Archive for the ‘Anonymous World’ tag
Daily Reflections
*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
THE VICTORY OF SURRENDER
We perceive that only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength. Our admissions of personal powerlessness finally turn out to be firm bedrock upon which happy and purposeful lives may be built.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21
When alcohol influenced every facet of my life, when bottles became the symbol of all my self-indulgence and permissiveness, when I came to realize that, by myself, I could do nothing to overcome the power of alcohol, I realized I had no recourse except surrender. In surrender I found victory -- victory over my selfish self-indulgence, victory over my stubborn resistance to life as it was given to me. When I stopped fighting anybody or anything, I started on the path to sobriety, serenity and peace.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
THE VICTORY OF SURRENDER
We perceive that only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength. Our admissions of personal powerlessness finally turn out to be firm bedrock upon which happy and purposeful lives may be built.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21
When alcohol influenced every facet of my life, when bottles became the symbol of all my self-indulgence and permissiveness, when I came to realize that, by myself, I could do nothing to overcome the power of alcohol, I realized I had no recourse except surrender. In surrender I found victory -- victory over my selfish self-indulgence, victory over my stubborn resistance to life as it was given to me. When I stopped fighting anybody or anything, I started on the path to sobriety, serenity and peace.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflections
*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
SUIT UP AND SHOW UP
In A.A. we aim not only for sobriety -- we try again to become citizens of the world that we rejected, and of the world that once rejected us. This is the ultimate demonstration toward which Twelfth Step work is the first but not the final step,
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 21
The old line says, "Suit up and show up." That action is so important that I like to think of it as my motto. I can choose each day to suit up and show up, or not. Showing up at meetings starts me toward feeling a part of that meeting, for then I can do what I say I'll do at meetings. I can talk with newcomers, and I can share my experience; that's what credibility, honesty, and courtesy really are. Suiting up and showing up are the concrete actions I take in my ongoing return to normal living.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
SUIT UP AND SHOW UP
In A.A. we aim not only for sobriety -- we try again to become citizens of the world that we rejected, and of the world that once rejected us. This is the ultimate demonstration toward which Twelfth Step work is the first but not the final step,
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 21
The old line says, "Suit up and show up." That action is so important that I like to think of it as my motto. I can choose each day to suit up and show up, or not. Showing up at meetings starts me toward feeling a part of that meeting, for then I can do what I say I'll do at meetings. I can talk with newcomers, and I can share my experience; that's what credibility, honesty, and courtesy really are. Suiting up and showing up are the concrete actions I take in my ongoing return to normal living.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
JFT December 8th - Calling A Defect A Defect
December 8
Sometimes our readiness to have our character defects removed depends on what we call them. If misnaming our defects makes them seem less ?defective,? we may be unable to see the damage they cause. And if they seem to be causing no harm, why would we ever ask our Higher Power to remove them from our lives?
Take ?people pleasing,? for example. Doesn?t really sound all that bad, does it? It just means we?re nice to people, right? Not quite. To put it bluntly, it means we?re dishonest and manipulative. We lie about our feelings, our beliefs, and our needs, trying to soothe others into compliance with our wishes.
Or perhaps we think we?re ?easygoing.? But does ?easygoing? mean we ignore our housework, avoid confrontations, and stay put in a comfortable rut? Then a better name for it would be ?laziness,? or ?procrastination,? or ?fear.?
Many of us have trouble identifying our character defects. If this is the case for us, we can talk with our sponsor or our NA friends. We clearly and honestly describe our behavior to them and ask for their help in identifying our defects. As time passes, we?ll become progressively better able to identify our own character defects, calling them by their true names.
Just for today: I will call my defects by their true names. If I have trouble doing this, I will ask my sponsor for help.
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Calling a defect a defect
?When we see how our defects exist in our lives and accept them, we can let go of them and get on with our new life.?
Basic Text, p. 35
????=????
Basic Text, p. 35
????=????
Sometimes our readiness to have our character defects removed depends on what we call them. If misnaming our defects makes them seem less ?defective,? we may be unable to see the damage they cause. And if they seem to be causing no harm, why would we ever ask our Higher Power to remove them from our lives?
