depend so deeply upon success

as it does upon our failures and setbacks. 

If you will bear this in mind,

I think your slip will have the effect of kicking you upstairs,

 instead of down.

- As Bill Sees It, p. 184

 

A Member Shares:
My name is Jenna and I am an alcoholic.  After 15 years of sobriety, I relapsed.  My son passed away and I wanted to go with him.  I rolled three cars over, but God had another plan for me.  I needed to learn to be honest, continue to go to meetings, keep my support group close, and never stop praying.  If I had done all these things, I would not have gone back out.  I would have been able to go through this time of my life with the help of those around me.  I now have all those things that I needed before.  I have been sober 11 months as of August 26, 2008.  I have learned how to be honest, and I am doing my Steps over again with a sponsor.  I have a close-knit sober group that I love.  I pray in the morning, sometimes during the day, and at night.  I don't recommend relapse to anyone -- it hurts and it's harder to go through.   Yet, I am doing better this time than the last.  I love my meetings and all the friends I have now that I didn't have before.  Thank-you for letting me share a brief part of myself with you.  Serenity is a larger part of my life now than it ever was before.

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Unconditional

Alcoholism is for us unconditional,

with no dispensations available at any price.

It may take a little while to get that knowledge

into the marrow of our bones.

And we sometimes do not recognize

the conditions we have unconsciously

attached to our recovery until

something goes wrong through no fault of ours.

Then -- whammy! -- there it is.

We had not counted on this happening.

 - Living Sober, pp.63-4

From the Big Book:

"Hopelessness was written large on the man's face as he replied, "Oh, but that's no use. Nothing would fix me.  I'm a goner.  The last three times, I got drunk on the way home from here.  I'm afraid to go out the door.  I can't understand it.'

For an hour, the two friends told him about their drinking experiences.  Over and over, he would say: 'That's me.  That's me. I drink like that.'"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 157.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not interfere with the working of God's spirit in me and through me.  I pray that I may give it full rein."

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

Quote for the day:

"Give love and unconditional acceptance to those you encounter, and notice what happens."  __Wayne Dyer (American motivational Speaker and Author.  b. 1940

My share:

Like the man in that hospital bed, I had gotten to a point of total defeat. He was faced with an unproven process but was desperate enough to try anything.  I was more fortunate than he in that I knew of a program that worked.  Their meeting allowed me to find sobriety some 60 years later.  God works in mysterious ways. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, September 3, 2009

Step Twelve

He somehow knows that God has

enabled him to make a mighty beginning,

and he senses that he stands at the edge

of new mysteries, joys, and experiences

of which he had never even dreamed..

- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pp. 109-110

From the Big Book:

"The man on the bed was told of the acute poisoning from which he suffered, how it deteriorates the body of an alcohol and warps his mind.  There was much talk about the mental state preceding the first drink."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 157.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may rest and abide in the presence of the unseen God.  I pray that I may leave my burdens in His care."

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

Quote for the day:

"It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us to action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through."   __Zig Ziglar

My share:

By the end of my drinking "career", I no longer had anyone around to enable me.  I did that all my myself.  Joining A.A. has enabled me to become a better person and helped me find a way to stay sober. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, September 4, 2009

From the Big Book:

"Yes, that's me," said the sick man, "the very image."  You fellows know your stuff all right, but I don't see what good it'll do.   You fellows are somebody.  I was once, but I'm a nobody now.  From what you tell me, I know more than ever I can't stop."  At this both the visitors burst into a laugh.  Said the future Fellow Anonymous, "Damn little to laugh about that I can see."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p.157

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may do the things that make for peace.   I pray that I may have a mission of conciliation."

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

Quote for the day:

 "Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves, but deal in our privacy with the last honesty and truth."  __Ralph Waldo Emerson  (American Poet, Lecturer, and
Essayist, 1803 - 1882) 

My share:

It was true for me and countless others.  Even a little honesty, the ability to admit powerlessness over alcohol, was enough to get me started stopping.  I'm lucky it demanded nothing greater. 

Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, September 5, 2009

Resources

The things I thought I needed for so many years

no longer seem important,

now that I have become aware of

the spiritual resources God has given me.

With these, I don't need alcohol to function.

