Each day a new Beginning <!--083125-->
Tears are like rain. They loosen up our soil so we can grow in different directions. —Virginia Casey— Full self-expression softens our being, while self-reservation makes us brittle. Our wholeness is enhanced each time we openly acknowledge our feelings and share our many secrets. The tears that often accompany self-disclosure, self-assessment, or the frustration of […]
Promise of a new Day <!--083125-->
The reward of labor is life. —William Morris— Almost everyone complains about work: the price of fertilizer, the drudgery of housework, the bureaucratic details, and long hours. Whether we’re mechanics or physicians or key punch operators, most of us complain about the work we do. Yet without work, where would we be? How could we […]
Daily Reflections <!--083125-->
A UNIQUE PROGRAM Alcoholics Anonymous will never have a professional class. We have gained some understanding of the ancient words “Freely ye have received, freely give.” We have discovered that at the point of professionalism, money and spirituality do not mix. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 166 I believe that Alcoholics Anonymous stands alone […]
Keep it Simple <!--083125-->
One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life. —Eleanor Roosevelt— We’re going to have tough times. Maybe we don’t get a pay raise. Maybe we get fired. Whatever happens, don’t use alcohol or other drugs. Whatever happens, keep working the program. Our program will never turn its back on us. When tough […]
A.A. Thought for the Day <!--083125-->
“Call on new prospects while they are still jittery. They may be more receptive when depressed. See them alone if possible. Tell them enough about your drinking habits and experiences to encourage them to speak of themselves. If they wish to talk, let them do so. If they are not communicative, talk about the troubles […]
Keep it Simple <!--083025-->
Love is something if you give away, you end up having more. —Malvina Reynolds— Service is how we give love away. It’s the “self” of self-help. Service is not a duty; a gift that’s been given to us. We help ourselves by helping others. It’s how we make sure the program will be here tomorrow. […]
Each day a new Beginning <!--083025-->
I like my friend for what is in her heart, not for the way she does things. —Sandra K. Lamberson— We find good in situations, experiences and people when we look for it. Generally we find just what we expect to find. The power attaching to our attitudes is awesome. Often it is immobilizing; too […]
Daily Reflections <!--083025-->
THE ONLY REQUIREMENT. . . “At one time. . .every A.A. group had many membership rules. Everybody was scared witless that something or somebody would capsize the boat. . .The total list was a mile long. If all those rules had been in effect everywhere, nobody could have possibly joined A.A. at all. . .” […]
A.A. Thought for the Day <!--083025-->
“Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as extensive work with other alcoholics. Carry the message to other alcoholics. You can help when no one else can. You can secure their confidence when others fail. Life will take on new meaning for you. To watch people recover, to see them […]
Promise of a new Day <!--083025-->
Don’t do nothing you can’t share, and be prepared to discuss everything you do. —Martin Shepard, M.D.— Secrets diminish self-respect; They foster paranoia, and they make it impossible to have honest and open communication. Self-discloser cleanses us; but an even greater benefit is that a commitment to it triggers careful forethought, and a needless or […]