tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370682872513846042024-03-28T00:30:31.785+00:00Essentials Of Recovery Created to carry the message of recovery to all addicts. Whether the addiction is alcohol, drugs, food or any other addiction the program of recovery is the same. I am a recovering alcoholic of over twenty-seven years, a day at a time of course and I believe my primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve recovery. Remember seven days without a meeting makes one weak. Sign up to get emails.This Blog is NOT IN ANY WAY affiliated to either A.A. or N.A. Help to stop drinking.
Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.comBlogger49137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-16369495702498104312024-03-28T00:30:00.000+00:002024-03-28T00:30:00.125+00:00DAILY REFLECTIONS #essentialsofrec #equality<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">EQUALITY</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought A.A. membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 565 ~</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Prior to A.A., I often felt that I didn’t “fit in” with the people around me. Usually “they” had more/ less money than I did, and my points of view didn’t jibe with “theirs.” The amount of prejudice I had experienced in society only proved to me just how phony some self-righteous people were. After joining A. A., I found the way of life I had been searching for. In A.A. no member is better than any other member; we’re just alcoholics trying to recover from alcoholism.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc </span><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-9790198703384595592024-03-28T00:28:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:28:00.122+00:00JUST FOR TODAY #essentialsofrec #NA #Recovery<div>
<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Facing Feelings</span></b></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><br /></b></span><i style="color: #666666;">“We may fear that being in touch with our feelings will trigger an overwhelming chain reaction of pain and panic.”</i></div><div><span style="color: #666666;"><i><br /></i></span><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ Basic Text p. 29 ~</span></b></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #666666;">While we were using, many of us were unable or unwilling to feel many emotions. If we were happy, we used to make us happier. If we were angry or depressed, we used to mask those feelings. In continuing this pattern throughout our active addiction, we became so emotionally confused that we weren’t sure what normal emotions were anymore.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">After being in recovery for some time, we find that the emotions we had suppressed suddenly begin to surface. We may find that we do not know how to identify our feelings. What we may be feeling as rage may only be frustration. What we perceive as suicidal depression may simply be sadness. These are the times when we need to seek the assistance of our sponsor or other members of NA. Going to a meeting and talking about what is happening in our lives can help us to face our feelings instead of running from them in fear.</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><br /></b><b>Just for today:</b></span><span style="color: #666666;"> I will not run from the uncomfortable emotions I may experience. I will use the support of my friends in recovery to help me face my emotions. </span><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-88008734675296481232024-03-28T00:26:00.000+00:002024-03-28T00:26:00.128+00:00TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY #essentialsofrec #meetings #Inventory<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">A.A. Thought for the Day</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">When you come into an A. A. meeting, you’re not just coming into a meeting, you’re coming into a new life. I’m always impressed by the change I see in people after they’ve been in A.A. for a while. I sometimes take an inventory of myself, to see whether I have changed, and if so, in what way. Before I met A.A., I was very selfish. I wanted my own way in everything. I don’t believe I ever grew up. When things went wrong, I sulked like a spoiled child and often went out and got drunk. Am I still all “get” and no “give”?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Meditation for the Day</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">There are two things that we must have if we are going to change our way of life. One is faith, the confidence in things unseen, the fundamental goodness and purpose in the universe. The other is obedience: that is, living according to our faith, living each day as we believe that God wants us to live, with gratitude, humility, honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love. Faith and obedience, these two, will give us all the strength we need to overcome sin and temptation and to live a new and more abundant life.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Prayer for the Day</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">I pray that I may have more faith and obedience. I pray that I may live a more abundant life as a result of these things.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">© 1954, 1975, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-26813769749875360392024-03-28T00:24:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:24:00.126+00:00 AS BILL SEES IT #essentialsofrec #BillW #God<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /><br />~ Page 87 ~<br /><br />Keystone of the Arch</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Faced with alcoholic destruction, we soon became as open-minded on spiritual matters. In this respect alcohol was a great persuader. It finally beat us into a state of reasonableness.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><< << << >> >> >></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">We had to quit playing God. It didn’t work. We decided that hereafter, in this drama of life, God was going to be our Director. He would be the Principal; we, His agents.