Take ?people pleasing,? for example. Doesn?t really sound all that bad, does it? It just means we?re nice to people, right? Not quite. To put it bluntly, it means we?re dishonest and manipulative. We lie about our feelings, our beliefs, and our needs, trying to soothe others into compliance with our wishes.
Or perhaps we think we?re ?easygoing.? But does ?easygoing? mean we ignore our housework, avoid confrontations, and stay put in a comfortable rut? Then a better name for it would be ?laziness,? or ?procrastination,? or ?fear.?
Many of us have trouble identifying our character defects. If this is the case for us, we can talk with our sponsor or our NA friends. We clearly and honestly describe our behavior to them and ask for their help in identifying our defects. As time passes, we?ll become progressively better able to identify our own character defects, calling them by their true names.
????=????
Just for today: I will call my defects by their true names. If I have trouble doing this, I will ask my sponsor for help.
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
JFT–26 Nov 08–Responsibility
Responsibility
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"A lot happens in one day, both negative and positive. If we do not take the time to appreciate both, perhaps we will miss something that will help us grow."
IP No. 8, "Just For Today"
Responsibility, responsibility - the responsibilities of life are everywhere. We're "supposed to" wear seat belts. We're "supposed to "clean our homes. We're "supposed to" do certain things for our spouse, our children, the people we sponsor. On top of all of this we're "supposed to" go to meetings and practice our program as best we can. It's no wonder that, sometimes, we want to run from all these tasks and escape to some far-off island where we're not "supposed to" do anything.
At times like these, when we become overwhelmed with our responsibilities, we have forgotten that responsibility need not be burdensome. When we have the desire to run away from our responsibilities we need to slow down, remember why we have chosen them, and pay attention to the gifts they bring. Whether it's a job we normally find challenging and interesting, or a partner whose personality we are usually excited by, or a child whom we naturally like to play with and care for, there is joy to be found in all the responsibilities of our lives.
Just for today:
Each moment is special. I will pay attention, grateful for my responsibilities and the special joys they bring.
Page 344
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
:bday8
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"A lot happens in one day, both negative and positive. If we do not take the time to appreciate both, perhaps we will miss something that will help us grow."
IP No. 8, "Just For Today"
Responsibility, responsibility - the responsibilities of life are everywhere. We're "supposed to" wear seat belts. We're "supposed to "clean our homes. We're "supposed to" do certain things for our spouse, our children, the people we sponsor. On top of all of this we're "supposed to" go to meetings and practice our program as best we can. It's no wonder that, sometimes, we want to run from all these tasks and escape to some far-off island where we're not "supposed to" do anything.
At times like these, when we become overwhelmed with our responsibilities, we have forgotten that responsibility need not be burdensome. When we have the desire to run away from our responsibilities we need to slow down, remember why we have chosen them, and pay attention to the gifts they bring. Whether it's a job we normally find challenging and interesting, or a partner whose personality we are usually excited by, or a child whom we naturally like to play with and care for, there is joy to be found in all the responsibilities of our lives.
Just for today:
Each moment is special. I will pay attention, grateful for my responsibilities and the special joys they bring.
Page 344
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
:bday8
JFT–14 Nov–Not Perfect
Not Perfect
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We are not going to be perfect. If we were perfect, we would not be human."
Basic Text, page 30
All of us had expectations about life in recovery. Some of us thought recovery would suddenly make us employable or able to do anything in the world we wanted to do. Or maybe we imagined perfect ease in our interactions with others. When we stop and think, we realize that we expected recovery would make us perfect. We didn't expect to continue making many mistakes. But we do. That's not the addict side of us showing through; that's being human.
In Narcotics Anonymous we strive for recovery, not perfection. The only promise we are given is freedom from active addiction. Perfection is not an attainable state for human beings; it's not a realistic goal. What we often seek in perfection is freedom from the discomfort of making mistakes. In return for that freedom from discomfort, we trade our curiosity, our flexibility, and the room to grow.
We can consider the trade: Do we want to live the rest of our lives in our well-defined little world, safe but perhaps stifled? Or do we wish to venture out into the unknown, take a risk, and reach for everything life has to offer?
