5/14/12 "A Step Poem" ~12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit

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May 14, 2012, 7:39:47 AM5/14/12
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Tradition 13

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What do you believe is your responsibility to the fellowship as a whole ?
What do you believe is the fellowship's responsibility to the newcomer ?

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

to share please visit
or email

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

May 14
I have all the power I need today
to say no to negative choices.
The personal choices I make today are positive and healthy.
I take responsibility for my life today.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy" 
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
for inspirational messages email
ru...@ruthfishel.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Step Poem

I took Step One, began to moan
I can't do this one on my own.
I took Step Two, began to pray
Restore me God, please now, today.
I took Step Three, gave up my will
maybe God could love me still.
I took a Fourth, I looked inside
Nothing more would I hide.
And on the Fifth, I said aloud
I've done some wrong, and I'm not proud.
I took Step Six, and got prepared
To lose the defects, I was scared.
Now I'm at Seven, take them away
My God, for this I do pray.
And on Eight, the list was long
Amends to make for all the wrongs.
I took Step Nine, put down my pride
Amends made, I will not hide.
Step Ten I take, each day I pray
I make amends along the way.
And on Eleven I pray to know
Each day His Will, which way to go.
I take Step Twelve, I'm like a bird
To others now, I spread the word....

Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUn...@gmail.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


No Greater Love

If You Can

One of the oldest depression sites on the Web.

This is a memorial site for a young writer who died from
a cocaine-induced cardiac arrhythmia at the age of 29.
You can read book excerpts, hear songs by a friend,
and sign up to get a free copy of his novel here:
http://www.jacobwaletzky.com/

WiseHearts Love and Friendship Center
http://www.wisehearts.com/lfc.htm

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World

intheooms.com- IN THE ROOMS (ITR), is the premier FREE online social network dedicated to the global recovery community for people seeking help, in recovery and their family, friends and allies of recovery worldwide.  Our mission is to augment or enhance traditional 12 step and other recovery programs by offering a place to not only find like minded people but also people who share the same interests, passions and hobbies. Our mantra is the acronym HITCH which is the Help, Inform, Touch, Connect and Heal. 

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes 
http://www.ruthfishel.com/Books_and_CDs.html
for inspirational messages email
ru...@ruthfishel.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
May 14                                          Oops!

"Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting
different results." Basic Text, p. 23

Mistakes! We all know how it feels to make them. Many of us
feel that our entire lives have been a mistake. We often regard
our mistakes with shame or guilt—at the very least, with
frustration and impatience. We tend to see mistakes as evidence
that we are still sick, crazy, stupid, or too damaged to recover.

In truth, mistakes are a very vital and important part of being
human. For particularly stubborn people (such as addicts), mistakes
are often our best teachers. There is no shame in making mistakes.
In fact, making new mistakes often shows our willingness to take
risks and grow.

It's helpful, though, if we learn from our mistakes; repeating the
same ones may be a sign that we're stuck. And expecting different
results from the same old mistakes—well, that's what we call "insanity!'
It just doesn't work.

Just for today: Mistakes aren't tragedies. But please,
Higher Power, help me learn from them!  pg. 140

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUn...@gmail.com
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation

Touchtones (Men) Meditation

Meditation of the Day

Viking Thought of the Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day

Daily Zen

Grapevine Story Today

Daily Motivator

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Cleaning House

Somehow, being alone with God doesn't seem as embarrassing as 
facing up to another person.  Until we actually sit down and talk aloud 
about what we have so long hidden, our willingness to clean house 
is still largely theoretical.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  60

It wasn't unusual for me to talk to God, and myself, about my character
defects.  But to sit down, face to face, and openly discuss these
intimacies with another person was much more difficult.  I recognized 
in the experience, however, a similar relief to the one I had 
experienced when I first admitted I was an alcoholic.  I began to 
appreciate the spiritual significance of the program and that this Step 
was just an introduction to what was yet to come in the remaining 
seven Steps.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ May 14th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Having gotten over drinking, we have only just begun to
enjoy the benefits of A.A. We find new friends, so that
we are no longer lonely. We find new relationships with
our families, so that we are happy at home. We find release
from our troubles and worries through a new way of looking
at things. We find an outlet for our energies in helping
other people. Am I enjoying these benefits of A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