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphal arch through which we passed to freedom.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ~<br />1. P. 48<br />2. P. 62<br /><br />© 1967 by Alcoholics Anonymous ® World Services, Inc </b></span><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-86300977100542957202024-03-28T00:23:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:23:00.126+00:00EASY DOES IT #essentialsofrec #EGO <br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">EGO<br /><br />E.G.O. = Edge God Out</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Ego can be one tough customer. It generally fights this business of recovery and a Higher Power tooth and nail. It can cry like a baby and tell us how much care it needs. It can scream like a pouting teenager demanding that we leave it alone. It can romance us like a long-lost lover seducing us into sleep.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">The ego can take on many disguises to get its own way. It wants no competition for affection. When we were caught up in our disease, the ego and the drugs and alcohol met up and made an unholy alliance against us. The disease told the ego what it wanted to hear, and the ego fed the disease its poison.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">My ego must be cut down to size. This will help stop my disease from doing further damage to my life. My ego will never provide serenity, only endless demand. Only my Higher Power, the Program, and my friends can end this war within me.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">©1990 by Anonymous. All rights reserved. Published by Hazelden®</span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-80608802833803535222024-03-28T00:22:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:22:00.124+00:00WALK IN DRY PLACES #essentialsofrec #Fortitude<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><br /><br />KEEP COMING BACK— IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT<br /><br />Fortitude</b></span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">A popular self-help book noted that there is tremendous power in repetition—like the tap-tap-tap of a hammer that finally drives the nail through a board. AA works in much the same way; attendance at meetings is the steady tap-tap- tap that helps bring about lasting sobriety and personal improvement.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Attending meetings is also much like attending school. Nobody learns everything in one classroom session, and it’s also true that the student must put forth an effort to learn.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">We should accept AA as something that will gradually grow on us if we become part of it and apply ourselves to its principles. The willingness to continue attending meetings is some evidence of sincerity and commitment. We discover that there are few meetings that bring us world-shaking revelations and experiences, but as we keep coming back and working the program, our own lives will improve steadily. This is the result of many meetings, not just a few.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">I’ll do everything possible today to strengthen my sobriety and my understanding of the program. Rather than seeking shortcuts, I’ll be grateful for steady progress.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">© 1996 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-77881506431876023922024-03-28T00:20:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:20:00.128+00:00 KEEP IT SIMPLE #essentialsofrec #God #Recovery<br /><br />God is not a cosmic bellboy.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ Harry Emerson Fosdick ~</span></b><br /><br />We have to laugh when we look back at the times we treated God like our servant. Who did we think we were, ordering God to do something for us? But we got away with it. God even did some of the things we asked.<br /><br />Now we know that our Higher Power is not a servant. As we work the Steps, we know we don’t give orders to our Higher Power. We don’t expect God to work miracles every time we’d like one. We’re asking our Higher Power to lead us. After all, who knows what is best for us—our Higher Power or us?<br /><br />Our Higher Power has many wonderful gifts for us. Our Higher Power will show us goals, help us live in love and joy, and give us strength.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Prayer for the Day</span></b><br />Higher Power, show me ways to help others as You’ve helped me. I’m grateful that You love me and help me.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Action for the Day</span></b><br />Today, I’ll make a list of times my Higher Power has helped me out of trouble.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Copyright © 1988 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-74640208548473041272024-03-28T00:18:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:18:00.124+00:00FR. LEO'S DAILY MEDITATION #essentialsofrec #frleo<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #45818e;">FUTURE</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">“The future is hidden even from those who made it.”</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #666666;">~ Anatole France ~</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Life is a glorious mystery. I will never fully understand it. It wall always confuse and amaze me. After I have understood one thing, I am presented with a fresh problem. I am not perfect. I am not God.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Years ago, this angered and irritated me. I wanted to know everything. I wanted to have the answer to all life’s problems. I wanted the power that comes with perfection. I hated being vulnerable, weak, and confused! I hated being human. Yes, that was my problem. I hated being a human being.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Today I enjoy the adventure of life. I kneel in awe at life’s mingled complexity. Now life is a paradox I can live with.