Just for today:
I want all that life has to offer me and all that recovery can provide. Today, I will take a risk, try something new, and grow.
Page 331 :WE1Relaxing2:
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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"We are not going to be perfect. If we were perfect, we would not be human."
Basic Text, page 30
All of us had expectations about life in recovery. Some of us thought recovery would suddenly make us employable or able to do anything in the world we wanted to do. Or maybe we imagined perfect ease in our interactions with others. When we stop and think, we realize that we expected recovery would make us perfect. We didn't expect to continue making many mistakes. But we do. That's not the addict side of us showing through; that's being human.
In Narcotics Anonymous we strive for recovery, not perfection. The only promise we are given is freedom from active addiction. Perfection is not an attainable state for human beings; it's not a realistic goal. What we often seek in perfection is freedom from the discomfort of making mistakes. In return for that freedom from discomfort, we trade our curiosity, our flexibility, and the room to grow.
We can consider the trade: Do we want to live the rest of our lives in our well-defined little world, safe but perhaps stifled? Or do we wish to venture out into the unknown, take a risk, and reach for everything life has to offer?
Just for today:
I want all that life has to offer me and all that recovery can provide. Today, I will take a risk, try something new, and grow.
Page 331 :WE1Relaxing2:
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
JFT–Fear or Faith–11/10/08
Fear Or Faith?
"No matter how far we ran, we always carried fear with us."
Basic Text, page 14
For many of us, fear was a constant factor in our lives before we came to Narcotics Anonymous. We used because we were afraid to feel emotional or physical pain. Our fear of people and situations gave us a convenient excuse to use drugs. A few of us were so afraid of everything that we were unable even to leave our homes without using first.
As we stay clean, we replace our fear with a belief in the fellowship, the steps, and a Higher Power. As this belief grows, our faith in the miracle of recovery begins to color all aspects of our lives. We start to see ourselves differently. We realize we are spiritual beings, and we strive to live by spiritual principles.
The application of spiritual principles helps eliminate fear from our lives. By refraining from treating other people in harmful or unlawful ways, we find we needn't fear how we will be treated in return. As we practice love, compassion, understanding, and patience in our relationships with others, we are treated in turn with respect and consideration. We realize these positive changes result from allowing our Higher Power to work through us. We come to believe - not to think, but to believe - that our Higher Power wants only the best for us. No matter what the circumstances, we find we can walk in faith instead of fear.
Just for today:
I no longer need to run in fear, but can walk in faith that my Higher Power has only the best in store for me.
Page 328
:ghug
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
"No matter how far we ran, we always carried fear with us."
Basic Text, page 14
For many of us, fear was a constant factor in our lives before we came to Narcotics Anonymous. We used because we were afraid to feel emotional or physical pain. Our fear of people and situations gave us a convenient excuse to use drugs. A few of us were so afraid of everything that we were unable even to leave our homes without using first.
As we stay clean, we replace our fear with a belief in the fellowship, the steps, and a Higher Power. As this belief grows, our faith in the miracle of recovery begins to color all aspects of our lives. We start to see ourselves differently. We realize we are spiritual beings, and we strive to live by spiritual principles.
The application of spiritual principles helps eliminate fear from our lives. By refraining from treating other people in harmful or unlawful ways, we find we needn't fear how we will be treated in return. As we practice love, compassion, understanding, and patience in our relationships with others, we are treated in turn with respect and consideration. We realize these positive changes result from allowing our Higher Power to work through us. We come to believe - not to think, but to believe - that our Higher Power wants only the best for us. No matter what the circumstances, we find we can walk in faith instead of fear.
Just for today:
I no longer need to run in fear, but can walk in faith that my Higher Power has only the best in store for me.
Page 328
:ghug
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
JFT–11/8/08–Freed from Insanity
Freed From Insanity
"Do I believe it would be insane to walk up to someone and say, "May I please have a heart attack or a fatal accident."
