AA Thoughts For Today - February

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

February 16

Entire Psychic Change

After they have succumbed to the desire again, as so many do, and the
phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well-known stages
of a spree, emerging remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink again.
This is repeated over and over, and unless this person can experience an
entire psychic change there is very little hope of his recovery.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (The Doctors Opinion) p. xxix

Thought to Ponder . . .
If you want to drink, that's your business.
If you want to stop A.A. can help.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A A = Alcoholic's Answer.

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

Cheerfulness
But we aren't a glum lot. . .
We absolutely insist on enjoying life. . .
So we think cheerfulness and laughter
make for usefulness.
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.
c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 132

Thought to Consider . . .
Laughter is the sound of recovery.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
B E S T = Been Enjoying Sobriety Today?

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

Change
From "A Glacier Melts":
"I had thought I was happy in that first eighteen months of sobriety, but now everything began to look brighter; people
seemed nicer; and I had moments of tremendous insight. It was as if words and sentences I had heard all my life had a
deeper meaning and were reaching my feelings, rather than my intellect. It was as if my head and my heart finally had
gotten glued together. I no longer seemed like two people in one, engaging in a tug of war. I experienced within this six-
week period a feeling of being totally forgiven, and never since have I felt the guilt that I had throughout my life prior to
that time. More than once, I had as sense of Presence which I can describe only as being marvelously warm, uplifting,
and comfortable."
1973 AAWS, Inc., printed 2004; Came to Believe, pg. 58

*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quotes ^*~*~*~*~*

"Some day we hope that Alcoholics Anonymous will help the public to
a better realization of the gravity of the alcoholic problem, but we
shall be of little use if our attitude is one of bitterness or
hostility. Drinkers will not stand for it.
After all, our problems were of our own making. Bottles were only a
symbol. Besides, we have stopped fighting anybody or anything. We have to!"
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 103~

"Since the home has suffered more than anything else, it is well that
a man exert himself there. He is not likely to get far in any
direction if he fails to show unselfishness and love under his own
roof. We know there are difficult wives and families, but the man
who is getting over alcoholism must remember he did much to make them so."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 127~

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
The Wright brothers' almost childish faith that they could build a machine which would fly was the mainspring of their
accomplishment. Without that, nothing could have happened.
We agnostics and atheists were sticking to the idea that self-sufficiency would solve our problems. When others
showed us that God-sufficiency worked with them, we began to feel like those who had insisted the Wrights would never
fly. We were seeing another kind of flight, a spiritual liberation from this world, people who rose above their problems.

Prayer for the Day: Lord Jesus, as you touched the eyes of the blind man, touch us so that our eyes may be opened so
that we can “really see” the many wonderful things around us and in our own lives. Amen.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 17

Stand Together

Therefore, Step Two is the rallying point for all of us. Whether agnostic, atheist,
or former believer, we can stand together on this Step. True humility and an open
mind can lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that God will
restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves to Him.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, (Step Two) p. 33

Thought to Ponder . . .
Let go and let God.

AA-related 'Alconym'
F A I T H = For All I Trust Him.

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

A New Life
Life will take on a new meaning.
To watch people recover, to see them help others,
to watch loneliness vanish,
to see a fellowship grow up about you,
to have a host of friends --
this is an experience you must not miss.
We know you will not want to miss it.
c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 89

Thought to Consider . . .
Break out of your shell and join us!

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
F E E L = Feel, Experience, Express, Let go

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

God's Help
From "Another Prodigal Story":
"I know I am an alcoholic and while I used to call on God to help me, my conclusion is that I was simply asking God to
help me drink alcohol without its hurting me, which is a far different thing than asking him [sic] to help me not to drink at all."
2005, AAWS, Inc.; Experience, Strength & Hope, pg. 113

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

"I am a student of life just trying to learn how the universe works. The most powerful lesson I have learned is that it all
happens inside me. My perception of any situation is in my control -- I have a choice about which way my mind will react."
Pinellas Park, Fla., November 2006
From: "How the Universe Works"
AA Grapevine

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

"We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way by
which faith can be acquired. If what we have learned and felt and
seen means anything at all, it means that all of us, whatever our
race, creed, or color are the children of a living Creator with whom
we may form a relationship upon simple and understandable terms as
soon as we are willing and honest enough to try."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 28~

"Whether the family goes on a spiritual basis or not, the alcoholic
member has to if he would recover. The others must be convinced of
his new status beyond the shadow of a doubt. Seeing is believing to
most families who have lived with a drinker."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 135~

All we need is a key, and the decision to swing the door open.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 34

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

When a drunk has a terrific hangover because he drank heavily yesterday, he cannot live well today. But there is another
kind of hangover which we all experience whether we are drinking or not. That is the emotional hangover, the direct
result of yesterday's and sometimes today's excesses of negative emotion - anger, fear, jealousy, and the like.
If we would live serenely today and tomorrow, we certainly need to eliminate these hangovers. This doesn't mean we
need to wander morbidly around in the past. It requires an admission and correction of errors - now.

