Daily Reflection Podcast
Michael L. & Lee M.
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The Daily Reflection Podcast delivers hope, and inspiration through interviews with members of the recovery community through the lens of the Daily Reflection book. Each day, we ask a person in recovery to read the Daily Reflection for the day, and share how this relates to their program of recovery. The result is that we learn through their experience how they manage to get and stay sober. We are not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous or any recovery program.
Available episodes
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Mar 18, 2023
March 9th - Surrendering Self-Will - Jean L. (Gramby, MA)
Unable to stay sober for many years, Jean shares a powerful story that includes multiple relapses, and a final surrender of self-will to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Surrendering Self-Will
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 34
No matter how much one wishes to try, exactly how can one turn his own will and his own life over to the care of whatever God he thinks there is? In my search for the answer to this question, I became aware of the wisdom with which it was written: that this is a two-part Step.
I could see many times where I should have died, or at least been injured, during my previous style of living, and it never happened. Someone, or something, was looking after me. I choose to believe my life has always been in God’s care. He alone controls the number of days I will be granted until physical death.
The matter of will (self-will or God’s will) is the more difficult part of the Step for me. It is only when I have experienced enough emotional pain, through failed attempts to fix myself, that I become willing to surrender to God’s will for my life. Surrender is like the calm after the storm. When my will is in line with God’s will for me, there is peace within.Support the show
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Feb 28, 2023
February 28th - What? No President? - Rich M. (Philadelphia, PA)
Rich speaks with authority about his experience with the service structure of A.A and also shares about the important ways even those with little time can get into service by helping to carry the message at meetings. During this interview Rich mentions SEPIA, which is the Southeastern Pennsylvania Intergroup Association of AA. There are approximately 757 Inter-Groups or Central Offices registered with A.A.’s General Service Office; 514 are located in the United States and Canada. If you're interested in getting into service as part of an Area Integroup, reach out at your home group and talk to your General Service Representative (GSR).
https://aa-intergroup.org/
WHAT? NO PRESIDENT?
When told that our Society has no president having authority to govern it, no treasurer who can compel the payment of any dues, . . . our friends gasp and exclaim, "This simply can't be. . . ."
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 132
When I finally made my way to A.A., I could not believe that there was no treasurer to "compel the payment of dues." I could not imagine an organization that didn't require monetary contributions in return for a service. It was my first and, thus far, only experience with getting "something for nothing." Because I did not feel used or conned by those in A.A., I was able to approach the program free from bias and with an open mind. They wanted nothing from me. What could I lose? I thank God for the wisdom of the early founders who knew so well the alcoholic's disdain for being manipulated.Support the show
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Feb 26, 2023
February 26th - No Ordinary Success Story - Tony F. (New York, NY)
Tony identifies as an atheist. His deep knowledge of the faith traditions and love for the program of recovery makes for an incredible discussion of today’s reflection… his is truly no ordinary success story.
NO ORDINARY SUCCESS STORY
A.A. is no success story in the ordinary sense of the word. It is a story of suffering transmuted, under grace, into spiritual progress.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 35
Upon entering A.A. I listened to others talk about the reality of their drinking: loneliness, terror and pain. As I listened further, I soon heard a description of a very different kind—the reality of sobriety. It is a reality of freedom and happiness, of purpose and direction, and of serenity and peace with God, ourselves and others. By attending meetings I am reintroduced to that reality, over and over. I see it in the eyes and hear it in the voices of those around me. By working the program I find the direction and strength with which to make it mine. The joy of A.A. is that this new reality is available to me.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Feb 2, 2023
February 2 - Rescued by Surrendering - Joe W. (Ashburn, VA)
Joe found the program but didn't get a sponsor. He thought he had it all figured out until he realized the only true victory is through surrender. He decided to take some suggestions like getting a sponsor, working the steps and today, he's lives a happy, joyous and free life.
RESCUED BY SURRENDERING
Characteristic of the so-called typical alcoholic is a narcissistic egocentric core, dominated by feelings of omnipotence, intent on maintaining at all costs its inner integrity. . . . Inwardly the alcoholic brooks no control from man or God He, the alcoholic, is and must be the master of his destiny. He will fight to the end to preserve that position.
A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 311
The great mystery is: "Why do some of us die alcoholic deaths, fighting to preserve the 'independence' of our ego, while others seem to sober up effortlessly in A.A.?" Help from a Higher Power, the gift of sobriety, came to me when an otherwise unexplained desire to stop drinking coincided with my willingness to accept the suggestions of the men and women of A.A. I had to surrender, for only by reaching out to God and my fellows could I be rescued.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*Support the Podcast:*
*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Jan 31, 2023
February 1 - Goal: Sanity - Yuchen C. (Phila., PA)
Yuchen was born and raised in China and immigrated to the United States when she was fourteen. She remembers having trouble with the language and feeling very different from her classmates. She solved the challenges of being different using drugs and alcohol and this only served to create more problems. At the age of nineteen, she ended up having to enter the psychiatric unit of a hospital where she first felt the realization that she needed to get sober. Today, she has a wonderful, full life as a medical student at one of the most prestigious universities on the planet and maintains a very full schedule in addition to being a vibrant member of the recovery community and helping other women to get what she's gotten. I'm so proud to know her and to have her on the show to share on the daily reflection for today.
GOAL: SANITY
". . . Step Two gently and very gradually began to infiltrate my life. I can't say upon what occasion or upon what day I came to believe in a Power greater than myself, but I certainly have that belief now."
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 27
"Came to believe!" I gave lip service to my belief when I felt like it or when I thought it would look good. I didn't really trust God. I didn't believe He cared for me. I kept trying to change things I couldn't change. Gradually, in disgust, I began to turn it all over, saying: "You're so omnipotent, you take care of it." He did. I began to receive answers to my deepest problems, sometimes at the most unusual times: driving to work, eating lunch, or when I was sound asleep. I realized that I hadn't thought of those solutions—a Power greater than myself had given them to me. I came to believe.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Jan 31, 2023
January 31 - Our Common Welfare Comes First - Ceci B. (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
Ceci joins us today to share on the concept of the group, the program and the fellowship coming before our own personal desires. She also shares a beautiful poem by Mary Oliver entitled "*Praying*"...
It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
OUR COMMON WELFARE COMES FIRST
The unity of Alcoholics Anonymous is the most cherished quality our Society has . . . We stay whole, or A. A. dies
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 129
Our Traditions are key elements in the ego deflation process necessary to achieve and maintain sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. The First Tradition reminds me not to take credit, or authority, for my recovery. Placing our common welfare first reminds me not to become a healer in this program; I am still one of the patients. Self-effacing elders built the ward. Without it, I doubt I would be alive. Without the group, few alcoholics would recover. The active role in renewed surrender of will enables me to step aside from the need to dominate, the desire for recognition, both of which played so great a part in my active alcoholism. Deferring my personal desires for the greater good of group growth contributes toward A.A. unity that is central to all recovery. It helps me to remember that the whole is greater than the sum of all its parts.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Jan 25, 2023
January 26 - Rigorous Honesty - Matthew H. (Reston, VA)
Matthew joins me today to share his experience on the concept of Rigorous Honesty. Like so many of us, he's got experience being dishonest and shares he shares his experience and what he's learned from recovery about becoming honest with himself and with others. A powerful message of how getting sober can help us live esteemable lives.
RIGOROUS HONESTY
Who wishes to be rigorously honest and tolerant? Who wants to confess his faults to another and make restitution for harm done? Who cares anything about a Higher Power, let alone meditation and prayer? Who wants to sacrifice time and energy in trying to carry A.A. 's message to the next sufferer? No, the average alcoholic, self-centered in the extreme, doesn't care for this prospect—unless he has to do these things in order to stay alive himself.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 24
I am an alcoholic. If I drink I will die. My, what power, energy, and emotion this simple statement generates in me! But it's really all I need to know for today. Am I willing to stay alive today? Am I willing to stay sober today? Am I willing to ask for help and am I willing to be a help to another suffering alcoholic today? Have I discovered the fatal nature of my situation? What must I do, today, to stay sober?Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*Support the Podcast:*
*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Jan 22, 2023
January 23 - Having Fun Yet? - Jessica C. (Leesburg, VA)
Lee returns with her good friend and a fellow in recovery, Jessica C. Jess got sober relatively young in life and shares her experience around that and around how the program has impacted her relationships with her family and everyone around her. She's got a great story and a great attitude. Jess is definitely not glum... she's learned how to have fun in sobriety.
HAVING FUN YET?
. . . we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 132
When my own house is in order, I find the different parts of my life are more manageable. Stripped from the guilt and remorse that cloaked my drinking years, I am free to assume my proper role in the universe, but this condition requires maintenance. I should stop and ask myself, Am I having fun yet? If I find answering that question difficult or painful, perhaps I'm taking myself too seriously—and finding it difficult to admit that I've strayed from my practice of working the program to keep my house in order. I think the pain I experience is one way my Higher Power has to get my attention, coaxing me to take stock of my performance. The slight time and effort it takes to work the program—a spot-check inventory, for example, or the making of amends, whatever is appropriate—are well worth the effort.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Jan 21, 2023
January 21 - Serving My Brother - Rick C. (Phila., PA)
Rick C. is a fixture in the Philadelphia recovery community. He helps so many people which is why today's reflection is so perfect. Today is Rick's sober anniversary and I want to wish him congratulations. He's helped me immensely in my recovery. I should mention that Rick keeps it real and uses language that may not be appropriate for younger audiences... and I love him for that.
SERVING MY BROTHER
The member talks to the newcomer not in a spirit of power but in a spirit of humility and weakness.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGE p. 279
As the days pass in A.A., I ask God to guide my thoughts and the words that I speak. In this labor of continuous participation in the Fellowship, I have numerous opportunities to speak. So I frequently ask God to help me watch over my thoughts and my words, that they may be the true and proper reflections of our program; to focus my aspirations once again to seek His guidance; to help me be truly kind and loving, helpful and healing, yet always filled with humility, and free from any trace of arrogance. Today I may very well have to deal with disagreeable attitudes or utterances—the typical stock-in-trade attitude of the still-suffering alcoholic. If this should happen, I will take a moment to center myself in God, so that I will be able to respond from a perspective of composure, strength and sensibility.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Jan 15, 2023
January 16 - Hitting Bottom - Douglas K., (Philadelphia, PA)
Douglas K. from Philadelphia joins us for January 16 - Hitting Bottom. Douglas had a moment of clarity at one point in the latter stages of his drinking wherein it became clear to him that everything that mattered to him in his life had to come after drinking. This is when he hit bottom and knew he needed help.
HITTING BOTTOM
Why all this insistence that every A.A. must hit bottom first? The answer is that few people will sincerely try to practice the A.A. program unless they have hit bottom. For practicing A. A.'s remaining eleven Steps means the adoption of attitudes and actions that almost no alcoholic who is still drinking can dream of taking.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 24
Hitting bottom opened my mind and I became willing to try something different. What I tried was A.A. My new life in the Fellowship was a little like learning how to ride a bike for the first time: A.A. became my training wheels and my supporting hand. It's not that I wanted the help so much at the time; I simply did not want to hurt like that again. My desire to avoid hitting bottom again was more powerful than my desire to drink. In the beginning that was what kept me sober. But after a while I found myself working the Steps to the best of my ability. I soon realized that my attitudes and actions were changing—if ever so slightly. One Day at a Time, I became comfortable with myself, and others, and my hurting started to heal. Thank God for the training wheels and supporting hand that I choose to call Alcoholics Anonymous.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of people. The Daily Reflection Podcast provides hope, and inspiration through the shared experiences of people that have found a way out. *
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Jan 15, 2023
January 15 - An Unsuspected Inner Resource - Erin R. (Stephens City, VA)
Erin shares her experience on the concept of an unsuspected inner resource and on how she maintains her sobriety despite the challenges she faces as someone with a dual diagnosis. Erin has such an amazing vibe and a great attitude and approach to her sobriety.
AN UNSUSPECTED INNER RESOURCE
With few exceptions our members find that they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with their own conception of a Power greater than themselves
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 569-70
From my first days in A.A., as I struggled for sobriety, I found hope in these words from our founders. I often pondered the phrase: "they have tapped an unsuspected
inner resource." How, I asked myself, can I find the Power within myself, since I am so powerless? In time, as the founders promised, it came to me: I have always had the choice between goodness and evil, between unselfishness and selfishness, between serenity and fear. That Power greater than myself is an original gift tha…
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Jan 14, 2023
January 14th - No Regrets - Lee M. (Leesburg, VA)
Lee made many attempts at controlling her drinking prior to coming into the program and she shares that she once felt so much remorse for the life she previously led. However, those things that used to cause her to feel shame have now become her greatest equity. Lee shares her powerful experience on the concept of having "No Regrets."
NO REGRETS
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83
Once I became sober, I began to see how wasteful my life had been and I experienced overwhelming guilt and feelings of regret. The program's Fourth and Fifth Steps assisted me enormously in healing those troubling regrets. I learned that my self-centeredness and dishonesty stemmed largely from my drinking and that I drank because I was an alcoholic. Now I see how even my most distasteful past experiences can turn to gold because, as a sober alcoholic, I can share them to help my fellow alcoholics, particularly newcomers. Sober for several years in A.A.,…
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Jan 11, 2023
January 12th - Accepting Our Present Circumstances - John S. (Philadelphia, PA)
John has over fifteen months (as of Jan 2021) of sobriety and recently experienced the loss of his job. Without a program of recovery, he would likely have used this as an excuse to drink or fall deep into self-pity. Today, he shares how he uses the program, and his support network to view this as an opportunity for growth. John has a great program and I'm grateful to help share his story today on the concept of accepting our present circumstances.
ACCEPTING OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as they are, ourselves as we are, and the people about us as they are. This is to adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin. Again and again, we shall need to return to that unflattering point of departure. This is an exercise in acceptance that we can profitably practice every day of our lives. Provided we strenuously avoid turning these realistic surveys of the facts of life into unrealistic alibis for apathy…
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Jan 7, 2023
January 7th - At the Turning Point - Riley R. (Philadelphia, PA)
Like so many, Riley didn't realize the grave nature of his problem with drinking until it began to affect so many areas of his life... until he found himself at a turning point. Today, he also views so many moments throughout the day as opportunities or turning points where he can choose to practice the principles of the program, and when he does, he continues to experience growth, change, and amazing life in sobriety.
AT THE TURNING POINT
Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
Every day I stand at turning points. My thoughts and actions can propel me toward growth or turn me down the road to old habits and to booze. Sometimes turning points are beginnings, as when I decide to start praising, instead of condemning someone. Or when I begin to ask for help instead of going it alone. At other times turning points are endings, such as when I see clearly the need to stop festeri…
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Jan 5, 2023
January 6th - Victory of Surrender - (Jan. 6th) - Chris P. (Reston, VA)
Chris got sober at the age of 16 and credits the victory of surrender for the grace to move forward and rebuild his life. He's built a wonderful life based on the firm bedrock of personal powerlessness.
Sunlight of the Spirit - https://aavirginia.org/meetings/sunlight-of-the-spirit-4/
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.…
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Jan 4, 2023
January 4th - Begin Where You Are - Kevin P. (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Kevin P. Joins us from Jacksonville Beach, FL where he's a Professional Therapist. Kevin shares on the topic of beginning where you are... Starting with the elimination of alcohol - that's merely the ticket to the show. The real challenge comes when we face the challenges of daily life.
BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE
We feel that the elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations, and affairs.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 19
It's usually pretty easy for me to be pleasant to the people in an A.A. setting. While I'm working to stay sober, I'm celebrating with my fellow A.A.S our common release from the hell of drinking. It's often not so hard to spread glad tidings to my old and new friends in the program. At home or at work, though, it can be a different story. It is in situations arising in both of those areas that the little day-to-day frustrations are most evident, and where it can be toug…
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Dec 31, 2022
January 1st - I am a Miracle - Louie L. - (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Louie L. shares on the daily reflection for this, New Years Day - January, 1st entitled "I am a Miracle".
"I AM A MIRACLE"
The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 25
This truly is a fact in my life today, and a real miracle. I always believed in God, but could never put that belief meaningfully into my life. Today, because of Alcoholics Anonymous, I now trust and rely on God, as I understand Him; I am sober today because of that! Learning to trust and rely on God was something I could never have done alone. I now believe in miracles because I am one!Support the show
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Dec 28, 2022
December 29th - The Joy of Living - Tom Hilton (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Join us as Tom Hilton, from Jacksonville Beach, FL, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, The Joy of Living.
THE JOY OF LIVING
. . . therefore the joy of good living is the theme of A.A.'s Twelfth Step.
*TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125*
A.A. is a joyful program! Even so, I occasionally balk at taking the necessary steps to move ahead, and find myself resisting the very actions that could bring about the joy I want. I would not resist if those actions did not touch some vulnerable area of my life, an area that needs hope and fulfillment. Repeated exposure to joyfulness has a way of softening the hard, outer edges of my ego. Therein lies the power of joyfulness to help all members of A.A.
From the book Daily Reflections. Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.Support the show
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Dec 26, 2022
December 26th - Accepting Success or Failure - Joel Gough (Leesburg, VA)
Join us as Joel Gough, from Leesburg, VA, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Accepting Success or Failure.
ACCEPTING SUCCESS OR FAILURE
Furthermore, how shall we come to terms with seeming failure or success? Can we now accept and adjust to either without despair or pride? Can we accept poverty, sickness, loneliness, and bereavement with courage and serenity? Can we steadfastly content ourselves with the humbler, yet sometimes more durable, satisfactions when the brighter, more glittering achievements are denied us?
*TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 112*
After I found A.A. and stopped drinking, it took a while before I understood why the First Step contained two parts: my powerlessness over alcohol, and my life's unmanageability. In the same way, I believed for a long time that, in order to be in tune with the Twelve Steps, it was enough for me "to carry this message to alcoholics." That was rushing things. I was forgetting that there w…
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Dec 25, 2022
December 24th - A Sane and Happy Usefulness - Max E. Chicago, IL
Max E. from Chicago returns to the show to share his experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled A Sane and Happy Usefulness.
A "SANE AND HAPPY USEFULNESS"
We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 130
All the prayer and meditation in the world will not help me unless they are accompanied by action. Practicing the principles in all my affairs shows me the care that God takes in all parts of my life. God appears in my world when I move aside, and allow Him to step into it.Support the show
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Dec 21, 2022
December 22nd - Principles, Not Personalities - Heather E. (Ashburn, VA)
Join us as Heather E., from Ashburn, VA, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Principles, Not Personalities.
PRINCIPLES, NOT PERSONALITIES
The way our "worthy" alcoholics have sometimes tried to judge the "less worthy" is, as we look back on it, rather comical. Imagine, if you can, one alcoholic judging another!
*THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 37*
Who am I to judge anyone? When I first entered the Fellowship I found that I liked everyone. After all, A.A. was going to help me to a better way of life without alcohol. The reality was that I couldn't possibly like everyone, nor they me. As I've grown in the Fellowship, I've learned to love everyone just from listening to what they had to say. That person over there, or the one right here, may be the one God has chosen to give me the message I need for today. I must always remember to place principles above personalities.
From the book Daily Reflections. Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous Wor…
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Dec 18, 2022
December 19th - Understanding the Malady - Randall Patten (San Diego, CA)
Please join us as Randall Patten, from San Diego, CA, as he shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Understanding the Malady.
Randall mentioned the following authors and books: Joel S. Goldsmith, Neville Goddard, Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love, Bhagavad Gita.
UNDERSTANDING THE MALADY
When dealing with an alcoholic, there may be a natural annoyance that a man could be so weak, stupid and irresponsible. Even when you understand the malady better, you may feel this feeling rising.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 139
Having suffered from alcoholism, I should understand the illness, but sometimes I feel annoyance, even contempt, toward a person who cannot make it in A.A. When I feel that way, I am satisfying my false sense of superiority and I must remember, but for the grace of God, there go I.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Dec 12, 2022
December 13th - Thinking of Others - Louie L. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us as our good friend Louie L. from Jacksonville, FL returns to share on the concepts around thinking of others, both inside and outside of the rooms of recovery.
THINKING OF OTHERS
Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 20
Thinking of others has never come easily to me. Even when I try to work the A.A. program, I'm prone to thinking, "How do I feel today. Am I happy, joyous and free?" The program tells me that my thoughts must reach out to those around me: "Would that newcomer welcome someone to talk to?" "That person looks a little unhappy today, maybe I could cheer him up." It is only when I forget my problems, and reach out to contribute something to others that I can begin to attain the serenity and God-consciousness I seek.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Support the show
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Dec 12, 2022
December 12th - A Common Solution - Alex J. (Golden, CO)
Join us as Alex J., from Golden, CO, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Common Solution.
A COMMON SOLUTION
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 17
The most far-reaching Twelfth Step work was the publication of our Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. Few can equal that book for carrying the message. My idea is to get out of myself and simply do what I can. Even if I haven't been asked to sponsor and my phone rarely rings, I am still able to do Twelfth Step work. I get involved in "brotherly and harmonious action." At meetings I show up early to greet people and to help set up, and to share my experience, strength and hope. I also do what I can with service work. My Higher Power g…
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Dec 11, 2022
December 10th - Carrying the Message - Pej A. (Los Angeles, CA)
Pej returns to the show to share his experience, strength and hope around the concept of carrying the message. Pej has a podcast, called Peji's Recovery Corner available on Apple, Spotify and all podcast networks. You will also find Pej on social media:
- Insta: @drug_intervention
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pejinterventions
CARRYING THE MESSAGE
Now, what about the rest of the Twelfth Step? The wonderful energy it releases and the eager action by which it carries our message to the next suffering alcoholic and which finally translates the Twelve Steps into action upon all our affairs is the payoff, the magnificent reality, of Alcoholics Anonymous.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 109
To renounce the alcoholic world is not to abandon it, but to act upon principles I have come to love and cherish, and to restore in others who still suffer the serenity I have come to know. When I am truly committed to this purpose, it matters little what clothes I wear or how I make a livi…
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Dec 8, 2022
December 8th - Service - Caroline W. (Los Cabos, MX)
Join us as Caroline W. from Los Cabos, MX shares on the concept of Service with today's Daily Reflection.
SERVICE
Life will take on new meaning. To watch people re-over, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have host of friends—this is an experience you must not miss. . . . Frequent contact with newcomers and nth each other is the bright spot of our lives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89
It is through service that the greatest rewards are to be found. But to be in a position of offering true, useful and effective service to others, I must first work on myself. This means that I have to abandon myself to God, admitting my faults and clearing away the wreckage of my past. Work on myself has aught me how to find the necessary peace and serenity to successfully merge inspiration and experience. I have learned how to be, in the truest sense, in open channel of sobriety.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcohol…
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Dec 6, 2022
December 6th - When the Chips are Down - Ceci B. (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
Join us as Ceci B. returns to the show to share her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, entitled When the Chips are Down.
WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN
When we developed still more, we discovered the best possible source of emotional stability to be God Himself. We found that dependence upon His perfect justice, forgiveness, and love was healthy, and that it would work where nothing else would. If we really depended upon God, we couldn't very well play God to our fellows nor would we feel the urge wholly to rely on human protection and care.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 116
It has been my experience that, when all human resources appear to have failed, there is always One who will never desert me. Moreover, He is always there to share my joy, to steer me down the right path, and to confide in when no one else will do. While my well-being and happiness can be added to, or diminished, by human efforts, only God can provide the loving nourishment up…
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Dec 4, 2022
December 5th - A New State of Consciousness - Diana R. (Frederick, MD)
Welcome Diana R. from Frederick, MD as she shares on A New State of Consciousness. Diana refers to the International Conference of Young People in A.A. For more information, visit: https://icypaa.org/
A NEW STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
He has been granted a gift which amounts to a new state of consciousness and being.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 107
Many of us in AA. puzzle over what is a spiritual awakening. I tended to look for a miracle, something dramatic and earth-shattering. But what usually happens is that a sense of well-being, a feeling of peace, transforms us into a new level of awareness. That's what happened to me. My insanity and inner turmoil disappeared and I entered into a new dimension of hope, love and peace. I think the degree to which I continue to experience this new dimension is in direct proportion to the sincerity, depth and devotion with which I practice the Twelve Steps of A.A.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anony…
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Dec 2, 2022
December 3rd - In All Our Affairs - Mike H. (Dover, DE)
Mike H. from Dover, DE shares on today's reflection entitled "In All Our Affairs."
IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS
. . . we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 106
I find that carrying the message of recovery to other alcoholics is easy because it helps me to stay sober and it provides me with a sense of well-being about my own recovery. The hard part is practicing these principles in all my affairs. It is important that I share the benefits I receive from A.A., especially at home. Doesn't my family deserve the same patience, tolerance and understanding I so readily give to the alcoholic? When reviewing my day I try to ask, "Did I have a chance to be a friend today and miss it?" "Did I have a chance to rise above a nasty situation and avoid it?" "Did I have a chance to say 'I'm sorry,' and refuse to?" Just as I ask God for help with my alcoholism each day, I ask for help in extending my recovery t…
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Nov 29, 2022
November 29th - Active Guardians - Tim A. (Philadelphia, PA)
Tim A. from Philadelphia, PA. returns to the show to share his thoughts on today's reflection - Active Guardians.
"ACTIVE GUARDIANS"
To us, however, it represents far more than a sound public relations policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. This Tradition is a constant and practical reminder that personal ambition has no place in A A. In it, each member becomes an active guardian of our Fellowship.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 183
The basic concept of humility is expressed in the Eleventh Tradition: it allows me to participate completely in the program in such a simple, yet profound, manner; it fulfills my need to be an integral part of a significant whole. Humility brings me closer to the actual spirit of togetherness and oneness, without which I could not stay sober. In remembering that every member is an example of sobriety, each one living the Eleventh Tradition, I am able to experience freedom because each one of us is anonymous.Support the show
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Nov 27, 2022
November 28th - Attraction, Not Promotion - Mark L. (Delmont, PA)
Join us as Mark L., from Delmont, PA, shares his experience, strength, and hope, around today's Daily Reflection, Attraction, Not Promotion.
ATTRACTION, NOT PROMOTION
Through many painful experiences, we think we have arrived at what that policy ought to be. It is the opposite in many ways of usual promotional practice. We found that we had to rely upon the principle of attraction rather than of promotion.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 180-81
While I was drinking I reacted with anger, self-pity and defiance against anyone who wanted to change me. All I wanted then was to be accepted by another human simply as I was and, curiously, that is what I found in A.A. I became the custodian of this concept of attraction, which is the principle of our Fellowship's public relations. It is by attraction that I can best reach the alcoholic who still suffers.
I thank God for having given me the attraction of a well-planned and established program of Steps and Traditions. Through h…
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Nov 26, 2022
November 26th - The Hazards of Publicity - Kevin Barhydt (Niskayuna, NY)
Kevin Barhydt is an author, actor, member of the recovery community and a survivor. He is the author of Dear Stephen Michael's Mother, a memoir of how a young boy abandoned, abused and addicted became a man with the hope, courage and resilience to seek his biological mother.
You will also find Kevin on his Youtube channel where he creates and shares content about his journey from abandoned to reunited, from addicted to 33 years sober, from a high school dropout to a master's in education, continues.
On today's episode, Kevin shares about the Hazards of Publicity.
THE HAZARDS OF PUBLICITY
People who symbolize causes and ideas fill a deep human need. We of A.A. do not question that. But we do have to soberly face the fact that being in the public eye is hazardous, especially for us.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 181
As a recovered alcoholic I must make an effort to put into practice the principles of the AA. program, which are founded on honesty, truth and humility. While…
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Nov 23, 2022
November 24th - A Universal Search - Bonnie J. (Billings, MT)
Join us as Bonnie J., from Billings, MT, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Universal Search.
A UNIVERSAL SEARCH
Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87
I do not claim to have all the answers in spiritual matters, any more than I claim to have all the answers about alcoholism. There are others who are also engaged in a spiritual search. If I keep an open mind about what others have to say, I have much to gain. My sobriety is greatly enriched, and my practice of the Eleventh Step more fruitful, when I use both the literature and practices of my Judeo-Christian tradition, and the resources of other religions. Thus, I receive support from many sources in staying away from the first drink.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Nov 21, 2022
November 22nd - Only Two Sins - Darren B. (Frederick, MD)
Darren B. shares on today's daily reflection entitled "Only Two Sins".
ONLY TWO SINS
. . . there are only two sins; the first is to interfere with the growth of another human being, and the second is to interfere with one's own growth.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 542
Happiness is such an elusive state. How often do my "prayers" for others involve "hidden" prayers for my own agenda? How often is my search for happiness a boulder in the path of growth for another, or even myself? Seeking growth through humility and acceptance brings things that appear to be anything but good, wholesome and vital. Yet in looking back, I can see that pain, struggles and setbacks have all contributed eventually to serenity through growth in the program. I ask my Higher Power to help me not cause another's lack of growth today—or my own.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Support the show
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*Visit our web si…
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Nov 20, 2022
November 21st - A Classic Prayer - Kevin Burnes (Frederick,MD)
Join us as Kevin Burnes from Frederick, MD, share his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Classic Prayer.
A CLASSIC PRAYER
Lord, make me a channel for thy peace—that where there is hatred, I may bring love—that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness—that where there is discord, I may bring harmony—that where there is error, I may bring truth—that where there is doubt, I may bring faith—that where there is despair, I may bring hope—that where there are shadows, I may bring light—that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted—to understand, than to be understood—to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 99
No matter where I am in my spiritual growth, the St. Francis prayer helps me i…
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Nov 18, 2022
November 19th - I Was Slipping Fast - Trina K. (Eugene, OR)
Trina K. from Eugene Oregon shares her experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled "I Was Slipping Fast".
"I WAS SLIPPING FAST"
We A.A.'s are active folk, enjoying the satisfactions of dealing with the realities of life, . . . So it isn't surprising that we often tend to slight serious meditation and prayer as something not really necessary.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96
I had been slipping away from the program for some time, but it took a death threat from a terminal disease to bring me back, and particularly to the practice of the Eleventh Step of our blessed Fellowship. Although I had fifteen years of sobriety and was still very active in the program, I knew that the quality of my sobriety had slipped badly. Eighteen months later, a checkup revealed a malignant tumor and a prognosis of certain death within six months. Despair settled in when I enrolled in a rehab program, after which I suffered two small strokes which revealed two large brain tumors. As I ke…
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Nov 16, 2022
November 17th - Overcoming Loneliness - Niamh C. (Wexford, Ireland)
Join us as Niamh C. (pronounced Neeve), from Wexford, Ireland, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Overcoming Loneliness.
OVERCOMING LONELINESS
Almost without exception, alcoholics are tortured by loneliness. Even before our drinking got bad and people began to cut us off, nearly all of us suffered the feeling that we didn't quite belong.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 90
The agonies and the void that I often felt inside occur less and less frequently in my life today. I have learned to cope with solitude. It is only when I am alone and calm that I am able to communicate with God, for He cannot reach me when I am in turmoil. It is good to maintain contact with God at all times, but it is absolutely essential that, when everything seems to go wrong, I maintain that contact through prayer and meditation.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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*V…
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Nov 14, 2022
November 15th - Vital Sustenance - Scott J. - Chicago, IL
Scott J. from Chicago, IL shares his experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled Vital Sustenance.
VITAL SUSTENANCE
Those of us who have come to make regular use of prayer would no more do without it than we would refuse air, food, or sunshine. And for the same reason. When we refuse air, light, or food, the body suffers. And when we turn away from meditation and prayer, we likewise deprive our minds, our emotions, and our intuitions of vitally needed support.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 97
Step Eleven doesn't have to overwhelm me. Conscious contact with God can be as simple, and as profound, as conscious contact with another human being. I can smile. I can listen. I can forgive. Every encounter with another is an opportunity for prayer, for acknowledging God's presence within me. Today I can bring myself a little closer to my Higher Power. The more I choose to seek the beauty of God's work in other people, the more certain of His presence I will become.Support t…
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Nov 13, 2022
November 14th - Intuition and Inspiration - Clarence Fairfax (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Clarence Fairfax, from Frederick, MD, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Intuition and Inspiration.
INTUITION AND INSPIRATION
. . . we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy. We don't struggle.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 86
I invest my time in what I truly love. Step Eleven is a discipline that allows me and my Higher Power to be together, reminding me that, with God's help, intuition and inspiration are possible. Practice of the Step brings on selflove. In a consistent attempt to improve my conscious contact with a Higher Power, I am subtly reminded of my unhealthy past, with its patterns of grandiose thinking and false feelings of omnipotence. When I ask for the power to carry out God's will for me, I am made aware of my powerlessness. Humility and a healthy selflove are compatible, a direct result of working Step Eleven.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoh…
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Nov 9, 2022
November 10th - A Sense of Belonging - Patricia F. (Camden, DE)
Join us as Patricia F., from Camden, DE, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Sense of Belonging.
A SENSE OF BELONGING
Perhaps one of the greatest rewards of meditation and prayer is the sense of belonging that comes to us.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 105
That's what it is — belonging! After a session of meditation I knew that the feeling I was experiencing was a sense of belonging because I was so relaxed. I felt quieter inside, more willing to discard little irritations. I appreciated my sense of humor. What I also experience in my daily practice is the sheer pleasure of belonging to the creative flow of God's world. How propitious for us that prayer and meditation are written right into our A.A. way of life.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Nov 8, 2022
November 8th - An Individual Adventure - Tyler C. (Arlington, VA)
Tyler C. from Arlington, VA shares on today's Daily Reflection for November 9th, entitled "An Individual Adventure".
AN INDIVIDUAL ADVENTURE
Meditation is something which can always be further developed. It has no boundaries, either of width or height. Aided by such instruction and example as we can find, it is essentially an individual adventure, something which each one of us works out in his own way.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 101
My spiritual growth is with God as I understand Him. With Him I find my true inner self. Daily meditation and prayer strengthen and renew my source of well-being. I receive then the openness to accept all that He has to offer. With God I have the reassurance that my journey will be as He wants for me, and for that I am grateful to have God in my life.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Support the show
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Nov 6, 2022
November 7th - Let Go and Let God - Jamie G. (Rochester, NY)
Join us as Jamie G., from Rochester, NY, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, entitled Let Go and Let God.
LET GO AND LET GOD
. . . praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96
When I "Let Go and Let God," I think more clearly and wisely. Without having to think about it, I quickly let go of things that cause me immediate pain and discomfort. Because I find it hard to let go of the kind of worrisome thoughts and attitudes that cause me immense anguish, all I need do during those times is allow God, as I understand Him, to release them for me, and then and there, I let go of the thoughts, memories and attitudes that are troubling me.
When I receive help from God, as I understand Him, I can live my life one day at a time and handle whatever challenges come my way. Only then can I live a life of victory over alcohol, in comfortable sobriety.
From the book Daily Refle…
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Nov 2, 2022
November 3rd - Focusing and Listening - Dawn B. (Frederick, MD)
Join us in wishing Dawn B., from Frederick, MD, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY as we listen to her share her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Focusing and Listening.
Happy Birthday, Dawn!!
FOCUSING AND LISTENING
There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 98
If I do my self-examination first, then surely, I'll have enough humility to pray and meditate—because I'll see and feel my need for them. Some wish to begin and end with prayer, leaving the self-examination and meditation to take place in between, whereas others start with meditation, listening for advice from God about their still hidden or unacknowledged defects. Still others engage in written and verbal work on their defects, ending with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. These three—self-examination, meditation and prayer—form a circle, without a beg…
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Oct 31, 2022
I Cannot Change the Wind (Nov. 1st) - Isaac A. (Chapel Hill, NC)
Isaac A. from Chapel Hill, NC shares his experience around changing in recovery and today's Daily Reflection entitled "I Cannot Change the Wind".
I CANNOT CHANGE THE WIND
is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
My first sponsor told me there were two things to say about prayer and meditation: first, I had to start and second, I had to continue. When I came to A.A. my spiritual life was bankrupt; if I considered God at all, He was to be called upon only when my self-will was incapable of a task or when overwhelming fears had eroded my ego. Today I am grateful for a new life, one in which my prayers are those of thanksgiving. My prayer time is more for listening than for talking. I know today that if I cannot change the wind, I can adjust my sail. I know the difference between superstition and spirituality. I know there is a graceful way of being right, a…
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Oct 30, 2022
October 31st - Avoiding Controversy - Scot M. (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Scot M., from Frederick, MD, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Avoiding Controversy.
AVOIDING CONTROVERSY
All history affords us the spectacle of striving nations and groups finally torn asunder because they were designed for, or tempted into, controversy. Others fell apart because of sheer self-righteousness while trying to enforce upon the rest of mankind some millennium of their own specification.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 176
As an A.A. member and sponsor, I know I can cause real damage if I yield to temptation and give opinions and advice on another's medical, marital, or religious problems. I am not a doctor, counselor, or lawyer. I cannot tell anyone how he or she should live; however, I can share how I came through similar situations without drinking, and how A.A.'s Steps and Traditions help me in dealing with my life.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics AnonymousSupport the sh…
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Oct 28, 2022
October 29th - Our Survival - Brian W. (Philadelphia, PA)
Brian W. from Philadelphia shares on the concept of survival in, and through recovery.
OUR SURVIVAL
Since recovery from alcoholism is life itself to us, it is imperative that we preserve in full strength our means of survival.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 177
The honesty expressed by the members of A.A. in meetings has the power to open my mind. Nothing can block the flow of energy that honesty carries with it. The only obstacle to this flow of energy is inebriation, but even then, no one will find a closed door if he or she has left and chooses to return. Once he or she has received the gift of sobriety, each A.A. member is challenged on a daily basis to accept a program of honesty. My Higher Power created me for a purpose in life. I ask him to accept my honest efforts to continue on my journey in the spiritual way of life. I call on Him for strength to know and seek His will.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.…
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Oct 25, 2022
October 26th - Global Sharing - Glen Godinho (Cork, Ireland)
Join us as Glen Godinho, from Cork, Ireland, shares openly and honestly about his experience around this Reflection and his recovery.
GLOBAL SHARING
The only thing that matters is that he is an alcoholic who has found a key to sobriety. These legacies of suffering and of recovery are easily passed among alcoholics, one to the other. This is our gift from God, and its bestowal upon others like us is the one aim that today animates A.A.'s all around the globe.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 151
The strength of Alcoholics Anonymous lies in the desire of each member and of each group around the world to share with other alcoholics their suffering and the steps taken to gain, and maintain, recovery. By keeping a conscious contact with my Higher Power, I make sure that I always nurture my desire to help other alcoholics, thus insuring the continuity of the wonderful fraternity of Alcoholics Anonymous.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous…
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Oct 24, 2022
October 25th - A. A.'s Heartbeat - Leon D. (Shenzhen, China)
Join us to hear Leon D. from Shenzhen, China share his experience, strength and hope around the concept of A.A.'s Heartbeat.
A.A.'s HEARTBEAT
Without unity, the heart of A.A. would cease to beat; . . .
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 125
Without unity I would be unable to recover in A.A. on a daily basis. By practicing unity within my group, with other A.A. members and at all levels of this great Fellowship, I receive a pronounced feeling of knowing that I am a part of a miracle that was divinely inspired. The ability of Bill W. and Dr. Bob, working together and passing it on to other members, tells me that to give it away is to keep it. Unity is oneness and yet the whole Fellowship is for all of us.Support the show
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Oct 23, 2022
October 24th - By Faith and By Works - Molly B. (Chagrin Falls, OH)
Join us as Molly B., from Chagrin Falls, OH, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, By Faith and By Works.
"BY FAITH AND BY WORKS"
On anvils of experience, the structure of our Society was hammered out. . . . Thus has it been with A.A. By faith and by works we have been able to build upon the lessons of an incredible experience. They live today in the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, which — God willing — shall sustain us in unity for so long as He may need us.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 131
God has allowed me the right to be wrong in order for our Fellowship to exist as it does today. If I place God's will first in my life, it is very likely that A.A. as I know it today will remain as it is.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
*Visit our web site*
*Read about Recovery on our Blog*
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Oct 21, 2022
October 22nd - True Tolerance - Harry Zelnick (Philadelphia, PA)
Join me as Harry Zelnick from Philadelphia, PA shares his experience around True Tolerance.
TRUE TOLERANCE
Finally, we begin to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong and then we approach true tolerance and see what real love for our fellows actually means
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 92
The thought occurred to me that all people are emotionally ill to some extent. How could we not be? Who among us is spiritually perfect? Who among us is physically perfect? How could any of us be emotionally perfect? Therefore, what else are we to do but bear with one another and treat each other as we would be treated in similar circumstances? That is what love really is.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Support the show
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Oct 19, 2022
October 20th - Solace for Confusion - Jen R. (Ashburn, VA)
Join us as Jen R., from Ashburn, VA, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Solace for Confusion.
SOLACE FOR CONFUSION
Obviously, the dilemma of the wanderer from faith is that of profound confusion. He thinks himself lost to the comfort of any conviction at all. He cannot attain in even a small degree the assurance of the believer, the agnostic, or the atheist. He is the bewildered one.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 28
The concept of God was one that I struggled with during my early years of sobriety. The images that came to me, conjured from my past, were heavy with fear, rejection and condemnation. Then I heard my friend Ed's image of a Higher Power: As a boy he had been allowed a litter of puppies, providedthat he assume responsibility for their care. Each morning he would find the unavoidable "byproducts"of the puppies on the kitchen floor. Despite frustration, Ed said he couldn't get angry because "that's the nature of…
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Oct 17, 2022
October 18th - An Open Mind - Daniel L. (Kissimee, FL)
Join us as Daniel from Kissimee, FL shares his experience around today's reflection entitled "An Open Mind".
AN OPEN MIND
True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 33
My alcoholic thinking led me to believe that I could control my drinking, but I couldn't. When I came to A.A., I realized that God was speaking to me through my group. My mind was open just enough to know that I needed His help. A real, honest acceptance of AA. took more time, but with it came humility. I know how insane I was, and I am extremely grateful to have my sanity restored to me and to be a sober alcoholic. The new, sober me is a much better person than I ever could have been without A.A.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Support the show
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Oct 16, 2022
October 17th - A Daily Tune Up - David H. (Philadelphia, PA)
Join us as David H. from Philadelphia, PA, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Daily Tuneup.
A DAILY TUNE-UP
Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
How do I maintain my spiritual condition? For me it's quite simple: on a daily basis I ask my Higher Power to grant me the gift of sobriety for that day! I have talked to many alcoholics who have gone back to drinking and I always ask them: "Did you pray for sobriety the day you took your first drink?" Not one of them said yes. As I practice Step Ten and try to keep my house in order on a daily basis, I have the knowledge that if I ask for a daily reprieve, it will be granted.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Oct 14, 2022
October 15th - My Checklist, Not Yours - Geoffrey Rogers (Philadelphia, PA)
Geoffrey Rogers joins us today to share his experience around character defects, a daily inventory and his inspiring program of recovery.
MY CHECKLIST, NOT YOURS
Gossip barbed with our anger, a polite form of murder by character assassination, has its satisfactions for us, too. Here we are not trying to help those we criticize; we are trying to proclaim our own righteousness.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 67
Sometimes I don't realize that I gossiped about someone until the end of the day, when I take an inventory of the day's activities, and then, my gossiping appears like a blemish in my beautiful day. How could I have said something like that? Gossip shows its ugly head during a coffee break or lunch with business associates, or I may gossip during the evening, when I'm tired from the day's activities, and feel justified in bolstering my ego at the expense of someone else. Character defects like gossip sneak into my life when I am not making a constant effort to work the…
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Oct 12, 2022
October 13th - Unremitting Inventories - Ursula M. (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Ursula M, from Frederick, MD, shares her experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Unremitting Inventories.
UNREMITTING INVENTORIES
Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear. When these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them. We discuss them with someone immediately and make amends quickly if we have harmed anyone. Then we resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can help.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
The immediate admission of wrong thoughts or actions is a tough task for most human beings, but for recovering alcoholics like me it is difficult because of my propensity toward ego, fear and pride. The freedom the A.A. program offers me becomes more abundant when, through unremitting inventories of myself, I admit, acknowledge and accept responsibility for my wrong-doing. It is possible then for me to grow into a deeper and better understanding of humility. My willingness to admit when the fault is mine facilitates th…
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Oct 10, 2022
October 11th - Self-Restraint - Jeff C. (Philadelphia, PA)
Today on the show, Jeff C. from Philadelphia. Jeff has an incredibly powerful story that involves jails, institutions and incredible success despite being dealt a tough hand in life. Warning, this episode contains explicit language.