Basic Text, page 23
We've heard it said that unless we're in love, we can't remember what love feels like. The same could be said of insanity: Once we're freed of it, we may forget how truly bizarre our insane thinking can be. But to be grateful for the degree of sanity to which we've been restored in Narcotics Anonymous, we need to remember just how truly insane we've been.
Today, it may be bard to imagine saying something as ridiculous as, "May I please have a heart attack or a fatal accident?" No one in their right mind is going to ask for such things. And that's the point. In our active addiction, we were not in our right mind. Each day we practiced our addiction, we courted fatal disease, degradation, exploitation, impoverishment, imprisonment, death by violence, even death by sheer stupidity. In that context, the idea of asking for a heart attack or a fatal accident doesn't sound all that far out. That's how insane we've been.
The program, the fellowship, and our Higher power-together, they've worked a miracle. The Second Step is not a vain hope - it is reality. Knowing the degree of the insanity we've experienced, we can appreciate all the more the miraculous Power that has restored us thus far to sanity. For that, we are truly grateful.
Just for today:
I will take some time to recall how insane I've been while practicing my addiction. Then, I will thank my Higher Power for the sanity that's been restored to my life.
Page 326 :praying
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
"Do I believe it would be insane to walk up to someone and say, "May I please have a heart attack or a fatal accident."
Basic Text, page 23
We've heard it said that unless we're in love, we can't remember what love feels like. The same could be said of insanity: Once we're freed of it, we may forget how truly bizarre our insane thinking can be. But to be grateful for the degree of sanity to which we've been restored in Narcotics Anonymous, we need to remember just how truly insane we've been.
Today, it may be bard to imagine saying something as ridiculous as, "May I please have a heart attack or a fatal accident?" No one in their right mind is going to ask for such things. And that's the point. In our active addiction, we were not in our right mind. Each day we practiced our addiction, we courted fatal disease, degradation, exploitation, impoverishment, imprisonment, death by violence, even death by sheer stupidity. In that context, the idea of asking for a heart attack or a fatal accident doesn't sound all that far out. That's how insane we've been.
The program, the fellowship, and our Higher power-together, they've worked a miracle. The Second Step is not a vain hope - it is reality. Knowing the degree of the insanity we've experienced, we can appreciate all the more the miraculous Power that has restored us thus far to sanity. For that, we are truly grateful.
Just for today:
I will take some time to recall how insane I've been while practicing my addiction. Then, I will thank my Higher Power for the sanity that's been restored to my life.
Page 326 :praying
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
JFT October 28: Attitudes
October 28
Attitudes
“We can also use the steps to improve our attitudes.”
Basic Text, p. 53
––––=––––
Ever have a day when everything seems to be working against you? Do you go through periods when you are so busy taking peopleÂ’s inventories you can barely stand yourself? What about when you find yourself snapping at your coworker or loved one for no reason? When we find ourselves in this bleak frame of mind, we need to take action.
At any point in the day, we can set aside a few moments and take a “spot inventory.” We examine how we are reacting to outside situations and other people. When we do, we may find that we are suffering from a plain old “bad attitude.” A negative outlook can hurt our relationship with our Higher Power and the people in our lives. When we are honest with ourselves, we frequently find that the problem lies with us and our attitude.
We have no control over the challenges life gives us. What we can control is how we react to those challenges. At any point in time, we can change our attitude. The only thing that really changes in Narcotics Anonymous is us. The Twelve Steps give us the tools to move out of the problem and into the solution.
––––=––––
Just for today: Throughout the day, I will check my attitude. I will apply the steps to improve it.
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Attitudes
“We can also use the steps to improve our attitudes.”
Basic Text, p. 53
––––=––––
Ever have a day when everything seems to be working against you? Do you go through periods when you are so busy taking peopleÂ’s inventories you can barely stand yourself? What about when you find yourself snapping at your coworker or loved one for no reason? When we find ourselves in this bleak frame of mind, we need to take action.
At any point in the day, we can set aside a few moments and take a “spot inventory.” We examine how we are reacting to outside situations and other people. When we do, we may find that we are suffering from a plain old “bad attitude.” A negative outlook can hurt our relationship with our Higher Power and the people in our lives. When we are honest with ourselves, we frequently find that the problem lies with us and our attitude.