Prayer for the Day: Dear Father, thank you for today. Please be grant me the wisdom to help those who are in need.
Give me the wisdom so I may help guide them in their journey.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 18

Useful to Others

Most of us sense that real tolerance of other people’s shortcomings and
viewpoints and a respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us
more useful to 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, (There Is A Solution) pp. 19 - 20

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

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

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

AA Unity
Though many of us have had to struggle for sobriety,
never yet has this Fellowship had to struggle
for lost unity.
Consequently, we sometimes take this one great gift
for granted.
We forget that, should we lose our unity,
the millions of alcoholics who still "do not know"
might never get their chance.
Bill W., Letter, 1949
c. 1967 AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 297

Thought to Consider . . .
We can make a difference.
Without you, there is no 'we.'

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A A's - R - U S = Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Unity Service

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

AA Unity
Though many of us have had to struggle for sobriety,
never yet has this Fellowship had to struggle
for lost unity.
Consequently, we sometimes take this one great gift
for granted.
We forget that, should we lose our unity,
the millions of alcoholics who still "do not know"
might never get their chance.
Bill W., Letter, 1949
c. 1967 AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 297

Thought to Consider . . .
We can make a difference.
Without you, there is no 'we.'

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A A's - R - U S = Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Unity Service

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

Paybacks
>From "Into Action":
"Most alcoholics owe money. We do not dodge our creditors. Telling them what we are trying to do, we make no bones
about our drinking; they usually know it anyway, whether we think so or not. Nor are we afraid of disclosing our
alcoholism on the theory it may cause financial harm. Approached in this way, the most ruthless creditor will sometimes
surprise us. ... [W]e let these people know we are sorry. Our drinking has made us slow to pay. We must lose our fear
of creditors no matter how far we have to go, for we are liable to drink if we are afraid to face them."
2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 78

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

"Recovery is something like the restoration of a very old painting, covered over by layers and layers of darkening, distorted varnish ... Not all of the underlying pattern can be revealed at one time. What is uncovered, bit by bit and layer by slow, careful layer, are the things which are necessary and appropriate for me to know about myself right now."
Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, August 1992
From: "An Indescribable Benevolence"
Step By Step

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

"My friend suggested what then seemed a novel idea. He said, 'Why
don't you choose your own conception of God?'
That statement hit me hard. It melted the icy intellectual mountain
in whose shadow I had lived and shivered many years. I stood in the
sunlight at last.
It was only a matter of being willing to believe in a Power greater
than myself. Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning.
I saw that growth could start from that point."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill's Story, pg. 12~

"The very practical approach to his problems, the absence of
intolerance of any kind, the informality, the genuine democracy, the
uncanny understanding which these people had were irresistible."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, Page 160

We began to fear pain less, and desire humility more than ever.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 75

Misc. AA Literature - Quote
If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that some day we will be immune to alcohol.
Such is the paradox of A.A. regeneration: strength arising out of complete defeat and weakness, the loss of one's old life as a condition for finding a new one.

Prayer for the Day: God , Give us the power of your Spirit that we may see and love in others what you see and love in them. We want to see the positive in people and bring out the best in each other. It’s easy to say that, but not always easy to live it out, and so we ask you to help and inspire us to live as you would like us to live this day. Amen.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 19

Intensive Work

Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity
from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when
other activities fail. This is our twelfth suggestion: Carry this message
to other alcoholics! You can help when no one else can. You can
secure their confidence when others fail. Remember they are very ill.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (Working With Others) p. 89

Thought to Ponder . . .
Get it - Give it - Grow in it.

AA-related 'Alconym'
W O R K = What Our Recovery Knows.

