*^Daily
Reflections^*
TODAY, IT'S MY CHOICE
. . . we invariably find that at
sometime in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us
in a position to be hurt.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 62
With the realization and acceptance that I had played
a part in the way my life had turned out came a dramatic change in my
outlook. It was at this point that the A.A. program began to work for
me. In the past I had always blamed others, either God or other people,
for my circumstances. I never felt that I had a choice in altering my
life. My decisions had been based on fear, pride, or ego. As a
result, those decisions led me down a path of self-destruction. Today I
try to allow my God to guide me on the road to sanity. I am responsible
for my action - or inaction - whatever the consequences may
be.
Copyright 1990
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES,
INC.
*~*^As
Bill
Sees
It^*~*
Giving Without Demand
Watch any A.A. of six months working with a Twelfth
Step prospect. If the newcomer says, "To the devil with you," the
twelfth-stepper only smiles and finds another alcoholic to help. He doesn't feel
frustrated or rejected. If his next drunk responds, and in turn starts to give
love and attention to other sufferers, yet gives none back to him, the sponsor
is happy about it anyway. He still doesn't feel rejected; instead he rejoices
that his former prospect is sober and happy. And he well knows that his own
life has been made richer, as an extra dividend of giving to another without any
demand for a return.
GRAPEVINE, JANUARY 1958
Copyright 1967
Alcoholics
Anonymous World Services, Inc.
*~*^Big
Book
Quote^*~*
"Try to remember that though
God has wrought miracles among us, we should never belittle a good doctor or
psychiatrist. Their services are often indispensable in treating a newcomer
and in following his case afterward."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition
The Family Afterward, pg.
133
*^Twenty
Four
Hours A
Day^*
A.A. Thought for the Day
We also strengthen our faith
by working with other alcoholics and finding that we can do nothing ourselves to
help them, except to tell them our own story of how we found the way out. If the
other person is helped, it's by the grace of God and not by what we do or say.
Our own faith is strengthened when we see another alcoholic find sobriety by
turning to God. And finally we strengthen our faith by having quiet times every
morning. Do I ask God in this quiet time for the strength to stay sober this
day?
Meditation for the Day
My five senses are my means of communication
with the material world. They are the links between my physical life and the
material manifestations around me. But I must sever all connections with the
material world when I wish to hold communion with the Great Spirit of the
universe. I have to hush my mind and bid all my senses be still, before I can
become attuned to receive the music of the heavenly spheres.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may get my spirit in tune with
the Spirit of the universe. I pray that through faith and communion with Him I
may receive the strength I need.
Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN
55012