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Help me accept the mystery of life. </span><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">© 2008 Leo Booth</span></b><div>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-39142705954227122562024-03-28T00:16:00.000+00:002024-03-28T00:16:00.123+00:00 A DAY AT A TIME #essentialsofrec #faith #Recovery<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Reflection for the Day</span></b><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #666666;">We must think deeply of all those sick persons still to come to the Program. As they try to make their return to faith and to life, we want them to find everything in the Program that we have found, yet more, if that be possible. No care, no vigilance, no effort to preserve the Program’s constant effectiveness and spiritual strength will ever be too great to hold us in full readiness for the day of their homecoming. How well do I respect the Traditions of the Program?</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Today I Pray</span></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666;">God, help me to carry out my part in making the group a lifeline for those who are still suffering from addictions, in maintaining the Steps and the Traditions which have made it work for me for those who are still to come. May the Program be a “homecoming” for those of us who share the disease of addiction. May we find common solutions to the common problems which that disease breeds.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Today I Will Remember</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">To do my part.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">© 1989 by Hazelden Foundation</span></b><br />
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-354925772438628302024-03-28T00:14:00.000+00:002024-03-28T00:14:00.129+00:00ONE DAY AT A TIME #essentialsofrec #OA #Gratitude<br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">GRATITUDE</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">“Gratitude is a fruit of a great civilization – you do not find it among gross people!”</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ Samuel Johnson ~</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Samuel Johnson quote from the TOUR OF THE HEBRIDES could easily been writing about the Recovery Program. The attitude of gratitude is an absolutely crucial tool to a successful recovery. Gratitude is the measure of our appreciation for what we’ve been given. We in Program have SO much for which we should be thankful. We stand on the shoulders of giants – we are indebted to those members who’ve proceeded us in Program and handed down the tools, wisdom and resources – the bedrock upon which our recovery is based. We are indebted to our HP, our sponsors, to those who do service in innumerable ways at the Recovery Group and – to each other – for mutual love and support – and for our precious gift of recovery. Be grateful for each day – each moment.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">One Day at a Time . . .</span></b><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">I will continue to practice the attitude of gratitude and learn to forgive others.~ Rob R. </span></i><br />
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-61009425596567112632024-03-28T00:12:00.000+00:002024-03-28T00:12:00.143+00:00ELDER MEDITATION #essentialsofrec #Cheyenne #Elders<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>“Sacred sites and areas are protection for all people” the four colors for mana” and these sites are in all areas of the earth in the four directions.”<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">~<b> Traditional Circle of Elders, NORTHERN CHEYENNE </b></span>
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<span style="color: #666666;">The Elders say that values come from the Mother Earth. Different places and areas around the Earth have different values. The Water people live in harmony and know the values that correspond to that particular part of the Earth. The Desert people know the values of the desert and respect and live in harmony with that part of the Earth. The Woodland people know the values of their part of the Earth and live in harmony. If you live in harmony with the Earth, you will live a life that is full of values. We should have great respect for the Mother Earth. Grandfather, today, let me learn values from Mother Earth.</span><br />
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-57692876401016515052024-03-28T00:10:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:10:00.130+00:00 A WOMAN’S SPIRIT #essentialsofrec #Truth #Struggle<i><br /><span style="color: #666666;">There are many realities. We should remember this when we get too caught up in being concerned about the way the rest of the world lives or how we think they live.</span></i><br /><b style="color: #666666;"><br />~ Natalie Goldberg ~</b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">One of the most elusive truths we’ll ever struggle to grasp is that everyone has a unique perspective about every circumstance, a perspective that reflects a personal understanding of the universe. We never doubt that truth for ourselves, of course. We simply fail to acknowledge that it’s true for everyone else too.<br /><br />There are times we can’t shake the need to be right; our egos seem to depend on it. Unfortunately, we can’t maintain any real peacefulness if we are always in conflict with others who have their own viewpoints. Winning the “battle” then becomes a painful victory. Believing in valid, separate realities is only difficult at first. But like any other opinion or attitude, it can become habit with enough practice. We have nothing to lose by giving it a try.<br /><br /><i>I don’t need everyone to agree with me today. I only think I do.</i></span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">© 1994 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-16529241948119039072024-03-28T00:04:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:04:00.125+00:00Daily Tao / 87 – Integration #essentialsofrec #Tao #Taoism #Zen<span style="color: #666666;"><br /><br /><b>Be still to know the absolute.<br />Be active to know the outer.<br />The two spring from the same source,<br />All of life is one whole.</b><br /><br />In stillness, one seeks the absolute Tao. There is neither beauty nor ugliness in it. Because it has no opposites, it is called absolute. By contrast, nothing of this world is absolute, because all things that we experience are relative.<br />Seeking the absolute may be among the greatest goals, but you cannot remain on your meditation cushion forever. You must go out and explore life as well. This is the investigation of the outer Tao — that aspect of Tao that flows through all existence. You must not fail to explore anything that interests you. Any skill you want to master should be learned. Any subject that arouses curiosity should be examined. Every insecurity should be overcome. Every question should be answered. If you do not do this, then you cannot freely flow with the outer Tao : Every one of your uncertainties will be an obstacle.<br /><br />Initially, it will seem as if there is no connection between your time meditating and the outer things in your life. After all, the masters themselves constantly stress the difference between the spiritual and the social. But eventually, you will reach a point where the quiescence of contemplation and the activeness of living are integrated. Then there is no anxiety about whether one is living a spiritual life or not. You realize that it is all part of the same seamless whole. </span><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-8042649102744106412024-03-28T00:02:00.001+00:002024-03-28T00:02:00.128+00:00DAILY ZEN #essentialsofrec #Zen #Buddhism <span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">It is not that anger and desire are inherently evil or that we should feel ashamed when they arise. It is a matter of seeing them as the delusions that they are: distorted conceptions that paint a false picture of reality. They are negative because they lead to unhappiness and confusion.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate" </span></b><br />
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-35272059716571352422024-03-28T00:01:00.000+00:002024-03-28T00:01:00.126+00:00AROUND THE YEAR WITH EMMET FOX #essentialsofrec #Emmet #Fox<blockquote>
<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />AS MEEK AS MOSES</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Moses—who overcame the old age belief to the extent of manifesting the physical body of a young man in the prime of life when, according to the calendar, he was one hundred and twenty years old, and then transcended matter altogether, or “dematerialized” without dying—was known pre-eminently for this quality; “as meek as Moses.” apart from his own personal demonstration, Moses also did a marvelous work for his whole nation, getting it out of Egyptian bondage in the face of incredible difficulties. Moses had an open mind, ready to be taught new things and new ways of thinking and working. He was not, in the beginning at least, free from serious faults of character, but he gradually rose above these defects as the new truth worked in his soul.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Moses thoroughly understood that to conform oneself rigorously to the will of God, far from involving the loss of any good, could only mean a better and more splendid life. He did not, therefore, think of his as self-sacrifice, for he knew it to be the highest form of self-glorification—the glorification of god.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #666666;">…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…I am in the Father, and Father in me (John 14:10-11).</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">There is a marvelous oriental saying that “meekness compels God himself.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #666666;">© 1931 by Emmet Fox</span><center>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-76559620887572156312024-03-27T18:34:00.001+00:002024-03-27T18:34:00.130+00:00Addiction's promises<img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/34/27/ca/3427ca01fb5d45d79918cca68b47bee4.jpg" style="max-width: 586px;" /><br />
<div>EssentialsOfRecovery</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-83315535425772827342024-03-27T00:30:00.001+00:002024-03-27T00:30:00.123+00:00DAILY REFLECTIONS #essentialsofrec #Freedom #Growth<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">A.A.’s FREEDOMS</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">We trust that we already know what our several freedoms truly are; that no future generation of AAs will ever feel compelled to limit them. Our AA freedoms create the soil in which genuine love can grow. . . .</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 303 </span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">I craved freedom. First, freedom to drink; later, freedom from drink. The A.A. program of recovery rests on a foundation of free choice. There are no mandates, laws or commandments. A.A.’s spiritual program, as outlined in the Twelve Steps, and by which I am offered even greater freedoms, is only suggested. I can take it or leave it. Sponsorship is offered, not forced, and I come and go as I will. It is these and other freedoms that allow me to recapture the dignity that was crushed by the burden of drink, and which is so dearly needed to support an enduring sobriety.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-4802989143654197482024-03-27T00:28:00.001+00:002024-03-27T00:28:00.127+00:00JUST FOR TODAY #essentialsofrec #NA #Assets #Recovery #Addiction<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Looking For the Assets</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><i>“In accordance with the principles of recovery we try not to judge, stereotype, or moralize with each other”</i></span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ Basic Text p. 11 ~</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">How many times in our recovery have we misunderstood the behavior of another, immediately formed a judgment, applied a label, and neatly tucked the individual into a pigeonhole? Perhaps they had developed a different understanding of a Power greater than themselves than we had, so we concluded their beliefs were unspiritual. Or maybe we saw a couple having an argument; we assumed their relationship was sick, only to find out later that their marriage had prospered for many years.