured"

Alcoholism is incurable -- just like some other illnesses.

It cannot be "cured" in this sense:

We cannot change our body chemistry

and go back to being the normal, moderate social drinkers

lots of us seemed to be in our youth. . .

We can no more go make that change

than a pickle can change itself

back into a cucumber.
- Living Sober,  p. 8

From the Big Book:

"In this connection, can you remain undisturbed if the man proceeds to tell you shocking things?  He may, for example, reveal that he has padded his expense account or that he has planned to take your best customers away from  you.   In fact, he may say almost anything if he has accepted our solution which, as you know, demands rigorous honesty.  Can  you charge this off as you would a bad account and start fresh with him?  If he owes you money you may wish to make terms."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p, 145.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may trust God to keep me in the way.  I pray that I may rely on Him to not let me go."

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

Quote for the day:

"The past cannot be cured."  

__Elizabeth I  (Queen of England 1533-1603)

My share:

Just as I was about to silence my cell phone, a mere minute before my home group meeting was to begin, I got a call from a woman who had walked away from A.A. years earlier.  She had thought she was cured of alcoholism, that perhaps she had never really been an alcoholic.  She had just found a new bottom.  Fueled by alcohol and anger management issues, she was just released on her own recognizance from overnight incarceration for domestic violence.  Unable to return to her new home in a strange town, and faced with a restraining order, the police helped her retrieve clothing and stuff from her estranged boyfriends place, and she was holed up in a motel, seemingly friendless and feeling abandoned by blood relations, sisters, who refused to dash to her aid and rescue.  The call was timely and, I feel, God sponsored.  This woman had been an inspiration at one time, leading the way to A.A. for me.  That she felt the need to talk to me speaks to the power of this program.  We know where to turn when we are ready and willing to ask for real help, we call another drunk.   Please include Marly M. in your prayers and Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughfood for Monday, July 13, 2009

Freedom

We found that freedom from fear was more important than freedom from want.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,  p. 122

From the Big Book:

"If he speaks of his home situation, you can undoubtedly make helpful suggestions.  Can he talk frankly with you so long as he does not bear business tales or criticize his associates?  With this kind of employee such an attitude will command undying loyalty.

The greatest enemies of us alcoholics are resentment, jealousy, envy, frustration, and fear."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 145.

Prayer for day:

"I pray that I may await with complete faith for the next good thing in store for me.  I pray that I may always keep an expectant attitude toward life."

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

Quote for the day:

"Ultimately, we know deeply that the other side of every fear is freedom." __Marilyn Ferguson (April 5, 1938 - October 19, 2008 was an influential American author, editor and public speaker)

My share:

I was afraid to confront the man who refused to pay my asking price for work performed. I avoid confrontation.  But now, having faced that fear, I need to make amends to him for walking out on him in the midst of a discussion.  I resolved nothing by  exhibiting my frustration and resentment.  I am confident the issue will be resolved when I admit how I over valued my own worth. Humble pie still tastes bad.  Be Good To You, Dave

Rewards 
Even the newest of newcomers finds undreamed rewards
as he tries to help his brother alcoholic, the one who is even blinder than he.

- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 109

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Making Coffee

All I thought as I was making the coffee was making the coffee . . .

I stood near the coffeepot and welcomed everyone who came by.

I must have experienced a million smiles in a very short time.

And when I pushed the broom all I concentrated on

was the dust rising from it as I moved across the floor.

My troubles were gone for the time that I was doing those things.

And so it can be for you.  If you can't live and you can't die, make coffee.
- The Home Group: Heartbeat of AA,  p. 43

From the Big Book:

"One instance comes to mind in which a malicious individual was always making friendly little jokes about an alcoholic's drinking exploits.  In this way he was slyly carrying tales.  In another case, an alcoholic was sent to a hospital for treatment.  Only a few knew of it at first but, within a short time, it was billboarded throughout the entire company. Naturally this sort of thing decreased the man's chance of recovery."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 145. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may climb the ladder of life without fear.  I pray that I may progress steadily through the rest of my life with faith and confidence."

