Alcoholic Anonymous - Daily Ponderables - Together we trudge the
Road of Happy Destiny – Saturday, 11 January 2014 - Daily Reflections “ACCEPTING
OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES”
Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as
they are, ourselves as we are, and the people about us as they are. This is to
adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin.
Again and again, we shall need to return to that unflattering point of
departure. This is an exercise in acceptance that we can profitably practice
every day of our lives. Provided we strenuously avoid turning these realistic
surveys of the facts of life into unrealistic alibis for apathy of defeatism,
they can be the sure foundation upon which increased emotional health and
therefore spiritual progress can be built. (AS BILL SEES IT page 44)
When I am having a difficult time accepting people, places or
events, I turn to this passage and it relieves me of many an underlying fear
regarding others, or situations life presents me. The thought allows me to be
human and not perfect, and to regain my peace of mind. (From the book Daily
Reflections © Copyright 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
Twenty-Four Hours A Day
A.A. Thought for the Day
The longer we're in A.A., the more natural this way of life
seems. Our old drinking lives were a very unnatural way of living. Our present
sober lives are the most natural way we could possibly live. During the early
years of our drinking, our lives weren't so different from the lives of a lot
of other people. But as we gradually became problem drinkers, our lives became
more and more unnatural. Do I realize now that the things I did were far from
natural?
Meditation for the Day
I will say thank you to God for everything, even the seeming
trials and worries. I will strive to be grateful and humble. My whole attitude
toward the Higher Power will be one of gratitude. I will be glad for the things
I have received. I will pass on what God reveals to me. I believe that more
truths will flow in, as I go along in the new way of life.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may be grateful for the things I have received and
do not deserve. I pray that this gratitude will make me truly humble. (From the
book Twenty-Four Hours a Day © Copyright 1975 by Hazelden Foundation)
NA - Just for Today
Spiritual awakenings
“Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps...”
Step Twelve
“How will I know when I have had a spiritual awakening?” For
many of us, a spiritual awakening comes gradually. Perhaps our first spiritual
awareness is as simple as a new appreciation for life. Maybe one day we’ll
suddenly discover the sound of birds singing early in the morning. The simple
beauty of a flower may remind us that there is a Power greater than ourselves
at work around us.
Often, our spiritual awakening is something that grows stronger
over time. We can strive for more spiritual awareness simply by living our
lives. We can persist in efforts to improve our conscious contact through
prayer and meditation on a daily basis. We can listen within for the guidance
we need. We can question other addicts about their experiences with
spirituality. We can take time to appreciate the world around us.
Just for today: I will reflect on the spiritual awakenings I
have experienced. I will strive to be God-conscious. I will take time out in
the day to appreciate my Higher Power’s handiwork. (From the book Just for
Today © Copyright 1991-2013 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
Thought for Today
"It's not stress that kills us. It is our reaction to
it." (Hans Selye)
Buddha/Zen Thoughts
Someone who is about to admonish another must realize within
himself five qualities before doing so [that he may be able to say], thus:
"In due season will I speak, not out of season. In truth I
will speak, not in falsehood. Gently will I speak, not harshly! To his profit
will I speak, not to his loss! With kindly intent will I speak, not in anger!"
("Vinaya Pitaka," translated by F.S. Woodward)
Native American
"From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great
unifying life force that flowed in and through all things-the flowers of the
plains, blowing winds, rocks, trees, birds, animals-and was the same force that
had been breathed into the first man. Thus all things were kindred, and were brought
together by the same Great Mystery." (Chief Luther Standing Bear, SIOUX)
The Great Spirit has six things that make up this life force.
They are life, love, intelligence, soul, principle, and truth. These are the
reasons the life cycle continues. None of this can be altered by man, but we
can have access to these powers any time we wish. Just think about it-anytime I
have a need I can access one or more of these powers."
Oh Great Mystery, let me know how to use these powers. Today,
let me love life, let me know truth, let me live by principle, and let me
follow YOUR intelligence.
Keep It Simple
Remember always that you have not only the right to be
individual, you have an obligation to be one. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
When we were using alcohol and other drugs, we often thought
that we were different from others. We secretly thought that no one could
understand us. Maybe we tried to be one of the group, but we were lonely. Now
we know for sure--we are different from others. Everyone's unique. We all have
this in common. Being like others helps us feel safe and normal. But we need to
feel good about the ways we're different from others too. We think a little
different, act a little different, and look a little different from anyone
else. We each have our own way to make life better for others.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me be an individual. Help
me use my special gifts, not hide them.
Action for the Day: Today, I'll make a list of the things I'm
good at. I'll think about how I can use these gifts.
Big Book
"When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out
mentally and physically." (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It
Works, Page 64)
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If you're not enjoying your sobriety it's your own damn fault
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