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

Entirely Ready
It is plain for everybody to see that each sober AA member
has been granted a release from this very obstinate
and fatal obsession.
So in a very complete and literal way,
all AA's have "become entirely ready"
to have God remove the mania for alcohol from their lives.
And God has proceeded to do just that.
c. 1952 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 64

Thought to Consider . . .
I stood in the sunlight at last.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
S T E P S = Solutions To Every Problem in Sobriety

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

Faith
Step Two: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
"Therefore, Step Two is the rallying point for all of us. Whether agnostic, atheist, or former believer, we can stand
together on this Step. True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that
God will restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves to Him."
1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed 2005; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 33

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

"Drinking is no longer a problem, but my thinking sure is. Writing a gratitude list puts the brakes on negative thoughts,
turns me back toward the light, and helps me to see the beauty in everyday life."
New York, N.Y., January 2006
From: "Tools for Life"
Beginner's Book: Getting and Staying Sober in AA

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

"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

We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.
Alcoholics Anonymous page 60

And they have increasingly found a peace of mind which can stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 104

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

A.A.: Benign Anarchy and Democracy
When we come into A.A. we find a greater personal freedom than any other society knows. We cannot be compelled to
do anything. In that sense our Society is a benign anarchy. The word 'anarchy' has a bad meaning to most of us. But I
think that the idealist who first advocated the concept felt that if only men were granted absolute liberty, and were
compelled to obey no one, they would then voluntarily associate themselves in the common interest. A.A. is an
association of the benign sort he envisioned.
But when we had to go into action - to function as groups - we discovered that we also had to become a democracy. As
our oldtimers retired, we therefore began to elect our trusted servants by majority vote. Each group in this sense
became a town meeting. All plans for group action had to be approved by the majority. This meant that no single
individual could appoint himself to act for his group or for A.A. as a whole. Neither dictatorship nor paternalism was for us.

Prayer for the Day: Prayer for One's Home by Edgar Guest
Peace, unto this house, I pray,
Keep terror and despair away;
Shield it from evil and let sin
Never find lodging room within.
May never in these walls be heard
The hateful or accusing word.
Grant that its warm and mellow light
May be to all a beacon bright,
A flaming symbol that shall stir
The beating pulse of him or her
Who finds this door and seems to say,
“Here end the trials of the day.“
Hold us together, gentle Lord,
Who sit about this humble board;
May we be spared the cruel fate
Of those whom hatreds separate;
Here let love bind us fast, that we
May know the joys of unity.
Lord, this humble house we'd keep
Sweet with play and calm with sleep.
Help us so that we may give
Beauty to the lives we live.
Let Thy love and let Thy grace
Shine upon our dwelling place.
Amen.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 20

Somehow, Someday

The idea that somehow, someday he will control and enjoy
his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker.
The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it
into the gates of insanity or death. We learned that we had to
fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics.
This is the first step in recovery.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (More About Alcoholism) p. 30

Thought to Ponder . . .
When we try to control our drinking, we have already lost control.

AA-related 'Alconym'
I S M = I Sabotage Myself.

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

Steps & Traditions
AA's Twelve Steps are a group of principles,
spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life,
can expel the obsession to drink
and enable the sufferer to become
happily and usefully whole.
AA's Twelve Traditions apply to the life
of the Fellowship itself.
They outline the means by which AA maintains its unity
and relates itself to the world about it,
the way it lives and grows.
c. 1952 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 15

Thought to Consider . . .
The Steps protect me from myself;
the Traditions protect AA from me.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
T R U S T = Teaching Recovery Using Steps and Traditions.

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

Publications
From "The Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous":
"The year 1944 brought a vital development. In New York City a few literary and newsminded A.A.'s began to issue a
monthly publication. They called their magazine the Grapevine. It was by no means the first local A.A. bulletin or
magazine. The Cleveland Central Bulletin, the Los Angeles Eye-Opener, and several others had preceded it. But the
Grapevine caught on nationally.
"After the first few months it encountered a strange kind of difficulty. It turned out that the FBI for a long time had
published a [news]sheet called the Grapevine devoted to keeping FBI men up to date. Things were finally ironed out
when we began to call our monthly magazine the A.A. Grapevine. With this minor difficulty overcome, our Grapevine
grew and grew."
2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pgs. 201-02

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

"In the meetings I attend, newcomers sometimes ask me how I've been able to stay sober so long. My answer is always
the same: every morning, the first thing I do is say three magic words -- God, help me."
Kissimmee, Fla., March 2006
From: "Small but Mighty"
Beginner's Book: Getting and Staying Sober in AA