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

Quote for the day:

"Focus on your potential instead of your limitations."  __ Alan Loy McGinnis

My share:

The delay in delivery of this daily email could have been avoided if I had not attended the midnight showing of the new Harry Potter movie. I haven't slept in this late in years.  Better late than never, I encourage you all to Be Good To You,  Dave

Oh yeah, the movie was too cool. 

Thoughtfood for Thursday, July 16, 2009

Life on Life's Terms

Unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I cannot be happy.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 417.

From the Big Book:

"The employer can many times protect the victim from this kind of talk. (friendly little jokes)  The employer cannot play favorites, but he can always defend a man from needless provocation and unfair criticism."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 148.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may find a haven in the thought of God.   I pray that I may abide in that Strong Tower, strongly guarded."

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

Quote for the day:

"We often refuse to accept an idea merely because the tone of voice in which it has been expressed is unsympathetic to us."

__Friedrich Nietzsche  (German classical Scholar, Philosopher and Critic of culture, 1844-1900.)

My share:

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

A Member Shares...

Hi, I'm Barry, and I'm an alcoholic.

"Life on Life's Terms" is all about living life sober. We have to deal with things on a daily basis. There are those people who upset us for many different reasons. In my old days, and even in early sobriety, my way of dealing with them would have been physical. I often reacted badly. When I got sober, reacting that way only drove me closer to drinking. I had to learn to treat everyone, no matter what they did or do, the way I would want to be treated. This is a lot easier to say than do. But for this alcoholic it is very important. My life depends on me staying sober. Doctors told me many years ago I was very close to death, and this program has saved my life time after time. It is my responsibility to act in a manner that I feel good about. I do not always feel good about the way people act, but it is important for me to be able to look in the mirror and feel good about what I have done for the day. When I do not feel good about how I acted and responded, then I need to make amends for my actions. This is a life or death program. About a year and a half ago, my brother treated me very badly. I was very good (for me) by not hitting him. I just walked away, and did not want to talk to him. But he wanted to make amends, so I finally gave in and flew to Miami to meet with him. We spent two great weeks together, and for two weeks after I got home he kept calling me to tell me how good I made him feel. The next day he died. Life can change so quickly. But because of what this program has taught me, we spent great quality time together weeks before he died. All because I work all twelve Steps on a daily basis as best as I can. And I continue to do that even with over 29 years clean and sober. Thank you for letting me share.

Thoughtfood for Friday, July 17, 2009

No Cop-outs

We have to keep our sobriety independent of everything else,

not entangled with any people,

and not hedged in by any possible cop-outs or conditions.
- Living Sober,  p. 64

From the Big Book:

"As a class, alcoholics are energetic people.  They work hard and they play hard.  Your man should be on his mettle to make good.  Being somewhat weakened, and faced with physical and mental readjustment to a life which knows no alcohol, he may overdo.  You may have to curb his desire to work sixteen hours a day.  You may need to encourage him to play once in a while.  He may wish to do a lot for other alcoholics and something of the sort may come up during business hours.  A reasonable amount of latitude will be helpful.  This work is necessary to maintain his sobriety."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p.146.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may remove all blocks that are keeping me from God.  I pray that I may let God come into my life with power."

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

Quote for the day:

"Never quit.  It is the easiest cop-out in the world.  Set a goal and don't quit until you attain it.  When you do attain it, set another goal, and don't quit until you reach it.  Never quit."

__Bear Bryant (American football coach, 1913 - 1983)

My share:

My initial goal was to stop drinking, the second, to stay stopped.

Currently, my goal is to be of maximum service to others.  I don't think this goal is unattainable.  Just needs to be done everyday.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, July 18, 2009

'First Things First'
 
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 risking a drink.
- Living Sober,  p. 32

From the Big Book:

"After your man has gone along without drinking for a few months, you may be able to make use of his services with other employees who are giving you the alcoholic run-around--provided, of course, they are willing to have a third party in the picture.  An alcoholic who has recovered, but holds a relatively unimportant job, can talk to a man with a better position. Being on a radically different basis of life, he will never take advantage of the situation." 

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p.146

Prayer for the day: 

"I pray that I may walk humbly with God.  I pray that I may rely on His grace to carry me through."