We have no control over the challenges life gives us. What we can control is how we react to those challenges. At any point in time, we can change our attitude. The only thing that really changes in Narcotics Anonymous is us. The Twelve Steps give us the tools to move out of the problem and into the solution.
––––=––––
Just for today: Throughout the day, I will check my attitude. I will apply the steps to improve it.
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Right now!
Are you being kind to yourself right now? I thought this was great and wanted to share, good for anyone in recovery, no matter how much time you have.........
AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AAOnline.net)
October 23, 2008
Now is the Time
Now is the time, the only time there is.
And if we are not kind to ourselves right now, we certainly cannot expect
respect or consideration from others.
We have found we can enjoy, sober, every good thing we enjoyed while drinking
-- and many, many more.
It takes a little practice, but the rewards more than make up for the effort.
To do so is not selfish, but self-productive.
Unless we cherish our own recovery, we cannot survive to become
unselfish, ethical, and socially responsible people.
© 1998 AAWS, Living Sober, p. 42
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AAOnline.net)
October 23, 2008
Now is the Time
Now is the time, the only time there is.
And if we are not kind to ourselves right now, we certainly cannot expect
respect or consideration from others.
We have found we can enjoy, sober, every good thing we enjoyed while drinking
-- and many, many more.
It takes a little practice, but the rewards more than make up for the effort.
To do so is not selfish, but self-productive.
Unless we cherish our own recovery, we cannot survive to become
unselfish, ethical, and socially responsible people.
© 1998 AAWS, Living Sober, p. 42
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
JFT Oct 20 - Freedom To Choose
October 20
In our active addiction, many of us lived our lives by default. We were unwilling or unable to make choices about how we wanted to act, what we preferred to do, or even where we would live. We allowed the drugs or other people to make our most basic decisions for us. Freedom from active addiction means, among other things, the freedom to make those choices for ourselves.
Freedom of choice is a wonderful gift, but it’s also a great responsibility. Choice allows us to find out who we are and what we believe in. However, in exercising it, we’re called on to weigh our own choices and accept the consequences. This leads some of us to seek out someone who will make our choices for us—our sponsor, our home group, our NA friends—just as our disease made our choices for us when we were using. That’s not recovery.
Seeking othersÂ’ experience is one thing; abdicating personal responsibility is something else. If we donÂ’t use the gift of freedom weÂ’ve been given, if we refuse to accept the responsibilities that go along with it, weÂ’ll lose that gift and our lives will be diminished. We are responsible for our own recovery and our own choices. Difficult as it may seem, we must make those choices for ourselves and become willing to accept the consequences.
Just for today: I am grateful for the freedom to live as I choose. Today, I will accept responsibility for my recovery, make my own choices, and accept the consequences.
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Freedom to choose
“Enforced morality lacks the power that comes to us when we choose to live a spiritual life.”
Basic Text, p. 44
––––=––––
––––=––––
In our active addiction, many of us lived our lives by default. We were unwilling or unable to make choices about how we wanted to act, what we preferred to do, or even where we would live. We allowed the drugs or other people to make our most basic decisions for us. Freedom from active addiction means, among other things, the freedom to make those choices for ourselves.
Freedom of choice is a wonderful gift, but it’s also a great responsibility. Choice allows us to find out who we are and what we believe in. However, in exercising it, we’re called on to weigh our own choices and accept the consequences. This leads some of us to seek out someone who will make our choices for us—our sponsor, our home group, our NA friends—just as our disease made our choices for us when we were using. That’s not recovery.
Seeking othersÂ’ experience is one thing; abdicating personal responsibility is something else. If we donÂ’t use the gift of freedom weÂ’ve been given, if we refuse to accept the responsibilities that go along with it, weÂ’ll lose that gift and our lives will be diminished. We are responsible for our own recovery and our own choices. Difficult as it may seem, we must make those choices for ourselves and become willing to accept the consequences.
––––=––––
Just for today: I am grateful for the freedom to live as I choose. Today, I will accept responsibility for my recovery, make my own choices, and accept the consequences.
Copyright © 1991-2008 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
