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.
Showing posts with label Share. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Share. Show all posts
Sunday, 19 April 2026
Monday, 19 March 2018
Just For Today #essentialsofrecovery
Something Valuable To Share
“A simple, honest message of recovery from addiction rings true.”
“A simple, honest message of recovery from addiction rings true.”
Basic Text p. 50
You’re in a meeting. The sharing has been going on for some time. One or two members have described their spiritual experiences in an especially meaningful way. Another has had us all rolling in the aisles with entertaining stories. And then the leader calls on you.., gulp. You shyly introduce yourself, apologetically stammer out a few lines, thank everyone for listening, and sit out the rest of the meeting in embarrassed silence. Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone.
We’ve all had times when we’ve felt that what we had to share wasn’t spiritual enough, wasn’t entertaining enough, wasn’t something enough. But sharing is not a competitive sport. The meat of our meetings is identification and experience, something all of us have in abundance. When we share from our hearts the truth of our experience, other addicts feel they can trust us because they know we’re just like them. When we simply share what’s been effective in our lives, we can be sure that our message will be helpful to others.
Our sharing doesn’t have to be either fancy or funny to ring true. Every addict working an honest program that brings meaningful recovery has something of immense value to share, something no one else can give: his or her own experience.
Just for today: I have something valuable to share. I will attend a meeting today and share my experience in recovery from addiction.You’re in a meeting. The sharing has been going on for some time. One or two members have described their spiritual experiences in an especially meaningful way. Another has had us all rolling in the aisles with entertaining stories. And then the leader calls on you.., gulp. You shyly introduce yourself, apologetically stammer out a few lines, thank everyone for listening, and sit out the rest of the meeting in embarrassed silence. Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone.
We’ve all had times when we’ve felt that what we had to share wasn’t spiritual enough, wasn’t entertaining enough, wasn’t something enough. But sharing is not a competitive sport. The meat of our meetings is identification and experience, something all of us have in abundance. When we share from our hearts the truth of our experience, other addicts feel they can trust us because they know we’re just like them. When we simply share what’s been effective in our lives, we can be sure that our message will be helpful to others.
Our sharing doesn’t have to be either fancy or funny to ring true. Every addict working an honest program that brings meaningful recovery has something of immense value to share, something no one else can give: his or her own experience.
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Thursday, 21 December 2017
DAILY REFLECTIONS #essentialsofrecovery
LISTEN, SHARE AND PRAY
When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do.
~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100
When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I’ve given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that’s inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do—and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice—is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do.
~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100
When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I’ve given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that’s inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do—and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice—is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
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Saturday, 14 January 2017
ELDER'S MEDITATION OF THE DAY #essentialsofrecovery
“It is a native tradition to sit in a circle and talk—to share what is in your heart.”
~ John Peters (Slow Turtle), WAMPANOAG ~
The talking circle is also a listening circle. The talking circle allows one person to talk at a time for as long as they need to talk. So much can be gained by listening. Is it a coincidence that the Creator gave us one mouth and two ears? The power of the circle allows the heart to be shared with each other. What we share with each other also heals each other. When we talk about our pain in the circle, it is distributed to the circle, and we are free of the pain. The talking circle works because when the people form a circle, the Great Mystery is in the center.
My Creator, give me the courage to share, and the courage to listen.
~ John Peters (Slow Turtle), WAMPANOAG ~
The talking circle is also a listening circle. The talking circle allows one person to talk at a time for as long as they need to talk. So much can be gained by listening. Is it a coincidence that the Creator gave us one mouth and two ears? The power of the circle allows the heart to be shared with each other. What we share with each other also heals each other. When we talk about our pain in the circle, it is distributed to the circle, and we are free of the pain. The talking circle works because when the people form a circle, the Great Mystery is in the center.
My Creator, give me the courage to share, and the courage to listen.
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Wednesday, 21 December 2016
DAILY REFLECTIONS #essentialsofrecovery
LISTEN, SHARE AND PRAY
When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do.
~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100 ~
When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I’ve given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that’s inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do—and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice—is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do.
~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100 ~
When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I’ve given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that’s inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do—and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice—is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
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Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrecovery
Monday, 21 December 2015
DAILY REFLECTIONS #essentialsofrec #Prayer #Sharing #Recovery
21
December
LISTEN, SHARE AND PRAY
When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do.