What a joy to stay sober on love instead of fear.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 35

From the Big Book:

"The two friends spoke of their spiritual experience and told him about the course of action they carried out.  He (the man in the bed) interrupted: 'I used to be strong for the church, but that won't fix it.  I've prayed to God on hangover mornings and sworn that i'd never touch another drop but by nine o'clock I'd be boiled as an owl.'"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, pp 157-158.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may try to rely more fully on the grace of God.  I pray that I may live a victorious life."

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

Quote for the day:

"Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness."

__H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

My share:

One of the biggest obstacles in early sobriety was my inability to visualize living without alcohol.  How would I function, socialize, do business or find friends if I can't go to a bar and juice it up with others?  Fortunately, I got so busy in A. A. meeting new people and looking for ways to be of service to others, I frankly forgot about those other concerns. I had a new life, a second life, a new beginning.  Still do.  Be Good To You, Dave. 

Guidance

The Big Book guided me in resolving all my problems.

It didn't happen overnight

-- and certainly not automatically -- with no effort on my part.

I need always to recognize God's mercy and blessings

that shine through any problems I have to face.
- Daily Reflections., p. 21  

Thoughtfood for Monday, September 7, 2009

A Design for Living

What seemed at first a flimsy reed,

has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God.

A new life has been given us or,

if you prefer,"a design for living" that really works.

- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 28

From the Big Book:

"On the third day the lawyer gave his life to the cause and direction of his Creator, and said he was perfectly willing to do anything necessary.  His wife came, scarcely daring to be hopeful, though she thought she saw something different about her husband already.  He had begun to have a spiritual experience."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 158.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may go each day to God as a refuge until fear goes and peace and security come.  I pray that I may feel deeply secure in the Haven of His spirit."

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

Quote for the day:

"As we continue to make these choices and so move toward these high aspirations, our sanity returns and the compulsion to drink vanishes."  __Bill W.

My share:

I think I was two years sober before I really heard or understood the "design for living" description of my new lifestyle.  I had read page 28 when I was about a week sober and (as with most books) wasn't likely to re-read it.  But at a meeting, with my mouth shut and my ears open, I heard Marge quote the passage and suddenly I knew how true it really was.  This is truly a design for living -- that works for me.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The First One

The first thing I learned that day was that

if I never took another drink

I would never have another problem with alcohol. . .

I had never thought about the first drink.

I had schemed and stolen drinks, but it was never the first one.

And here I had a very simple problem -- one drink,

and that's all I was able to understand.
- Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 216

From the Big Book:

"That afternoon he put on his clothes and walked from the hospital a free man.  He entered a political campaign, making speeches, frequenting men's gathering places of all sorts, often staying up all night.  He lost the race by only a narrow margin.  But he had found God -- and in finding God had found himself."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 158.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may walk in God's love.  I pray that, as I go, I may feel the spring of God's power in my steps and the joy of His love in my heart."

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

Quote for the day:

"If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it."

__Albert Einstein  (American Physicist, 1979 - 1955)

My share:

Einstein had it right.  The idea that an alcoholic could get and stay sober just by talking to other alcoholics is absurd in its simplicity.  Surely, this cannot work!  But it does work, beautifully, and is proved daily when an individual first admits his powerlessness over alcohol by saying, "My name is _____.  I am an alcoholic."  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Helping Others

Life will take on new meaning. 

To watch people recover,

to see a fellowship grow up about you,

to have a host of friends --

this is an experience you must not miss.

- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 89
 

From the Big Book:

"That was in June, 1935.  He never drank again.  He too, has become a respected and useful member of his community.  He has helped other men recover, and is a power in the church from which he was long absent."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p.158.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may try to rely more fully on the grace of God.  I pray that I may live a victorious life."

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

Quote for the day:

"Three helping on another will for as  much as six men singly."

