AA Thoughts For Today - December

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 1

Building an Arch

Returning home we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour,
carefully reviewing what we have done. We thank God from the bottom
of our heart that we know Him better. Taking this book down from our
shelf we turn to the page which contains the twelve steps. Carefully
reading the first five proposals we ask if we have omitted anything, for
we are building an arch through which we shall walk a free man at last.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (Into Action) p. 75

Thought to Ponder . . .
The Three "P's" -- Pause, Pray, Proceed.

AA-related 'Alconym'
G I F T S = Getting It From The Steps.

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

Action
"But the program of action, though entirely sensible,
was pretty drastic. It meant I would have to throw several lifelong conceptions out of the window.
That was not easy.
But the moment I made up my mind to go through
with the process, I had the curious feeling that my alcoholic condition
was relieved, as in fact it proved to be.
Quite as important was the discovery that spiritual principles
would solve all my problems."
c. 1976AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 42

Thought to Consider . . .
Never mistake motion for action.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A C T I O N = Any Change Toward Improving One's Nature

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

Friendship
From "Learning To Love Ourselves":
"When I did my personal inventory I found that I had unhealthy relationships with most people in my life my friends and family, for example. I always felt isolated and lonely. I drank to dull emotional pain. "It was through staying sober, having a good sponsor and working the Twelve Steps that I was able to build up my low self-esteem. First the Twelve Steps taught me to become my own best friend, and then, when I was able to love myself, I could reach out and love others."
1990 AAWS, Inc.; Daily Reflections, pg. 123

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"The greatest promise in the program is the one in the Twelfth Step. It tells me I will have a spiritual awakening as the result of the Steps. I know I need that awakening to have a chance to stay sober"
White Rock, British Columbia, May 2005
"Life -- It Happens"
No Matter What: Dealing with Adversity in Sobriety

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost
the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes
practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring
into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the
suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are
without defense against the first drink."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 24~

My friend had emphasized the absolute necessity of demonstrating these principles in all my affairs .particularly was it imperative to work with others as he had worked with me. Faith without works was dead, he said.
Alcoholics Anonymous page 14

I was to test my thinking by the new God-consciousness within.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.13

Both his pride and his fear beat him back every time he tries to look within himself.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.49

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Start by Forgiving
The moment we ponder a twisted or broken relationship with another person, our emotions go on the defensive. To escape looking at the wrongs we have done another, we resentfully focus on the wrong he has done us. Triumphantly we seize upon his slightest misbehavior as the perfect excuse for minimizing or forgetting our own.
Right here we need to fetch ourselves up sharply. Let's remember that alcoholics are not the only ones bedeviled by sick emotions. In many instances we are really dealing with fellow sufferers, people whose woes we have increased.
If we are about to ask forgiveness for ourselves, why shouldn't we start out by forgiving them, one and all?

Prayer for the Day: Seventh Step Prayer - My Creator, I am now willing that You should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that You now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to You and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do Your bidding. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 2

Defects

Self-righteous anger also can be very enjoyable. In a perverse way
we can actually take satisfaction from the fact that many people annoy
us, for it brings a comfortable feeling of superiority. 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, (Step Six) p. 67

Thought to Ponder . . .
Who am I to judge another when I myself walk imperfectly.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A A = Altered Attitudes.

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

Grandiosity
"In my teens, I had to be an athlete
because I was not an athlete.
I had to be a musician because I could not carry a tune.
I had to be first in everything
because in my perverse heart
I felt myself the least of God's creatures.
I could not accept my deep sense of inferiority,
and so I strove to become captain of the baseball team,
and I did learn to play the fiddle.
Lead I must -- or else.
This was the 'all or nothing' kind of demand
that later did me in."
- Bill W., AA Comes of Age, p. 53
1967AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 214

Thought to Consider . . .
We claim spiritual progress
rather than spiritual perfection.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
N U T S = Not Using The Steps.

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

December 1944
AA History
The New York World-Telegram reported on the dinner held in honor of the tenth anniversary of Bill W's sobriety (December 11, 1934). That newspaper erroneously called it the 10th anniversary of the founding of AA. There were 1500 members in attendance that night at the Commodore Hotel.
The New York Herald Tribune recounted that Bill's report of AA's 10 year history was impressive. AA went from 15 alcoholics released from the "drinking habit" in the first year to 40 "conversions" after 3 years. At the end of 4 years there were 100 members, and the book Alcoholics Anonymous had been written. After nearly 10 years there were more than 12,000 members in 370 groups throughout the United States and Canada and a "new unit" functioning successfully in Hawaii (Hawaii would not become a state for another 15 years - in August of 1959).

