Keep it Simple <!--100325-->
That which is called firmness “I a king” is called stubbornness in a donkey. —Lord Erskine— “Rigid” is a fancy word for “stubborn.” We act this way because of our fear. When we’re afraid, we hang on to what we’re used to doing. Our illness had us so scared, we were afraid of the new […]
Promise of a new Day <!--100325-->
There is nothing so moving—not even acts of love or hate—as the discovery that one is not alone. —Robert Ardrey— We live in concert with others, compatibly at times and at other times not so well, but always with others. We don’t always acknowledge our togetherness, but when are moved to, we quickly sense the […]
Each day a new Beginning <!--100325-->
Ambiguity means admitting more than one response to a situation and allowing yourself to be aware of those contradictory responses. You may want something and fear it at the same time. You may find it both beautiful and ugly. —Tristine Rainer— Flexibility is a goal worth the striving. It eases our relations with others, and […]
Daily Reflections <!--100325-->
SERENITY AFTER THE STORM Someone who knew what he was talking about once remarked that pain was the touchstone of all spiritual progress. How heartily we A.A.’s can agree with him. . . . TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p p. 93-94 When on the roller coaster of emotional turmoil, I remember that growth is […]
A.A. Thought for the Day <!--100325-->
How do I talk with new prospects? Am I always trying to dominate the conversation? Do I lay down the law and tell prospects what they will have to do? Do I judge them privately and feel that they have small chance of making the program? Do I belittle them to myself? Or am I […]
Daily Reflections <!--100225-->
THE ACID TEST As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step Ten we commence to put our A.A. way of living to practical use, day by day, in fair weather or foul. Then comes the acid test: can we stay sober, […]
Promise of a new Day <!--100225-->
The sky changes every minute…on the plains side of the divide most people have visions or go mad. —Sandra Alcosser— Our adaptability is a constant source of amazement. We can learn to live and even thrive in such radically differing settings as a high-rise apartment in New York City and a sheepskin hut in Mongolia. […]
Keep it Simple <!--100225-->
. . .and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.—Second half of Step Ten— We are human. We make mistakes. This is half the fun of being human. Step Ten clearly tell us what to do when we are wrong: admit it. This keeps us honest. It keeps us from hiding secrets that could cause […]
A.A. Thought for the Day <!--100225-->
What makes an effective talk at an A.A. meeting? It is not a fine speech with fine choices of words and an impressive delivery. Often a few simple words direct from the heart are more effective than the most polished speech. There is always a temptation to speak beyond your experience, in order to make […]
Each day a new Beginning <!--100225-->
Fortunate are the people whose roots are deep. —Agnes Meyer— Deep roots offer strength and stability to an organism. They nourish it plentifully. They anchor it when the fierce winds blow. We each are offered the gifts of roots when we give ourselves fully to the program. We are never going to face, alone, any […]