__Spanish Proverb

My share:

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

A Member Shares:
Mab here, alcoholic.  Helping others has always returned to me threefold, when I have done so in the spirit of humility and within God's grace.  I seldom found intellectualizing or logic to be of any help in relating to those newcomers who could hardly put two sentences together.  I seldom discuss my religious foundations or training, or how many years I have, nor quote from the Big Book ... it is that old adage, "no one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care."  However, AA is not therapy, nor is it friendship, nor is it counseling, nor coercion.  If we read the Big Book and follow it, then that is the purest and kindest form of singleness of purpose.  But when we speak with our heart, that is even better.  I love that newcomer wherein I see myself, and the best thing I can do sometimes is just to hug them and let them know that they have found a safe haven, and that without minimizing their suffering, let them know that we have all walked that dark valley and are trudging up the mountain of life freely and happily.  As a newcomer, the greatest, most healing, feeling for me came from the concerned gentle care of my sponsor.  Long before I could hear WHAT she said, I heard how she said and DID it.  From her, I learned that no matter who you are, you are loved as God's child.  With loving care, kindness, and respect for self is the best way to help others . . . therein we help ourselves into joyful sobriety.

Thoughtfood for Thursday, September 10, 2009

Change
 
"How many of us would presume to declare,
'Well, I'm sober and I'm happy.

What more can I want or do?
I'm fine the way I am.'
We know that the price of such self-satisfaction
is an inevitable backslide,
punctuated at some point by a very rude awakening.
We have to grow or else deteriorate.
For us, the status quo can only be for today,
never for tomorrow.
Change we must; we cannot stand still."
Bill W., AAGrapevine, February 1961
As Bill Sees It, p. 25

From the Big Book:

"So you see, there were three alcoholics in that town, who now felt they had to give to others what they had found, or be sunk.  After several failures to find others, a fourth turned up.  He came through an acquaintance who had heard the good news.  He proved to be a devil-may-care young fellow whose parents could not make out whether he wanted to stop drinking or not."

c.1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p 158.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not expect too much from the world.  I pray that I may also be content with the rewards that come from serving God."

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

Quote for the day:

"If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change.  If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change." __John A. Simone, Sr.

My share:

I rely on the fact that virtually everything I know will change eventually, whether I do anything about it or not. My job is to learn how to accept those changes as the will of God which is well beyond my control.  Be Good To You, Dave

Faith

Today faith is as natural to me, a former agnostic,
as breathing, eating and sleeping.
The Twelve Steps have helped to change my life in many ways,
but none is more effective
than the acquisition of a Higher Power.
- Daily Reflections, p. 194



 

Thoughtfood for Saturday, September 12, 2009

We SURRENDER TO WIN.

On the face of it, surrendering does not seem like winning. . .

Only after we have come to the end of our rope,

hit a stone wall in some aspect of our lives

beyond which we can go no further;

only when we hit "bottom" in despair and surrender,

can we accomplish sobriety,

which we could never accomplish before.

We must, and we do, surrender in order to win. 
- Experience, Strength and Hope, pp. 155-56

From the Big Book:

"He had three visitors.  After a bit, he said, 'The way you fellows put this spiritual stuff makes sense.  I'm ready to do business.  I guess the old folks were right after all.'  So one more was added to the fellowship."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p 159.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that my eye may be single.  I pray that my life may be lived in the light of the  best that I know." 

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

Quote for the day:

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."  __Carl Rogers

My share:

For thirty years, while drinking, I thought I was a free man, free to do as I please, when I please, paying lip service to the notion that I should treat others as I wanted to be treated by them.  In truth, I was out to get it all for myself, others be damned.  I was only able to change that attitude when I finally accepted me for who I was, the good and the bad, that I became able to let go of the more selfish traits.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Sunday, September 13, 2009

Spiritual Principles

AA's Twelve Steps are a group of principles,

spiritual in their nature,

which, if practiced as a way of life,

can expel the obsession to drink

and enable the sufferer to become

happily and usefully whole.

- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 15
 
 

From the Big Book:

"All this time our friend of the hotel lobby incident remained in that town.  He was there three months.   He now returned home, leaving behind his first acquaintance, the lawyer and the devil-may-care chap.  These men had found something brand new in life.  Though they knew they must help other alcoholics if they would remain sober, that motive became secondary.  It was transcended by the happiness they found in giving themselves for others." 

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 159. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may bring peace where there is discord.  I pray that I may bring conciliation where there is conflict."