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

"The basic principles of the A.A. program, it appears, hold good for
individuals with many different lifestyles, just as the program has
brought recovery to those of many different nationalities. The
Twelve Steps that summarize the program may be called los Doce Pasos
in one country, les Douze Etapes in another, but they trace exactly
the same path to recovery that was blazed by the earliest members of
Alcoholics Anonymous."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Foreward To Third Edition, Page xxii~

"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, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 33~

All we need is a key, and the decision to swing the door open.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 34

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

The Coming of Faith
In my own case, the foundation stone of freedom from fear is that of faith: a faith that, despite all worldly appearances to the contrary, causes me to believe that I live in a universe that makes sense.
To me, 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 little and haltingly, toward His own likeness and image. Before the coming of faith I had lived as an alien in a cosmos that too often seemed both hostile and cruel. In it there could be no inner security for me.
'When I was driven to my knees by alcohol, I was made ready to ask for the gift of faith. And all was changed. Never again, my pains and problems notwithstanding, would I experience my former desolation. I saw the universe to be lighted by God's love; I was alone no more.' 1. GRAPEVINE, JANUARY 1962 - 2. LETTER, 1966

Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, Please grant me peace so I can face the day with a clear mind and calm heart.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 21

Willing to Believe

Stress the spiritual feature freely. If the man be agnostic or atheist,
make it emphatic that he does not have to agree with your conception
of God. He can choose any conception he likes, provided it makes
sense to him. The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a
Power greater than himself and that he live by spiritual principles.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (Working With Others) p. 93

Thought to Ponder . . .
I came; I came to; I came to believe.

AA-related 'Alconym'
W I L L I N G = When I Live Life, I Need God.

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

Steps & Traditions
AA's Twelve Steps are a group of principles,
spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life,
can expel the obsession to drink
and enable the sufferer to become
happily and usefully whole.
AA's Twelve Traditions apply to the life
of the Fellowship itself.
They outline the means by which AA maintains its unity
and relates itself to the world about it,
the way it lives and grows.
c. 1952 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 15

Thought to Consider . . .
The Steps protect me from myself;
the Traditions protect AA from me.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
T R U S T = Teaching Recovery Using Steps and Traditions.

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

Publications
From "The Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous":
"The year 1944 brought a vital development. In New York City a few literary and newsminded A.A.'s began to issue a
monthly publication. They called their magazine the Grapevine. It was by no means the first local A.A. bulletin or
magazine. The Cleveland Central Bulletin, the Los Angeles Eye-Opener, and several others had preceded it. But the
Grapevine caught on nationally.
"After the first few months it encountered a strange kind of difficulty. It turned out that the FBI for a long time had
published a [news]sheet called the Grapevine devoted to keeping FBI men up to date. Things were finally ironed out
when we began to call our monthly magazine the A.A. Grapevine. With this minor difficulty overcome, our Grapevine
grew and grew."
2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pgs. 201-02

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

"I use notes to remind me to seek my Higher Power ... On my desk, in front of my computer is the note: 'Good morning,
this is God, I will be handling all your worries and concerns for today. I will not need your help!'"
Buffalo Grove, Ill., November 2013
From: "Note to Self"
AA Grapevine

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

"The basic principles of the A.A. program, it appears, hold good for
individuals with many different lifestyles, just as the program has
brought recovery to those of many different nationalities. The
Twelve Steps that summarize the program may be called los Doce Pasos
in one country, les Douze Etapes in another, but they trace exactly
the same path to recovery that was blazed by the earliest members of
Alcoholics Anonymous."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Foreward To Third Edition, Page xxii~

When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally
and physically.
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 64~

It will become more and more evident as we go forward that it is pointless to become angry, or to get hurt by people
who, like us, are suffering from the pains of growing up.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 92

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

To Guard Against a Slip
Suppose we fall short of our chosen ideals and stumble? Does this mean we are going to get drunk? Some people tell
us so. But this is only a half-truth.
It depends on us and on our motives. If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take
us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson. If we are not sorry, and our conduct
continues to harm others, we are quite sure to drink. These are facts out of our experience. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 70

Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Give me the wisdom to know that even if I am on the right path I won't go anywhere if I don't move.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 22

Much Knowledge

He had much knowledge about himself as an alcoholic. Yet all
reasons for not drinking were easily pushed aside in favor of the
foolish idea that he could take whiskey if only he mixed it with milk!
Whatever the precise definition of the word may be, we call
this plain insanity. How can such a lack of proportion, of the
ability to think straight, be called anything else?
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (More About Alcoholism) pp. 36 - 37

Thought to Ponder . . .
Nobody ever found recovery as a result of an intellectual awakening.