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"I sabotage myself if I attach my sobriety to people, places, or things."
Carbondale, Ill., August 1988
"It's Always Dark at the Beginning,"
Spiritual Awakenings

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"Although financial recovery is on the way for many of us, we found
we could not place money first. For us, material well-being always
followed spiritual progress; it never preceded."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 127

"If there be divorce or separation, there should be no undue haste
for the couple to get together. The man should be sure of his
recovery. The wife should fully understand his new way of life. If
their old relationship is to be resumed it must be on a better basis,
since the former did not work. This means a new attitude and spirit
all around. Sometimes it is to the best interests of all concerned
that a couple remain apart. Obviously, no rule can be laid down.
Let the alcoholic continue his program day by day. When the time for
living together has come, it will be apparent to both parties."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, Page 99

I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.14

We all need the light of God's reality, the nourishment of His strength, and the atmosphere of His grace.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.97

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

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.
For most of us, this pair of acceptances had required a lot of exertion to achieve. Our whole treasured a lot of exertion to achieve. Our whole treasured philosophy of self-sufficiency had to be cast aside. This had not been done with sheer will power; it came instead as the result of developing the willingness to accept these new facts of living.
We neither ran nor fought. But accept we did. And then we began to be free.

Prayer for the Day: Eighth Step Prayer - Higher Power, I ask Your help in making my list of all those I have harmed. I will take responsibility for my mistakes and be forgiving to others as You are forgiving to me. Grant me the willingness to begin my restitution. This I pray.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 3

A Glimpse

The moment we catch even a glimpse of God's will, the moment
we begin to see truth, justice, and love as the real and eternal
things in life, we are no longer deeply disturbed by all the seeming
evidence to the contrary that surrounds us in purely human affairs.
We know that God lovingly watches over us. We know that when
we turn to Him, all will be well with us, here and hereafter.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, (Step Eleven) p. 105

Thought to Ponder . . .
"How can I best serve Thee—Thy will (not mine) be done."

AA-related 'Alconym'
A S A P = Always Say A Prayer.

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

Fear
"We have had a much keener look at ourselves
and those about us.
We have seen that we were prodded by
unreasonable fears and anxieties
into making a life business of winning fame, money,
and what we thought was leadership.
So false pride became the reverse side
of that ruinous coin marked 'Fear.'
We simply had to be Number One people
to cover up our deep-lying inferiorities."
1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 123

Thought to Consider . . .
Situations I fear are rarely as bad as the fear itself.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
F E A R = Frantic Efforts to Appear Recovered

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

An Avocation
From: "Foreword"
It is important that we remain anonymous because we are too few, at present to handle the overwhelming number of personal appeals which may result from this publication. Being mostly business or professional folk, we could not well carry on our occupations in such an event. We would like it understood that our alcoholic work is an avocation.
When writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of our Fellowship to omit his personal name, designating himself instead as "a member of Alcoholics Anonymous."
Very earnestly we ask the press also, to observe this request, for otherwise we shall be greatly handicapped.
1989, Carry the Message, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous, [First Edition facsimile], page vii

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Only the sharing of despair can bring us ... illumination."
Pleasantville, N.Y., August 1959
"The Sense of Sobriety,"
Spiritual Awakenings

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"When you discover a prospect for Alcoholics Anonymous, find out all
you can about him. If he does not want to stop drinking, don't
waste time trying to persuade him. You may spoil a later opportunity."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 90

" 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, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, Page 52~

Now we go out to our fellows and repair the damage done in the past.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.76

Our inventory enables us to settle with the past.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.89

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

In A.A., we found that it did not matter too much what our material condition was, but it mattered greatly what our spiritual condition was. As we improved our spiritual outlook, money gradually became our servant and not our master. It became a means of exchanging love and service with those about us.
One of A.A.'s Loners is an Australian sheepman who lives two thousand miles from the nearest town, where yearly he sells his wool. In order to be paid the best prices he has to get to town during a certain month. But when he heard that a big regional A.A. meeting was to be held at a later date when wool prices would have fallen, he gladly took a heavy financial loss in order to make his journey then. That's how much an A.A. meeting means to him.

Prayer for the Day: Ninth Step Prayer - Higher Power, I pray for the right attitude to make my amends, being ever mindful not to harm others in the process. I ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends. Most important, I will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others and growing in spiritual progress.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 4

Inventory of My Blessings

One exercise that I practice is to try for a full inventory of my blessings
and then for a right acceptance of the many gifts that are mine -- both
temporal and spiritual. Here I try to achieve a state of joyful gratitude.
When such a brand of gratitude is repeatedly affirmed and pondered,
it can finally displace the natural tendency to congratulate myself on
whatever progress I may have been enabled to make in some areas of living.
- As Bill Sees It, (Grapevine, March 1962) No. 37

Thought to Ponder . . .
Gratitude is a tool, a form of perspective,
reminding me to appreciate the simple things.