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

Quote for the day:

"In order to experience everyday spirituality, we need to remember that we are spiritual beings spending some time in a human body."  __Barbara De Angelis

My share: 

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

A Member Shares:
John here, alcoholic.  I am a blessed man.  Bill W. wrote, "Quite as important was the discovery that spiritual principles would solve all my problems."  He had found the way up and out, and with Dr. Bob, went out to share his new "find" with all who suffer.  The practice of those spiritual principles found in the Steps has changed a hopeless, helpless and spiritless bum like me into a decent man of character and integrity.  They have remedied my issues, troubles, problems, adversities and great losses.  Not only have I changed from the bum I was in 1987, I continue to change each and every day due to the application and practice of spiritual principles.  I know I cannot convince you to change, but I can report that I can now do, say, believe and act in a much better way than I did even yesterday.  I have found much growth, hope and love in my relationships via these spiritual principles.  I am a new creature with the elements of change in my tool kit to adjust to life as it is ... in the here and now.  Yes, I have faced great difficulty.  My first sponsor said, "Don't blow this chance to grow."  I have tried not to repeat my failing strategies from my past.  I have a power of love, living in my heart of hearts, which guides me to do the right thing at the right moment.  I do screw it up when I think too much, but even that is correctable.  So, with this new guidance system I am put back on track.  And what can I tell you?  Well, comfort is available as soon as you're ready to abandon your old life and begin anew with the Steps of AA.  They will take you to a life you've never experienced.  Remember:  Love Heals... God is Love... Stay connected, and growth can begin here and now if you're ready to find the peace of a lifetime.

We GIVE AWAY TO KEEP.

That seems absurd and untrue. 

How can you keep anything if you give it away?

But in order to keep whatever it is we get in AA,

we must go about giving it away to others,

for no fees or rewards of any kind.

When we cannot afford to give away

what we have received so freely in AA,

we had better get ready for our next "drunk." 

It will happen every time.

We've got to continue to give it away in order to keep it.
- Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 156  

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, September 15, 2009

We SUFFER TO GET WELL.

There is no way to escape the terrible suffering

of remorse and shame

and embarrassment which starts us on the road

to getting well from our affliction.

There is no new way to shake out a hangover. 

It's painful.

And for us, necessarily so. . . We suffer to get well.
- Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 156

From the Big Book:

"A year and six months later these three had succeeded with seven more.  Seeing much of each other, scarce an evening passed that someone's house did not shelter a little gathering of men and women, happy in their release, and constantly thinking how they might  present their discovery to some newcomer."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 159.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may find strength today in quietness.  I pray that I may be  content today that God will take care of me."

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

Quote for the day:

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."   __Kahlil Gibran (Lebanese born American philosophical Essayist, Novelist and Poet 1883 - 1931.) 

My share:

There were times when I pleaded with God, Why me?  What have I done to deserve this suffering?     I needed only to look around, or recall the stories I have heard in the rooms of A.A. to bring me to my senses.  There but for the grace of God go I.  My problems are luxuries, if compared to the trials of others.  But this is not a pissing contest.  All our sufferings, yours and mine, form the basis of that which we can freely give away.  Our experience.  Be Good To You, Dave

Security

After we come into AA, if we go on growing,

our attitudes and actions toward security

-- emotional security and financial security--

commence to change profoundly.

-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 115.

A Member Shares:
Hello AA family, I'm Peyton, and I'm a grateful alcoholic.  To live is to be free and to have the responsibility of choice.  Addiction removes this freedom of choice; addiction takes away our freedom.  In sobriety, I am involved in the joys of risk.  I experience the pleasure and pain that comes with the responsibility of choice.  Today I know I am living -- yesterday I had to read about it!  I had lost all concepts of having any security when I came to AA.  The only thing I could count on was that once I started drinking, I couldn't stop.  There was no security there, nor was there any freedom.  Choice was long gone where my active alcoholism was concerned.  I lived in the hell of active alcoholism, trapped there, a prisoner of it.  And believe me, there was no security in that at all.  Today, by living this program, contact with my Higher Power, working the Steps, attending meetings, service work, and passing on the message, I have a wonderful life.  A life free of active alcoholism, One Day At A Time.  In my early sobriety, choices scared me.  What if I made the wrong decision and ended up messing up?  Or far worse, drinking again?  That is when I learned to rely on my HP, my sponsor and my AA family.  I talked things over with them and listened to them.  I still made some bad choices, however I was able to make amends for most of those for which I'm grateful.  Today, I can comfortably go to places I wouldn't have dared go in early sobriety.  I have no problem with going into a pub for a meal, despite the drinking that is going on there.  However, if I felt I was having a problem there, I'd not hesitate to leave.  I have to make the choices that will allow me the freedom and life I enjoy today.  If I do not, I may very well end back in the prison and hell of active alcoholism.  I have the security from my HP, my AA family, this very suggested program for recovery, that helps me stay sober and in recovery.  This helps me to make wiser decisions than I did in the past, and that feels really good.  Thanks so much for allowing me to share today.