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

Quote for the day:

"Set priorities for your goals.  A major part of successful living lies in the ability to put first things first.  Indeed, the reason most major goal are not achieved is that we spend our time doing second things first."  __Anonymous

My share:

It isn't easy determining which goal should precede the other.  By being willing to listen to the direction of my Higher Power, often, the sense of knowing what is the next right thing is simply intuitive. Sobriety allows me the clarity of mind to understand that direction and to distinguish between intuition and wishful thinking.

Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, July 19, 2009

We Need Each Other

We need each others experience, strength, and hope,

regardless of age or length of sobriety.

The saving grace of God doesn't come like a bolt out of the blue.

It comes through, in, and from other suffering,

as well as rescued, souls like you and me.
- Came To Believe . . .,  p. 94

From the Big Book:

"Your man may be trusted.  Long experience with alcoholic excuses naturally arouses suspicion.  When his wife next calls saying he is sick, you might jump to the conclusion he is drunk.  If he is, and is still trying to recover, he will tell you about it even if it means the loss of his job.  For he knows he must be honest if he would live at all. He will appreciate knowing you are not bothering your head about him, that you are not suspicious nor are you trying to run his life so he will be shielded from temptation to drink. If he is conscientiously following the program of recovery he can go anywhere your business may call him."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 146-147

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may expect miracles in the lives of people.  I pray that I may be used to help people change."

c. 1975. Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, July 19.

Quote for the day:

"There can only be one state of mind as you approach any profound test; total concentration, a spirit of togetherness, and

strength." __Pat Riley

My share:

There was a Sunday Noon meeting that moved from location to location each time it's host, or space provider, found it necessary to move. News arrived yesterday that this arrangement will no longer be viable for either entity. The meeting will have to find another location if it is to survive.  Together, I'm confident, the meeting will continue at noon on Sundays,  somewhere.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Monday, July 20, 2009

Acceptance

And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.

When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person,

place, thing, or situation

-- some fact of my life -- unacceptable to me,

and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing,

or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.
- Alcoholics Anonymous,  p. 417

From the Big Book:

"In case he does stumble, even once, you will have to decide whether to let him go.  If you are sure he doesn't mean business, there is no doubt you should discharge him.  If, on the contrary, you are sure he is doing his utmost, you may wish to give him another chance.  But you should feel under no obligation to keep him on, for you obligation has been well discharged already."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 147.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may live according to the dictates of my conscience.  I pray that I may leave the results to God."

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

Quote for the day:

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

(Author of Harry Potter books.  b. 1965)

My share:

This "acceptance" is one of the hardest tasks in daily sobriety; accepting that I am not in charge, that I cannot control people, places or things through self will.  But with acceptance, tolerance, and serenity, those people, places and things can be experienced without sending me into some irrational fit of frustration that might lead to a relapse. Acceptance keeps me on an even keel and allows me assurance that relapse is not an option.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, July  21, 2009

Honesty

I don't believe this program would work for me

if I didn't get honest with myself about myself.

Honesty is the easiest word for me to understand

because it is the exact opposite of what I've been doing all my life.

Therefore, it will be the hardest to work on.
- Experience, Strength and Hope,  pp. 400-01

From the Big Book:

"There is another thing you might wish to do. If your organization is a large one, your junior executives might be provided with this book. You might let them know you have no quarrel with the alcoholics of your organization.  These juniors are often in a difficult position.  Men under them  are frequently their friends.  So, for one reason or another, they cover these men, hoping matters will take a turn for the better.  They often jeopardize their own positions by trying to help serious drinkers who should have been fired long ago, or else given an opportunity to get well."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 147.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may have enough faith to make me really effective.  I pray that I may learn to depend less on myself and more on God."

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

Quote for the day:

"Integrity is telling myself the truth.   And honesty is telling the truth to other people." __Spencer Johnson  (American Author, b. 1940.)

My share:

When still entrenched in my disease, I projected an image of honesty while cheating and stealing behind everyone's back.  Getting honest with myself changed that. For that I, and all the people around me, are grateful. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, July 22, 2001

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.