The kingdom of heaven is within you. God sees, as no one can
see, what is within you. He sees you growing more and more
like Himself. That is your reason for existence, to grow more
and more like God, to develop more and more the spirit of
God within you. You can often see in others those qualities
and aspirations that you yourself possess. So also can God
recognize His own spirit in you. Your motives and aspirations
can only be understood by those who have attained the same
spiritual level as you have.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not expect complete understanding from
others. I pray that I may only expect this from God, as I
try to grow more like Him.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
MAY 14

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Honesty

   Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the 
exact nature of our wrongs.
   --Step Five of Al-Anon

Talking openly and honestly to another person about ourselves, 
in an attitude that reflects self responsibility, is critical to recovery.

It's important to admit what we have done wrong to others and to 
ourselves. Verbalize our beliefs and our behaviors. Get our 
resentments and fears out in the open.

That's how we release our pain. That's how we release old beliefs 
and feelings. That's how we are set free. The more clear and specific 
we can be with our Higher Power, ourselves, and another person, 
the more quickly we will experience that freedom.

Step Five is an important part of the recovery process. For those of 
us who have learned to keep secrets from others, and ourselves it 
is not just a step - it is a leap toward becoming healthy.

Today I will remember that it's okay to talk about the issues that 
bother me. It is by sharing my issues that I will grow beyond them. 
I will also remember that it's okay to be selective about those in 
whom I confide. I can trust my instincts and choose someone who 
will not use my disclosures against me, and who will give me 
healthy feedback.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written 
permission of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Strong and Sensitive
http://www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/05/doreen-virtue.htm

The Tao of Prayer, by Alan Cohen
http://www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/April/0497-12.html

G.O.D.
by Jacques Weisel
http://www.innerself.com/Spirituality/G_O_D_by_Jacques_Weisel.htm


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Belief - Fact and Faith
by B.W. Holmes

When people fantasize about a perfect life, they usually envision great personal wealth; which frees them from the necessity of going to work each day, and worrying about apportioning out their income in order to pay the bills. It allows them to acquire the things they desire; perhaps even staff to take care of the mundane cooking and cleaning. They dream of having all the things that money can buy. The parts of the fantasy add up to what they truly desire: freedom from the stress of competition, where they no longer have to struggle to get ahead in life, but simply enjoy it.-?

When people fantasize about a perfect existence, such as the type promised by religions, they envision a state of bliss. Existence free from all stress and competition, unhampered by the pressures of the material world. For some it is a natural setting without the trappings of modern civilization: there are no expensive automobiles, yachts, or fancy clothes in this dream. Whether it is the vision of substance held by the Western religions, or the release from the physical realm desired by other beliefs, the result is the same: an end to the struggle that is part of life.

The two fantasies have the same fundamental goal, but the differences are significant. The first dream is constrained by reason: however unlikely, it is seen as a logical possibility. The second dream is spiritual imagery, and does not require an empirical connection to reality. One is only what people can hope for, the other is beyond what they feel is realistic to desire. The important point is that when people imagine perfection that is unrestricted by the physical world, materialism and competitiveness disappear.

There are two aspects to the way we perceive the world. There is that which is connected to the physical: things and concepts we can see, and verify logically. There is the spiritual: concepts of the mind which are abstract, without tangible substance, and frequently difficult or impossible to establish empirically. The two perceptions are often categorized as being based on either fact, or belief. The physical world is defined rationally, with substantive data to prove something, or sufficient related evidence to reason toward a conclusion. A mental perception of the world might not have adequate proof to define something as fact, and is therefore belief or theory.

Mankind?s mental ability to reason abstractly is responsible for that which separates our species from the others on this planet. To move beyond the obvious requires a spiritual nature; and much of our technology is built upon this ability to believe something, without having any hard evidence to support it. Most of our advanced scientific knowledge began with concepts that were not provable at the time: the notion of the atom was theorized by the Greeks thousands of years ago; and even today, the theory of Quantum Physics is not supported by any physical evidence. Complex scientific ideas often begin as mental explanations for observable phenomenon. Rules are created to account for events, and if the rules consistently work over a sufficient period of time, we consider them to be true.

Our ability to learn of the remarkable properties of the physical world is dependent upon our mental powers; and the conclusions we reach are subject to our perceptions, and a finite amount of knowledge: therefore, even what we see as the truest of "facts", may actually be false.

Every old belief, that we now find amusing, was at one time the product of the greatest minds and most advanced scientific techniques in existence. The situation today is no different. For example: we believe there are subatomic particles, and we build machines to verify that this is so. Each machine that does not give us the result we desire is discarded, because it obviously doesn?t work, and we continue to change them until we make one that proves our theory. If any subsequent machines disagree with our belief, we consider them to be flawed, because we only have faith in the one that provides us with the "correct" answer; yet logically, the only thing that makes this particular machine "right", and all of the others "wrong", is the fact that it validates our belief.-?

This is an oversimplification of the concept, but the fact remains that much of our knowledge is based upon circular arguments: "our theory correctly explains the phenomenon, and the phenomenon occurs because our theory is correct". As history has demonstrated, mankind will blindly cling to a belief until the evidence against it becomes overwhelming.

Fundamentally, there is only one principle that is unquestionable: you exist as a consciousness at this moment, because you are aware of your existence at this moment; all else, including a memory of a past prior to this instant, could be an illusion created by your awareness. Obviously, you cannot go through life accepting that this is the only truth, and nothing else is as it seems; our faith in the existence of the corporeal world allows us to function within it.-?

This does mean, however, that everything beyond this unquestionable truth is by definition, only a belief; because you cannot prove otherwise. This is not to say that we should be skeptical of everything, but we must be prepared to question the "truest" of claims, and not simply accept them because they are commonly held to be infallible.

If everything aside from our own self-awareness is a belief, how does one determine between a logical belief, and one that is irrational? One must apply reason to all principles. Some may say that this is apparent: but in practice, such is definitely not the case. The most obvious example is organized religion: the thousands of different versions, each claiming to be the one true system, are all basing this conclusion on blind faith. The members believe that their particular sect is true, yet there is no sound justification for this: aside from the common principles of moral behavior shared by all religions, the differences in doctrine are based on the unsubstantiated claims of individuals.

Religion may be the most easily recognized demonstration of belief without reasoning, but blind faith exists in many forms. The people who believe that capital punishment deters crime, in spite of the fact it has been proven beyond doubt that it does not; those who insist that the Earth has infinite resources, contrary to simple logic; and groups that insist that Caucasians are superior to other races, while "begging the question": not only rely on blind faith, but actually believe in things that are patently false. They do this because these beliefs are the cornerstones to the more complex ideals that they have built their lives upon; and to lose the myths that support their illusion of reality, is to lose their self-structure. The fear of such an event will not allow them to risk having reason affect their convictions.

Blind faith has always been a major part of human society. The vast majority of people lack the resources and inclination to establish that what they know is actually true: we accept what we are told by experts, and live by the assumption that these individuals have proof of the soundness of their conclusions. This system works reasonably well, and common knowledge has been right more often than wrong. The drawback to trusting those who disseminate information is that it can lead to the widespread acceptance of something that is untrue. Aside from the chance of error, there is also the practice of intentionally promoting a false ideal. The persons who control society see the majority of people as simple sheep, who can be herded in a desired direction. Due to this conformity, beliefs are cultivated that control and manipulate society, often because leaders feel that the public cannot cope with the truth. You can be certain that a significant portion of your knowledge falls within this category.

Using deceit to guide society in a way that is perceived to be in its best interests can effectively maintain compliance and conformity, but there are two major problems with this. Although most people are incapable of dealing with the complexities of the technological and moral issues that govern modern society, a great many of them could, if given the opportunity. We are told what to believe, and how to behave, from birth. A minority of people are able to subvert this pattern of conditioning and become the independent thinkers, many of whom develop into the controllers of society. We then have a relatively small number of individuals who are attempting to solve the world?s problems. Others, who need more information in order to "break from the herd", could expand the total number of minds being applied toward understanding the universe, and how we fit within it.

The reason accurate knowledge is not readily going to be made available to the masses is due to the second problem with our control system. Whereas many leaders truly have mankind?s best interests at heart, a great many others use their power for entirely self-serving purposes, and can be a destructive force within society; it is not in their best interests to encourage free thought. These self-centered individuals may be reasonably intelligent, but they are narrowly focused on power and material gain, and accomplish these goals through utilizing the blindly obedient nature of the majority. Opportunistic leaders of this kind are actually casualties of the very system they now control, and have had the artificial ideal, that material pursuits are the meaning of life, instilled into them by their predecessors.-?

