Live Abundantly

“I can’t always know my HP’s will, but I can seek greater spiritual awareness every day by becoming willing to receive guidance. Faith takes practice. I will include my HP in more of my actions and decisions today.”
– Courage to Change 2/28

The only way that I know how to be open to receive my HP’s guidance is by using the tools of the program. Prayer, meditation, daily spiritual work, meetings, being of service, sponsoring and helping others, etc. By doing this work I receive his guidance and wisdom and ‘m less likely to be agitated, I live abundantly, and I can help others effectively. If my primary purpose is to help another alcoholic stay sober, then I have to receive my HP’s guidance through the work. ILML!

– JasonW

Out of Ego

“When we surrender, we are no longer captives within our skins. We are actually restored to a more natural state as man in community with others, who literally cannot survive as isolated individuals. We must be part of the give and take within the group just as it has been for human beings since the beginning of time.”
– Touchstones 2/27

Surrendering myself to the program takes me out of my ego and self-interest and allows me to learn and grow. I become humble and I live a great life. When I work a daily program I escape the trap of my ego. ILML!

– JasonW

Fear Gets in the Way

“‘What if’…how often we tend to see these words ourselves. Only two small words, yet how heavy laden they are with dread, fear, and anxiety. The answer to “what if…” is, plainly and simply, “don’t panic.” We can only live with our problems as they arise, living one day at a time. Am I keeping my thoughts positive?”
– A Day at a Time 2/26

When I am feeling fearful over the future, I am projecting “what if” this or that might happen. I do this often. Fear gets in the way of my progress and I always want to be progressing spiritually. This quote gives us the answer – don’t panic and stay positive. I think it’s that easy. And, having faith that my HP is making everything happen exactly as it’s supposed to when I do the work and seek a connection to Him. ILML!

– JasonW

My Greatest Succeses

“In God’s economy, nothing is wasted. Through failure, we learn a lesson in humility which is probably needed, painful though it is. How thankful I am today, to know that all my past failures were necessary for me to be where I am now.”
– Daily reflections 2/25

I was very regretful of the past for many years in recovery. But… he either is, or he isn’t. Everthing happens exactly how it’s supposed to, or it doesn’t. I choose to have faith and belief in a HP, that my failures are really my greatest successes. I wouldn’t have the great life that I have without them. ILML!

– JasonW

Facing Fears

“When I face a fear, I am given courage; when I support a brother or sister, my capacity to love myself is increased; when I accept pain as part of the growing experience of life, I realize a greater happiness…”
– Daily reflections 2/23

Thanks to the tools that have been freely given to me over the past many years, I have been able to face fears and accept life on life’s terms. When I stick to the Work, I can live in acceptance and live happy, joyous and free – no matter what the circumstances. ILML!

– JasonW

Healthy Boundaries

“…we didn’t have to accept unacceptable behavior. I set some limits, not to control others, but to offer myself guidelines so that I would know what was in was not acceptable and what to do about it.”
– Courage to change 2/20

This is one of the best tools that I have gained in recovery. How to set boundaries for myself and others and avoid bad behavior. I didn’t know how to do that when I got to the program. I was so used to hanging around with people with extremely bad behavior that it was normal to me.

By working the program, one day at a time, negativity in life is minimal and I’m grateful. ILML!

-JasonW

Dregs of Bitterness

“We learn in the program that we cannot punish anyone without punishing ourselves. The release of my tensions, even justified, in a punishing way leaves behind the dregs of bitterness and pain. Today I will remember to deal with anger appropriately.” – A day at a time 2/18

Impatience, anger, and aggressively talking to people are character defects of mine. In sobriety, even the most subtle of bad behavior greatly affects me. This quote is a great reminder to show love and tolerance to myself and others. I cannot afford to have anger damage myself or others. ILML!

– JasonW

Receive the Rewards

“…the more I’m willing to act differently, the more exciting my life is. The more I am willing to help others, the more rewards I receive. Fun and benefits are in the willingness to do the actions, not to get immediate results.” – DtR p109

I have to remember to just take the next correct indicated action and trust that my HP will provide me with what I need. Today I will do my best to not worry about the future or the past and simply take the necessary actions to stay out of self. Ilml! – Jason

Lead with the Program

“Above all, don’t be passive aggressive. Don’t acquiesce for now but get back at your partner later. And don’t go along with it on private but complain about it to your friends. Take a leadership role in your own life while your partner is doing whatever they are doing with their life.” – You Can’t Make Me Angry p106

Good reminder for me to be assertive and work a program in the way that I take care of myself so I can keep my side of the street clean and stay serene and in solution. I cannot afford to live in self will, ego, revenge, and resentment. Ilml! – Jason

The Best Possible Scenario

“It is only when I have experienced enough emotional pain, through failed attempts to fix myself, that I become willing to surrender to God’s will for my life. Surrender is like the calm after the storm. When my will is in line with God’s will for me, there is peace within.” Drop the Rock, p77

This has to be true for me or I am not at peace. Several things lately have made me upset and unhappy. I have to believe that these circumstances are put in my life for nothing less than the best possible scenario for having an amazing life. It’s difficult to see that sometimes; but when I do, I always love my life.