alanon

by

The Opposite List

“Part of my recovery has involved reversing some old ways of thinking.” – Courage to Change

After 32 years sober, I’m still sick of some of my behaviors. Using all of the recovery tools I’ve discovered has helped lessen them, but I’d really like to stop behaving in ways that hurt me or others.

Recently I started writing an opposite list in the morning, and it’s really helping. I spend 5 minutes reflecting on negative things I believe. “My finances are low. My job is boring. Etc” then I only write the opposite (true or not). “I have plenty of money. My job is fun.”

By planting the positive seeds, my attitude has benefited, and so has followed my behavior and my life. Today I’m open to new ways to evolve into a better man, and that’s just one more reason why ILML!

– James

20140310-114704.jpg

by

The Essential Truth

“… there is nothing more important in my life than becoming more loving and spiritual.” – Hope For Today

Not a whole lot can be added to those words. They are, for me, the essential truth. Everything and everyone, including me, gets better when I strive to be more loving and connected. This program is the bomb and ILML!

– JamesQ

by

Turning Thought into Action

“We must learn to take the intellectual knowledge and turn it into emotional and spiritual reality – into living – so we can continue to change and grow and be useful.”
– Drop the Rock pg. xviii

Application of the principles into daily living has been one of the biggest hurdles for me in recovery. Almost as challenging as consistency; Working a truly DAILY program. Turning thought into action takes a daily practice. A healthy balance of faith and works. iLmL

– RichieB

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