Showing posts with label How It Works. Show all posts
Showing posts with label How It Works. Show all posts

Sunday, 12 April 2026

RANDOM BIG BOOK - April 12 2026



We went back through our lives. Nothing counted but thoroughness and honesty. When we were finished we considered it carefully. The first thing apparent was that this world and its people were often quite wrong. To conclude that others were wrong was as far as most of us ever got. The usual outcome was that people continued to wrong us and we stayed sore. Sometimes it was remorse and then we were sore at ourselves. But the more we fought and tried to have our own way, the worse matters got. As in war, the victor only Seemed to win. Our moments of triumph were short-lived.

~ Chapter 5 – HOW IT WORKS - pp. 65-66

Monday, 31 March 2025

WALK IN DRY PLACES #essentialsofrecovery



A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION

How It Works

“Now that you’re sober, why do you stay in AA?” AA members frequently hear this from others not familiar with the fellowship, but it’s understandable. They see AA as a place where one goes to be “cured,” whereas we learn to see it as an ongoing recovery process that is never really completed.

Sobriety is not an object that one can acquire and then put on a shelf somewhere or on the wall like a diploma. It is more of a journey in living, with each day’s march being a goal in itself.

You could also say that sobriety is like the “manna from heaven” described in the Old Testament. Fresh manna arrived each day, but could not be saved for the future. It is the same with us. Today’s experience in sobriety is what sustains us, and we’re in trouble if we’re trying to depend on what was accomplished in the past.

Though we do use the term permanent sobriety, we never truly possess it. Our quest for sobriety is a lifetime journey.

I’ll be on guard against any feeling of “having it made.” Sure, past success should be helpful in maintaining today’s sobriety. But the quality of today’s sobriety will depend only on today’s thinking and behavior.

© 1996 by Hazelden Foundation 
Why not sign up to get emails with all daily posts included?
Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrecovery

Sunday, 21 April 2024

Random Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous – Fourth Edition #essentialsofrec #BigBook #Quotes


God alone can judge our sex situation. Counsel with persons is often desirable, but we let God be the final judge. We realize that some people are as fanatical about sex as others are loose. We avoid hysterical thinking or advice.

 


pp. 69-70 Chapter 5 – HOW IT WORKS

Friday, 19 April 2024

Random Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous – Fourth Edition #essentialsofrec #Chapter5 #BigBook #Quotes


We reviewed our own conduct over the years past. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, or inconsiderate? Whom had we hurt? Did we unjustifiably arouse jealousy, suspicion or bitterness? Where were we at fault, what should we have done instead? We got this all down on paper and looked at it.
In this way we tried to shape a sane and sound ideal for our future sex life. We subjected each relation to this test–was it selfish or not? We asked God to mold our ideals and help us to live up to them. We remembered always that our sex powers were God-given and therefore good, neither to be used lightly or selfishly nor to be despised and loathed.

p. 69 ~  Chapter 5 – HOW IT WORKS

Thursday, 4 April 2024

Random Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous – Fourth Edition #essentialsofrec #Recovery #BigBook


We found it very desirable to take this spiritual step with an understanding person, such as our wife, best friend, or spiritual adviser. But it is better to meet God alone than with one who might misunderstand. The wording was, of course, quite optional so long as we expressed the idea, voicing it without reservation. This was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once.

p. 63 Chapter 5 – HOW IT WORKS

Sunday, 31 March 2024

WALK IN DRY PLACES #essentialsofrec #Journey #Sobriety


A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION

How It Works


“Now that you’re sober, why do you stay in AA?” AA members frequently hear this from others not familiar with the fellowship, but it’s understandable. They see AA as a place where one goes to be “cured,” whereas we learn to see it as an ongoing recovery process that is never really completed.

Sobriety is not an object that one can acquire and then put on a shelf somewhere or on the wall like a diploma. It is more of a journey in living, with each day’s march being a goal in itself.

You could also say that sobriety is like the “manna from heaven” described in the Old Testament. Fresh manna arrived each day, but could not be saved for the future. It is the same with us. Today’s experience in sobriety is what sustains us, and we’re in trouble if we’re trying to depend on what was accomplished in the past.

Though we do use the term permanent sobriety, we never truly possess it. Our quest for sobriety is a lifetime journey.

I’ll be on guard against any feeling of “having it made.” Sure, past success should be helpful in maintaining today’s sobriety. But the quality of today’s sobriety will depend only on today’s thinking and behavior.

© 1996 by Hazelden Foundation
Why not sign up to get emails with all daily posts included?
Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrec

Saturday, 23 March 2024

RANDOM BIG BOOK ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS #essentialsofrec #BigBook #Quotes



If we were to live, we had to be free of anger. The grouch and the brainstorm were not for us. They may be the dubious luxury of normal men, but for alcoholics these things are poison.”