SELF-RESTRAINT
Our first objective will be the development of self-restraint.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 91
My drive to work provides me with an opportunity for self examination. One day while making this trip, I began to review my progress in sobriety, and was not happy with what I saw. I hoped that, as the work day progressed, I would forget these troublesome thoughts, but as one disappointment after another kept coming, my discontent only increased, and the pressures within me kept mounting. I retreated to an isolated table in the lounge, and asked myself how I could make the most of the rest of the day. In the past, when things went wrong, I instinctively wanted to fight back. But during the short time I had been trying to five the A.A.…
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Oct 9, 2022
October 10th - Fixing Me, Not You - Tom G. (Fort Meyers, FL)
Join us as friend-of-the-podcast, Tom G. , shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Fixing Me, Not You. You will love this conversation about how working the steps of the program helped save Tom's relationship with his then girlfriend (now wife). Tom and Susan are both in recovery as is their daughter - his is a beautiful message of recovery, change and hope!
FIXING ME, NOT YOU
If somebody hurts us and we are sore, we are in the wrong also.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 90
What a freedom I felt when this passage was pointed out to me! Suddenly I saw that I could do something about my anger, I could fix me, instead of trying to fix them. I believe that there are no exceptions to the axiom. When I am angry, my anger is always self-centered. I must keep reminding myself that I am human, that I am doing the best I can, even when that best is sometimes poor. So I ask God to remove my anger and truly set me free.
*From the book Daily Reflection…
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Oct 8, 2022
October 8th - Daily Inventory - Steve K. (Greenville, SC)
Today's guest is Steve K. I met Steve in High School and I always admired his outgoing and vivacious personality. To me, Steve seemed like a well-adjusted, popular and outgoing guy. It wasn't until the day we recorded this episode that I learned of the tragic truth and of the story of how his father rejected him because "he was different." Steve shares openly and honestly about what it was like growing up gay, and in the early stages of the deadly disease of addiction. I'm immensely grateful to all of our guests but today, I'm extra grateful that I got to reconnect with Steve and to get to know him on a deeper level... as a fellow sober man trudging the road to happy destiny. I hope you enjoy his hope-filled message of courage and recovery.
DAILY INVENTORY
. . . and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
I was beginning to approach my new life of sobriety with unaccustomed enthusiasm. New friends were cropping up and some of my battered friendships had…
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Oct 3, 2022
October 4th - A Necessary Pruning - Pete B. (Philadelphia, PA)
Pete B. from Philadelphia shares his story of recovery through the lens of today's reflection entitled "A Necessary Pruning".
A NECESSARY PRUNING
. . . we know that the pains of drinking had to come before sobriety, and emotional turmoil before serenity.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 94
I love spending time in my garden feeding and pruning my beautiful flowers. One day, as I was busily snipping away, a neighbor stopped by. She commented, "Oh! Your plants are so beautiful, it seems such a shame to cut them back." I replied, "I know how you feel, but the excess must be removed so they can grow stronger and healthier." Later I thought that perhaps my plants feel pain, but God and I know it's part of the plan and I've seen the results. I was quickly reminded of my precious A.A. program and how we all grow through pain. I ask God to prune me when it's time, so I can grow.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Support th…
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Oct 2, 2022
October 3rd - Serenity After the Storm - Veronika Ethereal (South River, NJ)
Join us as Veronika Ethereal, transgender recovering addict (she/her/they/them), from South River, NJ, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Serenity After the Storm. To find LGBTQ recovery meetings, visit www.gayandsober.org
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, pp. 93-94
When on the roller coaster of emotional turmoil, I remember that growth is often painful. My evolution in the A.A. program has taught me that I must experience the inner change, however painful, that eventually guides me from selfishness to selflessness. If I am to have serenity, I must STEP my way past emotional turmoil and its subsequent hangover, and be grateful for continuing spiritual progress.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Serv…
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Sep 28, 2022
September 29th - Exactly Alike - Abigail A. (Portland, ME)
Join us as Abigail shares about today's Daily Reflection for September 29th, entitled "Exactly Alike".
*EXACTLY ALIKE*
Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89
A man came to the meeting drunk, interrupted the speakers, stood up and took his shirt off, staggered loudly back and forth for coffee, demanded to talk, and eventually called the group's secretary an unquotable name and walked out. I was glad he was there—once again I saw what I had been like. But I also saw what I still am, and what I still could be. I don't have to be drunk to want to be the exception and the center of attention. I have often felt abused and responded abusively when I was simply being treated as a garden variety human being. The more the man tried to insist he was different, the more I realized that he and I were exactly alike.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Suppor…
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Sep 25, 2022
September 26th - A Limitless Lode - Maureen Stoner (Eugene, OR)
Join us as Maureen Stoner, from Eugene Oregon, shares her experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Limitless Lode.
A "LIMITLESS LODE"
Like a gaunt prospector, belt drawn in over the last ounce of food, our pick struck gold. Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds. Father feels he has struck something better than gold. For a time he may try to hug the new treasure to himself. He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 128-29
When I talk with a newcomer to A.A., my past looks me straight in the face. I see the pain in those hopeful eyes, I extend my hand, and then the miracle happens: I become healed. My problems vanish as I reach out to this trembling soul.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the sh…
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Sep 16, 2022
September 17th - Freedom From Fear - Kirk (Alexandria, VA)
Join us as Kirk from Alexandria, VA shares powerfully on the concept of Freedom From Fear for today's Daily Reflection.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
When, with God's help, we calmly accepted our lot, then we found we could live at peace with ourselves and show others who still suffered the same fears that they could get over them, too. We found that freedom from fear was more important than freedom from want.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 122
Material values ruled my life for many years during my active alcoholism. I believed that all of my possessions would make me happy, yet I still felt bankrupt after I obtained them. When I first came into A.A., I found out about a new way of living. As a result of learning to trust others, I began to believe in a power greater than myself. Having faith freed me from the bondage of self. As material gains were replaced by the gifts of the spirit, my life became manageable. I then chose to share my experiences with other alcoholics.
*From the book…
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Sep 14, 2022
September 15th - A New Life - Denise K. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us as Denise K. from Jacksonville, FL tells her story of experience, strength and hope and how she's experiencing A New Life in recovery.
A NEW LIFE
Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. . . . Life will mean something at last
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 152
Life is better without alcohol. A.A. and the presence of a Higher Power keeps me sober, but the grace of God does even better; it brings service into my life. Contact with the A.A. program teaches me a new and greater understanding of what Alcoholics Anonymous is and what it does, but most importantly, it helps to show me who I am: an alcoholic who needs the constant experience of the Alcoholics Anonymous program so that I may live a life given to me by my Higher Power.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*Support the show
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Sep 12, 2022
September 13th - Repairing the Damage - Suzanne A. (Sharpsville, PA)
Tune in as Suzanne shares from the heart about her experience around today's Daily Reflection, Repairing the Damage, and struggles she's facing in her life.
REPAIRING THE DAMAGE
Good judgment, a careful sense of timing, courage and prudence – these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83
To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor's fence, I "make a mend," and that is a direct amend; the second way is by modifying my behavior, for if my actions have harmed someone, I make a daily effort to cause no further harm. I "mend my ways," and that is an indirect amend. Which is the best approach? The only right approach, provided that I am causing no further harm in so doing, is to do both. If harm is done, then I simply "mend my ways." To take action in this manner assures me of making honest amends.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics A…
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Sep 11, 2022
September 12th - I am Responsible - Elizabeth F. (Philadelphia, PA)
Join us as Elizabeth F., from Philadelphia, PA, shares her experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, I am Responsible.
I AM RESPONSIBLE
For the readiness to take the full consequences of our past acts, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others at the same time, is the very spirit of Step Nine.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 87
In recovery, and through the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, I learn that the very thing I fear is my freedom. It comes from my tendency to recoil from taking responsibility for anything: I deny, I ignore, I blame, I avoid. Then one day, I look, I admit, I accept. The freedom, the healing and the recovery I experience is in the looking, admitting and accepting. I learn to say, "Yes, I am responsible." When I can speak those words with honesty and sincerity, then I am free.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Sep 9, 2022
September 10th - Recovery By Proxy? - Tanya F. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us as Tanya F. shares her powerful story of recovery for today's Daily Reflection.
They [the Promises] will always materialize if we work for them.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
Sometimes I think: "Making these amends is going too far! No one should have to humble himself like that!" However, it is this very humbling of myself that brings me that much closer to the sunlight of the spirit. A.A. is the only hope I have if I am to continue healing and gain a life of happiness, friendship and harmony.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
Support the show
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*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s help…
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Sep 7, 2022
September 8th - We Asked His Protection- Patrick M. (Ashburn, VA)
Join us to hear Patrick M. share his experience, strength and hope around the Daily Reflection for September 8th.
"WE ASKED HIS PROTECTION"
We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
I could not manage my life alone. I had tried that road and failed. My "ultimate sin" dragged me down to the lowest level I have ever reached and, unable even to function, I accepted the fact that I desperately needed help. I stopped fighting and surrendered entirely to God. Only then did I start growing! God forgave me. A Higher Power had to have saved me, because the doctors doubted that I would survive. I have forgiven myself now and I enjoy a freedom I have never before experienced. I've opened my heart and mind to Him. The more I learn, the less I know—a humbling fact—but I sincerely want to keep growing. I enjoy serenity, but only when I entrust my life totally to God. As long as I am honest with myself and ask for His help, I can maintain this rewardi…
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Sep 5, 2022
September 6th - Removing Threats to Sobriety - Kevin C. (Philadelphia, PA)
Daily Reflection Podcast for September 6th
Kevin C. from Philadelphia shares about the powerful impact of the ninth step on his life and how it's helped him remove threats to his sobriety.
REMOVING THREATS TO SOBRIETY
. . . except when to do so would injure them or others.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
Step Nine restores in me a feeling of belonging, not only to the human race but also to the everyday world. First, the Step makes me leave the safety of A.A., so that I may deal with non-A.A. people "out there," on their terms, not mine. It is a frightening but necessary action if I am to get back into life. Second, Step Nine allows me to remove threats to my sobriety by healing past relationships. Step Nine points the way to a more serene sobriety by letting me clear away past wreckage, lest it bring me down.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
Buy the Daily Reflection Book: https://amzn.to/3scijVa
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Sep 4, 2022
September 5th - Emotional Balance - Evelyn W. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us for this episode as Evelyn W., from Jacksonville, FL., shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection. To listen to Evelyn's friend, Bethany C. share her story, check out July 19th - FALSE PRIDE
EMOTIONAL BALANCE
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, . . .
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83
When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom my life touched casually, but whose days I troubled through my anger and sarcasm. These people are untraceable, and direct amends to them are not possible. The only amends I can make to those untraceable individuals, the only "changes for the better" I can offer, are indirect amends made to other people, whose paths briefly cross mine. Courtesy and kindness, regularly practiced, help me to live in emotional balance, at peace with myself.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Sep 2, 2022
September 3rd - Building a New Life - Tony K. (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Tony K. from Jacksonville Beach, FL shares his experience around Building a New Life in recovery.
BUILDING A NEW LIFE
We feel a man is unthinking when he says sobriety is enough.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 82
When I reflect on Step Nine, I see that physical sobriety must be enough for me. I need to remember the hopelessness I felt before I found sobriety, and how I was willing to go to any lengths for it. Physical sobriety is not enough for those around me, however, since I must see that God's gift is used to build a new life for my family and loved ones. Just as importantly, I must be available to help others who want the A.A. way of life. I ask God to help me share the gift of sobriety so that its benefits may be shown to those I know and love.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Aug 31, 2022
September 1st - A Willingness to Grow - Kleo C. (Leesburg, VA)
Join us as Kleo C. from Leesburg, VA, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Willingness to Grow.
WILLINGNESS TO GROW
If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8
Sobriety fills the painful "hole in the soul" that my alcoholism created. Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done. However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the gift of continued spiritual awakening. Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as application of the principles of recovery in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience with others. My Higher Power presents many opportunities for deeper spiritual awakening. I need only to bring into my recovery the willingness to grow. Today I am ready to grow.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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*Visit our web site*
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Aug 29, 2022
August 30th - The Only Requirement - Pat Gillen - Lansdale, PA
Pat Gillen from Lansdale, PA shares on the Daily Reflection for August 30th, The Only Requirement.
THE ONLY REQUIREMENT . . .
"At one time . . . every A. A. group had many membership rules. Everybody was scared witless that something or somebody would capsize the boat. . . . The total list was a mile long. If all those rules had been in effect everywhere, nobody could have possibly joined A.A. at all, . . . "
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 139-40
I'm grateful that the Third Tradition only requires of me a desire to stop drinking. I had been breaking promises for years. In the Fellowship I didn't have to make promises, I didn't have to concentrate. It only required my attending one meeting, in a foggy condition, to know I was home. I didn't have to pledge undying love. Here, strangers hugged me. "It gets better," they said, and "One day at a time, you can do it." They were no longer strangers, but caring friends. I ask God to help me to reach out to people desiring sobriety…
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Aug 28, 2022
August 29th - I Choose Anonymity (Aug. 29th) - Fran F. (Dover DE)
Join us as Fran F., from Dover, DE, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled I Choose Anonymity.
I CHOOSE ANONYMITY
We are sure that humility, expressed by anonymity, is the greatest safeguard that Alcoholics Anonymous can ever have.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 187
Since there are no rules in A.A. I place myself where I want to be, and so I choose anonymity. I want my God to use me, humbly, as one of His tools in this program. Sacrifice is the art of giving of myself freely, allowing humility to replace my ego. With sobriety, I suppress that urge to cry out to the world, "I am a member of A.A." and I experience inner joy and peace. I let people see the changes in me and hope they will ask what happened to me. I place the principles of spirituality ahead of judging, fault-finding, and criticism. I want love and caring in my group, so I can grow.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World S…
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Aug 25, 2022
August 26th- Giving It Away - Angelica D. (Greenville, SC)
Join Angelica D., from Greenville, SC., as she shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Giving It Away.
GIVING IT AWAY
Though they knew they must help other alcoholics if they would remain sober, that motive became secondary. It was transcended by the happiness they found in giving themselves for others.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 159
Those words, for me, refer to a transference of power, through which God, as I understand Him, enters my life. Through prayer and meditation, I open channels, then I establish and improve my conscious contact with God. Through action I then receive the power I need to maintain my sobriety each day. By maintaining my spiritual condition, by giving away what has been so freely given to me, I am granted a daily reprieve.Support the show
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*- On Pa…
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Aug 23, 2022
August 24th - A Riddle that Works - Ashley B. (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Ashley B., from Frederick, MD., shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled "A Riddle that Works".
A RIDDLE THAT WORKS
It may be possible to find explanations of spiritual experiences such as ours, but I have often tried to explain my own and have succeeded only in giving the story of it. I know the feeling it gave me and the results it has brought, but I realize I may never fully understand its deeper why and how.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 313
I had a profound spiritual experience during an open A.A. meeting, which led me to blurt out, "I'm an alcoholic!" I have not had a drink since that day. I can tell you the words I heard just prior to my admission, and how those words affected me, but as to why it happened, I do not know. I believe a power greater than myself chose me to recover, yet I do not know why. I try not to worry or wonder about what I do not yet know; instead, I trust that if I continue to work the Steps, practice the A…
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Aug 22, 2022
August 23rd - Bringing it Home - Brigette F. (Frederick, MD)
Brigette F from Frederick, MD shares on the concept of Bringing it Home in recovery.
BRINGING THE MESSAGE HOME
Can we bring the same spirit of love and tolerance into our sometimes deranged family lives that we bring to our A.A. group?
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 111-12
My family members suffer from the effects of my disease. Loving and accepting them as they are— just as I love and accept A.A. members—fosters a return of love, tolerance and harmony to my life. Using common courtesy and respecting others' personal boundaries are necessary practices for all areas of my life.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
*Visit our web site*
*Read about Recovery on our Blog*
*Visit our Facebook Group*
*Follow us on Twitter*
*Support the Podcast:*
*- On Patreon: **https://patreon.com/dailyreflection*
*- On PayPal: **https://paypal.me/dailyreflection*
*If you’r…
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Aug 20, 2022
August 21st - We Just Try - Kelly McNeill (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Kelly McNeill, from Frederick, MD, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, We Just Try.
WE JUST TRY
My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive.
— THE BEST OF BILL, pp. 46-47
As long as I try, with all my heart and soul, to pass along to others what has been passed along to me, and do not demand anything in return, life is good to me. Before entering this program of Alcoholics Anonymous I was never able to give without demanding something in return. Little did I know that, once I began to give freely of myself, I would begin to receive, without ever expecting or demanding anything at all. What I receive today is the gift of "stability," as Bill did: stability in my A.A. program; within myself; but most of all, in my relationship with my Higher Power, whom I choose to call God.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Aug 18, 2022
August 19th - A Frame of Reference - Paul L. (Holland, PA)
Paul L. from Holland, PA shares his experience strength and hope on today's Daily Reflection entitled "A Frame of Reference".
A FRAME OF REFERENCE
Referring to our list [inventory] again. Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own mistakes. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, self-seeking and frightened?
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 67
There is a wonderful freedom in not needing constant approval from colleagues at work or from the people I love. I wish I had known about this Step before, because once I developed a frame of reference, I felt able to do the next right thing, knowing that the action fit the situation and that it was the correct thing to do.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.Support the show
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Aug 16, 2022
August 17th - Righting the Harm - Ilir T. (Wyoming, DE)
Join us as Ilir T. from Wyoming, DE, shares his experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Righting the Harm.
RIGHTING THE HARM
In many instances we shall find that though the harm done others has not been great, the emotional harm we have done ourselves has.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 79
Have you ever thought that the harm you did a business associate, or perhaps a family member, was so slight that it really didn't deserve an apology because they probably wouldn't remember it anyway? If that person, and the wrong done to him, keeps coming to mind, time and again, causing an uneasy or perhaps guilty feeling, then I put that person's name at the top of my "amends list," and become willing to make a sincere apology, knowing I will feel calm and relaxed about that person once this very important part of my recovery is accomplished.Support the show
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Aug 15, 2022
August 16th - I Had Dropped Out - Scott F. (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Tune in to hear Scott F. from Jacksonville Beach, FL. share on today's Daily Reflection, I Had Dropped Out.
"I HAD DROPPED OUT"
We might next ask ourselves what we mean when we say that we have "harmed" other people. What kinds of "harm" do people do one another, anyway? To define the word "harm" in a practical way, we might call it the result of instincts in collision, which cause physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual damage to people.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 80
I had been to Eighth Step meetings, always thinking, "I really haven't harmed many people, mostly myself." But the time came when I wrote my list out and it was not as short as I thought it would be. I either liked you, disliked you, or needed something from you—it was that simple. People hadn't done what I wanted them to do and intimate relationships were out of hand because of my partners' unreasonable demands. Were these "sins of omission"? Because of my drinking, I had "dropped out"—never sen…
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Aug 11, 2022
August 12th - A Look Backward - Kim B. (Falls Church, VA)
Join us as this "pandemic baby" shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection reading.
A LOOK BACKWARD
First, we take a look backward and try to discover where we have been at fault; next we make a vigorous attempt to repair the damage we have done; . . .
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77
As a traveler on a fresh and exciting A.A. journey of recovery, I experienced a newfound peace of mind and the horizon appeared clear and bright, rather than obscure and dim. Reviewing my life to discover where I had been at fault seemed to be such an arduous and dangerous task. It was painful to pause and look backward. I was afraid I might stumble! Couldn't I put the past out of my mind and just live in my new golden present? I realized that those in the past whom I had harmed stood between me and my desire to continue my movement toward serenity. I had to ask for courage to face those persons from my life who still lived in my conscience, to recognize and…
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Jul 30, 2022
July 31st - A Prayer for All Seasons - Debbie D. (Concord, CA)
Join Debbie D. from Concord, CA, as she shares her experience strength and hope around the Daily Reflections reading for today, A Prayer for All Seasons. Great discussion on emotional sobriety crash in recovery.
A PRAYER FOR ALL SEASONS
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, And wisdom to know the difference.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125
The power of this prayer is overwhelming in that its simple beauty parallels the A.A. Fellowship. There are times when I get stuck while reciting it, but if I examine the section which is troubling me, I find the answer to my problem. The first time this happened I was scared, but now I use it as a valuable tool. By accepting life as it is, I gain serenity. By taking action, I gain courage and I thank God for the ability to distinguish between those situations I can work on, and those I must turn over. All that I have now is a gift from God: my life, my usefulness, my…
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Jul 28, 2022
July 29th - Anonymous Gifts of Kindness - Korey S. (Thermont, MD)
Korey S. shares on today's reflection "Anonymous Gifts of Kindness" for July 29th.
ANONYMOUS GIFTS OF KINDNESS
As active alcoholics we were always looking for a handout in one way or another.
"THE TWELVE TRADITIONS ILLUSTRATED," p. 14
The challenge of the Seventh Tradition is a personal challenge, reminding me to share and give of myself. Before sobriety the only thing I ever supported was my habit of drinking. Now my efforts are a smile, a kind word, and kindness. I saw that I had to start carrying my own weight and to allow my new friends to walk with me because, through the practice of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, I've never had it so good.Support the show
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Jul 26, 2022
July 27th - Giving Freely - Lizzie D. (Englewood, NJ)
Join us for a great conversation with Lizzie D. from Englewood, NJ, as she shares her experience, strength and hope about today's Daily Reflections, Giving Freely.
GIVING FREELY
We will make every personal sacrifice necessary to insure the unity of Alcoholics Anonymous. We will do this because we have learned to love God and one another.
— A.A. comes of age, p. 234
To be self-supporting through my own contributions was never a strong characteristic during my days as a practicing alcoholic. The giving of time or money always demanded a price tag.
As a newcomer I was told "we have to give it away in order to keep it." As I began to adopt the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous in my life, I soon found it was a privilege to give to the Fellowship as an expression of the gratitude I felt in my heart. My love of God and of others became the motivating factor in my life, with no thought of return. I realize now that giving freely is God's way of expressing Himself through me.Support th…
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Jul 26, 2022
July 26th - The Worth of Sobriety - Gregg Champion (Los Angeles, CA)
Gregg Champion is a *branding expert* who has worked with top consumer brands, major television networks, and professional sports teams over the last 15 years. In the last few years, he has focused on selective start-up ventures as an investor, advisor, educator, and *start-up coach*. Gregg is a co-founder of Start Up Recovery (https://startuprecovery.com) and the Recovery Playbook (https://www.therecoveryplaybook.com/). He shares from the heart on today's reflection and on his journey of recovery.
THE "WORTH" OF SOBRIETY
Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
TWELVE AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 160
When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I am either too bust to take money out of my purse, or I do not ha…
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Jul 23, 2022
July 24th - Helping Others - Maria T. (Brooklyn, NY)
Maria T. from Brooklyn, NY, shares on today's Daily Reflection entitled "Helping Others".