Thoughtfood for Friday, September 18, 2009

(My Natal Birthday)

Belonging

There is no more aloneness, with that awful ache,

so deep in the heart of every alcoholic,

that nothing, before, could ever reach it.

That ache is gone and never need return again. . .

Now there is a sense of belonging. . .

In return for a bottle and a hangover,

we have been given the Keys of the Kingdom.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 276

From the Big Book:

:Outsiders became interested. One man and his wife placed theri large home at the disposal of this strangely assorted crowd.  This couple has since become so fascinated that they have dedicated their home to the work.  Many a distracted wife has visited this house to find loving and understanding companionship among women who knew her problem; to hear from the lips of their husbands what had happened to them, to be advised how her own wayward mate might be hospitalized and approached when next he stumbled."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 160.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may renew my strength in quietness.  I pray that I may find rest in quiet communion with God."

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

Quote for the day:

"The man who has not anything to boast of but his illustrious ancestors is like a potato, the only good belonging to him is under

ground."   __Thomas Overby

My share:

My sense of belonging today far outshines the sense of lonliness it replaced.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, September 19, 2009

Fear

We shall have to try for all the freedom

from fear that is possible for us to attain.

Then we shall need to find both the courage and the grace

to deal constructively with whatever fears remain.

Trying to understand our fears,

and the fears of others, is but a first step.

The larger question is how, and where, we go from there.
- The Language of the Heart, p. 265

From the Big Book:

"Many a man, yet dazed from his hospital experience, has stepped over the threshold of that house into freedom.   Many an alcoholic who entered there came away with an answer.  He succumbed to that gay crowd inside, who laughed at their own misfortunes and understood his."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 160

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I will find happiness in doing the right thing. 

I pray that I will find satisfaction in obeying spiritual laws."

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

Quote for the day:

"Action conquers fear."  __Peter Nivio Zarlenga

My share:

I had an episode yesterday that brought me face to face with my own mortality. I found I didn't fear the outcome but was concerned about what I might leave behind.  I resolved to be prepared for the inevitable by living each day with as much love as I can muster. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, September 20, 2009

Faith

The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage.

All men of faith have courage.  They trust their God.

.- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 68

From the Big Book:

"Impressed by those who visited him at the hospital, he capitulated entirely when, later, in an upper room of this house, he heard the story of some man whose experience closely tallied with his own.  The expression on the faces of the women, that indefinable something in the eyes of the men, the stimulating and electric atmosphere of the place, conspired to let him know that here was haven at last."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p.160.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may reach out for the good. 

I pray that I may try to choose the best in life."

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

Quote for the day:

"Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that love will produce love in the loved person.  Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love."  __Erich Fromm  (German born American social Philosopher and Psychoanalyst, 1900-1980.)

My share:

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

A Member Shares:
Hi all.  Connie, alcoholic.  For me, the opposite of faith is doubt.  I doubted that I could stay sober for long when I got here, but have been shown differently.  Because of having faith many things have occurred, both good and bad.  Faith without works is dead, and that is why every day I work to keep my sobriety.  The Twelve Steps are certainly a way of life for me; not just a book to read, meeting to go to, or phone call to make.  Each day I do all I can for others and myself.  The Big Book says, "The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage."  I learned from someone that courage is the ability to change the familiar, and to this day, that is written on the title page of my BB.  Change is inevitable.  I can't keep some things from happening, like death, but I can be in control of what I say, think, and do.  I can say I won't drink today.  I can think that a drink is not an option.  I cannot pick up that drink.  Strength, courage, and comfort from my Higher Power have carried me through this past difficult year.  I pray for them daily, several times.  I am proud of myself and of the wondrous gift of four years sober.  Today, I choose to trust God, clean house and help others.  I have the faith, and keep on no matter what.  Thank you!