Such people are as much victims of conditioning as the bulk of humanity, and blindly strive for more power and money without ever completing their quest; continuing to compete, even after accumulating great authority and wealth. The truth of the matter is that, for most of these people, materialism cannot satisfy their deepest desire for freedom, and they simply continue along the same path. Even after gaining billions of dollars, they feel unfulfilled, and have no idea of what else to do; so they desperately follow the same narrow vision, until death finally brings them peace.

Continuing to accept the manipulation of the general population may not seem to be a negative thing; after all, most people would rather live as sheep, without the obligations that come with independent thought. There will always be those who simply exist: they become aware, live as they have been trained to do, and then die; all without any comprehension of anything beyond their own day-to-day concerns, and with little or no positive impact upon the world.

The problem with the status quo, is that the system is not working. We have advanced to the point where we are capable of providing enough food to maintain the well-being of everyone on Earth; medical technology can cure a seemingly endless number of ailments and extend the human life span; industrialization has provided the means to shelter all people and give them a level of self-sufficiency: yet only fifteen to twenty percent of mankind sees any substantial benefit from our scientific prowess. The vast majority of people suffer as they have for thousands of years. Our inventiveness has not eliminated war, nor reduced violent crime: it has only given us more efficient tools for killing one another. Our population continues to increase, while we progressively strip the planet of resources and other life forms. Leaving mankind?s destiny in the hands of the few is not only failing to improve the lot of the majority: it is gradually leading all of us toward a crisis of epic proportions.

There are no quick solutions to the problems facing humanity, but there is a way to begin moving in the right direction. It does not demand revolution, or drastic upheaval; nor does it even require organization. All that is needed is for individuals to begin to sort out their lives, and realize what is truly important to them. If people concentrate on eliminating the obstacles that prevent them from reaching inner peace, through acquiring understanding: the larger problems will take care of themselves. Just as all things are components of the whole; the difficulties of each individual are the components of our global dilemma. To understand, and appreciate, what is meaningful in life -- and to see the artificial conditioned ideals for what they are -- not only frees you from the stress and competition in your life: it will eventually lead to a better life for all of humanity.

B.W. Holmes is a student of the social sciences. The author states: "I resist revealing my gender, race, age, or any other information that may subconsciously bias a person's opinion of the text. Whether we like it or not, humans are conditioned by society to perceive others in certain roles; and I prefer to remain as neutral as possible." This article "Belief - Fact and Faith" is part 15 of an online collection of connected essays called "Reasoned Spirituality" on the author's website http://www.reasoned.org. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Unconditional Love

Love is not a part of us. We are a part of it. When we own the Love within,
what we are actually doing is offering ourselves in service to the Oneness,
to something larger than ourselves.

Love (Unconditional Love) as such is not something we offer to others or
ourselves. It is more like a wonderful current of Divinity we align with and
let go. It is only with aligning and surrendering that we offer ourselves.
Aligning and surrendering are not the easiest things to do. When choosing to
do so we face fear of the unknown. Many of us are at a point beyond where we
have ever been before. Love is such a vast energy. It is not possible to
fully understand or predict it. Love is such a powerful energy. What if it
swallows us up? You may have memories of opening to love before and getting
hurt.

We are at many states of love and loving. It can be one of the most painful
of experiences and yet the most joyful. As we progress spiritually and
integrates parts of ourselves that need loving, we move into a deeper
experience/expression of Love. Love has many "levels" of experience. What
this means is that our understanding of love changes as we grow. Then the
longing to be in, Love, our natural state of grace and flow, becomes so
intense, so deeply felt, that it "overwhelms" our fear of it and we let go.

It is like a magnetic pull. Except that we have to be close (open) enough to
know it is available and to feel the pull. This is not possible for most
people until they have done the inner work of self loving. This includes but
is not limited to: gratitude, forgiveness, seeing the mirrors, letting go of
self judgment, etc. We do not have to be "perfect" to feel and align with
the current of Love. There comes a point when enough work has been done that
we can choose to surrender or not. Sometimes we may not feel ready and we
choose to release more fear first. This is why the fear can become more
intense the closer we get to the Love experience.