HELPING OTHERS
Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 20
Self-centeredness was my problem. All my life people had been doing things for me and I not only expected it, but I was ungrateful and resentful they didn't do more. Why should I help others, when they were supposed to help me? If others had troubles, didn't they deserve them? I was filled with self-pity, anger and resentment. Then I learned that by helping others, with no thought of return, I could overcome this obsession with selfishness, and if I understood humility, I would know peace and serenity. No longer do I need to drink.Support the show
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Jul 21, 2022
July 22nd - The Good And The Bad - Bart S. (Ashburn, VA)
Bart S. from Ashburn, VA shares on today's reflection entitled "The Good and the Bad".
THE GOOD AND THE BAD
My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76
The joy of life is in the giving. Being freed of my shortcomings, that I may more freely be of service, allows humility to grow in me. My shortcomings can be humbly placed in God's loving care and be removed. The essence of Step Seven is humility, and what better way to seek humility than by giving all of myself—good and bad—to God, so that He may remove the bad and return to me the good.Support the show
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*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpf…
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Jul 19, 2022
July 20th - Shortcomings Removed - Joel G. (Leesburg, VA)
Join us as Joel G. from Leesburg, VA shares his experience, strength and hope around the Daily Reflection for today, "Shortcomings Removed".
SHORTCOMINGS REMOVED
But now the words "Of myself I am nothing, the Father doeth the works" began to carry bright promise and meaning.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75
When I put the Seventh Step into action I must remember that there are no blanks to fill in. It doesn't say, "Humbly asked Him to (fill in the blank) remove our shortcomings." For years, I filled in the imaginary blank with "Help me!" "Give me the courage to," and "Give me the strength," etc. The Step says simply that God will remove my shortcomings. The only footwork I must do is "humbly ask," which for me means asking with the knowledge that of myself I am nothing, the Father within "doeth the works."Support the show
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Jul 18, 2022
July 19th - False Pride - Bethany C. (Ponte Vedre, FL)
Bethany C shares on today's reflection entitled "False Pride".
FALSE PRIDE
Many of us who had thought ourselves religious awoke to the limitations of this attitude. Refusing to place God first, we had deprived ourselves of His help.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75
Many false notions operate in false pride. The need for direction to live a decent life is satisfied by the hope experienced in the A.A. Fellowship. Those who have walked the way for years—a day at a time—say that a God-centered life has limitless possibilities for personal growth. This being so, much hope is transmitted by the elder A.A.s. I thank my Higher Power for letting me know that He works through other people, and I thank Him for our trusted servants in the Fellowship who aid new members to reject their false ideals and to adopt those which lead to a life of compassion and trust. The elders in A.A. challenge the newcomers to "Come To"—so that they can "Come to Believe." I ask my Higher Power to he…
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Jul 17, 2022
July 17th - Surrender and Self-examination - Johnny F. (Burke, VA)
Johnny F. shares on today's reflection entitled "Surrender and Self-examination".
SURRENDER AND SELF-EXAMINATION
My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive. Thus I think it can work out with emotional sobriety. If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependency and its consequent unhealthy demand. Let us, with God's help, continually surrender these hobbling demands. Then we can be set free to live and love; we may then be able to Twelfth Step ourselves and others into emotional sobriety.
THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 238
Years of dependency on alcohol as a chemical mood-changer deprived me of the capability to interact emotionally with my fellows. I thought I had to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-motivated in a world of unreliable people. Finally I lost my self-respect and was left with dependency, lacking any ability to trust myself or to believe in anything. Surrender and…
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Jul 13, 2022
July 14th - Pride - Keith G. (New York, NY)
Keith G from New York, NY shares on the Daily Reflection for today, "Pride".
PRIDE
For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige, and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted. In all these strivings, so many of them well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility. We had lacked the perspective to see that character-building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfactions were not the purpose of living.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 71
Time and again I approached the Seventh Step, only to fall back and regroup. Something was missing and the impact of the Step escaped me. What had I overlooked? A single word: read but ignored, the foundation of all the Steps, indeed the entire Alcoholics Anonymous program—that word is "humbly." I und…
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Jul 12, 2022
July 13th - Humility is a Gift - Jim Meyer (Leesberg, VA)
Jim Myer from Leesburg, VA shares on today's Daily Reflection entitled "Humility is a Gift".
HUMILITY IS A GIFT
As long as we placed self-reliance first, a genuine reliance upon a Higher Power was out of the question. That basic ingredient of all humility, a desire to seek and do God's will, was missing.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 72
When I first came to A.A., I wanted to find some of the elusive quality called humility. I didn't realize I was looking for humility because I thought it would help me get what I wanted, and that I would do anything for others if I thought God would somehow reward me for it. I try to remember now that the people I meet in the course of my day are as close to God as I am ever going to get while on this earth. I need to pray for knowledge of God's will today, and see how my experience with hope and pain can help other people; if I can do that, I don't need to search for humility, it has found me.Support the show
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Jul 10, 2022
July 11th - A Turning Point - Alex H. (Philadelphia, PA)
Alexa H. from Philadelphia, PA shares on the Daily Reflection for July 11th entitled "A Turning Point".
A TURNING POINT
A great turning point in our lives came when we sought for humility as something we really wanted, rather than as something we must have.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75
Either the A.A. way of life becomes one of joy or I return to the darkness and despair of alcoholism. Joy comes to me when my attitude concerning God and humility turns to one of desire rather than of burden. The darkness in my life changes to radiant light when I arrive at the realization that being truthful and honest in dealing with my inventory results in my life being filled with serenity, freedom, and joy. Trust in my Higher Power deepens, and the flush of gratitude spreads through my being. I am convinced that being humble is being truthful and honest in dealing with myself and God. It is then that humility is something I "really want," rather than being "something I must have."Su…
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Jul 8, 2022
July 9th - I am a Miracle - Josephine R. (Philadelphia, PA)
Josephine R. from Philadelphia, PA shares her experience around today's reflection, "I am a Miracle".
"I AM A MIRACLE"
The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 25
This truly is a fact in my life today, and a real miracle. I always believed in God, but could never put that belief meaningfully into my life. Today, because of Alcoholics Anonymous, I now trust and rely on God, as I understand Him; I am sober today because of that! Learning to trust and rely on God was something I could never have done alone. I now believe in miracles because I am one!
Meditation App Mentioned in this episode:
https://insighttimer.com/Support the show
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Jul 6, 2022
July 7th - And Letting Go of It - Gary S. (Coolidge, AZ)
Gary S. from Coolidge, AZ shares his experience around Letting Go of It in recovery.
AND LETTING GO OF IT
. . . primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or would fail to get something we demanded. Living upon a basis of unsatisfied demands, we were in a state of continual disturbance and frustration. Therefore, no peace was to be had unless we could find a means of reducing these demands. The difference between a demand and a simple request is plain to anyone.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76
Peace is possible for me only when I let go of expectations. When I'm trapped in thoughts about what I want and what should be coming to me, I'm in a state of fear or anxious anticipation and this is not conducive to emotional sobriety. I must surrender – over and over – to the reality of my dependence on God, for then I find peace, gratitude and spiritual security.Support the show
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Jul 3, 2022
July 4th - A Natural Faith (July 4) - Heather El-Zein (Ashburn, VA)
Heather El-Zein (Ashburn, VA) shares on the concept of a Natural Faith in recovery.
A NATURAL FAITH
. . . deep down in every man, woman and child, is the fundamental idea of God. It may be obscured by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of that power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 55
I have seen the workings of the unseen God in A.A. rooms around the country. Miracles of recovery are everywhere in evidence. I now believe that God is in these rooms and in my heart. Today faith is as natural to me, a former agnostic, as breathing, eating and sleeping. The Twelve Steps have helped to change my life in many ways, but none is more effective than the acquisition of a Higher Power.Support the show
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Jul 1, 2022
July 2nd - The Heart of True Sobriety - Booboo G. (San Pedro, CA)
Booboo G. from San Pedro, CA shares on the concept of the Heart of True Sobriety.
THE HEART OF TRUE SOBRIETY
We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 570
Am I honest enough to accept myself as I am and let this be the "me" that I let others see? Do I have the willingness to go to any length, to do whatever is necessary to stay sober? Do I have the open-mindedness to hear what I have to hear, to think what I have to think, and to feel what I have to feel? If my answer to these questions is "Yes," I know enough about the spirituality of the program to stay sober. As I continue to work the Twelve Steps, I move on to the heart of true sobriety: serenity with myself, with others, and with God as I understand Him.Support the show
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Jun 30, 2022
June 30th - Sacrifice = Unity = Survival - Mike M. (Brunswick, MD)
Mike M. from Brunswick, MD shares his experience around the traditions and the concept of Sacrifice = Unity = Survival.
SACRIFICE = UNITY = SURVIVAL
The unity, the effectiveness, and even the survival of A.A. will always depend upon our continued willingness to give up some of our personal ambitions and desires for the common safety and welfare. Just as sacrifice means survival for the individual alcoholic, so does sacrifice mean unity and survival for the group and for A.A. 's entire Fellowship.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 220
I have learned that I must sacrifice some of my personality traits for the good of A.A. and, as a result, I have been rewarded with many gifts. False pride can be inflated through prestige but, by living Tradition Six, I receive the gift of humility instead. Cooperation without affiliation is often deceiving. If I remain unrelated to outside interests, I am free to keep A.A. autonomous. Then the Fellowship will be here, healthy and strong for generations to come.Sup…
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Jun 28, 2022
June 28th The Determination of Our Founders - George K. (Oceanview, DE)
George, from Oceanview, Delaware shares his experience around the Determination of the A.A. Founders.
THE DETERMINATION OF OUR FOUNDERS
A year and six months later these three had succeeded with seven more.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 159
If it had not been for the fierce determination of our founders, A.A. would have quickly faded like so many other so-called good causes. I look at the hundreds of meetings weekly in the city where I five and I know A.A. is available twenty-four hours a day. If I had had to hang on with nothing but hope and a desire not to drink, experiencing rejection wherever I went, I would have sought the easier, softer way and returned to my previous way of life.Support the show
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Jan 13, 2022
No Regrets (Jan. 14th) - Lee M. (Leesburg, VA)
This episode was recorded on January 14th, 2021
Lee made many attempts at controlling her drinking prior to coming into the program and she shares that she once felt so much remorse for the life she previously led. However, those things that used to cause her to feel shame have now become her greatest equity. Lee shares her powerful experience on the concept of having "No Regrets."
NO REGRETS
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83
Once I became sober, I began to see how wasteful my life had been and I experienced overwhelming guilt and feelings of regret. The program's Fourth and Fifth Steps assisted me enormously in healing those troubling regrets. I learned that my self-centeredness and dishonesty stemmed largely from my drinking and that I drank because I was an alcoholic. Now I see how even my most distasteful past experiences can turn to gold because, as a sober alcoholic, I can share them to help my fellow alcoholics, particu…
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Jan 13, 2022
It Doesn't Happen Overnight (Jan. 13th) - Katie F. (Phila., PA)
Katie spent over a decade in active alcoholism before coming into the rooms of AA. Today she finds gratitude for the gift of willingness that her previous life gave her. She shares her experience on the reflection for today and provides a glimpse into her amazing program and how her life has improved as a result of the steps, the program and the fellowship.
IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT
We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
The most common alcoholic fantasy seems to be: "If I just don't drink, everything will be all right." Once the fog cleared for me, I saw—for the first time—the mess my life had become. I had family, work, financial and legal problems; I was hung up on old religious ideas; there were sides of my character to which I was inclined to stay blind because they easily could have convinced me that I was hopeless and pushed me toward escape again. The…
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Jan 11, 2022
Accepting Our Present Circumstances (Jan. 12th) - John S. (Philadelphia, PA)
This episode originally aired on January 12th, 2021
John has over fifteen months (as of Jan 2021) of sobriety and recently experienced the loss of his job. Without a program of recovery, he would likely have used this as an excuse to drink or fall deep into self-pity. Today, he shares how he uses the program, and his support network to view this as an opportunity for growth. John has a great program and I'm grateful to help share his story today on the concept of accepting our present circumstances.
ACCEPTING OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as they are, ourselves as we are, and the people about us as they are. This is to adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin. Again and again, we shall need to return to that unflattering point of departure. This is an exercise in acceptance that we can profitably practice every day of our lives. Provided we strenuously avoid turning these realistic surveys of…
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Jan 9, 2022
United We Stand (Jan. 10th) - Nancy C. (Reston, VA)
This episode originally aired on January 10th, 2021
Nancy C. Joins us from the Reston, VA area to share her experience of getting sober, and staying sober standing united in recovery in the fellowship. Nancy leads a full and happy life today and credits the program for this.
UNITED WE STAND
We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 30
I came to Alcoholics Anonymous because I was no longer able to control my drinking. It was either my wife's complaining about my drinking, or maybe the sheriff forced me to go to A.A. meetings, or perhaps I knew, deep down inside, that I couldn't drink like others, but I was unwilling to admit it because the alternative terrified me. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women united against a common, fatal disease. Each one of our lives is linked to e…
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Jan 6, 2022
At the Turning Point (Jan. 7th) - Riley R. (Philadelphia, PA)
This episode originally aired January 7th, 2021
Like so many, Riley didn't realize the grave nature of his problem with drinking until it began to affect so many areas of his life... until he found himself at a turning point. Today, he also views so many moments throughout the day as opportunities or turning points where he can choose to practice the principles of the program, and when he does, he continues to experience growth, change, and amazing life in sobriety.
AT THE TURNING POINT
Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
Every day I stand at turning points. My thoughts and actions can propel me toward growth or turn me down the road to old habits and to booze. Sometimes turning points are beginnings, as when I decide to start praising, instead of condemning someone. Or when I begin to ask for help instead of going it alone. At other times turning points are endings, su…
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Jan 5, 2022
Victory of Surrender - (Jan. 6th) - Chris P. (Reston, VA)
This episode originally aired on January 6, 2021
Chris got sober at the age of 16 and credits the victory of surrender for the grace to move forward and rebuild his life. He's built a wonderful life based on the firm bedrock of personal powerlessness.
Sunlight of the Spirit - https://aavirginia.org/meetings/sunlight-of-the-spirit-4/
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…
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Jan 3, 2022
Begin Where You Are (Jan. 4th) - Kevin P. (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
This episode originally aired on January 4th, 2021
Kevin P. Joins us from Jacksonville Beach, FL where he's a Professional Therapist. Kevin shares on the topic of beginning where you are... Starting with the elimination of alcohol - that's merely the ticket to the show. The real challenge comes when we face the challenges of daily life.
BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE
We feel that the elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations, and affairs.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 19
It's usually pretty easy for me to be pleasant to the people in an A.A. setting. While I'm working to stay sober, I'm celebrating with my fellow A.A.S our common release from the hell of drinking. It's often not so hard to spread glad tidings to my old and new friends in the program. At home or at work, though, it can be a different story. It is in situations arising in both of those areas that the little day-to-day fru…
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Jan 2, 2022
Powerless (Jan. 3rd) - Dom F. (Reston, VA)
This episode originally aired on January 3rd, 2021
Today, Dom F from Reston, VA joins us to talk about Powerlessness; how powerlessness works in his program of recovery and he stays sober, one day at a time.
Check out Dom's meetings at https://aavirginia.org/meetings/the-sunlight-of-the-spirit-group/
January 3 - Powerless
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21
It is no coincidence that the very first Step mentions powerlessness: An admission of personal powerlessness over alcohol is a cornerstone of the foundation of recovery. I've learned that I do not have the power and control I once thought I had. I am powerless over what people think about me. I am powerless over having just missed the bus. I am powerless over how other people work (or don't work) the Steps. But I've also learned I am not powerless over some things. I am not powerless over my attitudes. I am not powerless over negativity.…
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Jan 1, 2022
First, the Foundation (Jan. 2nd) - Quentin W. (New York City, NY)
This episode originally aired on January 2nd, 2021
Quentin W. from New York City joins the program today to share on the concept of the foundations of recovery. Quentin frequently attends the Sunrise Semester group in Philadelphia, PA via online meetings. I've gotten to know Quentin through his shares at meetings and he's got a phenomenal take on the foundation of recovery. I hope you enjoy this episode.
FIRST, THE FOUNDATION
Is sobriety all that we can expect of a spiritual awakening? No, sobriety is only a bare beginning.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8
Practicing the A.A. program is like building a house. First I had to pour a big, thick concrete slab on which to erect the house; that, to me, was the equivalent of stopping drinking. But it's pretty uncomfortable living on a concrete slab, unprotected and exposed to the heat, cold, wind and rain. So I built a room on the slab by starting to practice the program. The first room was rickety because I wasn't used to the work. But as time passe…
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Dec 31, 2021
I am a Miracle (Jan. 1st) - Louie L. - (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
This episode originally aired on January 1st, 2021.
Louie L. shares on the daily reflection for this, New Years Day - January, 1st entitled "I am a Miracle".
"I AM A MIRACLE"
The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 25
This truly is a fact in my life today, and a real miracle. I always believed in God, but could never put that belief meaningfully into my life. Today, because of Alcoholics Anonymous, I now trust and rely on God, as I understand Him; I am sober today because of that! Learning to trust and rely on God was something I could never have done alone. I now believe in miracles because I am one!
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Dec 30, 2021
#273 Daily Resolutions (Dec. 31st) - Zach P. (Philadelphia, PA)
Zach P. joins us once again from Philadelphia, PA to share on Daily Resolutions.
Zach's home group meets in Philadelphia at 1904 Walnut Street 7:30pm each Wednesday. Meeting details including remote dial-in information can be found at the following link:
https://aasepia.org/?region=philadelphia-county&weekday=3&time=evening&search=1904&meeting=meeting-1904-walnut-st-philadelphia-pa-19103-usa-3-190000
Today marks the last day of 2021 and starting tomorrow, the podcast will be pressing pause. Thank you all for listening. We hope to be back very soon.
DAILY RESOLUTIONS
The idea of "twenty-four-hour living" applies primarily tothe emotional life of the individual. Emotionally speaking, we must not live in yesterday, nor in tomorrow.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 284
A New Year: 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes—a time to consider directions, goals, and actions. I must make some plans to live a normal life, but also I must live emotionally within a twenty-four-hour f…
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Dec 29, 2021
#272 Bonus Episode (Dec 30th) - The Proactive 12 Steps - Serge Prengel (New York City, NY)
Join us as Serge Prengel, author of the book, The Proactive 12 Steps: A Mindful Program for Lasting Change, shares a different take on the 12 Steps. Please see links to resources below.
**Note: for anyone in active addiction we encourage you to continue to attend your regular program meetings and work the steps with a sponsor. *
Click here to access the book, The Proactive 12 Steps: A Mindful Program for Lasting Change.
Click here to access the online resources offered at Proactive12steps.com
Click here to access ActivePause Podcast and other resources around interactive mindfulness.
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*If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solu…
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Dec 28, 2021
#271 The Joy of Living (Dec 29th) - Tom Hilton (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Join us as Tom Hilton, from Jacksonville Beach, FL, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, The Joy of Living.
THE JOY OF LIVING
. . . therefore the joy of good living is the theme of A.A.'s Twelfth Step.
*TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125*
A.A. is a joyful program! Even so, I occasionally balk at taking the necessary steps to move ahead, and find myself resisting the very actions that could bring about the joy I want. I would not resist if those actions did not touch some vulnerable area of my life, an area that needs hope and fulfillment. Repeated exposure to joyfulness has a way of softening the hard, outer edges of my ego. Therein lies the power of joyfulness to help all members of A.A.
From the book Daily Reflections. Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Dec 27, 2021
#270 Problem Solving (Dec. 27th)
PROBLEM SOLVING
"Quite as important was the discovery that spiritual principles would solve all my problems."
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 42
Through the recovery process described in the Big Book, I have come to realize that the same instructions that work on my alcoholism, work on much more. Whenever I am angry or frustrated, I consider the matter a manifestation of the main problem within me, alcoholism. As I "walk" through the Steps, my difficulty is usually dealt with long before I reach the Twelfth "suggestion," and those difficulties that persist are remedied when I make an effort to carry the message to someone else. These principles do solve my problems! I have not encountered an exception, and I have been brought to a way of living which is satisfying and useful.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Dec 25, 2021
#269 Accepting Success or Failure (Dec. 26th) - Joel Gough (Leesburg, VA)
Join us as Joel Gough, from Leesburg, VA, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Accepting Success or Failure.
ACCEPTING SUCCESS OR FAILURE
Furthermore, how shall we come to terms with seeming failure or success? Can we now accept and adjust to either without despair or pride? Can we accept poverty, sickness, loneliness, and bereavement with courage and serenity? Can we steadfastly content ourselves with the humbler, yet sometimes more durable, satisfactions when the brighter, more glittering achievements are denied us?
*TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 112*
After I found A.A. and stopped drinking, it took a while before I understood why the First Step contained two parts: my powerlessness over alcohol, and my life's unmanageability. In the same way, I believed for a long time that, in order to be in tune with the Twelve Steps, it was enough for me "to carry this message to alcoholics." That was rushing things. I was forgetting that there w…
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Dec 23, 2021
#268 A Sane and Happy Usefulness (Dec. 24th) - Max E. Chicago, IL
Max E. from Chicago returns to the show to share his experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled A Sane and Happy Usefulness.
A "SANE AND HAPPY USEFULNESS"
We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 130
All the prayer and meditation in the world will not help me unless they are accompanied by action. Practicing the principles in all my affairs shows me the care that God takes in all parts of my life. God appears in my world when I move aside, and allow Him to step into it.
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Dec 21, 2021
#267 Principles, Not Personalities (Dec. 22nd) - Heather E. (Ashburn, VA)
Join us as Heather E., from Ashburn, VA, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Principles, Not Personalities.
PRINCIPLES, NOT PERSONALITIES
The way our "worthy" alcoholics have sometimes tried to judge the "less worthy" is, as we look back on it, rather comical. Imagine, if you can, one alcoholic judging another!
*THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 37*
Who am I to judge anyone? When I first entered the Fellowship I found that I liked everyone. After all, A.A. was going to help me to a better way of life without alcohol. The reality was that I couldn't possibly like everyone, nor they me. As I've grown in the Fellowship, I've learned to love everyone just from listening to what they had to say. That person over there, or the one right here, may be the one God has chosen to give me the message I need for today. I must always remember to place principles above personalities.
From the book Daily Reflections. Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous Wor…
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Dec 19, 2021
#266 The Rewards of Giving (Dec. 20th) - Kevin Petersen (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Join us as Kevin Petersen returns to share his experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled "The Rewards of Giving."