~ How It Works, pg. 66 

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Random Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous #essentialsofrec #Quotes #AA #Bigbook



We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator. We can
laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness.
Paradoxically, it is the way of strength. The verdict of the ages is
that faith means courage. All men of faith have courage. They trust
their God. We never apologize for God. Instead we let Him
demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our
fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once,
we commence to outgrow fear.

~How It Works, pg. 68

Thursday, 17 January 2019

Big Book - Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, Page 60

"Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter to the agnostic, and our personal adventure before and after make clear three pertinent ideas: (a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives. (b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism. (c) That God could and would if He were sought."


 ~Big Book - Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, Page 60

Thursday, 21 June 2018

Big Book - Chapter 5 - How It Works (pg 69 & top 70)

We reviewed our own conduct over the years past. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, or inconsiderate? Whom had we hurt? Did we unjustifiably arouse jealousy, suspicion or bitterness? Where were we at fault, what should we have done instead? We got this all down on paper and looked at it. In this way we tried to shape a sane and sound ideal for our future sex life. We subjected each relation to this test-was it selfish or not? We asked God to mold our ideals and help us to live up to them. We remembered always that our sex powers were God-given and therefore good, neither to be used lightly or selfishly nor to be despised and loathed. Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it. We must be willing to make amends where we have done harm, provided that we do not bring about still more harm in so doing. In other words, we treat sex as we would any other problem. in meditation, we ask God what we should do about each specific matter. The right answer will come, if we want it. God alone can judge our sex situation. Counsel with persons is often desirable, but we let God be the final judge. We realize that some people are as fanatical about sex as others are loose. We avoid hysterical thinking or advice.

  Big Book - Chapter 5 - How It Works (pg 69 & top 70)

Saturday, 31 March 2018

Walk in Dry Places #essentialsofrecovery


A Journey, Not a Destination.
How it Works


“Now that you’re sober, why do you stay in AA?” AA members frequently hear this from others not familiar with the fellowship, but it’s understandable. They see AA as a place where one goes to be ” cured,” whereas we learn to see it as an ongoing recovery process that is never really completed.

Sobriety is not an object that one can acquire and then put on a shelf somewhere or on the wall like a diploma. It is more of a JOURNEY IN LIVING, with each day’s march being a goal in itself.

You could also say that sobriety is like the “MANNA FROM HEAVEN” described in the Old Testament. Fresh manna arrived each day, but could not be saved for the future. It is the same with us. Today’s experience in sobriety is what sustains us, and we’re in trouble if we’re trying to depend on what was accomplished in the past.

Though we do use the term “permanent sobriety”, we never truly possess it. Our quest for sobriety is a lifetime journey.

I’ll be on guard against any feeling of “having it made.” Sure, past success should be helpful in maintaining today’s sobriety. But the quality of today’s sobriety will depend only on today’s thinking and behavior.
Why not sign up to get emails with all daily posts included?
Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrecovery

Friday, 6 January 2017

JUST FOR TODAY #essentialsofrecovery



How does it work?

“I used to think that I had all the answers, but today I am glad that I don’t.”

~ Basic Text p.272 ~

What are the two favorite words of most addicts? “I know!” Unfortunately, many of us arrive in NA thinking we have all the answers. We have a lot of knowledge about what’s wrong with us. But in and of itself, knowledge never helped us stay clean for any length of time.

Members who have achieved long-term recovery will be the first to admit that the longer they are here, the more they have to learn. But they do know one thing: By following this simple Twelve Step program, they have been able to stay clean. They no longer ask “why”; they ask “how? The value of endless speculation pales in comparison to the experience of addicts who’ve found a way to stay clean and live clean.

This doesn’t mean we don’t ask “why” when it’s appropriate. We don’t come to NA and stop thinking! But in the beginning, it’s often a very good idea to reword our questions. Instead of asking “why,” we ask “how:’ How do I work this step? How often should I attend meetings? How do I stay clean?

Just for Today: I don’t have all the answers, but I know where to find the ones that matter. Today, I will ask another addict, “How does it work?

© 1991 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services Inc 
Why not sign up to get emails with all daily posts included?
Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrecovery

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Monday, 6 June 2016

Step by Step #essentialsofrec #Chapter5 #recovery



“Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. …They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average.”

– Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 5, p 58.

Today, the first paragraph of the Big Book’s fifth chapter, “How It Works,” requires me to examine not only my own honesty but the foundation on which that honesty is built. Before I can start to develop the honesty mandated to work an effective Program, I first have to ask why I want recovery. Starting at the very beginning of the Program, Step One, I have to distinguish that over which I am powerless: is it alcohol, or is it the potential consequences of my misconduct while drunk? If I cannot admit that it is alcohol over which I am powerless, then I am lying to myself if I seek recovery to avoid or lessen the consequences of my disease. Today, I have to be honest that I am powerless over alcohol and that my addiction is the basis to start getting honest; to stop drinking for anyone or anything else is the foundation of a lie, one that is built on sand. And our common journey continues.


Step by step. – Chris M.
Why not sign up to get emails with all daily posts included?
Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrec