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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
 Posted - 05/19/2008 : 08:35:28 AM
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May 19, 2008
Solution
Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride,
the confession of shortcomings which the process requires
for its successful consummation.
But we saw that it really worked in others,
and we had come to believe in the hopelessness and futility of life
as we had been living it. When, therefore, we were approached by those
in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left but to pick up
the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet.
© 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 25
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder . . .
The solution is simple. The solution is spiritual.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Saving Our Lives Using The Inspiration Of Necessary Steps.
A MEMBER SHARES:
Hi all . I'm Robbie W. and I am a very grateful alcoholic today. I arrived here, broke, destitute, and suicidal, October 31, 1983. Then I found solutions by sitting in AA rooms. I was a problem. My whole life was a problem. I hated myself. I loved alcohol but it stopped working ... no more girls, no more jobs, and no more family. Alcohol was the great eraser. I hated everything, and just wanted to die. Then you oldtimers in AA gave me hope. You let me know that I could change, that I was a "sick" person who had a spiritual illness. You told me I could correct it if I worked on the spiritual solution. What? The Twelve Steps! I started going to Step Meetings, Joe and Charlie Weekends (Big Book), and Workshops on the Traditions. I discovered the Solution and I wanted it. I craved it, just like I used to crave alcohol. I craved the Fellowship, and I started liking the new me. It was cool getting into the Sunlight of the Spirit and out of the Darkness. Nothing grows in the darkness except defects! I needed to be happy, joyous and free from the bondage of self. Today, I am learning to be part of the Solution. Today, my friends don't need to walk on eggshells around me. Today, I can think of others before I make a stupid joke about them. Today, I have a God. AA is a way of life; it is not a theory. Today, I love that way of life. It is here for you, too. Are you irritable, restless and discontented? Then find a sponsor who lives the Twelve Steps . you, too, can recover! Love ya' all. Stay sober and get into the Big Book!
Day by Day is the only way....
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 06:01:07 AM
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AA Thought for the Day
May 22, 2008
Traditions
If AA were really guided by the Twelve Traditions,
we could not possibly be split apart by politics, religion, money,
or by any old-timers who might take a notion to be big shots.
With none of us throwing our weight around in public,
nobody could possibly exploit AA for personal advantage, that is sure.
For the first time I saw AA's anonymity for what it really is.
It isn't just something to save us from alcoholic shame and stigma;
its deeper purpose is actually to keep those fool egos of ours
from running hog wild after money and public fame at AA's expense.
It really means personal and group sacrifice for the benefit of all AA.
- Bill W., 1955
© 1985 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, p. 43
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder . . .
The Steps are there to protect me from myself;
the Traditions are there to protect AA from me.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Try Relying Upon Steps and Traditions.
Day by Day is the only way.... |
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Pamela7030
Moderator
800 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 06:47:04 AM
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May 22
"The steps lead to an awakening of a spiritual nature. This awakening is evidence by changes in our lives."
Basic Text, p. 48
We know how to recognize the disease of addiction. Its symptoms are indisputable. Besides and uncontrollable appetite for drugs, those suffering exhibit self-centered, self-seeking behavior. When our addiction was at its peak of activity, we were obviously in a great deal of pain. We relentlessly judged ourselves and others, and spent most of our time worrying or trying to control outcomes.
Just as the disease of addiction is evidenced by definite symptoms, so is a spiritual awakening made manifest by certain obvious signs in a recovering addict. We may observe a tendency to think and act spontaneously, a loss of interest in judging or interpreting the actions of anyone else, and unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment, and frequent attacks of smiling.
If we see someone exhibiting symptoms of a spiritual awakening, we should be aware that such awakenings are contagious. Our best course of action is to get close to these people. As we begin having frequent, overwhelming episodes of gratitude, an increased receptiveness to the love extended by our fellow members, and an uncontrollable urge to return this love, we'll realize that we, too, have had a spiritual awakening.
Just for today: My strongest desire is to have a spiritual awakening. I will watch for its symptoms and rejoice when I discover them!
Copyright by NA World Services Inc.
From The Book, Just For Today, Page 148
Our past cannot be changed,  but our response to it can be!!!
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 08:19:12 AM
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AA Thought for the Day
May 23, 2008
Adversity
It took several years, but I learned to be grateful for my alcoholism
and the program of recovery it forced me into,
for all the things that had happened to me and for me,
for a life today that transcends and far exceeds anything I had previously known.
I could not have that today if I had not experienced all the yesterdays. . .
Adversity truly introduces us to ourselves.
but we need never deal with our adversities alone
as long as we can find another alcoholic in a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous.
© 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 529-30
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder . . .
Through adversity, we find strength.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
One Day At A Time.
Day by Day is the only way.... |
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Pamela7030
Moderator
800 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 2:47:26 PM
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I love this thread, because I can post from some of the books that I read daily.
From As Bill Sees It, page 81.
"Selfish"?
"I can see why you are disturbed to hear some AA speakers say, "AA is a selfish program." The word "selfish" ordinarily implies that one is acquisitive, demanding, and thoughtless of the welfare of others. Of course, the AA way of life does not at all imply such undesirable traits.
"What do these speakers mean? Well, any theologian will tell you that the salvation of his own soul is the highest vocation that a man can have. Without salvation--however we may define this--he will have little or nothing. For us of AA, there is even more urgency.
"If we cannot or will not achieve sobriety, then we become truly lost, right in the here and now. We are of no value to anyone, including ourselves, until we find salvation from alcohol. Therefore, our own recovery and spiritual growth have to come first--a right and necessary kind of self-concern.
Letter, 1966
The AA Way of Life....selected writings of AA's co-founder
AA World Services Inc. New York, NY.
Oh God of second chances, here I come again....... |
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
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| Information in this forum is not monitored or provided by a medical professional. The information reflects member opinions only. Do not act on advice from these forums without first consulting a qualified medical professional. All content is copyrighted and protected by Aelius Group. |
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
Posted - 05/24/2008 : 07:28:28 AM
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AA Thought for the Day
May 24, 2008
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.
Either we were shy, and dared not draw near others,
or we were noisy good fellows constantly craving attention and companionship,
but rarely getting it.
There was always that mysterious barrier we could neither surmount
nor understand.
That's one reason we loved alcohol too well.
But even Bacchus betrayed us;
we were finally struck down and left in terrified isolation.
© 1967 AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 90
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder . . .
I'm not alone anymore.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
You Are Not Alone.
Day by Day is the only way.... |
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momof2
Junior Member
260 Posts |
Posted - 05/24/2008 : 11:14:33 PM
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I had to look up Bacchus. Guess I'm a dumb Canadian.
I sent this to my brother. Thanks Tim and Pam.
By the way. Pam you needed a vacation.
Lynn |
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Pamela7030
Moderator
800 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 04:49:15 AM
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Hi Lynn,
I haven't left yet. I don't leave for PA until the 29th and I return on the 4th of June. You are not dumb!!!!!!! You have to remember that Bill W. and Dr. Bob started AA in the 1930's, so the language is different. I have a hard time with it. He spoke that way even when he talked in the 60's. But, the big book and the 12 and 12 help many alcoholics to this day and the language is still the same. I have a terrible time reading the 12 and 12. Thank God for Dictionary.com. It says Bacchus is: The god of wine and of an orgiastic religion celebrating the power and fertility of nature. Also called Bacchus.
I am up late, if you look at the time up top. I led a 10:30 pm, NA, candle light meeting, well, it would have been last night, and I drank coffee. It has kept me up all night. I talked about empowerment. I was asked to lead this meeting last Tuesday and I thought about what I was going to lead on all week. I wanted to talk about my passiveness and how I don't always speak up for myself right away. How I would use drugs to make myself feel better (which didn't work) and then think of all of the things I wish I would have said and how it use to eat me up inside. In sobriety, I still have this problem and now I am playing new tapes in my head and trying to empower myself to stand up and be the person who doesn't let people walk all over me. Not to do this in a way that is nasty, but like normal people do, in a way that gets your point across, without getting mad or angry or raising ones voice. Acting like an adult. You see, I have never done this before. I don't like confrentation. Please pardon my spelling and it's late too. Well, as the week went on, I kept thinking, that may be I wasn't going to put myself out there. Then, I read today's Just For Today. I also read it at the meeting. Here it is. Sorry this was so long.
Love you Lynn!!!!
Risking vulnerability
"As we grow, we learn to overcome the tendency to run and hide from ourselves and our feelings."
Basic Text, p.81
Rather than risk vulnerability, many of us have developed habits that keep others at a safe distance. These patterns of emotional isolation can give us the feeling we are hopelessly locked behind our masks. We used to take risks with our lives; now we can take risks with our feelings. Through sharing with other addicts, we learn that we are not unique; we do not make ourselves unduly vulnerable simply by letting others know who we are, for we are in good company. And by working the Twelve Steps of the NA program, we grow and change. We no longer want or need to hide our emerging selves. We are offered the opportunity to shed the emotional camouflage we developed to survive our active addiction.
By opening ourselves to others, we risk becoming vulnerable. but that risk is well worth the rewards, With the help of our sponsor and other recovering addicts, we learn how to express our feelings honestly and openly. In turn, we become nourished and encouraged by the unconditional love of our companions. As we practice spiritual principles, we find strength and freedom, both in ourselves and in those around us. We are set free to be ourselves and to enjoy the company of our fellow addicts.
Just for today: I will openly and honestly share with another recovering addict. I will risk becoming vulnerable and celebrate myself and my friendship with other NA members. I will grow.
Copyright by NA World Services Inc.
From The Book, Just For Today, Page 150
-----------------------------------------------
Hi Everyone,
This is your thread too. If you have any "Thoughts For The Day" that you would like to add, please feel free to do so. I would truly enjoy reading them.
Pam
Oh God of second chances, here I come again....... |
Edited by - Pamela7030 on 05/25/2008 04:51:20 AM |
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Pamela7030
Moderator
800 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 04:56:31 AM
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Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful World. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952 |
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 07:11:26 AM
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AA Thought for the Day
May 25, 2008
Trapped
For the first time in my life, I was backed into a corner that I could not fight,
cheat, lie, steal, or buy my way out of. I was trapped.
For the first time in my life, I uttered a sincere prayer: "God, please help me."
I didn't bargain with Him, nor did I suggest how or when He should help.
Immediately, I became calm and relaxed. There was no flash of lightning,
or clap of thunder, not even a still small voice. I was scared.
I didn't know what had happened. But I went to sleep and slept all night.
When I awakened the next morning, I was refreshed, strong, and hungry.
But the most wonderful thing was that, for the first time in my life,
that dark, mysterious cloud of fear was gone.
© 1973 AAWS, Came To Believe . . ., p. 17
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder . . .
Turn fear into faith.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Heart Open; Please Enter.
Day by Day is the only way.... |
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2008 : 08:19:05 AM
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Remembering Our Heroes
AA Thought for the Day
May 26, 2008
Let Go
Having seen for myself that my own navigation served only to
slam my boat against the shoals,
I have at last become willing to turn the steering
over to a more adept helmsman.
The decision is clear. Tomorrow I may be drunk.
But today I have the tired peace that comes from doing the things you have to do
when you turn the wheel over to a mariner who knows the way across,
but makes you work with him through every inch of the crossing.
© 1986 The AA Grapevine, Inc., The Best Of The Grapevine [Vol. 2], p. 147
Thought to Ponder . . .
When I struggle, I sink. When I let go, I float.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Day by Day is the only way.... |
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Pamela7030
Moderator
800 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2008 : 10:42:40 AM
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I NEEDED to read both of your last two posts here Tim. THANKS!
WOW!!!
Pam
"Reach for the stars...You will at least end up among the clouds"
Share your experience, strength, and hope with another and see the miracles transform your life!
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
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Freefly
Administrator
964 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 06:56:35 AM
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AA Thought for the Day
May 27, 2008
Valor
When World War II broke out,
this spiritual principle had its first major test.
AA's entered the services and were scattered all over the world.
Would they be able to take discipline, stand up under fire,
and endure the monotony and misery of war?
Would the kind of dependence they had learned in AA carry them through?
Well, it did. They had even fewer alcoholic lapses or emotional binges
than AA's safe at home did.
They were just as capable of endurance and valor as any other soldiers.
Whether in Alaska or on the Salerno beachhead,
their dependence upon a Higher Power worked.
And far from being a weakness, this dependence
was their chief source of strength.
© 1953 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pp. 38-9
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder . . .
It works - it really does.
Day by Day is the only way.... |
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Pamela7030
Moderator
800 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 2:20:40 PM
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From As Bill Sees It, page 183.
A Viewer-with-Alarm
"I went through several fruitless years in a state called 'viewing with alarm for the good of the movement.' I thought it was up to me to be always 'correcting conditions.' Seldom had anybody been able to tell me what I ought to do, and nobody had ever succeeded in effectively telling me what I must do. I had to learn the hard way out of my own experience."
"When setting out to 'check' others, I found myself often motivated by fear of what they were doing, self-righteousness, and even downright intolerance. Consequently, I seldom succeeded in correcting anything. I just raised barriers of resentment that cut off any suggestion, example, understanding, or love."
<< << >> >>
"A.A.'s often say, 'Our leaders do not drive by mandate; they lead by example.' If we would favorably affect others, we ourselves need to practice what we preach--and forget the 'preaching,' too. The quiet good example speaks for itself."
1. Letter, 1945
2. Letter, 1966
The AA Way of Life....selected writings of AA's co-founder
AA World Services Inc. New York, NY.
"Reach for the stars...You will at least end up among the clouds"
Share your experience, strength, and hope with another and see the miracles transform your life!
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