THE REWARDS OF GIVING
This is indeed the kind of giving that actually demands nothing. He does not expect his brother sufferer to pay him, or even to love him. And then he discovers that by the divine paradox of this kind of giving he has found his own reward, whether his brother has yet received anything or not.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 109
Through experience with Twelfth Step work, I came to understand the rewards of giving that demands nothing in return. At first I expected recovery in others, but I soon learned that this did not happen. Once I acquired the humility to accept the fact that every Twelfth Step call was not going to result in a success, then I was open to receive the rewards of selfless giving.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Dec 19, 2021
#265 Understanding the Malady (Dec. 19th) - Randall Patten (San Diego, CA)
Please join us as Randall Patten, from San Diego, CA, as he shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Understanding the Malady.
Randall mentioned the following authors and books: Joel S. Goldsmith, Neville Goddard, Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love, Bhagavad Gita.
UNDERSTANDING THE MALADY
When dealing with an alcoholic, there may be a natural annoyance that a man could be so weak, stupid and irresponsible. Even when you understand the malady better, you may feel this feeling rising.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 139
Having suffered from alcoholism, I should understand the illness, but sometimes I feel annoyance, even contempt, toward a person who cannot make it in A.A. When I feel that way, I am satisfying my false sense of superiority and I must remember, but for the grace of God, there go I.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Dec 16, 2021
#264 A Priceless Reward (Dec. 17th) - Chris P. (Leesburg, VA)
Join us as Chris P. returns to the show to share on the concepts around rewards in recovery with today's Reflection entitled "A Priceless Reward".
A PRICELESS REWARD
. . . work with other alcoholics. . . . It work when other activities fail.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 8
"Life will take on new meaning," as the Big Book says (p.89). This promise has helped me to avow self-seeking and self-pity. To watch others grow in this wonderful program, to see them improve the quality of their lives, is a priceless reward for my effort to help others. Self-examination is yet another reward for an ongoing recovery, as are serenity, peace and contentment. The energy derived from seeing others on a successful path, of sharing with them the joys of the journey, gives to my life a new meaning.
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Dec 14, 2021
#263 Doing Anything to Help (Dec. 15th) - Kurt Zimmerman (Redondo Beach, CA)
Join us as Kurt Zimmerman, from Redondo Beach, CA, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Doing Anything to Help.
DOING ANYTHING TO HELP
Offer him [the alcoholic] friendship and fellowship. Tell him that if he wants to get well you will do anything to help.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 95
I remember how attracted I was to the two men from A.A. who Twelfth-Stepped me. They said I could have what they had, with no conditions attached, that all I had to do was make my own decision to join them on the pathway to recovery. When I start convincing a newcomer to do things my way, I forget how helpful those two men were to me in their open-minded generosity.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
*Visit our web site*
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Dec 12, 2021
#262 Thinking of Others (Dec. 13th) - Louie L. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us as our good friend Louie L. from Jacksonville, FL returns to share on the concepts around thinking of others, both inside and outside of the rooms of recovery.
THINKING OF OTHERS
Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 20
Thinking of others has never come easily to me. Even when I try to work the A.A. program, I'm prone to thinking, "How do I feel today. Am I happy, joyous and free?" The program tells me that my thoughts must reach out to those around me: "Would that newcomer welcome someone to talk to?" "That person looks a little unhappy today, maybe I could cheer him up." It is only when I forget my problems, and reach out to contribute something to others that I can begin to attain the serenity and God-consciousness I seek.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Dec 11, 2021
#261 A Common Solution (Dec. 12th) - Alex J. (Golden, CO)
Join us as Alex J., from Golden, CO, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Common Solution.
A COMMON SOLUTION
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 17
The most far-reaching Twelfth Step work was the publication of our Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. Few can equal that book for carrying the message. My idea is to get out of myself and simply do what I can. Even if I haven't been asked to sponsor and my phone rarely rings, I am still able to do Twelfth Step work. I get involved in "brotherly and harmonious action." At meetings I show up early to greet people and to help set up, and to share my experience, strength and hope. I also do what I can with service work. My Higher Power g…
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Dec 9, 2021
#260 Carrying the Message (Dec. 10th) - Pej A. (Los Angeles, CA)
Pej returns to the show to share his experience, strength and hope around the concept of carrying the message. Pej has a podcast, called Peji's Recovery Corner available on Apple, Spotify and all podcast networks. You will also find Pej on social media:
- Insta: @drug_intervention
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pejinterventions
CARRYING THE MESSAGE
Now, what about the rest of the Twelfth Step? The wonderful energy it releases and the eager action by which it carries our message to the next suffering alcoholic and which finally translates the Twelve Steps into action upon all our affairs is the payoff, the magnificent reality, of Alcoholics Anonymous.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 109
To renounce the alcoholic world is not to abandon it, but to act upon principles I have come to love and cherish, and to restore in others who still suffer the serenity I have come to know. When I am truly committed to this purpose, it matters little what clothes I wear or how I make a livi…
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Dec 7, 2021
#259 Service (Dec. 8th) - Caroline W. (Los Cabos, MX)
Join us as Caroline W. from Los Cabos, MX shares on the concept of Service with today's Daily Reflection.
SERVICE
Life will take on new meaning. To watch people re-over, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have host of friends—this is an experience you must not miss. . . . Frequent contact with newcomers and nth each other is the bright spot of our lives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89
It is through service that the greatest rewards are to be found. But to be in a position of offering true, useful and effective service to others, I must first work on myself. This means that I have to abandon myself to God, admitting my faults and clearing away the wreckage of my past. Work on myself has aught me how to find the necessary peace and serenity to successfully merge inspiration and experience. I have learned how to be, in the truest sense, in open channel of sobriety.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcohol…
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Dec 5, 2021
#258 When the Chips are Down (Dec. 6th) - Ceci B. (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
Join us as Ceci B. returns to the show to share her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, entitled When the Chips are Down.
WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN
When we developed still more, we discovered the best possible source of emotional stability to be God Himself. We found that dependence upon His perfect justice, forgiveness, and love was healthy, and that it would work where nothing else would. If we really depended upon God, we couldn't very well play God to our fellows nor would we feel the urge wholly to rely on human protection and care.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 116
It has been my experience that, when all human resources appear to have failed, there is always One who will never desert me. Moreover, He is always there to share my joy, to steer me down the right path, and to confide in when no one else will do. While my well-being and happiness can be added to, or diminished, by human efforts, only God can provide the loving nourishment up…
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Dec 4, 2021
#257 A New State of Consciousness (Dec. 5th) - Diana R. (Frederick, MD)
Welcome Diana R. from Frederick, MD as she shares on A New State of Consciousness. Diana refers to the International Conference of Young People in A.A. For more information, visit: https://icypaa.org/
A NEW STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
He has been granted a gift which amounts to a new state of consciousness and being.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 107
Many of us in AA. puzzle over what is a spiritual awakening. I tended to look for a miracle, something dramatic and earth-shattering. But what usually happens is that a sense of well-being, a feeling of peace, transforms us into a new level of awareness. That's what happened to me. My insanity and inner turmoil disappeared and I entered into a new dimension of hope, love and peace. I think the degree to which I continue to experience this new dimension is in direct proportion to the sincerity, depth and devotion with which I practice the Twelve Steps of A.A.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anony…
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Dec 2, 2021
#256 In All Our Affairs (Dec. 3rd) - Mike H. (Dover, DE)
Mike H. from Dover, DE shares on today's reflection entitled "In All Our Affairs."
IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS
. . . we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 106
I find that carrying the message of recovery to other alcoholics is easy because it helps me to stay sober and it provides me with a sense of well-being about my own recovery. The hard part is practicing these principles in all my affairs. It is important that I share the benefits I receive from A.A., especially at home. Doesn't my family deserve the same patience, tolerance and understanding I so readily give to the alcoholic? When reviewing my day I try to ask, "Did I have a chance to be a friend today and miss it?" "Did I have a chance to rise above a nasty situation and avoid it?" "Did I have a chance to say 'I'm sorry,' and refuse to?" Just as I ask God for help with my alcoholism each day, I ask for help in extending my recovery t…
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Nov 30, 2021
#255 Suggested Steps (Dec. 1st) - Tricia Parido (Central Coast, CA)
Join us as Tricia Parido, owner of Turning Leaves Recovery Life and Wellness Coaching shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Suggested Steps.
To contact Tricia Parido:
PO Box 622
Arroyo Grande CA 93421
(805) 710-2513
www.turningleavesrecovery.com
"SUGGESTED" STEPS
Our Twelfth Step also says that as a result of practicing all the Steps, we have each found something called a spiritual awakening. . . . A.A.'s manner of making ready to receive this gift lies in the practice of the Twelve Steps in our program.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 106-07
I remember my sponsor's answer when I told him that the Steps were "suggested." He replied that they are "suggested" in the same way that, if you were to jump out of an airplane with a parachute, it is "suggested" that you pull the ripcord to save your life. He pointed out that it was "suggested" I practice the Twelve Steps, if I wanted to save my life. So I try to remember daily that I have a…
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Nov 28, 2021
#254 Active Guardians (Nov. 29th) - Tim A. (Philadelphia, PA)
Tim A. from Philadelphia, PA. returns to the show to share his thoughts on today's reflection - Active Guardians.
"ACTIVE GUARDIANS"
To us, however, it represents far more than a sound public relations policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. This Tradition is a constant and practical reminder that personal ambition has no place in A A. In it, each member becomes an active guardian of our Fellowship.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 183
The basic concept of humility is expressed in the Eleventh Tradition: it allows me to participate completely in the program in such a simple, yet profound, manner; it fulfills my need to be an integral part of a significant whole. Humility brings me closer to the actual spirit of togetherness and oneness, without which I could not stay sober. In remembering that every member is an example of sobriety, each one living the Eleventh Tradition, I am able to experience freedom because each one of us is anonymous.
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Nov 27, 2021
#253 Attraction, Not Promotion (Nov. 28th) - Mark L. (Delmont, PA)
Join us as Mark L., from Delmont, PA, shares his experience, strength, and hope, around today's Daily Reflection, Attraction, Not Promotion.
ATTRACTION, NOT PROMOTION
Through many painful experiences, we think we have arrived at what that policy ought to be. It is the opposite in many ways of usual promotional practice. We found that we had to rely upon the principle of attraction rather than of promotion.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 180-81
While I was drinking I reacted with anger, self-pity and defiance against anyone who wanted to change me. All I wanted then was to be accepted by another human simply as I was and, curiously, that is what I found in A.A. I became the custodian of this concept of attraction, which is the principle of our Fellowship's public relations. It is by attraction that I can best reach the alcoholic who still suffers.
I thank God for having given me the attraction of a well-planned and established program of Steps and Traditions. Through h…
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Nov 25, 2021
#252 The Hazards of Publicity (Nov. 26th) - Kevin Barhydt (Niskayuna, NY)
Kevin Barhydt is an author, actor, member of the recovery community and a survivor. He is the author of Dear Stephen Michael's Mother, a memoir of how a young boy abandoned, abused and addicted became a man with the hope, courage and resilience to seek his biological mother.
You will also find Kevin on his Youtube channel where he creates and shares content about his journey from abandoned to reunited, from addicted to 33 years sober, from a high school dropout to a master's in education, continues.
On today's episode, Kevin shares about the Hazards of Publicity.
THE HAZARDS OF PUBLICITY
People who symbolize causes and ideas fill a deep human need. We of A.A. do not question that. But we do have to soberly face the fact that being in the public eye is hazardous, especially for us.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 181
As a recovered alcoholic I must make an effort to put into practice the principles of the AA. program, which are founded on honesty, truth and humility. While…
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Nov 23, 2021
#251 A Universal Search (Nov. 24th) - Bonnie J. (Billings, MT)
Join us as Bonnie J., from Billings, MT, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Universal Search.
A UNIVERSAL SEARCH
Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87
I do not claim to have all the answers in spiritual matters, any more than I claim to have all the answers about alcoholism. There are others who are also engaged in a spiritual search. If I keep an open mind about what others have to say, I have much to gain. My sobriety is greatly enriched, and my practice of the Eleventh Step more fruitful, when I use both the literature and practices of my Judeo-Christian tradition, and the resources of other religions. Thus, I receive support from many sources in staying away from the first drink.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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Nov 21, 2021
#241 Only Two Sins (Nov. 22nd) - Darren B. (Frederick, MD)
Darren B. shares on today's daily reflection entitled "Only Two Sins".
ONLY TWO SINS
. . . there are only two sins; the first is to interfere with the growth of another human being, and the second is to interfere with one's own growth.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 542
Happiness is such an elusive state. How often do my "prayers" for others involve "hidden" prayers for my own agenda? How often is my search for happiness a boulder in the path of growth for another, or even myself? Seeking growth through humility and acceptance brings things that appear to be anything but good, wholesome and vital. Yet in looking back, I can see that pain, struggles and setbacks have all contributed eventually to serenity through growth in the program. I ask my Higher Power to help me not cause another's lack of growth today—or my own.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Nov 21, 2021
#240 A Classic Prayer (Nov. 21st) - Kevin Burnes (Frederick,MD)
Join us as Kevin Burnes from Frederick, MD, share his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Classic Prayer.
A CLASSIC PRAYER
Lord, make me a channel for thy peace—that where there is hatred, I may bring love—that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness—that where there is discord, I may bring harmony—that where there is error, I may bring truth—that where there is doubt, I may bring faith—that where there is despair, I may bring hope—that where there are shadows, I may bring light—that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted—to understand, than to be understood—to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 99
No matter where I am in my spiritual growth, the St. Francis prayer helps me i…
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Nov 18, 2021
#239 I Was Slipping Fast (Nov. 19th) - Trina K. (Eugene, OR)
Trina K. from Eugene Oregon shares her experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled "I Was Slipping Fast".
"I WAS SLIPPING FAST"
We A.A.'s are active folk, enjoying the satisfactions of dealing with the realities of life, . . . So it isn't surprising that we often tend to slight serious meditation and prayer as something not really necessary.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96
I had been slipping away from the program for some time, but it took a death threat from a terminal disease to bring me back, and particularly to the practice of the Eleventh Step of our blessed Fellowship. Although I had fifteen years of sobriety and was still very active in the program, I knew that the quality of my sobriety had slipped badly. Eighteen months later, a checkup revealed a malignant tumor and a prognosis of certain death within six months. Despair settled in when I enrolled in a rehab program, after which I suffered two small strokes which revealed two large brain tumors. As I ke…
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Nov 16, 2021
#238 Overcoming Loneliness (Nov. 17th) - Niamh C. (Wexford, Ireland)
Join us as Niamh C. (pronounced Neeve), from Wexford, Ireland, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Overcoming Loneliness.
OVERCOMING LONELINESS
Almost without exception, alcoholics are tortured by loneliness. Even before our drinking got bad and people began to cut us off, nearly all of us suffered the feeling that we didn't quite belong.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 90
The agonies and the void that I often felt inside occur less and less frequently in my life today. I have learned to cope with solitude. It is only when I am alone and calm that I am able to communicate with God, for He cannot reach me when I am in turmoil. It is good to maintain contact with God at all times, but it is absolutely essential that, when everything seems to go wrong, I maintain that contact through prayer and meditation.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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Nov 14, 2021
#237 Vital Sustenance (Nov. 15th) - Scott J. - Chicago, IL
Scott J. from Chicago, IL shares his experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled Vital Sustenance.
VITAL SUSTENANCE
Those of us who have come to make regular use of prayer would no more do without it than we would refuse air, food, or sunshine. And for the same reason. When we refuse air, light, or food, the body suffers. And when we turn away from meditation and prayer, we likewise deprive our minds, our emotions, and our intuitions of vitally needed support.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 97
Step Eleven doesn't have to overwhelm me. Conscious contact with God can be as simple, and as profound, as conscious contact with another human being. I can smile. I can listen. I can forgive. Every encounter with another is an opportunity for prayer, for acknowledging God's presence within me. Today I can bring myself a little closer to my Higher Power. The more I choose to seek the beauty of God's work in other people, the more certain of His presence I will become.
*Need t…
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Nov 13, 2021
#236 Intuition and Inspiration (Nov. 14th) - Clarence Fairfax (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Clarence Fairfax, from Frederick, MD, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Intuition and Inspiration.
INTUITION AND INSPIRATION
. . . we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy. We don't struggle.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 86
I invest my time in what I truly love. Step Eleven is a discipline that allows me and my Higher Power to be together, reminding me that, with God's help, intuition and inspiration are possible. Practice of the Step brings on selflove. In a consistent attempt to improve my conscious contact with a Higher Power, I am subtly reminded of my unhealthy past, with its patterns of grandiose thinking and false feelings of omnipotence. When I ask for the power to carry out God's will for me, I am made aware of my powerlessness. Humility and a healthy selflove are compatible, a direct result of working Step Eleven.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoh…
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Nov 11, 2021
#235 Morning Thoughts (Nov. 12th) - Max (Highland Park, IL)
Max from Highland Park, IL shares his experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled "Morning Thoughts".
MORNING THOUGHTS
Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 164
For many years I pondered over God's will for me, believing that perhaps a great destiny had been ordained for my life. After all, having been born into a specific faith, hadn't I been told early that I was "chosen"? It finally occurred to me, as I considered the above passage, that God's will for me was simply that I practice Step Twelve on a daily basis. Furthermore, I realized I should do this to the best of my ability. I soon learned that the practice aids me in keeping my life in the context of the day at hand.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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*Follo…
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Nov 9, 2021
#234 A Sense of Belonging (Nov. 10th) - Patricia F. (Camden, DE)
Join us as Patricia F., from Camden, DE, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Sense of Belonging.
A SENSE OF BELONGING
Perhaps one of the greatest rewards of meditation and prayer is the sense of belonging that comes to us.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 105
That's what it is — belonging! After a session of meditation I knew that the feeling I was experiencing was a sense of belonging because I was so relaxed. I felt quieter inside, more willing to discard little irritations. I appreciated my sense of humor. What I also experience in my daily practice is the sheer pleasure of belonging to the creative flow of God's world. How propitious for us that prayer and meditation are written right into our A.A. way of life.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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*…
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Nov 7, 2021
#233 An Individual Adventure (Nov. 8th) - Tyler C. (Arlington, VA)
Tyler C. from Arlington, VA shares on today's Daily Reflection for November 9th, entitled "An Individual Adventure".
AN INDIVIDUAL ADVENTURE
Meditation is something which can always be further developed. It has no boundaries, either of width or height. Aided by such instruction and example as we can find, it is essentially an individual adventure, something which each one of us works out in his own way.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 101
My spiritual growth is with God as I understand Him. With Him I find my true inner self. Daily meditation and prayer strengthen and renew my source of well-being. I receive then the openness to accept all that He has to offer. With God I have the reassurance that my journey will be as He wants for me, and for that I am grateful to have God in my life.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
**Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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*Read about Recovery on our Blog*
*…
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Nov 6, 2021
#232 Let Go and Let God (Nov. 7th) - Jamie G. (Rochester, NY)
Join us as Jamie G., from Rochester, NY, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, entitled Let Go and Let God.
LET GO AND LET GOD
. . . praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96
When I "Let Go and Let God," I think more clearly and wisely. Without having to think about it, I quickly let go of things that cause me immediate pain and discomfort. Because I find it hard to let go of the kind of worrisome thoughts and attitudes that cause me immense anguish, all I need do during those times is allow God, as I understand Him, to release them for me, and then and there, I let go of the thoughts, memories and attitudes that are troubling me.
When I receive help from God, as I understand Him, I can live my life one day at a time and handle whatever challenges come my way. Only then can I live a life of victory over alcohol, in comfortable sobriety.
From the book Daily Refle…
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Nov 4, 2021
#231 The Quality of Faith (Nov. 5th) - Jim D. (Lake George, NY)
Jim D. from Lake George, NY joins us today to share his experience around the Daily Reflection entitled "The Quality of Faith".
“THE QUALITY OF FAITH”
This has to do with the quality of faith. In no deep or meaningful sense had we ever taken stock of ourselves. We had not even prayed rightly. We had always said, “Grant me my wishes” instead of “Thy will be done.”
-TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.32
God does not grant me material possessions, take away my suffering, or spare me from disasters, but He does give me a good life, the ability to cope, and peace of mind. My prayers are simple: first, they express my gratitude for the good things in my life, regardless of how hard I have to search for them; and second, I ask only for the strength and the wisdom to do His will. He answers with solutions to my problems, sustaining my ability to live through daily frustrations with a serenity I did not believe existed, and with the strength to practice the principles of A.A.…
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Nov 2, 2021
#230 Focusing and Listening (Nov. 3rd) - Dawn B. (Frederick, MD)
Join us in wishing Dawn B., from Frederick, MD, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY as we listen to her share her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Focusing and Listening.
Happy Birthday, Dawn!!
FOCUSING AND LISTENING
There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 98
If I do my self-examination first, then surely, I'll have enough humility to pray and meditate—because I'll see and feel my need for them. Some wish to begin and end with prayer, leaving the self-examination and meditation to take place in between, whereas others start with meditation, listening for advice from God about their still hidden or unacknowledged defects. Still others engage in written and verbal work on their defects, ending with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. These three—self-examination, meditation and prayer—form a circle, without a beg…
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Oct 31, 2021
#229 I Cannot Change the Wind (Nov. 1st) - Isaac A. (Chapel Hill, NC)
Isaac A. from Chapel Hill, NC shares his experience around changing in recovery and today's Daily Reflection entitled "I Cannot Change the Wind".
I CANNOT CHANGE THE WIND
is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
My first sponsor told me there were two things to say about prayer and meditation: first, I had to start and second, I had to continue. When I came to A.A. my spiritual life was bankrupt; if I considered God at all, He was to be called upon only when my self-will was incapable of a task or when overwhelming fears had eroded my ego. Today I am grateful for a new life, one in which my prayers are those of thanksgiving. My prayer time is more for listening than for talking. I know today that if I cannot change the wind, I can adjust my sail. I know the difference between superstition and spirituality. I know there is a graceful way of being right, a…
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Oct 30, 2021
#228 Avoiding Controversy (Oct. 31st) - Scot M. (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Scot M., from Frederick, MD, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Avoiding Controversy.
AVOIDING CONTROVERSY
All history affords us the spectacle of striving nations and groups finally torn asunder because they were designed for, or tempted into, controversy. Others fell apart because of sheer self-righteousness while trying to enforce upon the rest of mankind some millennium of their own specification.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 176
As an A.A. member and sponsor, I know I can cause real damage if I yield to temptation and give opinions and advice on another's medical, marital, or religious problems. I am not a doctor, counselor, or lawyer. I cannot tell anyone how he or she should live; however, I can share how I came through similar situations without drinking, and how A.A.'s Steps and Traditions help me in dealing with my life.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous
*Need the Da…
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Oct 28, 2021
#227 Our Survival (Oct. 29th) - Brian W. (Philadelphia, PA)
Brian W. from Philadelphia shares on the concept of survival in, and through recovery.
OUR SURVIVAL
Since recovery from alcoholism is life itself to us, it is imperative that we preserve in full strength our means of survival.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 177
The honesty expressed by the members of A.A. in meetings has the power to open my mind. Nothing can block the flow of energy that honesty carries with it. The only obstacle to this flow of energy is inebriation, but even then, no one will find a closed door if he or she has left and chooses to return. Once he or she has received the gift of sobriety, each A.A. member is challenged on a daily basis to accept a program of honesty. My Higher Power created me for a purpose in life. I ask him to accept my honest efforts to continue on my journey in the spiritual way of life. I call on Him for strength to know and seek His will.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc…
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Oct 24, 2021
#225 A. A.'s Heartbeat (Oct. 25th) - Leon D. (Shenzhen, China)
Join us to hear Leon D. from Shenzhen, China share his experience, strength and hope around the concept of A.A.'s Heartbeat.
A.A.'s HEARTBEAT
Without unity, the heart of A.A. would cease to beat; . . .
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 125
Without unity I would be unable to recover in A.A. on a daily basis. By practicing unity within my group, with other A.A. members and at all levels of this great Fellowship, I receive a pronounced feeling of knowing that I am a part of a miracle that was divinely inspired. The ability of Bill W. and Dr. Bob, working together and passing it on to other members, tells me that to give it away is to keep it. Unity is oneness and yet the whole Fellowship is for all of us.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Oct 24, 2021
#224 By Faith and By Works (Oct. 24th) - Molly B. (Chagrin Falls, OH)
Join us as Molly B., from Chagrin Falls, OH, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, By Faith and By Works.
"BY FAITH AND BY WORKS"
On anvils of experience, the structure of our Society was hammered out. . . . Thus has it been with A.A. By faith and by works we have been able to build upon the lessons of an incredible experience. They live today in the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, which — God willing — shall sustain us in unity for so long as He may need us.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 131
God has allowed me the right to be wrong in order for our Fellowship to exist as it does today. If I place God's will first in my life, it is very likely that A.A. as I know it today will remain as it is.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Oct 21, 2021
#223 True Tolerance (Oct. 22nd) - Harry Zelnick (Philadelphia, PA)
Join me as Harry Zelnick from Philadelphia, PA shares his experience around True Tolerance.
TRUE TOLERANCE
Finally, we begin to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong and then we approach true tolerance and see what real love for our fellows actually means
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 92
The thought occurred to me that all people are emotionally ill to some extent. How could we not be? Who among us is spiritually perfect? Who among us is physically perfect? How could any of us be emotionally perfect? Therefore, what else are we to do but bear with one another and treat each other as we would be treated in similar circumstances? That is what love really is.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
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Oct 19, 2021
#222 Solace for Confusion (Oct. 20th) - Jen R. (Ashburn, VA)
Join us as Jen R., from Ashburn, VA, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Solace for Confusion.
SOLACE FOR CONFUSION
Obviously, the dilemma of the wanderer from faith is that of profound confusion. He thinks himself lost to the comfort of any conviction at all. He cannot attain in even a small degree the assurance of the believer, the agnostic, or the atheist. He is the bewildered one.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 28
The concept of God was one that I struggled with during my early years of sobriety. The images that came to me, conjured from my past, were heavy with fear, rejection and condemnation. Then I heard my friend Ed's image of a Higher Power: As a boy he had been allowed a litter of puppies, providedthat he assume responsibility for their care. Each morning he would find the unavoidable "byproducts"of the puppies on the kitchen floor. Despite frustration, Ed said he couldn't get angry because "that's the nature of…
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Oct 17, 2021
#221 An Open Mind (Oct. 18th) - Daniel L. (Kissimee, FL)
Join us as Daniel from Kissimee, FL shares his experience around today's reflection entitled "An Open Mind".
AN OPEN MIND
True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 33
My alcoholic thinking led me to believe that I could control my drinking, but I couldn't. When I came to A.A., I realized that God was speaking to me through my group. My mind was open just enough to know that I needed His help. A real, honest acceptance of AA. took more time, but with it came humility. I know how insane I was, and I am extremely grateful to have my sanity restored to me and to be a sober alcoholic. The new, sober me is a much better person than I ever could have been without A.A.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?**
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**Read about Recovery on our Blog**
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Oct 16, 2021
#220 A Daily Tune Up (Oct. 17th) - David H. (Philadelphia, PA)
Join us as David H. from Philadelphia, PA, shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Daily Tuneup.
A DAILY TUNE-UP
Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
How do I maintain my spiritual condition? For me it's quite simple: on a daily basis I ask my Higher Power to grant me the gift of sobriety for that day! I have talked to many alcoholics who have gone back to drinking and I always ask them: "Did you pray for sobriety the day you took your first drink?" Not one of them said yes. As I practice Step Ten and try to keep my house in order on a daily basis, I have the knowledge that if I ask for a daily reprieve, it will be granted.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
*Need the Daily Reflection Book?*
*Visit our web site*
*Read about Recovery on our Blog*
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Oct 14, 2021
#219 My Checklist, Not Yours (Oct. 15th) - Geoffrey Rogers (Philadelphia, PA)
Geoffrey Rogers joins us today to share his experience around character defects, a daily inventory and his inspiring program of recovery.
MY CHECKLIST, NOT YOURS
Gossip barbed with our anger, a polite form of murder by character assassination, has its satisfactions for us, too. Here we are not trying to help those we criticize; we are trying to proclaim our own righteousness.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 67
Sometimes I don't realize that I gossiped about someone until the end of the day, when I take an inventory of the day's activities, and then, my gossiping appears like a blemish in my beautiful day. How could I have said something like that? Gossip shows its ugly head during a coffee break or lunch with business associates, or I may gossip during the evening, when I'm tired from the day's activities, and feel justified in bolstering my ego at the expense of someone else. Character defects like gossip sneak into my life when I am not making a constant effort to work the…
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Oct 12, 2021
#218 Unremitting Inventories (Oct. 13th) - Ursula M. (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Ursula M, from Frederick, MD, shares her experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Unremitting Inventories.
UNREMITTING INVENTORIES
Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear. When these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them. We discuss them with someone immediately and make amends quickly if we have harmed anyone. Then we resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can help.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
The immediate admission of wrong thoughts or actions is a tough task for most human beings, but for recovering alcoholics like me it is difficult because of my propensity toward ego, fear and pride. The freedom the A.A. program offers me becomes more abundant when, through unremitting inventories of myself, I admit, acknowledge and accept responsibility for my wrong-doing. It is possible then for me to grow into a deeper and better understanding of humility. My willingness to admit when the fault is mine facilitates th…
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Oct 10, 2021
#217 Self-Restraint (Oct. 11th) - Jeff C. (Philadelphia, PA)
Today on the show, Jeff C. from Philadelphia. Jeff has an incredibly powerful story that involves jails, institutions and incredible success despite being dealt a tough hand in life. Warning, this episode contains explicit language.
SELF-RESTRAINT
Our first objective will be the development of self-restraint.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 91
My drive to work provides me with an opportunity for self examination. One day while making this trip, I began to review my progress in sobriety, and was not happy with what I saw. I hoped that, as the work day progressed, I would forget these troublesome thoughts, but as one disappointment after another kept coming, my discontent only increased, and the pressures within me kept mounting. I retreated to an isolated table in the lounge, and asked myself how I could make the most of the rest of the day. In the past, when things went wrong, I instinctively wanted to fight back. But during the short time I had been trying to five the A.A.…
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Oct 9, 2021
#216 Fixing Me, Not You (Oct. 10th) - Tom G. (Fort Meyers, FL)
Join us as friend-of-the-podcast, Tom G. , shares his experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Fixing Me, Not You. You will love this conversation about how working the steps of the program helped save Tom's relationship with his then girlfriend (now wife). Tom and Susan are both in recovery as is their daughter - his is a beautiful message of recovery, change and hope!
FIXING ME, NOT YOU
If somebody hurts us and we are sore, we are in the wrong also.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 90
What a freedom I felt when this passage was pointed out to me! Suddenly I saw that I could do something about my anger, I could fix me, instead of trying to fix them. I believe that there are no exceptions to the axiom. When I am angry, my anger is always self-centered. I must keep reminding myself that I am human, that I am doing the best I can, even when that best is sometimes poor. So I ask God to remove my anger and truly set me free.
*From the book Daily Reflection…
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Oct 7, 2021
#215 Daily Inventory (Oct. 8th) - Steve K. (Greenville, SC)
Today's guest is Steve K. I met Steve in High School and I always admired his outgoing and vivacious personality. To me, Steve seemed like a well-adjusted, popular and outgoing guy. It wasn't until the day we recorded this episode that I learned of the tragic truth and of the story of how his father rejected him because "he was different." Steve shares openly and honestly about what it was like growing up gay, and in the early stages of the deadly disease of addiction. I'm immensely grateful to all of our guests but today, I'm extra grateful that I got to reconnect with Steve and to get to know him on a deeper level... as a fellow sober man trudging the road to happy destiny. I hope you enjoy his hope-filled message of courage and recovery.
DAILY INVENTORY
. . . and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
I was beginning to approach my new life of sobriety with unaccustomed enthusiasm. New friends were cropping up and some of my battered friendships had…
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Oct 5, 2021
#214 Facing Ourselves (Oct. 6th) - Lindsay Wolfinger (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Lindsay shares her story of trauma, addiction, alcoholism and recovery - beautiful experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Facing Ourselves.
FACING OURSELVES
. . . and Fear says, "You dare not look!"
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 49
How often I avoided a task in my drinking days just because it appeared so large! Is it any wonder, even if I have been sober for some time, that I will act that same way when faced with what appears to be a monumental job, such as a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself? What I discover after I have arrived at the other side—when my inventory is completed—is that the illusion was greater than the reality. The fear of facing myself kept me at a standstill and, until I became willing to put pencil to paper, I was arresting my growth based on an intangible.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright…
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Oct 3, 2021
#213 A Necessary Pruning (Oct. 4th) - Pete B. (Philadelphia, PA)
Pete B. from Philadelphia shares his story of recovery through the lens of today's reflection entitled "A Necessary Pruning".
A NECESSARY PRUNING
. . . we know that the pains of drinking had to come before sobriety, and emotional turmoil before serenity.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 94
I love spending time in my garden feeding and pruning my beautiful flowers. One day, as I was busily snipping away, a neighbor stopped by. She commented, "Oh! Your plants are so beautiful, it seems such a shame to cut them back." I replied, "I know how you feel, but the excess must be removed so they can grow stronger and healthier." Later I thought that perhaps my plants feel pain, but God and I know it's part of the plan and I've seen the results. I was quickly reminded of my precious A.A. program and how we all grow through pain. I ask God to prune me when it's time, so I can grow.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
**Need th…
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Oct 2, 2021
#212 Serenity After the Storm (Oct. 3rd) - Veronika Ethereal (South River, NJ)
Join us as Veronika Ethereal, transgender recovering addict (she/her/they/them), from South River, NJ, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Serenity After the Storm. To find LGBTQ recovery meetings, visit www.gayandsober.org
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, pp. 93-94
When on the roller coaster of emotional turmoil, I remember that growth is often painful. My evolution in the A.A. program has taught me that I must experience the inner change, however painful, that eventually guides me from selfishness to selflessness. If I am to have serenity, I must STEP my way past emotional turmoil and its subsequent hangover, and be grateful for continuing spiritual progress.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Serv…
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Oct 1, 2021
#211 Lest We Become Complacent (Oct. 1st) - Brendan K. (Pittsburgh, PA)
Welcome Brendan K. back to the show as he shares on the concept of becoming complacent and the practice of maintaining your program of recovery with a daily inventory.
LEST WE BECOME COMPLACENT
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
When I am in pain it is easy to stay close to the friends I have found in the program. Relief from that pain is provided in the solutions contained in A.A.'s Twelve Steps. But when I am feeling good and things are going well, I can become complacent. To put it simply, I become lazy and turn into the problem instead of the solution. I need to get into action, to take stock: where am I and where am I going? A daily inventory will tell me what I must change to regain spiritual balance. Admitting what I find within myself, to God and to another human being, keeps me honest and humble.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Cop…
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Sep 28, 2021
#210 Exactly Alike (Sept. 29th) - Abigail A. (Portland, ME)
Join us as Abigail shares about today's Daily Reflection for September 29th, entitled "Exactly Alike".
*EXACTLY ALIKE*
Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89
A man came to the meeting drunk, interrupted the speakers, stood up and took his shirt off, staggered loudly back and forth for coffee, demanded to talk, and eventually called the group's secretary an unquotable name and walked out. I was glad he was there—once again I saw what I had been like. But I also saw what I still am, and what I still could be. I don't have to be drunk to want to be the exception and the center of attention. I have often felt abused and responded abusively when I was simply being treated as a garden variety human being. The more the man tried to insist he was different, the more I realized that he and I were exactly alike.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Sep 26, 2021
#209 Without Reservation (Sept. 27th) - John (China)
John joins us for today's Reflection to chat on the concepts around reservation and the many meanings of that word.
WITHOUT RESERVATION
When brimming with gratitude, one's heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, . . .
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 37
While practicing service to others, if my successes give rise to grandiosity, I must reflect on what brought me to this point. What has been given joyfully, with love, must be passed on without reservation and without expectation. For as I grow, I find that no matter how much I give with love, I receive much more in spirit.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Sep 25, 2021
#208 Our Children (Sept. 26th) - Dusty K. (Knoxville, MD)
Join us as Dusty K., from Knoxville, MD, shares his experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Our Children.
OUR CHILDREN
The alcoholic may find it hard to re-establish friendly relations with his children. . . . In time they will see that he is a new man and in their own way they will let him know it. . . . From that point on, progress will be rapid. Marvelous results often follow such a reunion.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 134
While on the road to recovery I received a gift that could not be purchased. It was a card from my son in college, saying, "Dad, you can't imagine how glad I am that everything is okay. Happy Birthday, I love you." My son had told me that he loved me before. It had been during the previous Christmas holidays, when he had said to me, while crying, "Dad, I love you! Can't you see what you're doing to yourself?" I couldn't. Choked with emotion, I had cried, but this time, when I received my son's card, my tears were tears of joy, not despe…
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Sep 23, 2021
#207 Vigilance (Sept. 24th) - Greg B. (Eugene OR)
Join us to listen as Greg B. from Eugene, OR shares his experience around today's Daily Reflection for September 24th entitled "Vigilance".
VIGILANCE
We have seen the truth demonstrated again and again: "Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic" Commencing to drink after a period of sobriety, we are in a short time as bad as ever. If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to alcohol
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 33
Today I am an alcoholic. Tomorrow will be no different. My alcoholism lives within me now and forever. I must never forget what I am. Alcohol will surely kill me if I fail to recognize and acknowledge my disease on a daily basis. I am not playing a game in which a loss is a temporary setback. I am dealing with my disease, for which there is no cure, only daily acceptance and vigilance.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Sep 21, 2021
#206 A Limitless Lode (Sept. 26th) - Maureen Stoner (Eugene, OR)
Join us as Maureen Stoner, from Eugene Oregon, shares her experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, A Limitless Lode.
A "LIMITLESS LODE"
Like a gaunt prospector, belt drawn in over the last ounce of food, our pick struck gold. Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds. Father feels he has struck something better than gold. For a time he may try to hug the new treasure to himself. He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 128-29
When I talk with a newcomer to A.A., my past looks me straight in the face. I see the pain in those hopeful eyes, I extend my hand, and then the miracle happens: I become healed. My problems vanish as I reach out to this trembling soul.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Sep 19, 2021
#205 H.P. As Guide (Sept. 20th) - Chuck H. (Philadelphia, PA)
Join us as we listen to Chuck H. from Philadelphia, PA share his experience, strength and hope around the concept of a Higher Power as Guide for today's Daily Reflection.
H.P. AS GUIDE
See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 164
Having a right relationship with God seemed to be an impossible order. My chaotic past had left me filled with guilt and remorse and I wondered how this "God business" could work. A.A. told me that I must turn my will and my life over to the care of God, as I understand Him. With nowhere else to turn, I went down on my knees and cried, "God, I can't do this. Please help me!" It was when I admitted my powerlessness that a glimmer of light began to touch my soul, and then a willingness emerged to let God control my life. With Him as my guide, great events began to happen, and I found the beginning of sobriety.
*From the book Da…
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Sep 18, 2021
#204 Acceptance (Sept. 19th) - Heather B. (Cincinatti, OH)
Join us as Heather B., from Cincinatti, OH, shares her story and experience around today's Daily Reflection entitled, Acceptance.
ACCEPTANCE
We admitted we couldn't lick alcohol with our own remaining resources, and so we accepted the further fact that dependence upon a Higher Power (if only our A.A. group) could do this hitherto impossible job. The moment we were able to accept these facts fully, our release from the alcohol compulsion had begun.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 109
Freedom came to me only with my acceptance that I could turn my will and my life over to the care of my Higher Power, whom I call God. Serenity seeped into the chaos of my life when I accepted that what I was going through was life, and that God would help me through my difficulties – and much more, as well. Since then He has helped me through all of my difficulties! When I accept situations as they are, not as I wish them to be, then I can begin to grow and have serenity and peace of mind.
From the book Dai…
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Sep 16, 2021
#203 Freedom From Fear (Sept. 17th) - Kirk (Alexandria, VA)
Join us as Kirk from Alexandria, VA shares powerfully on the concept of Freedom From Fear for today's Daily Reflection.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
When, with God's help, we calmly accepted our lot, then we found we could live at peace with ourselves and show others who still suffered the same fears that they could get over them, too. We found that freedom from fear was more important than freedom from want.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 122
Material values ruled my life for many years during my active alcoholism. I believed that all of my possessions would make me happy, yet I still felt bankrupt after I obtained them. When I first came into A.A., I found out about a new way of living. As a result of learning to trust others, I began to believe in a power greater than myself. Having faith freed me from the bondage of self. As material gains were replaced by the gifts of the spirit, my life became manageable. I then chose to share my experiences with other alcoholics.
*From the book…
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Sep 14, 2021
#202 A New Life (Sept. 15th) - Denise K. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us as Denise K. from Jacksonville, FL tells her story of experience, strength and hope and how she's experiencing A New Life in recovery.
A NEW LIFE
Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. . . . Life will mean something at last
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 152
Life is better without alcohol. A.A. and the presence of a Higher Power keeps me sober, but the grace of God does even better; it brings service into my life. Contact with the A.A. program teaches me a new and greater understanding of what Alcoholics Anonymous is and what it does, but most importantly, it helps to show me who I am: an alcoholic who needs the constant experience of the Alcoholics Anonymous program so that I may live a life given to me by my Higher Power.
*From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Sep 12, 2021
#201 Repairing the Damage (Sept. 13th) -Suzanne A. (Sharpsville, PA)
Tune in as Suzanne shares from the heart about her experience around today's Daily Reflection, Repairing the Damage, and struggles she's facing in her life.
REPAIRING THE DAMAGE
Good judgment, a careful sense of timing, courage and prudence – these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83
To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor's fence, I "make a mend," and that is a direct amend; the second way is by modifying my behavior, for if my actions have harmed someone, I make a daily effort to cause no further harm. I "mend my ways," and that is an indirect amend. Which is the best approach? The only right approach, provided that I am causing no further harm in so doing, is to do both. If harm is done, then I simply "mend my ways." To take action in this manner assures me of making honest amends.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics A…
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Sep 12, 2021
#200 I am Responsible (Sept. 12th) - Elizabeth F. (Philadelphia, PA)
Join us as Elizabeth F., from Philadelphia, PA, shares her experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, I am Responsible.
I AM RESPONSIBLE
For the readiness to take the full consequences of our past acts, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others at the same time, is the very spirit of Step Nine.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 87
In recovery, and through the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, I learn that the very thing I fear is my freedom. It comes from my tendency to recoil from taking responsibility for anything: I deny, I ignore, I blame, I avoid. Then one day, I look, I admit, I accept. The freedom, the healing and the recovery I experience is in the looking, admitting and accepting. I learn to say, "Yes, I am responsible." When I can speak those words with honesty and sincerity, then I am free.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Sep 9, 2021
#199 Recovery By Proxy? (Sept 10th) - Tanya F. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us as Tanya F. shares her powerful story of recovery for today's Daily Reflection.
They [the Promises] will always materialize if we work for them.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
Sometimes I think: "Making these amends is going too far! No one should have to humble himself like that!" However, it is this very humbling of myself that brings me that much closer to the sunlight of the spirit. A.A. is the only hope I have if I am to continue healing and gain a life of happiness, friendship and harmony.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
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Sep 7, 2021
#198 We Asked His Protection - (Sept. 8th) - Patrick M. (Ashburn, VA)
Join us to hear Patrick M. share his experience, strength and hope around the Daily Reflection for September 8th.
"WE ASKED HIS PROTECTION"
We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
I could not manage my life alone. I had tried that road and failed. My "ultimate sin" dragged me down to the lowest level I have ever reached and, unable even to function, I accepted the fact that I desperately needed help. I stopped fighting and surrendered entirely to God. Only then did I start growing! God forgave me. A Higher Power had to have saved me, because the doctors doubted that I would survive. I have forgiven myself now and I enjoy a freedom I have never before experienced. I've opened my heart and mind to Him. The more I learn, the less I know—a humbling fact—but I sincerely want to keep growing. I enjoy serenity, but only when I entrust my life totally to God. As long as I am honest with myself and ask for His help, I can maintain this rewardi…
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Sep 5, 2021
#197 Removing Threats to Sobriety - (Sept. 6th) - Kevin C. (Philadelphia, PA)
Daily Reflection Podcast for September 6th
Kevin C. from Philadelphia shares about the powerful impact of the ninth step on his life and how it's helped him remove threats to his sobriety.
REMOVING THREATS TO SOBRIETY
. . . except when to do so would injure them or others.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
Step Nine restores in me a feeling of belonging, not only to the human race but also to the everyday world. First, the Step makes me leave the safety of A.A., so that I may deal with non-A.A. people "out there," on their terms, not mine. It is a frightening but necessary action if I am to get back into life. Second, Step Nine allows me to remove threats to my sobriety by healing past relationships. Step Nine points the way to a more serene sobriety by letting me clear away past wreckage, lest it bring me down.