Living Sober

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.

We much prefer it to the troubles we had with drinking.

One more note: anyone can get sober.

We have done it lots of times.

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

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, September 22, 2009

An Invaluable Lesson

I don't know what's best for me.

I'd be happy to tell you what I want,

but I don't know what I need. . .

If I can remember to ask for God's grace

to help me get out of my own way,

and give up the business of managing my own life,

I'll have a shot at experiencing the joy of good living
that our literature talks about.

That's an invaluable lesson.
- The AA Grapevine, September 2009, p. 19

From the Big Book:

"Now this house will hardly accommodate its weekly visitors, for they numb er sixty or eighty as a rule.  Alcoholics are being attracted from far and near.  From surrounding towns, families drive long distances to be present. A community thirty males away has fifteen fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Being a large place, we think that some day its Fellowship will number many hundreds."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 161.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that my horizons may grow ever wider.  I pray that I may keep reaching out for more service and companionship."

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

Quote for the day:

"The difference between school and life?  In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test.  In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."  __Tom Bodett

My share:

"When I talk with a newcomer to A.A. my past looks me straight in the face.  I see the pain in those hopeful eyes, I extend my hand, and they the miracle happens: I become healed.  My problems vanish as I reach out to this trembling soul."  __Daily Reflections, Sept 22. 

If that isn't the greatest lesson of all, I don't know what is. 

Be Good To You, Dave  

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Prayer

I'm still not sure who, or what, listens to my prayers,

but I'd never stop saying them

for the simple reason that they work.

..- Daily Reflections, p. 87

From the Big Book:

"But life among Alcoholics Anonymous is more that attending gatherings and visiting hospitals.  Cleaning up old scrapes, helping to settle family differences, explaining the disinherited son to his irate parents, lending money and securing jogs for each other, when justified--these are everyday occurrences.  No one is too discredited or has sunk too low to be welcomed cordially--if he means business."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 161.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may try to draw near to God each day in prayer. 

I pray that I may feel His nearness and His strength in my life."

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

Quote for the day:

"Prayer is not asking.  It is a longing of the soul.  It is daily admission of ones weakness."  __Mahatma Gandhi

My share: 

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

A Member Shares:
Hi, I'm Slam and I am an alcoholic.  God seems to answer my prayers by experience in three ways:  "Yes," "No," "If you insist."  That seems to be the pattern.  I hope I'm not going to be beating a dead horse by saying I'm gay, but the greatest unanswered prayer of my life -- one that I spent 3/4 of my life asking God about --  was that He make me a heterosexual.  One day, when I was raging about God's unanswered prayer because I thought God didn't care, a man stood up to me and said, "Ya know, maybe God hasn't answered your prayer because God doesn't have a problem loving you."  And the blinders came off me.  I saw that God's love was either unconditional or it wasn't.  And through the Fourth Step, I saw that God had been there all along loving me and trying to save my life despite myself.  Not all those years of prayer were wasted though, because it has become a testimony to the absolute love of God.  Gay alcoholics often come into AA burnt by religion, and they have tremendous issues trusting and believing that God can love them.  Well I'm here to tell you God does.  That has been my most unanswered prayer and I am so grateful that it is.

Thoughtfood for Thursday, September 24, 2009

Possibilities

I have come to believe that hard times

are not just meaningless suffering

and that something good might turn up at any moment.

That's a big change for someone who

used to come to in the morning

feeling sentenced to another day of life.

When I wake up today, there are lots of possibilities.

I can hardly wait to see what's going to happen next.

I keep coming back because it works.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p.374

From the Big Book:

"Social distinctions, petty rivalries and jealousies--these are laughed out of countenance.  Being wrecked in the same vessel, being restored and united under one God, with hearts and minds attuned to the welfare of others, the things which matter so much to some people no longer signify much to them.  How could they?"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 161.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may follow the dictates of my conscience. 