~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100
When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I’ve given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that’s inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do—and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice—is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
December
LISTEN, SHARE AND PRAY
When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do.
~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100
When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I’ve given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that’s inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do—and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice—is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
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Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrec
Sunday, 1 November 2015
Today’s Gift from Hazelden #essentialsofrec #Recovery #Share
1
November
November
Listening and Sharing
“I’ve found that many of my painful experiences with others are the result of past memories,” stated a friend.
“Often I’m not reacting so much to what is going on between me and another person right at the time; I’m responding to some previous wound or hurt from my past that hasn’t quite healed. Let me give you an example of what I mean.
“Just the other day, a friend of mine said she needed some time to herself and didn’t want to see me for a week. Well, rather than accept her statement, I was hurt. I immediately thought of a past friendship I had helped destroy by being too possessive and demanding. I thought I was making the same mistake again and that my present girl friend was trying to get rid of me, too. I felt so defeated I couldn’t respond. I just sat there stunned and tried not to cry.
“My friend was uncomfortable with my change in attitude, but since I wasn’t able to communicate what I was feeling, she left feeling at loose ends, too.”
“Thank goodness I had enough sense to call her and share my unsettling feelings a day or two after that experience. I found my friend wasn’t rejecting me at all. She really did need some time to herself.”
Today I will not allow past, painful memories to cripple my current relationships. When I am hurt or confused, I will talk out my feelings and reactions before I make harsh criticisms or assume another’s motives.
“I’ve found that many of my painful experiences with others are the result of past memories,” stated a friend.
“Often I’m not reacting so much to what is going on between me and another person right at the time; I’m responding to some previous wound or hurt from my past that hasn’t quite healed. Let me give you an example of what I mean.
“Just the other day, a friend of mine said she needed some time to herself and didn’t want to see me for a week. Well, rather than accept her statement, I was hurt. I immediately thought of a past friendship I had helped destroy by being too possessive and demanding. I thought I was making the same mistake again and that my present girl friend was trying to get rid of me, too. I felt so defeated I couldn’t respond. I just sat there stunned and tried not to cry.
“My friend was uncomfortable with my change in attitude, but since I wasn’t able to communicate what I was feeling, she left feeling at loose ends, too.”
“Thank goodness I had enough sense to call her and share my unsettling feelings a day or two after that experience. I found my friend wasn’t rejecting me at all. She really did need some time to herself.”
Today I will not allow past, painful memories to cripple my current relationships. When I am hurt or confused, I will talk out my feelings and reactions before I make harsh criticisms or assume another’s motives.
From the book:
The Reflecting Pond by Liane Cordes. © 1981 by Hazelden Foundation
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Monday, 5 October 2015
Father Leo’s Daily Meditation #essentialsofrec #Pride #Sharing
5
October
PRIDE
“The books I haven’t written are better than the books other people have.”
– Cyril V. Connolly
Today I still have to grapple with pride, vanity and conceit. Today, thanks to God and my spiritual program, I am not so preoccupied with self, but the old tapes can still be heard: “Thank God I am not as stupid as her.” “I am blessed in not being like those people.” “I suppose everybody in the room is looking at me.”
Pride is still a big obstacle because it keeps me isolated from people. It emphasizes the difference between me and the world, rather than the commonality. Pride keeps me a prisoner of my ego and develops that cruel and sadistic streak in my nature that I know exists. Pride stops me being grateful because it keeps me too focused on what I am doing and I miss the beauty and splendor of my life. Pride keeps my nose pushed against the picture so I cannot see the portrait!
I can only change this “proudful” attitude by talking about it. The way for me to grow is to “dump it” . . . today.
May I find me in the people I meet and share with.
October
PRIDE
“The books I haven’t written are better than the books other people have.”
– Cyril V. Connolly
Today I still have to grapple with pride, vanity and conceit. Today, thanks to God and my spiritual program, I am not so preoccupied with self, but the old tapes can still be heard: “Thank God I am not as stupid as her.” “I am blessed in not being like those people.” “I suppose everybody in the room is looking at me.”
