by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

Today I’m Connected

From 24HAD “The spiritual and moral will eventually overcome the material and immoral. That is the purpose and destiny of the human race. Gradually the spiritual is overcoming the material in our minds. Gradually the moral is overcoming the immoral. Faith, fellowship, and service are cures for most of the ills in the world. There is nothing in the field of personal relationships that they cannot do.”

Today I’m connected. I prefer to align with a greater purpose. This is comprised of faith, fellowship, service and a bit of personal recovery. When I put forth this effort, the world and my reaction to it are much more loving and effective. iLmL

– RichieB

by

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

by

Tolerance and Compassion

“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents.” – Courage to Change

This reading is perfect for me. It encourages me to embrace and love all of myself. At the same time I realize that I can try just a little harder to embrace and love all of everyone else, even those things I judge as distasteful. The practice of tolerance and compassion begins with me, and extends outward. ILML

– JamesQ

by

Laugh at Myself

“I soon learned to laugh at myself and eventually I taught those I sponsor to laugh also. Every day I ask God to help me stop taking myself too seriously.”
– Drop the Rock

Looking for the humor in life has allowed me to stay in gratitude. It reminds me that God is involved and that life is hilarious. It took practice, but this outlook invites more levity and fun into my day. iLmL

– RichieB

by

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

by

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