-~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Broad Highway

We can only clear the ground a bit.  If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice,
enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself,
then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway.  With this attitude you cannot fail.
The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.

c. 1976, 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 55
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Thought to Consider . . .

The joy is in the journey, so enjoy the ride

 


*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
F A I T H =  Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him.

 

*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*

Alike

From "The Missing Link":

"They opened a book and read a chapter titled 'Step Seven.' After the reading, they went around the table for comments, and for the first time in my life, I found myself surrounded by people I could really relate with. I no longer felt as if I was a major misfit, because here was a roomful of people who felt precisely as I did, and a major weight had been lifted. I happened to be in the last chair around the table to speak and, confused by the reading, all I could say was, 'What the heck are shortcomings?'"

© 2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 286


*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
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 were a total of Twelve Steps and that the Twelfth Step also had more than one part.  Eventually I learned that it was necessary for me to "practice these principles" in all areas of my life.  In working all the Steps thoroughly, I not only stay sober and help someone else to achieve sobriety, but also I transform my difficulty with living into a joy of living.

 

©Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.©
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~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
A Higher Power for Atheists

I have had many experiences with atheists, mostly good. Everybody in A.A. has the right to his own opinion. It is much better to maintain an open and tolerant society than it is to suppress any small disturbances their opinions might occasion. Actually, I don't know of anybody who went off and died of alcoholism because of some atheist's opinions on the cosmos. "But I do always entreat these folks to look to a 'Higher Power' -namely, their own group. When they come in, most of their A.A. group is sober, and they are drunk. Therefore, the group is a 'Higher Power.' That's a good enough start, and most of them do progress from there. I know how they feel, because I was once that way myself."

LETTER, 1962
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Highly competent psychiatrists who have dealt with us have found it
sometimes impossible to persuade an alcoholic to discuss his
situation without reserve. Strangely enough, wives, parents and
intimate friends usually find us even more unapproachable than do the
psychiatrist and the doctor. But the ex-problem drinker who has found this solution,

 who is properly armed with facts about himself, can generally win the entire
confidence of another alcoholic in a few hours. Until such an
understanding is reached, little or nothing can be accomplished."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 18~
*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought for the Day

I am glad to be a part of A.A., of that great fellowship that is spreading over the United States and all

 over the world. I am only one of the many A.A.'s, but I am one. I am grateful to be living at this time,

when I can help A.A. to grow, when it needs me to put my shoulder to the wheel and help keep the

 movement going. I am glad to be able to be useful, to have a reason for living, a purpose in life. I want to

lose my life in this great cause and so find it again. Am I grateful to be an A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

These meditations can teach us how to relax. We can be of service to other people in a small way, at least. And we can be happy while doing it. We should not worry too much about people we cannot help. We can make it a habit to leave the outcome of the things we do to the Higher Power. We can go along through life doing the best we can, but without a feeling of urgency or strain. We can enjoy all the good things and the beauty of life, but at the same time depend deeply on God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may give my life to this worthwhile cause.

I pray that I may enjoy the satisfaction that comes from good work well done.