~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Joyous

We have been speaking to you of serious, sometimes tragic things.
We have been dealing with alcohol in its worst aspects. But we aren't a glum lot.
If newcomers could see no joy 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.
c. 1976, 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 132
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Thought to Consider . . .

Laughter is the sound of recovery.


*~*~*AKRONYMS*~*~*
H J F  =  Happy, Joyous, Free

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

Prayer

From "The Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous":

"A news clipping whose content was to become famous was called to our attention by a New York member, newsman Jack. It was an obituary notice from a New York paper. Underneath a routine account of the one who had died there appeared these words: '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.'

 [Usually attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr]

"Never had we seen so much A.A. in so few words. While Ruth and I were admiring the prayer, and

wondering how to use it, friend Howard walked into the office. Confirming our own ideas, he exclaimed,

 'We ought to print this on cards and drop one into every piece of mail that goes out of here. Ill pay for

the first printing.' For several years afterward we followed his suggestion, and with amazing speed

the Serenity Prayer came into general use and took its place alongside our two other favorites, the

 Lords Prayer and the Prayer of St. Francis."

2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pg. 196

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
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.  I am not powerless over assuming responsibility for my own recovery.  I have the power to exert a positive influence on myself, my loved ones, and the world in which I live.

 

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
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~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
Pain and Progress

"Years ago I used to commiserate with all people who suffered. Now I commiserate only with those who suffer in ignorance, who do not understand the purpose and ultimate utility of pain."

<<<>>>

Someone once remarked that pain is the touchstone of spiritual progress. How heartily we A.A.'s

can agree with him, for we know that the pains of alcoholism had to come before sobriety, and

 continued turmoil before serenity.

<<<>>>

"Believe more deeply. Hold your face up to the Light, even though the moment you do not see."


1. LETTER, 1950 - 2. TWELVE AND TWELVE, pp. 93-94 - 3. LETTER, 195
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
"We began to see that the world and its people really dominated us.
In that state, the wrong-doing of others, fancied or real, had power
to actually kill. How could we escape? We saw that these resentments
must be mastered, but how? We could not wish them away any more than
alcohol."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 66~

*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought for the Day

When I came into A.A., I learned what an alcoholic was and then I applied this knowledge to myself to see if I was an alcoholic. When I was convinced that I was an alcoholic, I admitted it openly. Since then, have I been learning to live accordingly? Have I read the book Alcoholics Anonymous? Have I applied the knowledge gained to myself Have I admitted openly that I am an alcoholic? Am I ready to admit it at any time when I can be of help?

Meditation for the Day

I will be renewed. I will be remade. In this, I need God's help. His spirit shall flow through me and, in flowing through me, it shall sweep away all the bitter past. I will take heart. The way will open for me. Each day will unfold something good, as long as I am trying to live the way I believe God wants me to live.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be taught, just as a child would be taught.

I pray that I may never question God's plans, but accept them gladly.