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Thoughtlessly tossing our fellows into categories saves us the effort of finding out anything about them. Every time we judge the behavior of another, we cease to see them as potential friends and fellow travelers on the road to recovery. If we happened to ask those we are judging if they appreciate being stereotyped, we would receive a resounding “no” in response. Would we feel slighted if this were done to us? Yes, indeed. Our best qualities are what we want others to notice. In the same way, our fellow recovering addicts want to be well thought of. Our program of recovery asks us to look positively at life. The more we concentrate on the positive qualities in others, the more we’ll notice them in ourselves.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Just for today:</span></b><span style="color: #666666;"> I will set aside my negative judgments of others, and concentrate instead on appreciating the favorable qualities in all.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">© 1991 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services Inc </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-23368698293404843462024-03-27T00:26:00.000+00:002024-03-27T00:26:00.129+00:00TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY #essentialsofrec #Power #Fellowship<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">A.A. Thought for the Day</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">You get the power to overcome drinking through the fellowship of other alcoholics who have found the way out. You get power by honestly sharing your past experience by a personal witness. You get power by coming to believe in a Higher Power, the Divine Principle in the universe which can help you. You get power by working with other alcoholics. In these four ways, thousands of alcoholics have found all the power they needed to overcome drinking. Am I ready and willing to accept this power and work for it?</span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />Meditation for the Day</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">The power of God’s spirit is the greatest power in the universe. Our conquest of each other, the great kings and conquerors, the conquest of wealth, the leaders of the money society, all amount to very little in the end. But one who conquers oneself is greater than one who conquers a city Material things have no permanence. But God’s spirit is eternal. Everything really worthwhile in the world is the result of the power of God’s spirit.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Prayer for the Day</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">I pray that I may open myself to the power of God’s spirit. I pray that my relationships with others may be improved by this spirit.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">© 1954, 1975, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-9091988230308449202024-03-27T00:24:00.000+00:002024-03-27T00:24:00.142+00:00AS BILL SEES IT #esentialsofrec #Steps #Recovery #Improvement<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> Page 86 ~<br /><br />Room for Improvement</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">We have come to believe that A.A.’s recovery Steps and Traditions represent the approximate truths which we need for our particular purpose. The more we practice them, the more we like them. So there is little doubt that A.A. principles will continue to be advocated in the form they stand now.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">If our basis are so firmly fixed as all this, then what is there left to change or to improve?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">The answer will immediately occur to us. While we need not alter our truths, we can surely improve their application to ourselves, to A.A. as a whole, and to our relation with the world around us. We can constantly step up the practice of “these principles in all our affairs.”</span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />~ GRAPEVINE, FEBRUARY 1961 ~<br /><br />© 1967 by Alcoholics Anonymous ® World Services, Inc </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-78517282888198551622024-03-27T00:23:00.001+00:002024-03-27T00:23:00.127+00:00EASY DOES IT #essentialsofrec #Forgiving #love<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">FORGIVING</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Joy to forgive and joy to be forgiven hang level in the balance of love.</i></span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ Richard Garnett~</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">If we are unable or unwilling to forgive others for whatever they do, we won’t be able to forgive ourselves for our actions. The agony of resentment, guilt, remorse, and shame will overpower us. These emotions will halt our progress toward the comfortable and rewarding living we are promised in recovery.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Early in recovery, we often were told to pray for those whom we thought had wronged us. This philosophy is as old as civilization. Forgiveness will always triumph over guilt and shame. Recovery is one-third love and two-thirds forgiveness.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">We’ve been our own worst enemies during most of our lives. We’ve often hurt ourselves over what we thought was justifiable anger and resentment.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Self-forgiveness is strength, not weakness. Gaining the strength is simple. I need only remind myself that “God has forgiven me. Why not forgive myself?”</span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />©1990 by Anonymous. All rights reserved. Published by Hazelden®. </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-23916451869753373422024-03-27T00:22:00.000+00:002024-03-27T00:22:00.124+00:00WALK IN DRY PLACES #essentialsofrec #Work #Progress<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />IF IT WORKS, DON’T FIX IT</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Accepting Life</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">A lot of things in life are all right just as they are. This is hard to understand in a world that puts high value on improvement and progress, but since there are so many things that do need fixing, it’s best not to tamper with things that are working.