*From the book Daily Reflections*
*Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.*
Buy the Daily Reflection Book: https://amzn.to/3scijVa
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Sep 4, 2021
#196 Emotional Balance (Sept. 5th) - Evelyn W. (Jacksonville, FL)
Join us for this episode as Evelyn W., from Jacksonville, FL., shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection. To listen to Evelyn's friend, Bethany C. share her story, check out Episode #169 July 19th - FALSE PRIDE
EMOTIONAL BALANCE
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, . . .
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83
When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom my life touched casually, but whose days I troubled through my anger and sarcasm. These people are untraceable, and direct amends to them are not possible. The only amends I can make to those untraceable individuals, the only "changes for the better" I can offer, are indirect amends made to other people, whose paths briefly cross mine. Courtesy and kindness, regularly practiced, help me to live in emotional balance, at peace with myself.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Buy the Daily Reflection Book
Vi…
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Sep 2, 2021
#195 Building a New Life (September 3rd) - Tony K. (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Tony K. from Jacksonville Beach, FL shares his experience around Building a New Life in recovery.
BUILDING A NEW LIFE
We feel a man is unthinking when he says sobriety is enough.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 82
When I reflect on Step Nine, I see that physical sobriety must be enough for me. I need to remember the hopelessness I felt before I found sobriety, and how I was willing to go to any lengths for it. Physical sobriety is not enough for those around me, however, since I must see that God's gift is used to build a new life for my family and loved ones. Just as importantly, I must be available to help others who want the A.A. way of life. I ask God to help me share the gift of sobriety so that its benefits may be shown to those I know and love.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Aug 31, 2021
#194 A Willingness to Grow (Sept. 1st) - Kleo C. (Leesburg, VA)
Join us as Kleo C. from Leesburg, VA, shares her experience, strength, and hope around todays's Daily Reflection, A Willingness to Grow.
WILLINGNESS TO GROW
If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8
Sobriety fills the painful "hole in the soul" that my alcoholism created. Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done. However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the gift of continued spiritual awakening. Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as application of the principles of recovery in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience with others. My Higher Power presents many opportunities for deeper spiritual awakening. I need only to bring into my recovery the willingness to grow. Today I am ready to grow.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Aug 29, 2021
#193 The Only Requirement (August 30th) - Pat Gillen - Lansdale, PA
Pat Gillen from Lansdale, PA shares on the Daily Reflection for August 30th, The Only Requirement.
THE ONLY REQUIREMENT . . .
"At one time . . . every A. A. group had many membership rules. Everybody was scared witless that something or somebody would capsize the boat. . . . The total list was a mile long. If all those rules had been in effect everywhere, nobody could have possibly joined A.A. at all, . . . "
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 139-40
I'm grateful that the Third Tradition only requires of me a desire to stop drinking. I had been breaking promises for years. In the Fellowship I didn't have to make promises, I didn't have to concentrate. It only required my attending one meeting, in a foggy condition, to know I was home. I didn't have to pledge undying love. Here, strangers hugged me. "It gets better," they said, and "One day at a time, you can do it." They were no longer strangers, but caring friends. I ask God to help me to reach out to people desiring sobriety…
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Aug 28, 2021
#192 I Choose Anonymity (Aug. 29th) - Fran F. (Dover DE)
Join us as Fran F., from Dover, DE, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled I Choose Anonymity.
I CHOOSE ANONYMITY
We are sure that humility, expressed by anonymity, is the greatest safeguard that Alcoholics Anonymous can ever have.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 187
Since there are no rules in A.A. I place myself where I want to be, and so I choose anonymity. I want my God to use me, humbly, as one of His tools in this program. Sacrifice is the art of giving of myself freely, allowing humility to replace my ego. With sobriety, I suppress that urge to cry out to the world, "I am a member of A.A." and I experience inner joy and peace. I let people see the changes in me and hope they will ask what happened to me. I place the principles of spirituality ahead of judging, fault-finding, and criticism. I want love and caring in my group, so I can grow.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World S…
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Aug 25, 2021
#191 Giving It Away (Aug. 26th) - Angelica D. (Greenville, SC)
Join Angelica D., from Greenville, SC., as she shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled Giving It Away.
GIVING IT AWAY
Though they knew they must help other alcoholics if they would remain sober, that motive became secondary. It was transcended by the happiness they found in giving themselves for others.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 159
Those words, for me, refer to a transference of power, through which God, as I understand Him, enters my life. Through prayer and meditation, I open channels, then I establish and improve my conscious contact with God. Through action I then receive the power I need to maintain my sobriety each day. By maintaining my spiritual condition, by giving away what has been so freely given to me, I am granted a daily reprieve.
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Aug 23, 2021
#190 A Riddle that Works (August 24th) - Ashley B. (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Ashley B., from Frederick, MD., shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection entitled "A Riddle that Works".
A RIDDLE THAT WORKS
It may be possible to find explanations of spiritual experiences such as ours, but I have often tried to explain my own and have succeeded only in giving the story of it. I know the feeling it gave me and the results it has brought, but I realize I may never fully understand its deeper why and how.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 313
I had a profound spiritual experience during an open A.A. meeting, which led me to blurt out, "I'm an alcoholic!" I have not had a drink since that day. I can tell you the words I heard just prior to my admission, and how those words affected me, but as to why it happened, I do not know. I believe a power greater than myself chose me to recover, yet I do not know why. I try not to worry or wonder about what I do not yet know; instead, I trust that if I continue to work the Steps, practice the A…
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Aug 22, 2021
#189 Bringing it Home (August 23rd) - Brigette F. (Frederick, MD)
Brigette F from Frederick, MD shares on the concept of Bringing it Home in recovery.
BRINGING THE MESSAGE HOME
Can we bring the same spirit of love and tolerance into our sometimes deranged family lives that we bring to our A.A. group?
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 111-12
My family members suffer from the effects of my disease. Loving and accepting them as they are— just as I love and accept A.A. members—fosters a return of love, tolerance and harmony to my life. Using common courtesy and respecting others' personal boundaries are necessary practices for all areas of my life.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Aug 20, 2021
#188 We Just Try (Aug. 21st) - Kelly McNeill (Frederick, MD)
Join us as Kelly McNeill, from Frederick, MD, shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection, We Just Try.
WE JUST TRY
My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive.
— THE BEST OF BILL, pp. 46-47
As long as I try, with all my heart and soul, to pass along to others what has been passed along to me, and do not demand anything in return, life is good to me. Before entering this program of Alcoholics Anonymous I was never able to give without demanding something in return. Little did I know that, once I began to give freely of myself, I would begin to receive, without ever expecting or demanding anything at all. What I receive today is the gift of "stability," as Bill did: stability in my A.A. program; within myself; but most of all, in my relationship with my Higher Power, whom I choose to call God.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Aug 18, 2021
#187 A Frame of Reference (August 19) - Paul L. (Holland, PA)
Paul L. from Holland, PA shares his experience strength and hope on today's Daily Reflection entitled "A Frame of Reference".
A FRAME OF REFERENCE
Referring to our list [inventory] again. Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own mistakes. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, self-seeking and frightened?
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 67
There is a wonderful freedom in not needing constant approval from colleagues at work or from the people I love. I wish I had known about this Step before, because once I developed a frame of reference, I felt able to do the next right thing, knowing that the action fit the situation and that it was the correct thing to do.
From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Aug 16, 2021
#186 Righting the Harm (Aug. 17th) - Ilir T. (Wyoming, DE)
Join us as Ilir T. from Wyoming, DE, shares his experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Righting the Harm.
RIGHTING THE HARM
In many instances we shall find that though the harm done others has not been great, the emotional harm we have done ourselves has.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 79
Have you ever thought that the harm you did a business associate, or perhaps a family member, was so slight that it really didn't deserve an apology because they probably wouldn't remember it anyway? If that person, and the wrong done to him, keeps coming to mind, time and again, causing an uneasy or perhaps guilty feeling, then I put that person's name at the top of my "amends list," and become willing to make a sincere apology, knowing I will feel calm and relaxed about that person once this very important part of my recovery is accomplished.
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Aug 15, 2021
#185 I Had Dropped Out (Aug. 16th) - Scott F. (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Tune in to hear Scott F. from Jacksonville Beach, FL. share on today's Daily Reflection, I Had Dropped Out.
"I HAD DROPPED OUT"
We might next ask ourselves what we mean when we say that we have "harmed" other people. What kinds of "harm" do people do one another, anyway? To define the word "harm" in a practical way, we might call it the result of instincts in collision, which cause physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual damage to people.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 80
I had been to Eighth Step meetings, always thinking, "I really haven't harmed many people, mostly myself." But the time came when I wrote my list out and it was not as short as I thought it would be. I either liked you, disliked you, or needed something from you—it was that simple. People hadn't done what I wanted them to do and intimate relationships were out of hand because of my partners' unreasonable demands. Were these "sins of omission"? Because of my drinking, I had "dropped out"—never sen…
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Aug 13, 2021
#184 Repairing the Damage (Aug. 14th) - Daniel R. (Loudoun County, VA)
Join us as Daniel shares his experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection.
REPAIRING THE DAMAGE
We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven't the will to do this, we ask until it comes. Remember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76
Making a list of people I had harmed was not a particularly difficult thing to do. They had showed up in my Fourth Step inventory: people towards whom I had resentments, real or imagined, and whom I had hurt by acts of retaliation. For my recovery to be thorough, I believed it was not important for those who had legitimately harmed me to make amends to me. What is important in my relationship with God is that I stand before Him, knowing I have done what I can to repair the damage I have done.
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Aug 11, 2021
#183 A Look Backward (Aug. 12) - Kim B. (Falls Church, VA)
Join us as this "pandemic baby" shares her experience, strength, and hope around today's Daily Reflection reading.
A LOOK BACKWARD
First, we take a look backward and try to discover where we have been at fault; next we make a vigorous attempt to repair the damage we have done; . . .
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77
As a traveler on a fresh and exciting A.A. journey of recovery, I experienced a newfound peace of mind and the horizon appeared clear and bright, rather than obscure and dim. Reviewing my life to discover where I had been at fault seemed to be such an arduous and dangerous task. It was painful to pause and look backward. I was afraid I might stumble! Couldn't I put the past out of my mind and just live in my new golden present? I realized that those in the past whom I had harmed stood between me and my desire to continue my movement toward serenity. I had to ask for courage to face those persons from my life who still lived in my conscience, to recognize and…
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Aug 9, 2021
#182 Redoubling Our Efforts (Aug. 10th) - Paul Churchill (Long Island, NY)
Join us as Paul Churchill shares his experience, strength and hope around today's Daily Reflection, Redoubling Our Efforts.
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Paul's book, Alcohol is Shit: https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Churchill/e/B07WVQQPC8%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
And The Recovery Elevator Podcast: https://www.recoveryelevator.com/podcasts/
REDOUBLING OUR EFFORTS
To a degree, he has already done this when taking moral inventory, but now the time has come when he ought to redouble his efforts to see how many people he has hurt, and in what ways,
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77
As I continue to grow in sobriety, I become more aware of myself as a person of worth. In the process, I am better able to see others as persons, and with this comes the realization that these were people whom I had hurt in my drinking days. I didn't just lie, I lied about Tom. I didn't just cheat, I cheated Joe. What were seemingly impersonal acts, were re…
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Aug 8, 2021
#181 Replay #143 Spiritual Health (May 23) - Cliff G. (Oklahoma City, OK)
Cliff G shares on the concept of Spiritual Health
SPIRITUAL HEALTH
When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out
mentally and physically.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 64
It is very difficult for me to come to terms with my
spiritual illness because of my great pride, disguised by my
material successes and my intellectual power. Intelligence
is not incompatible with humility, provided I place
humility first. To seek prestige and wealth is the ultimate
goal for many in the modern world. To be fashionable and
to seem better than I really am is a spiritual illness.
To recognize and to admit my weaknesses is the
beginning of good spiritual health. It is a sign of spiritual
health to he able to ask God every day to enlighten me, to
recognize His will, and to have the strength to execute it.
My spiritual health is excellent when I realize that the
better I get, the more I discover how much help I need from
others.
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Aug 6, 2021
#180 Replay #110 Self-Examination (Apr 20) - Ceci B. (Sanibel, FL)
. . . we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 86
When said sincerely, this prayer teaches me to be truly unselfish and humble, for even in doing good deeds I often used to seek approval and glory for myself. By examining my motives in all that I do, I can be of service to God and others, helping them do what they want to do. When I put God in charge of my thinking, much needless worry is eliminated and I believe He guides me throughout the day. When I eliminate thoughts of self-pity, dishonesty and self-centeredness as soon as they enter my mind, I find peace with God, my neighbor and myself.
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Aug 4, 2021
#179 Replay #74 The God Idea (Mar 15) - Edwin M. (Granby, MA BWO Rwanda)
As a student, a scientist, an immigrant, and a child of refugees, Edwin's experience includes tragic loss and unfathomable family trauma. He shares beautifully on his journey of recovery, gaining the tools he needs to stay sober, help others and continue feeding his curiosity on faith traditions. His is truly an inspiring story. To anyone struggling with the concept of a higher power, Edwin will tell you to "make your higher power whatever works for you to help you get through the struggles."
THE GOD IDEA
When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 52
Like a blind man gradually being restored to sight, I slowly groped my way to the Third Step. Having realized that only a Power greater than myself could rescue me from the hopeless abyss I was in, I knew that this was a Power that I had to grasp, and that it would be my…
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Aug 2, 2021
#178 Replay #154 Fear and Faith (June 21) - Tom R. (Doylestown, PA)
Tom R. from Doylestown, PA shares on the concepts of Fear and Faith.
FEAR AND FAITH
The achievement of freedom from fear is a lifetime undertaking, one that can never be wholly completed. When under heavy attack, acute illness, or in other conditions of serious insecurity, we shall all react to this emotion — well or badly, as the case may be. Only the self-deceived will claim perfect freedom from fear.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 263
Fear has caused suffering when I could have had more faith. There are times when fear suddenly tears me apart, just when I'm experiencing feelings of joy, happiness and a lightness of heart. Faith — and a feeling of self-worth toward a Higher Power — helps me endure tragedy and ecstasy. When I choose to give all of my fears over to my Higher Power, I will be free.
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Aug 1, 2021
#177 Replay #53 Guidance (Feb 22) - Kurt Z. (Redondo Beach, CA)
Kurt says he had faith - but his faith was in a fear based system. After nineteen years, he relapsed and he now has eleven years of knowing this thing has taken him to places he would have never gotten.
"The genius of 12 step spirituality isn't that it teaches you to surrender but that it exhausts you in the effort of surrendering so you last surrender surrendering and find yourself surrendered... and that's How it Works." -- Kurt Z.
GUIDANCE
. . . this means a belief in a Creator who is all power, justice, and love; a God who intends for me a purpose, a meaning, and a destiny to grow, however . . . haltingly, toward His own likeness and image.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 51
As I began to understand my own powerlessness and my dependence on God, as I understand Him, I began to see that there was a life which, if I could have it, I would have chosen for myself from the beginning. It is through the continuing work of the Steps and the life in the Fellowship that I've learned to see that the…
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Jul 30, 2021
#176 A Prayer for All Seasons (July 31) - Debbie D. (Concord, CA)
Join Debbie D. from Concord, CA, as she shares her experience strength and hope around the Daily Reflections reading for today, A Prayer for All Seasons. Great discussion on emotional sobriety crash in recovery.
A PRAYER FOR ALL SEASONS
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, And wisdom to know the difference.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125
The power of this prayer is overwhelming in that its simple beauty parallels the A.A. Fellowship. There are times when I get stuck while reciting it, but if I examine the section which is troubling me, I find the answer to my problem. The first time this happened I was scared, but now I use it as a valuable tool. By accepting life as it is, I gain serenity. By taking action, I gain courage and I thank God for the ability to distinguish between those situations I can work on, and those I must turn over. All that I have now is a gift from God: my life, my usefulness, my…
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Jul 28, 2021
#175 Anonymous Gifts of Kindness (July 29) - Korey S. (Thermont, MD)
Korey S. shares on today's reflection "Anonymous Gifts of Kindness" for July 29th.
ANONYMOUS GIFTS OF KINDNESS
As active alcoholics we were always looking for a handout in one way or another.
"THE TWELVE TRADITIONS ILLUSTRATED," p. 14
The challenge of the Seventh Tradition is a personal challenge, reminding me to share and give of myself. Before sobriety the only thing I ever supported was my habit of drinking. Now my efforts are a smile, a kind word, and kindness. I saw that I had to start carrying my own weight and to allow my new friends to walk with me because, through the practice of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, I've never had it so good.
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Jul 26, 2021
#174 Giving Freely (July 27) - Lizzie D. (Englewood, NJ)
Join us for a great conversation with Lizzie D. from Englewood, NJ, as she shares her experience, strength and hope about today's Daily Reflections, Giving Freely.
GIVING FREELY
We will make every personal sacrifice necessary to insure the unity of Alcoholics Anonymous. We will do this because we have learned to love God and one another.
— A.A. comes of age, p. 234
To be self-supporting through my own contributions was never a strong characteristic during my days as a practicing alcoholic. The giving of time or money always demanded a price tag.
As a newcomer I was told "we have to give it away in order to keep it." As I began to adopt the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous in my life, I soon found it was a privilege to give to the Fellowship as an expression of the gratitude I felt in my heart. My love of God and of others became the motivating factor in my life, with no thought of return. I realize now that giving freely is God's way of expressing Himself through me.
*Need th…
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Jul 25, 2021
#173 The Worth of Sobriety (July 26) - Gregg Champion (Los Angeles, CA)
Gregg Champion is a *branding expert* who has worked with top consumer brands, major television networks, and professional sports teams over the last 15 years. In the last few years, he has focused on selective start-up ventures as an investor, advisor, educator, and *start-up coach*. Gregg is a co-founder of Start Up Recovery (https://startuprecovery.com) and the Recovery Playbook (https://www.therecoveryplaybook.com/). He shares from the heart on today's reflection and on his journey of recovery.
THE "WORTH" OF SOBRIETY
Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
TWELVE AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 160
When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I am either too bust to take money out of my purse, or I do not ha…
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Jul 23, 2021
#172 Helping Others (July 24) - Maria T. (Brooklyn, NY)
Maria T. from Brooklyn, NY, shares on today's Daily Reflection entitled "Helping Others".
HELPING OTHERS
Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 20
Self-centeredness was my problem. All my life people had been doing things for me and I not only expected it, but I was ungrateful and resentful they didn't do more. Why should I help others, when they were supposed to help me? If others had troubles, didn't they deserve them? I was filled with self-pity, anger and resentment. Then I learned that by helping others, with no thought of return, I could overcome this obsession with selfishness, and if I understood humility, I would know peace and serenity. No longer do I need to drink.
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Jul 21, 2021
#171 The Good And The Bad (July 22) - Bart S. (Ashburn, VA)
Bart S. from Ashburn, VA shares on today's reflection entitled "The Good and the Bad".
THE GOOD AND THE BAD
My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76
The joy of life is in the giving. Being freed of my shortcomings, that I may more freely be of service, allows humility to grow in me. My shortcomings can be humbly placed in God's loving care and be removed. The essence of Step Seven is humility, and what better way to seek humility than by giving all of myself—good and bad—to God, so that He may remove the bad and return to me the good.
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Jul 19, 2021
#170 Shortcomings Removed (July 20) - Joel G. (Leesburg, VA)
Join us as Joel G. from Leesburg, VA shares his experience, strength and hope around the Daily Reflection for today, "Shortcomings Removed".
SHORTCOMINGS REMOVED
But now the words "Of myself I am nothing, the Father doeth the works" began to carry bright promise and meaning.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75
When I put the Seventh Step into action I must remember that there are no blanks to fill in. It doesn't say, "Humbly asked Him to (fill in the blank) remove our shortcomings." For years, I filled in the imaginary blank with "Help me!" "Give me the courage to," and "Give me the strength," etc. The Step says simply that God will remove my shortcomings. The only footwork I must do is "humbly ask," which for me means asking with the knowledge that of myself I am nothing, the Father within "doeth the works."
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Jul 18, 2021
#169 False Pride (July 19) - Bethany C (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
Bethany C shares on today's reflection entitled "False Pride".
FALSE PRIDE
Many of us who had thought ourselves religious awoke to the limitations of this attitude. Refusing to place God first, we had deprived ourselves of His help.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75
Many false notions operate in false pride. The need for direction to live a decent life is satisfied by the hope experienced in the A.A. Fellowship. Those who have walked the way for years—a day at a time—say that a God-centered life has limitless possibilities for personal growth. This being so, much hope is transmitted by the elder A.A.s. I thank my Higher Power for letting me know that He works through other people, and I thank Him for our trusted servants in the Fellowship who aid new members to reject their false ideals and to adopt those which lead to a life of compassion and trust. The elders in A.A. challenge the newcomers to "Come To"—so that they can "Come to Believe." I ask my Higher Power to he…
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Jul 16, 2021
#168 Surrender and Self-examination (July 17) - Johnny F. (Burke, VA)
Johnny F. shares on today's reflection entitled "Surrender and Self-examination".
SURRENDER AND SELF-EXAMINATION
My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive. Thus I think it can work out with emotional sobriety. If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependency and its consequent unhealthy demand. Let us, with God's help, continually surrender these hobbling demands. Then we can be set free to live and love; we may then be able to Twelfth Step ourselves and others into emotional sobriety.
THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 238
Years of dependency on alcohol as a chemical mood-changer deprived me of the capability to interact emotionally with my fellows. I thought I had to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-motivated in a world of unreliable people. Finally I lost my self-respect and was left with dependency, lacking any ability to trust myself or to believe in anything. Surrender and…
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Jul 14, 2021
#167 Pride (July 15) - Keith G. (New York, NY)
Keith G from New York, NY shares on the Daily Reflection for today, "Pride".
PRIDE
For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige, and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted. In all these strivings, so many of them well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility. We had lacked the perspective to see that character-building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfactions were not the purpose of living.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 71
Time and again I approached the Seventh Step, only to fall back and regroup. Something was missing and the impact of the Step escaped me. What had I overlooked? A single word: read but ignored, the foundation of all the Steps, indeed the entire Alcoholics Anonymous program—that word is "humbly." I und…
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Jul 12, 2021
#166 HUMILITY IS A GIFT (July 13) - Jim Myer (Leesburg, VA)
Jim Myer from Leesburg, VA shares on today's Daily Reflection entitled "Humility is a Gift".