Pride is still a big obstacle because it keeps me isolated from people. It emphasizes the difference between me and the world, rather than the commonality. Pride keeps me a prisoner of my ego and develops that cruel and sadistic streak in my nature that I know exists. Pride stops me being grateful because it keeps me too focused on what I am doing and I miss the beauty and splendor of my life. Pride keeps my nose pushed against the picture so I cannot see the portrait!
I can only change this “proudful” attitude by talking about it. The way for me to grow is to “dump it” . . . today.
May I find me in the people I meet and share with.
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Thursday, 1 October 2015
Twenty-Four Hours A Day #essentialsofrec #fear #Recovery #sharing
1
October
A.A. Thought For The Day
A.A. will lose some of its effectiveness if I do not do my share. Where am I failing? Are there some things I do not feel like doing? Am I held back by self-consciousness or fear? Self-consciousness is a form of pride. It is a fear that something may happen to you. What happens to you is not very important. The impression you make on others does not depend so much on the kind of job you do as on your sincerity and honesty of purpose. Am I holding back because I am afraid of not making a good impression?
Meditation For The Day
Look to God for the true power that will make you effective. See no other wholly dependable supply of strength. That is the secret of a truly effective life. And you, in your turn, will be used to help many others find effectiveness. Whatever spiritual help you need, whatever spiritual help you desire for others, look to God. Seek that God’s will be done in your life and seek that your will conforms to His. Failures come from depending too much on your own strength.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may feel that nothing good is too much for me if I look to God for help. I pray that I may be effective through His guidance.
October
A.A. Thought For The Day
A.A. will lose some of its effectiveness if I do not do my share. Where am I failing? Are there some things I do not feel like doing? Am I held back by self-consciousness or fear? Self-consciousness is a form of pride. It is a fear that something may happen to you. What happens to you is not very important. The impression you make on others does not depend so much on the kind of job you do as on your sincerity and honesty of purpose. Am I holding back because I am afraid of not making a good impression?
Meditation For The Day
Look to God for the true power that will make you effective. See no other wholly dependable supply of strength. That is the secret of a truly effective life. And you, in your turn, will be used to help many others find effectiveness. Whatever spiritual help you need, whatever spiritual help you desire for others, look to God. Seek that God’s will be done in your life and seek that your will conforms to His. Failures come from depending too much on your own strength.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may feel that nothing good is too much for me if I look to God for help. I pray that I may be effective through His guidance.
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Saturday, 24 January 2015
Step by Step #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recoveru #Awakening #Service
24
January
“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” – Step 12
Today, Step 12, the “graduation” Step that bestows marching orders and ushers us into the world and puts the AA program into service by taking the message to other alcoholics still struggling. But to be “qualified” as a 12th-Stepper, we have to see that this Step is actually one in three; we are required in it to, first, have had a spiritual awakening, second, carry the message, and third, practice in all our affairs the principles espoused in the previous 11 Steps. And without achieving each three requirements, our effectiveness as a 12th-Stepper is likely to be compromised. After all, how can we talk about a spiritual awakening if we have not attained one; how can we ask someone to practice the principles of AA in all his affairs if we don’t do so ourselves? Today, I ask myself if I have experienced the spiritual awakening that is fundamental to our Program, if I actually practice the Program’s principles in all I do, and if I try to carry the message when asked for help. And our common journey continues.
January
“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” – Step 12
Today, Step 12, the “graduation” Step that bestows marching orders and ushers us into the world and puts the AA program into service by taking the message to other alcoholics still struggling. But to be “qualified” as a 12th-Stepper, we have to see that this Step is actually one in three; we are required in it to, first, have had a spiritual awakening, second, carry the message, and third, practice in all our affairs the principles espoused in the previous 11 Steps. And without achieving each three requirements, our effectiveness as a 12th-Stepper is likely to be compromised. After all, how can we talk about a spiritual awakening if we have not attained one; how can we ask someone to practice the principles of AA in all his affairs if we don’t do so ourselves? Today, I ask myself if I have experienced the spiritual awakening that is fundamental to our Program, if I actually practice the Program’s principles in all I do, and if I try to carry the message when asked for help. And our common journey continues.
~ Step by step. -Chris M.