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Sometimes we think something should be changed in another person’s life. Two AA members decided, for example, that a mutual AA friend de-served higher status employment than what he was doing. They seized upon an unusual profession that seemed to fit his talents and interests, and were disappointed and even a bit offended when he decided he wasn’t interested. He continued to follow his regular trade until his retirement thirty years later.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">In truth, there had really been nothing that needed “fixing” in his choice of a vocation. He had been earning a living doing very honest but difficult work. It was somewhat presumptuous of his friends to outline a new career for him, and it could have led to considerable harm.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Let’s leave people and things alone unless our help is requested and something really does need fixing.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">I’ll look around today and notice the things in my life that are working well and really don’t need changing. Then I’ll focus my attention on the things that really should be fixed.</span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />© 1996 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-77337677607629779482024-03-27T00:20:00.001+00:002024-03-27T00:20:00.141+00:00KEEP IT SIMPLE #essentialsofrec #Secret #Success<br /><i style="color: #666666;">The secret of success is constancy of purpose.</i><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ Benjamin Disraeli ~</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">In Twelve Step meetings, we don’t talk about counseling, treatment centers, or non-program reading. Many of us have been helped in these ways, but we shouldn’t con-fuse them with Twelve Step programs.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">We must keep our Twelve Step programs pure, no matter what is in style among counselors or at treatment centers, or what the latest books say. Certainly, we should use these sources if they help us, but not in our program meetings. There, we must stick to the basics that have helped addicts recover all over the world for many years. Steps, traditions, meetings, sponsorship—these things work, no matter what is in style.</span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />Prayer for the Day</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Higher Power, let me be there to help an addict in need, by sharing my Twelve Step program.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Action for the Day</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">I will help out today by being a sponsor or by calling a new group member, just to say hello.</span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />Copyright © 1988 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-37207018641877792162024-03-27T00:18:00.001+00:002024-03-27T00:18:00.122+00:00FR. LEO'S DAILY MEDITATION #essentialsofrec #FrLeo #Guilt<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">GUILT</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><i>“It is all the same to me whether one comes from Sing Sing or Harvard. We hire a person, not their history.”</i></span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">~ Henry Ford ~</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><br />Too often I get so locked into my history ─ what I did, what I said, and the events of which I was ashamed—that I miss the gift of the new day. Those who suffer from the disease of addiction need to deal with past problems but not live in them.<br /><br />My attitude toward today need not be based on what happened yesterday. Today is the beginning of the rest of my life.<br /><br />I know I create most of the pain and tragedy in my life, but I also know I create the joys and successes. I am confident my sobriety makes me a winner.<br /><br />Spirit, I forgive myself for yesterday and look forward to the healing that comes today. <br /><br />© 2008 Leo Booth </span><blockquote>
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Essentialsofrecoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489994335279074275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-737068287251384604.post-34261266023428621602024-03-27T00:16:00.001+00:002024-03-27T00:16:00.130+00:00A DAY AT A TIME #essentialsofrec #resentment #Grievances<br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Reflection for the Day</span></b><br /><br /><i><span style="color: #666666;">Storing up grievances is not only a waste of time, but a waste of life that could be lived to greater satisfaction. If I keep a ledger of “oppressions and indignities,” I’m only restoring them to painful reality.</span></i><br /><span style="color: #666666;">“‘The horror of that moment,’ the King said, ‘I shall never, never forget.’</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">“‘You will though, if you don’t make a memorandum of it.'”</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">~ Lewis Carroll, Through The Looking Glass ~</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Am I keeping a secret storehouse for the wreckage of my past?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Today I Pray</span></b><br /><span style="color: #666666;">God keep me from harboring the sludge for the past—grievances, annoyances, grudges, oppressions, wrongs, injustices, put-downs, slights, hurts. They will nag at me and consume my time in rehashing what I “might have said” or done until I face each one, name the emotion it produces in me, settle it as best I can—and forget it. May I empty my storehouse of old grievances.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Today I Will Remember</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Don’t rattle old bones.</span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />© 1989 by Hazelden Foundation </span></b><blockquote>
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