Think of letting go of fear as enabling you to get lighter and lighter so
you can more easily let yourself be carried. Love is not the answer, nor the
end of doing your inner work. Love is the expression of Source which is
infinitely light.

We leave you now with the image that each of you is a very beautiful kite of
light, soaring on the current of Love. You are a most breathtaking sight as
you allow yourself to be carried. Joy and Love abound beyond measure. As
with actual kite flying, the hardest part is getting off the ground. But it
is well worth it.

Linda White Dove 6/2000

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the
lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer,
or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have
problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we
know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like the lettuce.
Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using
reason and arguments.

That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just
understanding.

Thich Nhat Hahn

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Letting Go of Those Not in Recovery

We can go forward with our life
and recoveries, even though someone
we love is not yet recovering.

Picture a bridge.
On one side of the bridge it is cold and dark.
We stood there with others in the cold
and darkness, doubled over in pain.
Some of us developed an eating disorder
to cope with the pain.
Some drank; some use other drugs.
Some of us lost control of our sexual behavior.
Some of us obsessively focused on addicted people's
pain to distract us from our own pain.
Many of us did both: we developed an addictive behavior,
and distracted ourselves
by focusing on other addicted people.
We did not know there was a bridge.
We thought we were trapped on a cliff.

Then, some of us go lucky.
Our eyes opened, by the Grace of God,
because it was the time.
We saw the bridge.
People told what was on the other side:
warmth, light, and healing from our pain.
We could barely glimpse or imagine this,
but we decided to start the trek
across the bridge anyway.

We tried to convince the people around us
on the cliff that there was a bridge to a better place,
but they wouldn't listen.
They couldn't see it; they couldn't believe.
They were not ready for the journey.
We decided to go alone, because we believed,
and because people on the other side were cheering us onward.
The closer we got to the other side,
the more we could see, and feel, that what we had
been promised was real.
There was light, warmth, healing, and love.
The other side a better place.

But now, there is a bridge between us
and those on the other side.
Sometimes, we may be tempted to go back
and drag them over with us,
but it cannot be done.
No one can be dragged or forced
across this bridge.
Each person must go at his or her own choice,
when the time is right.
Some will come; some will stay on the other side.
The choice is not ours.

We can love them. We can wave to them.
We can holler back and forth.
We can cheer them on,
as others have cheered and encouraged us.
But we cannot make them come over with us.

If time has come to cross the bridge,
or if we have already crossed and
are standing in the light and warmth,
we do not have to feel guilty.
It is where we are meant to be.
We do not have to go back to the dark cliff
because another's time has not yet come.

The best thing we can do is stay in the light,
because it reassures others
that there is a better place.
And if others ever do decide to cross the bridge,
we will be there to cheer them on.

Today, I will move forward with my life, despite what others
are doing or not doing. I will know it is my right to cross the
bridge to a better life, even if I must leave others behind
to do that. I will not feel guilty, I will not feel ashamed.
I know that where I am now is a better place
and where I'm meant to be. -

Melody Beattie-
From "The Language of Letting Go" ©

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How We Feel

We lived for so many years,
In a life full or sorrow and tears.

We feel ashamed and full of self doubt,
And we wonder what it's really about.

The abuse went well beyond the dope,
It seemed that there really was no hope.

The painful memories are still on our mind,
hoping there's a solution we'll be able to find.

Changes are not always easy to make,
Some chances are what we need to take.

Once we've been around for a while,
Life gets better and we start to smile.

We won't ever forget where we've been,
The many things we did again and again.

All we can do is learn from our mistakes,
Facing our feelings no matter what it takes.

Surround ourselves with people who care,
Have someone special in our life to share.

The experience and knowledge we get,
Tell us recovery is a pretty safe bet.

We only live once, so let's try to do it right,
Give thanks in the morning, noon and at night.