AA-related 'Alconym'
H U G S = Hope, Unity, Gratitude, Serenity.

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

Rewards
"The rewards of sobriety are bountiful
and as progressive as the disease they counteract.
Certainly among these rewards for me
are release from the prison of uniqueness,
and the realization that participation in the AA way of life
is a blessing and a privilege beyond estimate --
a blessing to live a life free from the
pain and degradation of drinking
and filled with the joy of useful, sober living,
and a privilege to grow in sobriety one day at a time
and bring the message of hope as it was brought to me."
>From the new Fourth Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous
AAGrapevine, December 2001, p. 47

Thought to Consider . . .
Sobriety is a choice and a treasure.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
G I F T S = Getting It From The Steps.

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

Gift
Step Twelve: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
"When a man or a woman has a spiritual awakening, the most important meaning of it is that he has now become able to do, feel, and believe that which he could not do before on his unaided strength and resources alone. He has been granted a gift which amounts to a new state of consciousness and being. He has been set on a path which tells him he is really going somewhere, that life is not a dead end, not something to be endured or mastered."
1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed 2005; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pgs. 106-07

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"No matter how truthful the words of my message, there could be no deep communication if what I said and did was colored by pride, arrogance, intolerance, resentment, imprudence, or desire for personal acclaim -- even though I was largely unconscious of these attitudes"
AA Co-Founder, Bill W., July 1960
"The Language of the Heart"

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They
arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of
self-will run riot, though he usually doesn't think so."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 62~

"...the main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind, rather than
in his body."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, Page 23~

Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.68

And when humility and serenity are so combined, something else of great moment is apt to occur.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.62

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

It was discovered that when one alcoholic had planted in the mind of another the true nature of his malady, that person could never be the same again. Following every spree, he would say to himself, 'Maybe those A.A.'s were right.' After a few such experiences, often before the onset of extreme difficulties, he would return to us convinced.
In the first years, those of us who sobered up in A.A. had been grim and utterly hopeless cases. But then we began to have success with milder alcoholics and even some potential alcoholics. Younger folks appeared. Lots of people turned up who still had jobs, homes, health, and even good social standing.
Of course, it was necessary for these newcomers to hit bottom emotionally. But they did not have to hit every possible bottom in order to admit that they were licked.

Prayer for the Day: Tenth Step Prayer -
I pray I may continue:
To grow in understanding and effectiveness;
To take daily spot-check inventories of myself;
To correct mistakes when I make them;
To take responsibility for my actions;
To be ever aware of my negative and self-defeating attitudes and behaviors;
To keep my willfulness in check;
To always remember I need Your help;
To keep love and tolerance of others as my code;
And to continue in daily prayer how I can best serve You, my Higher Power.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 5

Indispensable

Most emphatically we wish to say that any alcoholic capable of honestly
facing his problems in the light of our experience can recover, provided
he does not close his mind to all spiritual concepts. He can only be
defeated by an attitude of intolerance or belligerent denial. 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, (Appendix II, Spiritual Experience) p. 568

Thought to Ponder . . .
The Twelve Steps -- a manuscript for rational living.

AA-related 'Alconym'
H O W = Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness.

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

A New Notion
"The idea that religion and spirituality
were not one and the same was a new notion.
My sponsor asked that I merely remain open-minded
to the possibility that there was a Power greater than myself,
one of my own understanding.
He assured me that no person was going to impose
a belief system on me, that it was a personal matter.
Reluctantly, I opened my mind to the fact that maybe,
just maybe, there was something to this spiritual lifestyle.
Slowly, but surely, I realized there was indeed
a Power greater than myself,
and I soon found myself with a full-time God in my life
and following a spiritual path that didn't conflict
with my personal religious convictions."
c. 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 287

Thought to Consider . . .
God enters us through our wounds.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
S W A T = Surrender, Willingness, Acceptance, Trust

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

Hope
From "Window of Opportunity":
"I once knew a woman who was crying before a meeting. She was approached by a five-year-old girl who told her, 'You don't have to cry here. This is a good place. They took my daddy and they made him better.' That is exactly what A.A. did for me; it took me and it made me better. For that I am eternally grateful."
2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 431

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Some of us take a long time to 'come to' before we can 'come to believe' that there is any hope for us."
Nanaimo, British Columbia, February 2003
"My Name Is Gary and I'm a Human Being,"
Spiritual Awakenings

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"When we became alcoholics, crushed by a self-imposed crisis we could
not postpone or evade, we had to fearlessly face the proposition that
either God is everything or else He is nothing. God either is or He
isn't."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 53

To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.
~Alcoholics Anonymous page 93

The power of God goes deep!
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.114

Almost any experienced A.A. will tell how his affairs have taken remarkable and unexpected turns for the better as he tried to improve his conscious contact with God.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.105

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

When I was a child, I acquired some of the traits that had a lot to do with my insatiable craving for alcohol. I was brought up in a little town in Vermont, under the shadow of Mount Aeolus. An early recollection is that of looking up at this vast and mysterious mountain, wondering what it meant and whether I could ever climb that high. But I was presently distracted by my aunt who, as a fourth-birthday present, made me a plate of fudge. For the next thirty-five years I pursued the fudge of life and quite forgot about the mountain.
When self-indulgence is less than ruinous, we have a milder word for it. We call it 'taking our comfort.

Prayer for the Day: Eleventh Step Prayer - Higher Power, as I understand You, I pray to keep my connection with You open and clear from the confusion of daily life. Through my prayers and meditation I ask especially for freedom from self-will, rationalization and wishful thinking. I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action. Your will, Higher Power, not mine, be done.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 6

Thoroughly Followed

Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.
Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely
give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who
are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (How It Works) p. 58

Thought to Ponder . . .
The Three A's .. Awareness, Acceptance, Action.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A C T = Action Changes Things.

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

A New Life
"Is sobriety all that we are to expect of a spiritual awakening?
No, sobriety is only a bare beginning;
If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on.
As it does go on, we find that bit by bit
we can discard the old life -- the one that did not work --
for a new life that can and does work
under any conditions whatever."
Bill W., Grapevine, December 1957
c. 1967AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 8

Thought to Consider . . .
Action conquers fear.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A B C = Acceptance, Belief, Change

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

Growth
From "The Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous":
"At the end of 1941, when the group secretaries made their reports, we found that the membership had jumped to 8,000, an increase of 6,000 over 1940. We had begun to reach into Canada and into foreign lands. Everywhere we were growing rapidly. In many ways 1941 can be reckoned as the most exciting year in our history.
"The pins on our office wall map showed scores of new groups springing up every week."
2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pg. 192

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."
Tukwila, Wash., July 2005
"Heard at Meetings,"
AA Grapevine

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we
could not do for ourselves. We hope you are convinced now that God can
remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him. If you have
already made a decision, and an inventory of your grosser handicaps,
you have made a good beginning. That being so you have swallowed and
digested some big chunks of truth about yourself."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 70~

"On the other hand, strange as this may seem to those who do not
understand, once a psychic change has occurred, the very same person
who seemed doomed, who had so many problems he despaired of ever
solving them, suddenly finds himself easily able to control his desire
for alcohol, the only effort necessary being that required to follow a
few simple rules."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Doctors Opinion, pg. xxix~

Patience and good temper are most necessary.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.111

Could we then foresee that troublesome people were to become our principal teachers of patience and tolerance?\
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.141

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Few indeed are those who, assailed by the tyrant alcohol, have ever won through in singlehanded combat. It is a statistical fact that alcoholics almost never recover on their personal resources alone.
Way up toward Point Barrow in Alaska, a couple of prospectors got themselves a cabin and a case of Scotch. The weather turned bitter, fifty below, and they got so drunk they let the fire go out. Barely escaping death by freezing, one of them woke up in time to rekindle the fire. He was prowling around outside for fuel, and he looked into an empty oil drum filled with frozen water. Down in the ice cake he saw a reddish-yellow object. When thawed out, it was seen to be an A.A. book. One of the pair read the book and sobered up. Legend has it that he became the founder of one of our farthest north groups.

Prayer for the Day: Twelfth Step Prayer - Dear God, My spiritual awakening continues to unfold. The help I have received I shall pass on and give to others, both in and out of the Fellowship. For this opportunity I am grateful. I pray most humbly to continue walking day by day on the road of spiritual progress. I pray for the inner strength and wisdom to practice the principles of this way of life in all I do and say. I need You, my friends and the program every hour of every day. This is a better way to live.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 7

Problems

We have been talking about problems because we are problem people
who have found a way up and out, and who wish to share our knowledge
of that way with all who can use it. For it is only by accepting and solving
our problems that we can begin to get right with ourselves and with the
world about us, and with Him who presides over us all.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, (Step Twelve) p. 125

Thought to Ponder . . .
We need to share our problems to find our solutions.

AA-related 'Alconym'
S T E P S = Solutions Through Each Powerful Step.

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

Serenity
"So, here I am, sober. Successful. Serene.
Just a few of the gifts of the program for surrendering,
suiting up, and showing up for life every day.
Good days and bad days, reality is a wild ride,
and I wouldn't miss it for the world.
I don't question how this program works.
I trust in my God, stay involved in AA service,
go to lots of meetings, work with others,
and practice the principles of the Steps
to the best of my willingness each day.
I don't know which of these keeps me sober,
and I'm not about to try to find out.
It's worked for quite a few days now,
so I think I'll try it again tomorrow."
c. 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous (Fourth Edition), p. 337

Thought to Consider . . .
Serenity isn't freedom from the storm;
it is peace within the storm.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
K I S S = Keep It Simple; Surrender

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

Normal
From "Ecstasy":
"I think now that this thoroughly unsuccessful Twelfth Step effort (I pray H. may be in A.A. somewhere by now) helped me. I've never since stopped being aware of the fact that as an alcoholic I had better not set my sights on being just like everybody else, just as ordinary, just as unleavened. As a matter of fact, I don't really know anything about being ordinary that is, nonalcoholic so I ought not to set up some phony idea in my mind about normal living."
1973 AAWS, Inc.; Came to Believe, 30th printing 2004, pg. 117

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Until I understood and accepted my status as a human being, my effort toward seeking God was in vain."
Spiritual Awakenings Vol. 1
Nanaimo, British Columbia, February 2003
"My Name Is Gary and I'm a Human Being,"

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor
do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders. When we see a man
sinking into the mire that is alcoholism, we give him first aid and
place what we have at his disposal."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 132

"In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we
could not do for ourselves. We hope you are convinced now that God can
remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him. If you have
already made a decision, and an inventory of your grosser handicaps,
you have made a good beginning. That being so you have swallowed and
digested some big chunks of truth about yourself."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 70~

We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, know thousands of men and women who were once just as hopeless as Bill.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.17

Many less desperate alcoholics tried A.A., but did not succeed because they could not make the admission of hopelessness.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.23

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Too much of my life has been spent in dwelling upon the faults of others. This is a most subtle and perverse form of self-satisfaction, which permits us to remain comfortably unaware of our own defects. Too often we are heard to say, 'If it weren't for him (or her), how happy I'd be!'
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 or defeatism, they can be the sure foundation upon which increased emotional health and therefore spiritual progress can be built.

Prayer for the Day: Meeting Prayer No. 1 - Our Father, We come to you as a friend. You have said where two or more are gathered, there You will be in the midst. We believe You are here with us .We believe this is something You would have us do, and that it has Your blessing. We believe that You want us to be real partners with You in the business of living, accepting our full responsibility, and certain that the rewards will be freedom, growth and happiness. For this we are grateful. We ask You at all times to guide us. Help us daily to come closer to You and grant us new ways of living our gratitude.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 8

Choice

The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure,
have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called willpower
becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times,
to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory
of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago.
We are without defense against the first drink.
- ~Alcoholics Anonymous, (There Is A Solution) p. 24

Thought to Ponder . . .
The first drink has the last say.

AA-related 'Alconym'
I S M = Incredibly Short Memory.

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

Solution
"There is a 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. . .
We have found much of heaven
and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension
of existence of which we had not even dreamed."
c. 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous (Fourth Edition), p. 25

Thought to Consider . . .
The solution is simple. The solution is spiritual.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
H O P E = Happy Our Program Exists

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

Apology
From "Our Side of the Street":
I made amends to my dad soon after I quit drinking. My words fell on deaf ears since I had blamed him for my troubles. Several months later I made amends to my dad again. This time I wrote a letter in which I did not blame him or mention his faults. It worked, and at last I understood! My side of the street is all that I'm responsible for and thanks to God and A.A. it's clean for today."
1990 AAWS, Inc.; Daily Reflections, pg. 259

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Anonymity is a spiritual foundation not only of Tradition Twelve, but of sobriety itself."
Walnut Creek, Calif., March 2000
"The Quest for Spirituality,"
Voices of Long-Term Sobriety

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"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. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is
a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual
condition."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 85~

"Having made our personal inventory, what shall we do about it? We have been trying to get a new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and to discover the obstacles in our path. We have admitted certain defects; we have ascertained in a rough way what the trouble is; we have put our finger on the weak items in our personal inventory. Now these are about to be cast out. This requires action on our part, which, when completed, will mean that we have admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our defects. This brings us to the Fifth Step in the program of recovery mentioned in the preceding chapter."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 72~

We found the Great Reality deep down within us.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.55

