Thoughts For The Day~*~Amends ^*^*^ October 2
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Amends
"Somehow, being alone with God doesn't seem so 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. When we are honest with another person,
it confirms that we have been honest with ourselves and with God."
Twelve Steps and
Twelve Traditions, p. 60
Copyright 1952 by A.A.W.S. Inc.
Thought
to Consider . . .
It is the highest form of self-respect to admit
mistakes and to make amends for them.
*~*AACRONYMS*~*
H O W
Honest,
Open-minded and Willing
Hang Together Forever
From: "When A.A. Came of Age"
On Sunday morning – the last
day of the [1950 International] Convention – I found those Twelve Traditions
still on my mind. Each of them I saw is an exercise in humility that can guard
us in everyday A.A. affairs and protect us from ourselves. If A.A. were really
guided by the Twelve Traditions, we could not possibly be split apart by
politics, religion, money, or by any old-timers who might take a notion to be
big shots. With none of us throwing our weight around in public, nobody could
possibly exploit A.A. for personal advantage, that is sure. For the first time I
saw A.A.’s anonymity for what it really is. It isn't just something to save
us from alcoholic shame and stigma; its deeper purpose is actually to keep those
fool egos of ours from running hog wild after money and public fame at A.A.'s
expense. It really means personal and group sacrifice for the benefit of all A.A.
Right then I resolved to learn our Twelve Traditions by heart, just as I had
learned the Twelve Steps. If every A.A. did the same thing and really soaked up
these principles we drunks could hang together forever.
1985 AAWS, Inc.
Alcoholics
Anonymous Comes of Age, page 43
"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, keep in emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all conditions?
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 88
I know the Promises are being fulfilled in my life, but I want to maintain and develop them by the daily application of Step Ten. I have learned through this Step that if I am disturbed, there is something wrong with me. The other person may be wrong too, but I can only deal with my feelings. When I am hurt or upset, I have to continually look for the cause in me, and then I have to admit and correct my mistakes. It isn't easy, but as long as I know I am progressing spiritually, I know that I can mark my effort up as a job well done. I have found that pain is a friend; it lets me know there is something wrong with my emotions, just as a physical pain lets me know there is something wrong with my body. When I take the appropriate action through the Twelve Steps, the pain gradually goes away.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*
Recovery Through Giving
For a new prospect, outline the program of action, explaining how you made a self-appraisal, how you straightened out your past, and why you are now endeavoring to be helpful to him. It is important for him to realize that your attempt to pass this on to him plays a vital part in your own recovery. Actually, he may be helping you more than you are helping him. Make it plain that he is under no obligation to you.
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In the first six months of my own sobriety, I worked hard with many alcoholics. Not a one responded. Yet this work kept me sober. It wasn't a question of those alcoholics giving me anything. My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive.
1. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 94
2. GRAPEVINE, JANUARY 1958
*~*^Big Book Quote^*~*
"If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition
We Agnostics, pg. 44
*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*
A.A. Thought For The Day
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 a good impression. This is never effective. What does not come from the heart does not reach the heart? What comes from personal experience and a sincere desire to help the other person, reaches the heart. Do I speak for effect or with a deep desire to help?
Meditation For The Day
"Thy will be done" must be your oft-repeated prayer. And in the willing of God's will there should be gladness. You should delight to do that will because when you do, all your life goes right and everything tends to work out for you in the long run. When you are honestly trying to do God's will and humbly accepting the results, nothing can seriously hurt you. He who accepts the will of God in his life may not inherit the earth, but he will inherit real peace of mind.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may have a yielded will. I pray that my will be attuned to the will of God.
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