Chip K.
ClnC...@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/clnchip1/expressions.html
© 2000 8-29-00

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Bird

A bird lit on my open hand, cocked his head and stared
I felt alone until he came and stayed and sang and cared

My hand was open, this bird's body so light
He turned and preened, what a wondrous sight

He never stayed long, kept his visit brief
He stayed long enough to waken my grief

My longing for hope, for dreams, awakened
My need to be seen and seriously taken

My feelings were numbed from lack of soul-friends
I found one in him and the message he sends

From spiritual bereftitude loneliness stings
Leaves an ache for the brush of soft feather wings

My hand began to clench and fold
I wanted to consume him, not just to hold

I cared not for his need or desire to be free
His choked cries and struggles wouldn't move me

I needed to own him, that light calming touch
That made me feel as if I meant so much

But NO, I forced my hand flat, opened my hand
Let him flow free like a fist full of sand

I looked at my fear, my sadness, the need
My spirit so empty, needing to feed

I would take his breath as he struggled to flee
But instead saw my need to get down on my knee

And give up my hunger and aching of strife
And learn how to love, live the gift of my life

A lump in my throat, I swallow and nod
I know my true need is for the fullness of God

My soft, brief visitor lighter than air
Gave me an insight less common than rare

I open releasing us both to the light
Following God's lead wherever he might

I don't know where he takes me, this bird of my heart
I am grateful today though, I know how to start

to fly..............................

submitted by Sobe...@aol.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It doesn't matter what spiritual practice you do
as long as it takes you into your heart and
helps you connect with the Source of Love.
If it does that, then stay with it throughout
all the twists and turns of your life.
Hold to your practice.
It is your lifeline.
When storms come up unexpectedly, it keeps you afloat.
Ever so gradually, it brings you home.
Paul Ferrini

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Prayer
Dear God,
I ask of you today,
to take my hand and lead my way,
to give me sweet compassion,
in other peoples sorrow,
and make me better than I am
e’re comes tomorrow,
give me more understanding
when everything seems wrong,
and lead my feet, lest they would stray,
oh, hear me God, now as I pray.
B.B.Smith

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you are inspired
by some great purpose,
some extraordinary project,
all your thoughts break their bonds;
Your mind transcends limitations,
your consciousness expands
in every direction,
and you find yourself in a new,
great and wonderful world.
Dormant forces,
faculties and talents become alive,
and you discover yourself
to be a greater person by far
than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
Patanjali

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quiet as the morning dew,
The sunlight creeps into my room,
Waking me with loving thoughts,
For day is starting soon.
'Tis time to go within,
Into the garden of my soul,
To touch the inner springs of life
And know that I am whole.
'Tis time to hear the message
That in the silence speaks,
To feast on hidden manna
That my inner spirit seeks.
It is the time of silence,
The golden, sacred hour
Where Spirit speaks to Spirit's own
And there is touched with power.
Donna Miesbach

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I had a  relationship with drugs.
I couldn't relate to anything else.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You can hide in a relationship.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In addiction the drugs were my lover,
In recovery the romance is over.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You can't deny anyone their bottom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CLICK for FREE to Help people in Haiti

FREE Rice

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site

Track Your Impact in GIVING

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics

Al-Anon/Alateen 

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps

Clutterer’s Anonymous

Cocaine Anonymous World Services

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page

Crystal Meth Anonymous

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…

Depressed Anonymous

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program

Eating Disorders Anonymous

Emotions Anonymous 

Families Anonymous 

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page

Hepatitis C Anonymous

HIV Anonymous

The Marijuana Anonymous

Methadone Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage

Earth Group N.A. online meetings

Nar-Anon is a family support group

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page

Overeaters Anonymous

Parents Anonymous

Rape Survivors Anonymous

Recovering Couples Anonymous

Sexaholics Anonymous

Sex Addicts Anonymous

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

Shoplifters Anonymous

Spenders Anonymous 

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous

Workaholics Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone, with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within." We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by giving it away." 

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing. Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions, "What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to me you can email me at
YOUn...@gmail.com

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words are included: 

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or
YOUn...@gmail.com and write unsubscribe in the subject line or go to the website and unsubscribe


By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this. So far we reaching over 17,000 recovering people in 66 countries including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China , Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.

Even if your country is listed please email me, and let me know where you are from

Stay in the Light, 
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ cleandate 10/27/88
YOUn...@gmail.com
    

       ==  ==      "we are each of us angels 
  <^\()/\()/^>       with but one wing,  
      \/  \/  \/       and can only fly by 
       /  \/  \        embracing each other"
       `""``""`

Scott’s Daily Blog
http://intherooms.com/younmenhp
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