These were the new attitudes that finally brought many of us an inner strength and peace that could not be deeply shaken by the shortcomings of others or by any calamity not of our own making.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.116

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

'It seems proved that A.A. can stand on its own feet anywhere and under any conditions. It has outgrown any dependence it might once have had upon the personalities or efforts of a few of the older members like me. New, able, and vigorous people keep coming to the surface, turning up where they are needed. Besides, A.A. has reached enough spiritual maturity to know that its final dependence is upon God.'
Clearly, our first duty to A.A.'s future is to maintain in full strength what we now have. Only the most vigilant caretaking can assure this. Never should we be lulled into complacent self-satisfaction by the wide acclaim and success that are everywhere ours. This is the subtle temptation which could render us stagnant today, perchance disintegrate us tomorrow. We have always rallied to meet and transcend failure and crisis. Problems have been our stimulants. How well, though, shall we be able to meet the problems of success?

Prayer for the Day: Meeting Prayer No. 2 - Our Heavenly Father, we ask for Your blessings on this meeting. Please bless the spirit and the purpose of this group, Give us strength to follow this Program according to You will and in all humility. Forgive us for yesterday, and grant us courage for today and hope for tomorrow.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 9

It Engulfs All

But not so with the alcoholic illness, for with it there goes annihilation
of all the things worth while in life. It engulfs all whose lives touch the
sufferer's. It brings misunderstanding, fierce resentment, financial
insecurity, disgusted friends and employers, warped lives of blameless
children, sad wives and parents—anyone can increase the list.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (There Is A Solution) p. 18

Thought to Ponder . . .
Right actions for the future are the best
apologies for wrong ones in the past.

AA-related 'Alconym'
S T E P S = Solutions Through Each Powerful Step.

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

Solution
"There is a 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. . .
We have found much of heaven
and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension
of existence of which we had not even dreamed."
c. 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous (Fourth Edition), p. 25

Thought to Consider . . .
The solution is simple. The solution is spiritual.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
H O P E = Happy Our Program Exists

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

Apology
From "Our Side of the Street":
I made amends to my dad soon after I quit drinking. My words fell on deaf ears since I had blamed him for my troubles. Several months later I made amends to my dad again. This time I wrote a letter in which I did not blame him or mention his faults. It worked, and at last I understood! My side of the street is all that I'm responsible for and thanks to God and A.A. it's clean for today."
1990 AAWS, Inc.; Daily Reflections, pg. 259

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Anonymity is a spiritual foundation not only of Tradition Twelve, but of sobriety itself."
Walnut Creek, Calif., March 2000
"The Quest for Spirituality,"
Voices of Long-Term Sobriety

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"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. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is
a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual
condition."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 85~

"Having made our personal inventory, what shall we do about it? We have been trying to get a new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and to discover the obstacles in our path. We have admitted certain defects; we have ascertained in a rough way what the trouble is; we have put our finger on the weak items in our personal inventory. Now these are about to be cast out. This requires action on our part, which, when completed, will mean that we have admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our defects. This brings us to the Fifth Step in the program of recovery mentioned in the preceding chapter."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 72~

We found the Great Reality deep down within us.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.55

These were the new attitudes that finally brought many of us an inner strength and peace that could not be deeply shaken by the shortcomings of others or by any calamity not of our own making.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.116

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

'It seems proved that A.A. can stand on its own feet anywhere and under any conditions. It has outgrown any dependence it might once have had upon the personalities or efforts of a few of the older members like me. New, able, and vigorous people keep coming to the surface, turning up where they are needed. Besides, A.A. has reached enough spiritual maturity to know that its final dependence is upon God.'
Clearly, our first duty to A.A.'s future is to maintain in full strength what we now have. Only the most vigilant caretaking can assure this. Never should we be lulled into complacent self-satisfaction by the wide acclaim and success that are everywhere ours. This is the subtle temptation which could render us stagnant today, perchance disintegrate us tomorrow. We have always rallied to meet and transcend failure and crisis. Problems have been our stimulants. How well, though, shall we be able to meet the problems of success?

Prayer for the Day: Meeting Prayer No. 2 - Our Heavenly Father, we ask for Your blessings on this meeting. Please bless the spirit and the purpose of this group, Give us strength to follow this Program according to You will and in all humility. Forgive us for yesterday, and grant us courage for today and hope for tomorrow.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 10

An Understanding

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, (There Is A Solution) p. 18

Thought to Ponder . . .
Together we can do what we could never do alone.

AA-related 'Alconym'
E S & H = Experience, Strength and Hope.

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

Selfishness
"So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making.
They arise out of ourselves,
and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot,
though he usually doesn't think so.
Above everything,
we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness.
We must, or it kills us!"
c. 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 62

Thought to Consider . . .
The smallest package in the world
is an alcoholic all wrapped up in himself.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
P A C E = Positive Attitudes Change Everything

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

Giving
From "A Vision for You":
"He [Bill W.] now returned home, leaving behind his first acquaintance [Dr. Bob], the lawyer and the devil-may-care chap. These men had found something brand new in life. 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."
2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 159

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"God grant that AA may ever stay simple."
AA Co-Founder, Dr. Bob, September 1948
"The Fundamentals in Retrospect"

The Best of the Grapevine, Volume 2

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family
back. This just isn't so. In some cases the wife will never come
back for one reason or another. Remind the prospect that his
recovery is not dependent upon people. It is dependent upon his
relationship with God. We have seen men get well whose families have
not returned at all. We have seen others slip when the family came
back too soon."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 99~

Cessation of drinking is but the first step away from a highly strained, abnormal condition. A doctor said to us, "Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some extent, ill." Let families realize, as they start their journey, that all will not be fair weather. Each in turn may be footsore and may straggle. There will be alluring shortcuts and by-paths down which they may wander and lose their way.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.122

If he wishes to talk, let him do so.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.91

We sit in A.A. meetings and listen, not only to receive something ourselves, but to give the reassurance and support which our presence can bring.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.110

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

'As sobriety means long life and happiness for the individual, so does unity mean exactly the same thing to our Society as a whole. Unified we live; disunited we shall perish.'
'We must think deeply of all those sick ones still to come to A.A. As they try to make their return to faith and to life, we want them to find everything in A.A. that we have found, and yet more, if that be possible. No care, no vigilance, no effort to preserve A.A.s constant effectiveness and spiritual strength will ever be too great to hold us in full readiness for the day of their homecoming.'

Prayer for the Day: The Morning Light -
Lord of the night,
Be with me through the hours of darkness.
Let all my questions,
Problems, decisions,
Be enveloped in sleep.
That through the mystery
Of the sleeping mind
The difficulties of this day
Will be seen easier
In the morning light.
Into Your hands, O Lord,
I commit my spirit.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 11

First Accepted

We know that little good can come to any alcoholic who joins A.A. unless
he has first accepted his devastating weakness and all its consequences.
Until he so humbles himself, his sobriety—if any—will be precarious.
Of real happiness he will find none at all. Proved beyond doubt by an
immense experience, this is one of the facts of A.A. life.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, (Step One) p. 21

Thought to Ponder . . .
The Three A's ... Awareness, Acceptance, Action.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A A = Acknowledge Acceptance.

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

Show Business
"The first requirement is that we be convinced
that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success.
On that basis we are almost always in collision
with something or somebody,
even though our motives are good.
Most people try to live by self-propulsion.
Each person is like an actor
who wants to run the whole show;
is forever trying to arrange the lights, the ballet,
the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way.
If his arrangements would only stay put,
if only people would do as he wished,
the show would be great.
Everybody, including himself, would be pleased.
Life would be wonderful."
c. 2001AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 60-1

Thought to Consider . . .
I can't do His will my way.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
P R I D E = Pretty Ridiculous Individual Directing Everything

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

Promoter among Promoters
AA History
In The Doctor's Opinion, Dr. Silkworth described a patient brought to him for treatment of chronic alcoholism who had
only partially recovered from a gastric hemorrhage, and seemed to be in a pathological state of mental deterioration.
This man was Hank P. His story in the first edition of the Big Book was titled "The Unbeliever" (Experience, Strength &
Hope, page 5). Hank worked for Standard Oil of New Jersey. He was a high-pressure kind of guy. He was called a
"promoter among promoters". He was a partner with Bill W in the Honor Dealers Car Polish Company, which they
started to earn some money while AA was still being developed.
Chapter 7 of the Big Book, "Working with Others.

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"After endless voting on a title for the new work we had decided to call it The Way Out. But inquiry by Fritz M., our Maryland alcoholic, at The Library of Congress disclosed the fact that 12 books already bore that title. Surely we couldn't make our book the 13th. So we named it Alcoholics Anonymous instead! Though we didn't know it, our movement then got its name -- a name which because of the implication of humility and modesty has given us our treasured spiritual principle of anonymity."
AA Co-Founder, Bill W., July 1947
"Book Publication Proved Discouraging Venture,"
The Language of the Heart

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"Outsiders are sometimes shocked when we burst into merriment over a
seemingly tragic experience out of the past. But why shouldn't
we laugh? We have recovered, and have been given the power to help
others."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 132~