I pray that I may follow the inner urging of my soul."

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

Quote for the day:

"Your mistake does not define who you are...you are your possibilities."  __Oprah Winfrey

My share:

Sobriety enabled me to return to school two years ago...the possibilities truly are endless. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, September 25, 2009

Character Defects

Step Six -- "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character" --

is AA's way of stating the best possible attitude one can take

in order to make a beginning on this lifetime job.

- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 65

From the Big Book:

"Under only slightly different conditions, the same thing is taking place in many eastern cities.  In one of these there is a well-known hospital for the treatment of alcoholic and drug addiction.  Six years ago one of our number was a patient there.  Many of us have felt for the first time, the Presence and Power of God within its walls.  We are greatly indebted to the doctor in attendance there, for he, although it might prejudice his own work, has told us of his belief in ours."

c, 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, pp.161-162.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be conscious of God's support today.

I pray that I may rest safe and sure therein.

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

Quote for the day:

"Nature has perfections, in order to show that she is the image of God;  and defects, to show that she is only His image."  __Blaise Pascal (French Mathematician, Philosopher, and Physicist, 1623-1662)

My share:

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

A Member Shares:
I'm Linn, an alcoholic.  Intolerance is one of my biggest character defects.  Actually, most of my life I could be nice to people, when in my mind I'm thinking, "man, you are such a jerk," or, "you are so stupid."  Now that I'm sober, I can be even nicer.  Now that I'm in AA, it makes me feel like such a hypocrite.  I brought this up at my Home Group not too long ago, and one guy said, "Linn, I've been going to meetings for over 20 years and I have NEVER heard someone say, 'Hi, my name is John and all my character defects are gone.'"  I'm assuming that once my intolerance is gone, I won't remember that I used to have it; I'll just automatically love everyone.  So, until then, I'll just keep plodding along working on it.  Thanks.

Thoughtfood for Saturday, September 26, 2009

Amends

It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic,

I not only hurt myself, but also those around me.

Making amends to my family,

and to the families of alcoholics still suffering,

will always be important.

Understanding the havoc I created

and trying to repair the destruction,

will be a lifelong endeavor.
- Daily Reflections, p.173

From the Big Book:

"Every few days this doctor suggests our approach to one of his patients.  Understanding our work, he can do this with an eye to selecting those who are willing and able to recover on a spiritual basis.  Many of us, former patients, go there to help."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 162.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may serve others out of gratitude to God.  I pray that my work may be a small repayment for His grace so freely given me."

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

Quote for the day:

"It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them.  To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character."  __Dale E. Turner

My share:

Without the process of making amends suggested in Step Nine, the program of Alcoholics Anonymous would be like...a joke without a punchline, what would be the point? Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, September 27, 2009

Easy Does It

The slogan "Easy Does It" is one way

we AA's remind each other 

that many of us have tendencies

at times to overdo things,

to rush heedlessly along,

impatient with anything that slows us down.

We find it hard to relax and savor life.

When one of us is in a dither to get something done

or get somewhere in a hurry,

a friend may gently remonstrate,

"'Easy Does It,' remember?"
- Living Sober, p.44

From the Big Book:

"Then, in this eastern city, there are informal meetings such as we have described to you, where you may now see scores of members.  There are the same fast friendships, there is the same helpfulness to one another as you find among our western friends.  There is a good bit of travel between East and West and we foresee a great increase in this helpful interchange."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p. 162.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not limit God's power by my lack of vision. 

 I pray that I may keep my mind open today to His influence."

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

Quote for the day:

"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere."  __Agnes Repplier  (American Essayist and Writer, 1858-1950)

My share:

"Easy Does It" That is one of those little slogans we see so often on the walls of our meeting rooms. It is also a slogan that is never far from my consciousness of the moment.  For me, it is a part of getting back to basics, of paying attention to whether I am hungry, angry, lonely or tired.  When I feel hassled or put upon, I pause and recall the suggestion.  Easy Does It.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Monday, September 28, 2009

Primary Purpose

It is the great paradox of AA that

we know we can seldom keep

the precious gift of sobriety

unless we give it away. . .

our Society has concluded that

 it has but one high mission --

to carry the AA message to those

who don't know there's a way out.

