AA

by

Peace Channel

“… make me a channel of thy peace – that where there is hatred, I may bring love – that where there is wrong … forgiveness – that where there is discord… harmony – that where there is error… truth – that where there is doubt… faith – that where there is despair… hope – that where there are shadow… light – that where there is sadness… joy.”
12 & 12 p99

This is my favorite prayer – it’s a roadmap for my happiness. If I’m actively doing what these words request, I can’t help but be happy. Service, given freely without desire for anything in return, always leads to gratitude. Gratitude leads to happiness. Happiness leads to life loving, and today, once again, iLmL (that’s for you RB) 🙂 James

by

Inviting God

“When I invite God into my life through prayer, meditation and conversation, I open myself up to infinite possibilities.” – Hope for Today of 37

Most mornings, during my Golden Hour I journal, writing what’s up, identifying things I would like to work on, achievements I’m proud of, amends that need making and gratitude. This morning I found myself running late, and while writing noticing some fear its affect on how I feel. Then I wrote the following:

“I invite more God. More love. More faith. More gratitude. Less fear. I will repeat the words ‘Everything is great! It will continue to be great. It’s going to be fine. You’re great. I got your back James – I’m God & I love you – trust me.’

Thank you God for all you do for me – I love you.’

I choose to breathe, eat, live, sleep, dream and believe these words. They shall be my mantra for today.

My discomfort did not suddenly disappear. However, it subsided a little. I can now breathe a little better. I have begun to think that things actually may be ok today. If I keep these words at the top of my consciousness, I believe I can get back to really loving my life very soon. Right now, honestly, I’m about 70% of where I like to be on the life loving scale, but I know it will keep getting better, because regardless of how I may feel moment to moment, I really do LML! – James

by

Bad versus Good

“Bad makes its living trying to make you forget about what is good! Bad is not going to pass you by because you read self-help books … Bad is going to show up … Show bad that you have unshakable faith … Put on your faith boots! … Pull out your faith tools, and be willing to stand in the faith of good. If you feel a little weary, take a break. Allow yourself to take a meditative pause. Indulge yourself with a deep breath and tune up your faith… Just for today, flex your faith muscles and shake your good fist in bad’s face.” -Until Today

I don’t like to look at things as bad and good, just different opportunities to experience and grow in life. Some are more challenging than others – those we grow more from. But I get this quote and like it. I won’t let unmet expectations and tough challenges take me down. I’ll just tighten up the laces on my faith boots and insist that ILML!!! – James

by

Questioning Acceptance

“Q .. In your Big Book story, you say that acceptance is the key to everything. I wonder if you’ve ever had a problem accepting what life hands you.

Dr. Paul .. I think today that my job really is to enjoy life whether I like it or not. I don’t like everything I have to accept. In fact, if everything was to my specifications and desires there would be no problem with acceptance. It’s accepting things I don’t like that is difficult. It’s accepting when I’m not getting my own way. Yes, I find it very difficult at times.” – Interview with Dr.Paul O – Grapevine

I have a wonderful copy of his “Acceptance is the Answer” excerpt from his story in the BB hanging on my wall at home. I suggest that everyone not only memorize it, as I have, but try to live by it daily. Doing so has profoundly changed my life, and his answer to the question above is right on target with my perception of acceptance. Baking in the 102° sun of Palm Springs and LML! – James

by

Sharing the Program

“… healthy meetings begin with me… I do my best to focus on sharing the positive rather than the negative… and encourage others to do the same… If a meeting doesn’t go well, I speak up and try to put in my share to get back on track.” Hope For Today

My favorite format for sharing at meetings is to first share a challenge I’ve recently experienced, then talk about how I applied the program to it, and finally describe the outcome, even if its just a better attitude or acceptance. This method of sharing is program-centered, makes me feel good about contributing to the fellowship, and helps remind others that our program offers solutions to problems other than just alcohol and drugs. And I learned this from watching other healthy members of our program share. I love the program, and ILML! – James

by

God’s Phone Number

From Until Today! “What is the number you use to call God? Is it 411? Or 911? Many of us are 911 callers. We don’t call in for information… When you call God at 411 you are less likely to need to call God at 911”

I am guilty of tuning in during times of need and once feeling secure again, putting God on the shelf. This past Sunday I asked my beautiful girlfriend to marry me. We are to be married November of next year and now more than ever I need to stay focused on my program rather than my fiancé. Because without a daily reprieve, I don’t have this incredible life that I truly love iLmL – Richie

by

The 5th Dimension

“There is a solution… self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confessions of our shortcomings… pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet… we have been rocketed into a forth dimension of existence which we had never even dreamed.” – BB p25

It’s funny how simple truths are – they’re, simple. Statements like clean house, trust God and be of service. Or Keep coming back. Or it works IF you work it. Took me 20 years in the program to realize there is a simple recipe for everyone to love life in sobriety, I just had to find mine. Mine is to pray, meditate, have a “Golden Hour” each day to read recovery literature, journal my inventory and gratitude, send out a recovery text, reach out to my fellowship circle, and then get to a meeting. When I follow the recipe that works for me I always do a better job at practicing our principles in all my other affairs. By doing this consistently my life has been rocketed into the forth dimension and I’m currently headed for the fifth – whatever that may be. ILML!!!

by

Pause & Breathe

From Until Today! “What you do when your back is against the wall speaks volumes about the nature of your character. Every human weakness is strengthened by experience.”

I am sometimes hasty to react. I forget to pause and breathe and that moment of quiet reflection is misplaced. BUT, when I am aligned with a greater purpose, my reaction to adversity is just the opposite. I am capable of believing in the bigger picture and trusting God’s plan. iLmL – Richie

by

Faith Filled & Fear Free

“I am faith filled and fear free..”
– Until Today

This is the intro to every page for the month of August in Iyanla Vanzant’s book, and it’s become a mantra for me, particularly in times of difficulty. I’m a big believer in affirmations, and being empowered by a faith that keeps me in the light, while free of fears that keep me in darkness, is one of the greatest gifts I know – one I hope everyone can find. Today, if I get upset, uncomfortable, or downhearted, I’ll remember her words and say them out loud until I believe them again. This is just another life loving shortcut on this path of life in recovery! ILML!

by

An Easier, Softer Way

“I instinctively want to fix problems, and they don’t have to be mine. In fact, most of the time they’re not… doing for others what they need to do for themselves… enabled them to be irresponsible… robs others of the self-esteem that comes from struggling with and conquering the challenges…” Hope For Today

I can’t speak for women, but as a man, and a sponsor of many other men, I can tell you that this desire to “fix” runs very deep for many of us. It’s actually been one of the biggest problems in my relationship with others. Instead of listening and having empathy (or at least compassion), I offer solutions. Today I realize that, unless I’m asked for help, usually others just want me to listen and love. When I do this, instead of trying to offer my unsolicited opinion and advice, my relationships go a whole lot smoother. Grateful for all these wonderful tools. ILML! – James