HUMILITY IS A GIFT
As long as we placed self-reliance first, a genuine reliance upon a Higher Power was out of the question. That basic ingredient of all humility, a desire to seek and do God's will, was missing.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 72
When I first came to A.A., I wanted to find some of the elusive quality called humility. I didn't realize I was looking for humility because I thought it would help me get what I wanted, and that I would do anything for others if I thought God would somehow reward me for it. I try to remember now that the people I meet in the course of my day are as close to God as I am ever going to get while on this earth. I need to pray for knowledge of God's will today, and see how my experience with hope and pain can help other people; if I can do that, I don't need to search for humility, it has found me.
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Jul 10, 2021
#165 A Turning Point (July 11) - Alexa H. (Philadelphia, PA)
Alexa H. from Philadelphia, PA shares on the Daily Reflection for July 11th entitled "A Turning Point".
A TURNING POINT
A great turning point in our lives came when we sought for humility as something we really wanted, rather than as something we must have.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75
Either the A.A. way of life becomes one of joy or I return to the darkness and despair of alcoholism. Joy comes to me when my attitude concerning God and humility turns to one of desire rather than of burden. The darkness in my life changes to radiant light when I arrive at the realization that being truthful and honest in dealing with my inventory results in my life being filled with serenity, freedom, and joy. Trust in my Higher Power deepens, and the flush of gratitude spreads through my being. I am convinced that being humble is being truthful and honest in dealing with myself and God. It is then that humility is something I "really want," rather than being "something I must have."…
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Jul 8, 2021
#164 I AM AN INSTRUMENT (July 9) - Josephine R (Philadelphia, PA)
Josephine R. from Philadelphia, PA shares her experience around today's reflection, "I am a Miracle".
"I AM A MIRACLE"
The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 25
This truly is a fact in my life today, and a real miracle. I always believed in God, but could never put that belief meaningfully into my life. Today, because of Alcoholics Anonymous, I now trust and rely on God, as I understand Him; I am sober today because of that! Learning to trust and rely on God was something I could never have done alone. I now believe in miracles because I am one!
Meditation App Mentioned in this episode:
https://insighttimer.com/
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Jul 6, 2021
#163 ... And Letting Go of It (July 7) - Gary S (Coolidge, AZ)
Gary S. from Coolidge, AZ shares his experience around Letting Go of It in recovery.
AND LETTING GO OF IT
. . . primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or would fail to get something we demanded. Living upon a basis of unsatisfied demands, we were in a state of continual disturbance and frustration. Therefore, no peace was to be had unless we could find a means of reducing these demands. The difference between a demand and a simple request is plain to anyone.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76
Peace is possible for me only when I let go of expectations. When I'm trapped in thoughts about what I want and what should be coming to me, I'm in a state of fear or anxious anticipation and this is not conducive to emotional sobriety. I must surrender – over and over – to the reality of my dependence on God, for then I find peace, gratitude and spiritual security.
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Jul 4, 2021
#162 A New Direction (July 5) - Connie B. (Fairfield, CT)
Connie B. from Fairfield, CT shares her experience around the concept of A New Direction in recovery.
A NEW DIRECTION
Our human resources, as marshaled by the will, were not sufficient; they failed utterly. . . . Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all our activities.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 45, 85
I hear talk of the "weak-willed" alcoholic, but I am one of the strongest-willed people on earth! I now know that my incredible strength of will is not enough to save my life. My problem is not one of "weakness," but rather of direction. When I, without falsely diminishing myself, accept my honest limitations and turn to God's guidance, my worst faults become my greatest assets. My strong will, rightly directed, keeps me working until the promises of the program become my daily reality.
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Jul 3, 2021
#161 A Natural Faith (July 4) - Heather El-Zein (Ashburn, VA)
Heather El-Zein (Ashburn, VA) shares on the concept of a Natural Faith in recovery.
A NATURAL FAITH
. . . deep down in every man, woman and child, is the fundamental idea of God. It may be obscured by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of that power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 55
I have seen the workings of the unseen God in A.A. rooms around the country. Miracles of recovery are everywhere in evidence. I now believe that God is in these rooms and in my heart. Today faith is as natural to me, a former agnostic, as breathing, eating and sleeping. The Twelve Steps have helped to change my life in many ways, but none is more effective than the acquisition of a Higher Power.
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Jul 1, 2021
#160 The Heart of True Sobriety (July 2) - Booboo G. (San Pedro, CA)
Booboo G. from San Pedro, CA shares on the concept of the Heart of True Sobriety.
THE HEART OF TRUE SOBRIETY
We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 570
Am I honest enough to accept myself as I am and let this be the "me" that I let others see? Do I have the willingness to go to any length, to do whatever is necessary to stay sober? Do I have the open-mindedness to hear what I have to hear, to think what I have to think, and to feel what I have to feel? If my answer to these questions is "Yes," I know enough about the spirituality of the program to stay sober. As I continue to work the Twelve Steps, I move on to the heart of true sobriety: serenity with myself, with others, and with God as I understand Him.
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Jun 29, 2021
#159 Sacrifice = Unity = Survival (June 30) - Mike M. (Brunswick, MD)
Mike M. from Brunswick, MD shares his experience around the traditions and the concept of Sacrifice = Unity = Survival.
SACRIFICE = UNITY = SURVIVAL
The unity, the effectiveness, and even the survival of A.A. will always depend upon our continued willingness to give up some of our personal ambitions and desires for the common safety and welfare. Just as sacrifice means survival for the individual alcoholic, so does sacrifice mean unity and survival for the group and for A.A. 's entire Fellowship.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 220
I have learned that I must sacrifice some of my personality traits for the good of A.A. and, as a result, I have been rewarded with many gifts. False pride can be inflated through prestige but, by living Tradition Six, I receive the gift of humility instead. Cooperation without affiliation is often deceiving. If I remain unrelated to outside interests, I am free to keep A.A. autonomous. Then the Fellowship will be here, healthy and strong for generations to come.
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Jun 27, 2021
#158 The Determination of Our Founders (June 28) - George K. (Oceanview, DE)
George, from Oceanview, Delaware shares his experience around the Determination of the A.A. Founders.
THE DETERMINATION OF OUR FOUNDERS
A year and six months later these three had succeeded with seven more.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 159
If it had not been for the fierce determination of our founders, A.A. would have quickly faded like so many other so-called good causes. I look at the hundreds of meetings weekly in the city where I five and I know A.A. is available twenty-four hours a day. If I had had to hang on with nothing but hope and a desire not to drink, experiencing rejection wherever I went, I would have sought the easier, softer way and returned to my previous way of life.
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Jun 26, 2021
#157 Conforming to the A.A. Way (June 27) - Kevin Petersen (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
Kevin Petersen joins Michael once again to talk about the concept of conformance, and the A.A. way. Kevin is a marriage and family therapist with many years of sobriety. You can learn more about Kevin's work at his web site, and by reading his book entitled Chronic Hope, or by listening to Kevin's Podcast , The Chronic Hope Podcast.
CONFORMING TO THE A.A. WAY
We obey A.A. 's Steps and Traditions because we really want them for ourselves. It is no longer a question of good or evil; we conform because we genuinely want to conform Such is our process of growth in unity and function. Such is the evidence of God's grace and love among us.
A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 106
It is fun to watch myself grow in A.A. I fought conformity to A.A. principles from the moment I entered, but I learned from the pain of my belligerence that, in choosing to live the A. A. way of life, I opened myself to God's grace and love. Then I began to know the full meaning of being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
*Nee…
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Jun 24, 2021
#156 A Two-Way Street (June 25) - Shane F. (Great Falls, VA)
Shane F. from Great Falls, VA shares on the concept of A Two Way Street.
A TWO-WAY STREET
If we ask, God will certainly forgive our derelictions. But in no case does He render us white as snow and keep us that way without our cooperation.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65
When I prayed, I used to omit a lot of things for which I needed to be forgiven. I thought that if I didn't mention these things to God, He would never know about them. I did not know that if I had just forgiven myself for some of my past deeds, God would forgive me also. I was always taught to prepare for the journey through life, never realizing until I came to A.A.—when I honestly became willing to be taught forgiveness and forgiving—that life itself is the journey. The journey of life is a very happy one, as long as I am willing to accept change and responsibility.
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Jun 22, 2021
#155 Trusting Others (June 23) - Craig F. (Langhorne, PA)
Craig F. of Langhorne, PA shares on the concept of Trusting Others.
Craig's Home Group Meeting: Langhorne Sunrisers
TRUSTING OTHERS
But does trust require that we be blind to other people's motives or, indeed, to our own? Not at all; this would be folly. Most certainly, we should assess the capacity for harm as well as the capability for good in every person that we would trust. Such a private inventory can reveal the degree of confidence we should extend in any given situation.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 144
I am not a victim of others, but rather a victim of my expectations, choices and dishonesty. When I expect others to be what I want them to be and not who they are, when they fail to meet my expectations, I am hurt. When my choices are based on self-centeredness, I find I am lonely and distrustful. I gain confidence in myself, however, when I practice honesty in all my affairs. When I search my motives and am honest and trusting, I am aware of the capacity for harm in situations…
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Jun 20, 2021
#154 Fear and Faith (June 21) - Tom R. (Doylestown, PA)
Tom R. from Doylestown, PA shares on the concepts of Fear and Faith.
FEAR AND FAITH
The achievement of freedom from fear is a lifetime undertaking, one that can never be wholly completed. When under heavy attack, acute illness, or in other conditions of serious insecurity, we shall all react to this emotion — well or badly, as the case may be. Only the self-deceived will claim perfect freedom from fear.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 263
Fear has caused suffering when I could have had more faith. There are times when fear suddenly tears me apart, just when I'm experiencing feelings of joy, happiness and a lightness of heart. Faith — and a feeling of self-worth toward a Higher Power — helps me endure tragedy and ecstasy. When I choose to give all of my fears over to my Higher Power, I will be free.
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Jun 19, 2021
#153 Release From Fear (June 20) - Richard K. (Raleigh, NC)
RELEASE FROM FEAR
The problem of resolving fear has two aspects. We shall have to try for all the freedom from fear that is possible for us to attain. Then we shall need to find both the courage and grace to deal constructively with whatever fears remain.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 61
Most of my decisions were based on fear. Alcohol made life easier to face, but the time came when alcohol was no longer an alternative to fear. One of the greatest gifts in A.A. for me has been the courage to take action, which I can do with God's help. After five years of sobriety I had to deal with a heavy dose of fear. God put the people in my life to help me do that and, through my working the Twelve Steps, I am becoming the whole person I wish to be and, for that, I am deeply grateful.
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Jun 17, 2021
#152 A FELLOWSHIP OF FREEDOM (June 18) - Kirsten O (Pilesgrove Township, NJ)
Kirsten O. shares on the daily reflection entitled "A Fellowship of Freedom".
A FELLOWSHIP OF FREEDOM
. . . if only men were granted absolute liberty, and were compelled to obey no one, they would then voluntarily associate themselves in the common interest
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 50
When I no longer live under the dictates of another or of alcohol, I live in a new freedom. When I release the past and all the excess baggage I have carried for so very long, I come to know freedom. I have been introduced into a life and a fellowship of freedom. The Steps are a "recommended" way of finding a new life, there are no commands or dictates in A.A. I am free to serve from desire rather than decree. There is the understanding that I will benefit from the growth of other members and I take what I learn and bring it back to the group. The "common welfare" finds room to grow in the society of personal freedom.
*
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Jun 15, 2021
#151 Open-Mindedness (June 16) - Owen McCafferty (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
Owen McCafferty shares his inspirational experience on the concept of Open-mindedness in recovery.
OPEN-MINDEDNESS
We have found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the realm of spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 7
Open-mindedness to concepts of a Higher Power can open doors to the spirit. Often I find the human spirit in various dogmas and faiths. I can be spiritual in the sharing of myself. The sharing of self joins me to the human race and brings me closer to God, as I understand Him.
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Jun 13, 2021
#150 When the Going Gets Rough (June 14) - Christine K (Fairfax, VA)
Christine K. from Fairfax, VA shares on today's Daily Reflection entitled When the Going Gets Rough.
WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH
It is a design for living that works in rough going.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 15
When I came to A.A., I realized that A.A. worked wonderfully to help keep me sober. But could it work on real life problems, not concerned with drinking? I had my doubts. After being sober for more than two years I got my answer. I lost my job, developed physical problems, my diabetic father lost a leg, and someone I loved left me for another — and all of this happened during a two-week period. Reality crashed in, yet A.A. was there to support, comfort, and strengthen me. The principles I had learned during my early days of sobriety became a mainstay of my life, for not only did I come through, but I never stopped being able to help newcomers. A.A. taught me not to be overwhelmed, but rather to accept and understand my life as it unfolded.
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Jun 13, 2021
#149 - LIVING OUR AMENDS (June 13) - Randall Patten (Carlsbad, CA)
Randal Patten from Carlsbad, CA shares his experience around Living our Amends.
LIVING OUR AMENDS
"Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some extent, ill."
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 122
It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not only hurt myself, but also those around me. Making amends to my family, and to the families of alcoholics still suffering, will always be important. Understanding the havoc I created and trying to repair the destruction, will be a lifelong endeavor. The example of my sobriety may give others hope, and faith to help themselves.
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Jun 10, 2021
#148 Family Obligations (June 11) - Paul L. (Flemington, NJ)
FAMILY OBLIGATIONS
. . . a spiritual life which does not include. . . family obligations may not be so perfect after all.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129
I can be doing great in the program — applying it at meetings, at work, and in service activities — and find that things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and value my progress, but they don't — unless I show them. Do I neglect their needs and desires for my attention and concern? When I'm around them, am I irritable or boring? Are my "amends" a mumbled "Sorry," or do they take the form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying to reform or "fix" them? Have I ever really cleaned house with them? "The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it"(Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83).
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Jun 8, 2021
#147 Living in the Now (June 9) - Carl T. Vreeland (New York, NY)
Carl T. Vreeland is a spiritual seeker, teacher, a yoga instructor and a podcaster.
A teacher and spiritual seeker
He states that his higher calling is to carry the message of hope, healing, and recovery. Today, he shares his experience around mindfulness and today's daily reflection entitled "Living in the Now".
LIVING IN THE NOW
First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober — and it works. Once the idea has become a part of our thinking, we find that living life in 24-hour segments is an effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters as well.
— LIVING SOBER, p. 7
"One Day At A Time." To a newcomer this and other one-liners of A.A. may seem ridiculous. The passwords of the A.A. Fellowship can become lifelines in moments of stress. Each day can be like a rose unfurling according to the plan of a Power greater than myself. My program should be planted in the right location, just as it will need to be groomed, nourished, and protected from disease. My pl…
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Jun 6, 2021
#146 - Long-term Hope (June 7) - Sarah Phillips (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
LONG-TERM HOPE
Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it isn't strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose. When they drive us blindly, or we willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point at which we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65
This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is gained, both of the nature of my illness and the path of my recovery. The beauty of A.A. lies in knowing that my life, with God's help, will improve. The A.A. journey becomes richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams become realities and today becomes forever. As I step into the A.A. light, my heart fills with the presence of God.
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May 25, 2021
#145 Taking a Break
The DRP team is taking a 2-week break and will be back on June 7th with new episodes!! Thank you so much for your support of the podcast and allowing us to continue to be of service!
In the meantime, be sure to check out some previous episodes.
#53 Guidance (Feb 22) - Kurt Z. (Redondo Beach, CA)
#65 The Idea of Faith - (Mar 6) - Heather E. (Ashburn, VA)
#104 The Number One Offender (Apr 14) - Keegan V. (Reston, VA)
#111 Cultivating Faith (Apr 21) - Curren L. (Jacksonville, FL)
#103 The False Comfort of Self-Pity (Apr 13) - Katie G. (Leesburg, VA)
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If you’re struggling with alcohol or addiction, or wondering how to stop drinking it’s helpful to know that there’s a solution that has worked for millions of…
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May 23, 2021
#144 Happy Joyous and Free (May 24) - Brien Stewart (Springfield, VA)
Brien Stewart shares on being Happy, Joyous and Free and talks about his journey of recovery. Brien is a poet, musician, and author. He's recently written of a book of poetry, recovery and short stories of living a Punk Rock Life entitled "Aim to Reach". More information available at https://aimtoreach.info
"HAPPY, JOYOUS AND FREE"
We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free. We cannot subscribe to the belief that this life is vale of tears, though it once was just that for many f us. But it is clear that we made our own misery, rod didn't do it. Avoid then, the deliberate manufacture of misery, but if trouble comes, cheerfully capitalize it as an opportunity to demonstrate His omnipotence.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 133
For years I believed in a punishing God and blamed him for my misery. I have learned that I must lay down the "weapons" of self in order to pick up the "tools" of the A.A. program. I do not struggle with he program because it is a gift and I have never str…
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May 22, 2021
#143 Spiritual Health (May 23) - Cliff G. (Oklahoma City, OK)
Cliff G shares on the concept of Spiritual Health
SPIRITUAL HEALTH
When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out
mentally and physically.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 64
It is very difficult for me to come to terms with my
spiritual illness because of my great pride, disguised by my
material successes and my intellectual power. Intelligence
is not incompatible with humility, provided I place
humility first. To seek prestige and wealth is the ultimate
goal for many in the modern world. To be fashionable and
to seem better than I really am is a spiritual illness.
To recognize and to admit my weaknesses is the
beginning of good spiritual health. It is a sign of spiritual
health to he able to ask God every day to enlighten me, to
recognize His will, and to have the strength to execute it.
My spiritual health is excellent when I realize that the
better I get, the more I discover how much help I need from
others.
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May 21, 2021
#142 Step One (May 22) - Dave B. (Scituate, MA)
Dave B. from Scituate, MA shares his experience around today's Daily Reflection, Step One.
STEP ONE
WE . . . (The first word of the First Step)
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21
When I was drinking all I could ever think about was "I, I, I," or "Me, Me, Me." Such painful obsession of self, such soul sickness, such spiritual selfishness bound me to the bottle for more than half my life. The journey to find God and to do His will one day at a time began with the first word of the First Step . . . "We." There was power in numbers, there was strength in numbers, there was safety in numbers, and for an alcoholic like me, there was life in numbers. If I had tried to recover alone I probably would have died. With God and another alcoholic I have a divine purpose in my life . . . I have become a channel for God's healing love.
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May 20, 2021
#141 A List of Blessings (May 21) - Tanya McCrory (Fullerton, CA)
A LIST OF BLESSINGS
One exercise that I practice is to try for a full inventory of my blessings. . . .
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 37
What did I have to be grateful for? I shut myself up and started listing the blessings for which I was in no way responsible, beginning with having been born of sound mind and body. I went through seventy-four years of living right up to the present moment. The list ran two pages, and took two hours to compile; I included health, family, money, A.A.---the whole gamut.
Every day in my prayers, I ask God to help me remember my list, and to be grateful for it throughout the day. When I remember my gratitude list, it's very hard to conclude that God is picking on me.
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May 19, 2021
#140 One Day at a Time (May 20) - Joe W. (Ashburn, VA)
Joe W. Joins Lee to share on today's Daily Reflection entitled "One Day at a Time"
ONE DAY AT A TIME
Above all, take it one day at a time.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 11
Why do I kid myself that I must stay away from a drink for only one day, when I know perfectly well I must never drink again as long as I live? I am not kidding myself because one day at a time is probably the only way I can reach the long-range objective of staying sober. If I determine that I shall never drink again as long as I live, I set myself up. How can I be sure I won't drink when I have no idea what the future may hold? On a day-at-a-time basis, I am confident I can stay away from a drink for one day. So I set out with confidence. At the end of the day, I have the reward of achievement. Achievement feels good and that makes me want more!
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May 18, 2021
#139 Giving Without Strings (May 19) - Zach P. (Syracuse, NY)
Zach P. shares on the daily reflection for today, "Giving Without Strings".
Rittenhouse Big Book Meeting (Wed 7pm):
https://aasepia.org/meetings/?meeting=meeting-1904-walnut-st-philadelphia-pa-19103-usa-3-190000&meeting_name=Rittenhouse%2520Big%2520Book&search=rittenhouse
Our Charge (Clarence S):
https://blog.dailyreflectionpodcast.com/aa-our-charge-clarence-snyder/
GIVING WITHOUT STRINGS
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.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 69
The concept of giving without strings was hard to understand when I first came into the program. I was suspicious when others wanted to help me. I thought, "What do they want in return?" But I soon learned the joy of helping another alcoholic and I understood why they were there for me in the beginning. My attitudes changed and I wanted to help others. Sometimes I became anxious, as I wanted them to know the joys of sobriety, that life ca…
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May 17, 2021
#138 Freedom to Be Me (May 18) - Alan S (Philadelphia, PA)
Alan S. celebrates his 19th year of continuous sobriety and shares on the daily reflection "Freedom to Be Me".
FREEDOM TO BE ME
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83
My first true freedom is the freedom not to have to take a drink today. If I truly want it, I will work the Twelve Steps and the happiness of this freedom will come to me through the Steps – sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. Other freedoms will follow, and inventorying them is a new happiness. I had a new freedom today, the freedom to be me. I have the freedom to be the best me I have ever been.
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May 16, 2021
#137 And Forgive (May 17) - Dan R. (Jacksonville, FL)
. . . AND FORGIVE
Under very trying conditions I have had, again and again, to forgive others—also myself
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 268
Forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others are just two currents in the same river, both hindered or shut off completely by the dam of resentment. Once that dam is lifted, both currents can flow. The Steps of A.A. allow me to see how resentment has built up and subsequently blocked off this flow in my life. The Steps provide a way by which my resentments may—by the grace of God as I understand Him— be lifted. It is as a result of this solution that I can find the necessary grace which enables me to forgive myself and others.
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May 15, 2021
#136 We Forgive (May 16) - Ray Y. (Springfield, VA)
Ray Y, young person in recovery shares his experience around forgiveness and today's Daily Reflection...
WE FORGIVE . . .
Often it was while working on this Step with our sponsors or spiritual advisers that we first felt truly able to forgive others, no matter how deeply we felt hey had wronged us. Our moral inventory had persuaded us that all-round forgiveness was desirable, but it was only when we resolutely tackled Step Five hat we inwardly knew we'd be able to receive forgiveness and give it, too.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 58
What a great feeling forgiveness is! What a revelation about my emotional, psychological and spiritual nature. All it takes is willingness to forgive; 5od will do the rest.
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