From the Big Book:

"Some day we hope that every alcoholic who journeys will find a Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous at his destination.  To some extent this is already true.  Some of us are salesmen and go about.  Little clusters of twos and threes and fives of us have sprung up in other communities, through contact with our two larger centers.  Those of us who travel drop in as often as we can.  This practice enables us to lend a hand, at the same time avoiding certain alluring distractions of the road, about which any traveling man can inform you.*

*(Written in 1939.  In 1995 there are about 89,000 groups.  There is A.A. activity in 141 countries, with an estimated membership of over two million.)

((c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, p.162.))

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may accept everything that comes my way as a part of life.  I pray that I may make use of is in helping other people."

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

Quote for the day:

"The wise man thinks about his troubles only when there is some purpose in doing so; at other times he thinks about other things."

__Bertrand Russell (English Logician and Philosopher  1872-1970)   

My share: 

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

A Member Shares:
Ramona here, an alcoholic indeed.  Thanks so much for sending out the search party, guys, and for saving my seat!  "Our Primary Purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety."  This Tradition assures me that AA will always be here, with sober people helping others to get this thing called Sobriety.  Like so many others, I would be dead without this program.  The Traditions ensure that the program remains for those who follow.  So does the Responsibility Pledge.  The person with three days sober has something to pass on to the person who has three hours -- what a beautiful concept!  When I got here, I couldn't imagine five, fifteen, or even 25 years, but I could look to the person with six or nine months and have a little hope.  People were here to pass this thing on to me and to be examples.  I sure am grateful they were and still are.  It is a great new primary purpose for this alcoholic's life to now be a part of the solution, and no longer the problem in the lives of those I care about or even such a problem for myself.  Not that I still am not a problem, it's just that I am on the path of the solution now and seem to raise fewer waves.  Anyway, thanks for being here.

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Change

I must face the fact that the resentment process

is not only fruitless,it is self-defeating. . . 

Here I am burning myself to a crisp over something

he or she may not even be totally aware of,

something I can't change.

At the root of my resentment is a compulsion

to change the things I cannot change -- to wit,

another person.

So, maybe what I need to do is take a look

at changing myself.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 3], p.107

From the Big Book:

"Thus we grow. And so can you, though you be but one man with this book in your hand.  We believe and hope it contains all you will need to begin.

We know what you are thinking.  You are saying to yourself: 'I'm pretty jittery and alone.  I couldn't do that.'  But you can.  You forget that you have just now tapped a source of power much greater than yourself.  To duplicate, with such backing, what we have accomplished is only a matter of willingness, patience and labor."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision For You, pp. 162-163.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may accept every task as a challenge.  I know I cannot wholly fail if God is with me."

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

Quote for the day:

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading."  __Lao Tzu (Chinese taoist Philosopher, founder of Taoism, 600 BC-531 BC)

My share:

Change is the only constant in life.  If you are in pain it will change.  If you are content, it will change.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Airborne

I have found that the process of discovering who I really am

begins with knowing who I really don't want to be.

And although the disease of alcoholism is like gravity,

just waiting to pull me down,

AA and the Twelve Steps are like the power

that causes an airplane to become airborne.

It only works when the pilot is doing

the right thing to make it work.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, pp.456-7

From the Big Book:

"We know of an A. A. member who was living in a large community.  He had lived there but a few weeks when he found that the place probably contained more alcoholics per square mile than any city in the country.  This was only a few days ago at this writing. (1939) The authorities were much concerned.  He got in touch with a prominent psychiatrist who had undertaken certain responsibilities for the mental health of the community.  The doctor proved to be able and exceedingly anxious to adopt any workable method of handling the situation.  So he inquired, what did our friend have on the ball?"

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

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may lay myself open today to the healing touch of God.  I pray that I may not falter or faint by the wayside, but renew my courage through prayer."

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

Quote for the day:

"You will never do anything in this world without courage.  It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor."  __Aristotle  (384 BC-322 BC)

My share: Running short of time this morning.  The next best thing I can do is finish my German Hausaufgaben (homework).   Be Good To You, Dave