alanon

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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

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Enjoy Peace

“Sometimes we hear an alcoholic say that the only thing he needs to do is stay sober… he is like a tornado roaring his way through the lives of others… We feels man is unthinking when he says that sobriety is enough… The spiritual life is not a theory, we have to live it”.
– Big Book p.82-83

I’ve heard AA’s say this and I’ve practiced half measures in AA and Alanon myself. I have roared through others’ lives and watched them roar through mine. Today I enjoy peace, serenity, love and kindness. To get those things I am giving them to others. I am working my program rigorously which empowers me to do so. This is the way that I am, right now, manifesting yet another amazing day. I hope yours is amazing too. ILML

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Skyrocket our Lives

“Let me make today the most fully alive day I have ever experienced!” – Courage to Change

Imagine waking up every day, throwing your arms in the air and saying “TODAY IS GOING TO BE THE MOST AMAZING DAY OF MY LIFE!!! Now imagine if you actually made it happen: every day better than the last.

Sound fantastic? It does to me. I invite abundance each morning, but starting today, I’m adding those words to my morning ritual. And then I’m going to make it happen. Join me in insisting that each day be better than the last. One day at a time, together, we’ll skyrocket our lives beyond our (already) wildest dreams. ILML

– JamesQ

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The Damage of Resentment

“Forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others are just two currents in the same river, both hinder or shut off completely by the dam of resentment. Once that dam is lifted both currents can flow.”
– Daily Reflections 5/17

This statement is so simple but it’s a good reminder of the damage of resentment. If my life is not “flowing”, my spiritual progress is hindered. Resentment cuts off my connection to a HP. Daily step work, meetings, and helping others is the solution. I’m grateful that I have this program in my life today. ILML!

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Start Dancing

“When one day you see how unexpectedly your prayer has been answered, then you will deeply regret that you have prayed so little. Prayer changes things for you. Practice praying until your trust in God has become strong.” – 24 Hours a Day

This reminds me of a high school dance. I never started dancing til the party was almost over. My unrealized fears kept me from trusting that everything would be fine. Today I’m the first to start dancing and I’m going to adopt the same attitude with prayer! iLmL

RichieB