“Our hope is that many alcoholic men and women, desperately in need, will see these pages, and we believe that it is
only by fully disclosing ourselves and our problems that they will be persuaded to say, ‘Yes, I am one of them too; I must
have this thing.’”
~Alcoholics Anonymous page 29

So we think cheerfulness and laughter make for usefulness.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.132

Having learned to live so happily, we'd show everybody else how.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.156

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

It is necessary that we extricate from an examination of our personal relations every bit of information about ourselves
and our fundamental difficulties that we can. Since defective relations with other human beings have nearly always been
the immediate cause of our woes, including our alcoholism, no field of investigation could yield more satisfying and
valuable rewards than this one.
Calm, thoughtful reflection upon personal relations can deepen our insight. We can go far beyond those things which
were superficially wrong with us, to see those flaws which were basic, flaws which sometimes were responsible for the
whole pattern of our lives. Thoroughness, we have found, will pay - and pay handsomely.

Prayer for the Day: For Families Torn by Addiction -
We pray, O God of hope,
for all families
whose lives are torn and disrupted
by drugs and alcohol.
Enable them to identify the illness.
Strengthen them to seek help.
Bless them with the power of your love,
which imparts transformation and wholeness
to those who trust in your name.
Grant that as they walk this tortured road,
they may journey together
and bound close in the bond of love.
Amen.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

December 12

Progress is Our Aim

"Day by day, we try to move a little toward God's perfection.
So we need not be consumed by maudlin guilt for failure to achieve
His likeness and image by Thursday next. Progress is our aim, and
His perfection is the beacon, light-years away, that draws us on."
- As Bill Sees It, No. 15

Thought to Ponder . . .
Sobriety is not a destination, but an everlasting journey.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A B C = Accept, Begin, Continue.

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

Carrying the Message
"Alcoholics simply will not listen to a paid
twelfth-stepper.
Almost from the beginning,
we have been positive that face-to-face work
with the alcoholic who suffers could be based only
on the desire to help and be helped.
When an AA talks for money,
whether at a meeting or to a single newcomer,
it can have a very bad effect on him, too.
The money motive compromises him
and everything he says and does for his prospect.
This has always been so obvious
that only a very few AA's have ever worked the Twelfth Step
for a fee."
c. 1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 166

Thought to Consider . .
There is no materialism in AA -- just spirituality.
.
*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
H E A R T = Healing, Enjoying, And Recovering, Together

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

Decline
From "To Handle Sobriety":
"So when my liver had recovered after ten months, I resumed drinking. At first, just one drink, on occasion. Then drinks came more frequently but were carefully spaced out. Soon my drinking was as bad as ever all day long every day. But I was trying frantically to control it. And it had gone underground now, because everyone knew I shouldn't be drinking. Instead of drinking in fancy bars and clubs, I had to carry a bottle of vodka in my briefcase, duck into public toilets, and gulp from the bottle"
2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 556

*~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Nothing improves if you drink.""
El Granada, California, March 2003
"How an Atheist Works the Steps,"
Spiritual Awakenings

~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~*

"We do not like to pronounce any individual as alcoholic, but you can
quickly diagnose yourself, Step over to the nearest barroom and try
some controlled drinking. Try to drink and stop abruptly. Try it
more than once. It will not take long for you to decide, if you are
honest with yourself about it. It may be worth a bad case of jitters
if you get a full knowledge of your condition."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 31~

"How dark it is before the dawn! In reality that was the beginning of
my last debauch. I was soon to be catapulted into what I like to call
the fourth dimension of existence. I was to know happiness, peace, and
usefulness, in a way of life that is incredibly more wonderful as time
passes."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill's Story, pg. 8

The joy of living we really have, even under pressure and difficulty.
-Alcoholics Anonymous p.15

Practically every A.A. member declares that no satisfaction has been deeper and no joy greater than in a Twelfth Step job well done.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.110

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Creation gave us instincts for a purpose. Without them we wouldn't be complete human beings. If men and women didn't exert themselves to be secure in their persons, made no effort to harvest food or construct shelter, there would be no survival. If they didn't reproduce, the earth wouldn't be populated. If there were no social instinct, there would be no society.
Yet these instincts, so necessary for our existence, often far exceed their proper functions. Powerfully, blindly, many times subtly, they drive us, dominate us, and insist upon ruling our lives.
We tried to shape a sane ideal for our future sex life. We subjected each relation to this test: Was it selfish or not? We asked God to mold our ideals and help us to live up to them. We remembered always that our sex powers were God-given and therefore good, neither to be used lightly or selfishly nor to be despised and loathed.

Prayer for the Day: Wesley P's prayer - Dear God, please fill me with Your loving spirit, and let it flow through me into the lives of others. Amen