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Wednesday, 24 December 2014
AA Speaker Chuck C. "A New Pair of Glasses" 3 of 6
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
Daily Reflections #essentialsofrecovery.com #AA #Recovery #Reflections
17
December
A PRICELESS REWARD
. . . Work with other alcoholics. . . . It works when other activities fail.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pg. 89
"Life will take on new meaning," as the Big Book says (p. 89 ). This promise has helped me to avoid self-seeking and self-pity. To watch others grow in this wonderful program, to see them improve the quality of their lives. Is a priceless reward for my effort to help others. Self-examination is yet another reward for an ongoing recovery, as are serenity, peace and contentment. The energy derived from seeing others on a successful path, of sharing with them the joys of the journey, gives to my life a new meaning.
From the book Daily Reflections
© Copyright 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
December
A PRICELESS REWARD
. . . Work with other alcoholics. . . . It works when other activities fail.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pg. 89
"Life will take on new meaning," as the Big Book says (p. 89 ). This promise has helped me to avoid self-seeking and self-pity. To watch others grow in this wonderful program, to see them improve the quality of their lives. Is a priceless reward for my effort to help others. Self-examination is yet another reward for an ongoing recovery, as are serenity, peace and contentment. The energy derived from seeing others on a successful path, of sharing with them the joys of the journey, gives to my life a new meaning.
From the book Daily Reflections
© Copyright 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Sunday, 23 November 2014
A Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #meditation
23
November
Reflection For The Day
Before I came to The Program, I was like an actor who insisted on writing the script, running the whole show. I had to do it my way, forever trying to arrange and re-arrange the lights, lines, sets and, most of all, the other players’ performances. If only my arrangements would stay put, and people would behave as I wished, the show would be fantastic. My self-delusion led me to believe that if they all would just shape up, everything would be fine. Of course, it never worked out that way. Isn’t it amazing how others seem to be “shaping up” now that I’ve stopped trying to manage everything and everybody?
Today I Pray
May I talk myself out of that old urge to control everything and everybody. Time was, if I couldn’t manage directly, I would do it indirectly, through manipulation, secret conferences and asides. May I know that if I am the one who is always pulling the strings on the marionettes, then I am also the one who feels the frustration when they collapse or slip off the stage.
Today I Will Remember
I can only “shape up” myself.
November
Reflection For The Day
Before I came to The Program, I was like an actor who insisted on writing the script, running the whole show. I had to do it my way, forever trying to arrange and re-arrange the lights, lines, sets and, most of all, the other players’ performances. If only my arrangements would stay put, and people would behave as I wished, the show would be fantastic. My self-delusion led me to believe that if they all would just shape up, everything would be fine. Of course, it never worked out that way. Isn’t it amazing how others seem to be “shaping up” now that I’ve stopped trying to manage everything and everybody?
Today I Pray
May I talk myself out of that old urge to control everything and everybody. Time was, if I couldn’t manage directly, I would do it indirectly, through manipulation, secret conferences and asides. May I know that if I am the one who is always pulling the strings on the marionettes, then I am also the one who feels the frustration when they collapse or slip off the stage.
Today I Will Remember
I can only “shape up” myself.
Friday, 26 September 2014
As Bill Sees It #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AsBillSeesIt BillW #AA #Alcoholism
September
Those Other People, p.268
“Just like you, I have often thought myself the victim of what other people say and do. Yet every time I confessed the sins of such people, especially those whose sins did not correspond exactly with my own, I found that I only increased the total damage. My own resentment, my self-pity would often render me well-nigh useless to anybody.
“So, nowadays, if anyone talks of me so as to hurt, I first ask myself if there is any truth at all in what they say. If there is none, I try to remember that I too have had my periods of speaking bitterly of others; that hurtful gossip is but a symptom of our remaining emotional illness; and consequently that I must never be angry at the unreasonableness of sick people.
“Under very trying conditions I have had, again and again, to forgive others–also myself. Have you recently tried this?”
Letter, 1946
Friday, 29 August 2014
Sandy B. "Practicing the Presence of Now" - AA Speaker #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #speakers #AA #Spiritual #SandyB #Share
Sandy B. "Practicing the Presence of Now"
Monday, 18 August 2014
Melissa L. - NA Speakers - 12-Step "Addiction Recovery" #essentialsofrec #recovery #NA #speakers
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