- Living Sober, p 1

From the Big Book:

"After reading this book, a junior executive can go to such a man and say approximately this, 'Look here; Ed.  Do you want to stop drinking or not?  You put me on the spot every time you get drunk.  It isn't fair to me or the firm.  I have been learning something about alcoholism.  If you are an alcoholic, you are a mighty sick man.  You act like one. The firm wants to help you get over it and if you are interested, there is a way out.  If you take it, you past will be forgotten and the fact that you went away for treatment will not be mentioned. But if you cannot or will not stop drinking, I think you ought to resign.'"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, pp. 147 - 148.

Prayer for the day:

 "I pray that I may not limit myself by doubting.  I pray that I may have confidence that I can be effective for good."

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

Quote for the day:

"You leave old habits behind by starting out with the thought, 'I release the need for this in my life."

__Wayne Dyer (American motivational speaker and author.  b. 1940)

My share:

I agree with Mr. Dyer but thinking it doesn't make it so.  I also need to release control over it and exercise faith that my  higher power will help me replace a bad habit with a good one. 

Be Good To You, Dave 

Thoughtfood for Thursday, July 23, 2009

Harmony

Courtesy, kindness, justice, and love are the keynotes

by which we may come into harmony with practically anybody.

When in doubt we can always pause, saying,

"Not my will, but Thine, be done."

And we can often ask ourselves, "Am I doing to others

as I would have them do to me -- today?"
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,  p. 93

From the Big Book:

"Your junior executive may not agree with the contents of our book.  He need not, and often should not show it to his alcoholic prospect.  But at least he will understand the problem and will no longer be misled by ordinary promises.  He will be able to take a position with such a man which is eminently fair and square.  He will have no further reason for covering up an alcoholic employee."  

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 148.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not allow those about me to spoil my peace of mind.  I pray that I may keep a deep inner calm throughout the day."

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

Quote for the day:

"He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe."  __Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor best known for his meditations on Stoic philosophy, AD 121-180)

My share:

I seek harmony in myself and agree that my peace with the world is proportionate to that harmony.  Harmony with myself includes not beating myself up for being human or making mistakes.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, July 24, 2009

Laughter

Laughter at an AA meeting

is one of the most comforting and moving sounds I've ever heard.

In it, I hear the surprise and relief and gratitude of alcoholics

who have escaped the deadly clutches of their illness

for another twenty-four hours.

I also hear acceptance and compassion

for what we have done and who we are.

Besides, it's just plain fun.
- The AA Grapevine,  November 2006, Editor's Note

From the Big Book:

"It boils right down to this: No man should be fired just because he is alcoholic.  If he wants to stop, he should be afforded a real chance.  If he cannot or does not want to stop, he should be discharged.  The exceptions are few."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 148.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may keep close to the Mind of God.  I pray that I may live with Him in my heart and mind."

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

Quote for the day:

"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods." 

 __Albert Einstein

My share:

I live for those moments when I laugh so hard that it hurts.   Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, July 25, 2009

Think, Think, Think!
 
We ask God to direct our thinking,

especially asking to be divorced from self-pity,

dishonest or self-seeking motives.

Under these conditions we can employ our mental faculties with assurance,

for after all God gave us brains to use.

- Alcoholics Anonymous,  p. 86

From the Big Book:

"We think this method of approach will accomplish several things. It will permit the rehabilitation of good men.  At the same time you  will feel no reluctance to rid yourself of those who cannot or will not stop.  Alcoholism may be causing your organization considerable damage in its waste of time, men and reputation.  We hope our suggestions will help you plug up this sometimes serious leak.  We think we are sensible when we urge that you stop this waste and give your worthwhile man a chance."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Employers, p. 148.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that I may hold my life in trust for God.  I pray that I may no longer consider my life as all my own."

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

Quote for the day:

"Excellence can be obtained if you:

...care more that others think is wise;

...risk more than others think is safe;

...dream more than others think is practical;

...expect more than others think is possible." __Anonymous

My share:

It was suggested long ago that what others think about me is none of my business.  All that matters is what my higher power thinks.  My challenge is to listen for that direction. Be Good To You, Dave