AA

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#1 Source of Trouble

“In recovery, we learn… the more we are focused on controlling and changing others, the more unmanageable our life becomes.” – The Language of Letting Go

Ever wish someone would just be different? Say or do something the way you think is only reasonable to expect? This is the #1 biggest source of trouble for me. Those words or actions (which I disagree with) are the greatest traps for me to feel unhappy. The program teaches me to be aware, close my mouth, sidestep them, turn away, and then head back towards sources of gratitude ASAP. It’s the fastest way to get back to a place where ILML!

– JamesQ

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Stay Connected & Present

C2C “Because most worry focuses on the future, if we can learn to stay in the present, living one day or one moment at a time, we take positive steps toward warding off the effects of fear.”

Boom. Through my own observation I know that when fear pulls me out of the moment, I am disconnected and more often than not unhappy. Today I’m going to take steps to stay connected and present. iLmL

– RichieB

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The Love Letter

“Just for today, and for the next forty days, be the object of your OWN love. Send yourself a love letter and then take the time to read it to yourself… How much love can you stand?”
– Adapted from Until Today!

I am so grateful for my sponsor and his love and gentle guidance. Before we met I was satisfied to live by AA literature alone. I have since broadened my horizons and this book is one of the gems that makes me a more loving and serene man. The first time I tried writing a love letter to myself, I started crying. I realized that I could love anyone on the planet besides the most important person I needed to love: me. Today, I love myself more & more. And just to be clear, this practice does NOT keep me sober, but it does (in combination with the 12 steps) enrich my sobriety. It helps keep me emotionally sober and for that I am eternally grateful! iLmL

– RichieB

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It Really is that Simple

“An attitude of gratitude in love asks that we let go of our fixed notions of how it all should be in order to experience the beauty of just how it is” – Attitudes of Gratitude in Love

There is so much good stuff all around us every day. So much to be grateful for. But often our magic magnifying mind wants to focus on what we see as wrong and bad. And the more we think about it, the more it dominates our day. My solution is to become acutely aware when I’m doing this and take contrary action. When I switch my focus to the good stuff, almost instantly ILML! It really is that simple 🙂

– JamesQ

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Truly Showing Gratitude

“I cannot stay sober on yesterday’s meetings or past 12 step calls; I need to put my gratitude into action today. Without action, my gratitude is just a pleasant motion. I need to put it into action by working step 12, by carrying the message and practicing the principles in all my affairs.”
– Daily Reflections 5/25

This is a great reminder that everything that is good in my life, the reason that I am even still here, is from working a program of rigorous action on a daily basis. When I do that and I carry the message, I open the door to living happy, joyous, and free. I am able to be the man that I am meant to be. Without doing the daily work, I quickly fall into “self-will” and cut off my connection to a HP. Carrying the message and practicing the principles in all my affairs is truly showing gratitude. ILML!

– JasonW

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God as Love

“At no time had we asked what God’s will was for us; instead we had been telling Him what it ought to be.”
– 12&12 p31

Prayers of supplication are those asking for something. Like “Help me God!”, one I used often in my days before program, even though I didn’t much believe. These days most of my conversations with my HP take the form of me thanking and appreciating all the gifts I’ve been given. Prayers of gratitude. And rather than my will, since I see God as Love, I really just pray to be more loving. Inviting more love and thanks keeps me centered in a place where, truly, ILML!

– JamesQ

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Living a Loving Life

“… the need to be liked is a reflection of what needs to be healed”. Until Today

This is a really profound statement. As I’ve grown in self-love through really working this program and developing a friendship with my higher power, I’ve become more accepting when others don’t like me. I first ask myself if my behavior was living up to the standards of the program. Was I honest and kind? Were my motivations to be of service or selfish? Did I really try my best? If so, then their dislike of me has more to do with them then me, and often it’s God’s way of telling me to steer clear. When I love myself, and I know my HP loves me, I can be ok with them not loving me, providing that I’m being the best me I can be. Today I’m living a loving life and because if that, ILML!

– JamesQ

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Find Acceptance

“I have learned that I must lay down the “weapons” of self in order to pick up the “tools” of the program. If I sometimes keep on struggling, it is because I’m still hanging onto my old ideas and… the results are nil.”
– Daily Reflections

I always have to remind myself that when I’m struggling in any way that I have to find acceptance and take a look at myself in what I am doing or not doing. I believe my HP is nothing but happiness, joy, and freedom, so when I’m struggling the solution is to get back to the program which connects me to my HP. Good reminder for me today. ILML!

– JasonW

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A Magical Journey

“… he stands at the edge of new mysteries, joys, and experiences of which he had never dreamed of.” 12&12 p.110

Since my entry into the program, this new way of life has taken me on a magical journey like I could have never imagined. Graduating college, marriage, kids, a successful company, surfing adventures, the best friends in the world and so much more. Every day brings something new and wonderful into my life. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. And I believe that if I stay sober and really live the program, it will just keep getting better. ILML

– JamesQ

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Soaking it Up

“If we live each day to the best of our ability, we will soon find we don’t have time to worry about the future or regret the past. We will be too busy enjoying life.” – Hope for Today

Life is awesome, but let’s get real: sometimes we run into uncomfortable situations. If difficulties appear in my day, I try to see them as golden opportunities to find solutions or practice acceptance, then move along making it the best day ever. Doing so allows me to walk through the rough spots while staying in gratitude. Life is abundant and I’m soaking it up. ILML!

– JamesQ