AA-related 'Alconym'
I F = Imaginary Fantasy.

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

Acceptance
Our very first problem is to accept
our present circumstances as they are,
ourselves as we are, and the people about us as we 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.
Bill W., AAGrapevine, March 1962
c. 1967 AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 44

Thought to Consider . . .
My serenity is directly proportional to my level of acceptance.

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

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

Philosophy
From "Happiness":
"It appears to me that most of the wrenching turmoil in people's lives whether or not they are alcoholic derives from too
stubborn persistence in trying to resolve insoluble problems. That is why the philosophy contained in the Serenity Prayer
is one of the most important guidelines I've found in A.A."
1973 AAWS, Inc.; Came to Believe, 30th printing 2004, pg. 111

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

"Consider the problem of the fast-growing overseas centers just now emerging from their pioneering time -- how they
have slowly gained the confidence of medicine, religion, and the press; how they have finally grown into unity through an
ever better application of our Twelve Traditions; how they have tried to make good their desperate lack of language
translations; and how they have well begun to cross all barriers of race, creed, or social condition."
AA Co-Founder, Bill W., October 1960
From: "Our Pioneers Overseas"
The Language of the Heart

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

"...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."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 132

"I have seen hundreds of families set their feet in the path that
really goes somewhere; have seen the most impossible domestic
situations righted; feuds and bitterness of all sorts wiped out. I
have seen men come out of asylums and resume a vital place in the
lives of their families and communities. Business and professional
men have regained their standing. There is scarcely any form of
trouble and misery which has not been overcome among us."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill's Story, Page 15~

When the Twelfth Step is seen in its full implication, it is really talking about the kind of love that has no price tag on it.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 106

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

'Loners' - but Not Alone
What can be said of many A.A. members who, for a variety of reasons, cannot have a family life? At first many of these
feel lonely, hurt, and left out as they witness so much domestic happiness about them. If they cannot have this kind of
happiness, can A.A. offer them satisfactions of similar worth and durability?
Yes - whenever they try hard to seek out these satisfactions. Surrounded by so many A.A. friends, the so-called loners
tell us they no longer feel alone. In partnership with others - women and men - they can devote themselves to any
number of ideas, people, and constructive projects. They can participate in enterprises which would be denied to family
men and women. We daily see such members render prodigies of service, and receive great joys in return. TWELVE AND TWELVE, p. 120

Prayer for the Day: Dear Father, thank you for always hearing my prayers. I ask only that you grant me wisdom to follow
your will so I do not head down the wrong path.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 23

A Free Gift

He finds himself in possession of a degree of honesty, tolerance,
unselfishness, peace of mind, and love of which he had thought
himself quite incapable. What he has received is a free gift, and
yet usually, at least in some small part, he has made himself ready
to receive it. 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, (Step Twelve) p. 107

Thought to Ponder . . .
God will do for me what I can't do.
God will not do for me what I won't do.

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

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

Hope
He had lain awake all night.
Down in the pit of his depression,
new hope had suddenly been born.
The thought flashed through his mind,
"If they can do it, I can do it!"
Over and over he said this to himself.
Finally, out of his hope, there burst conviction.
Now he was sure. Then came a great joy.
At length peace stole over him, and he slept.
c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 189

Thought to Consider . . .
Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible,
and achieves the impossible.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
H O P E = Heart Open; Please Enter

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

Whole
From "A Living Part of A.A.":
"God is a living part of A.A. I feel His presence each time I look into the concerned eyes around me. His greatest
commandment is 'Love thy neighbor as thyself.' This seems to me to be the entire purpose of A.A." Marysville, Ohio, USA
1973 AAWS, Inc., printed 2004; Came to Believe, pg. 89

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

"The welcome I received in AA was real. Neither my youth, my race, my newness, nor my foreignness concerned them.
All they appeared to see was that I finally admitted my powerlessness over alcohol. That was enough for them."
Port of Spain, March 2003
From: "What Do I Like Best?"
Beginner's Book: Getting and Staying Sober in AA

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

"...we have ceased fighting anything or anyone even alcohol."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 84~

"The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has
to be smashed."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, Page 30~

"Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real alcoholics. No
person likes to think he is bodily and mentally different from his
fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our drinking careers
have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could
drink like other people. The idea that somehow, someday he will
control and enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every
abnormal drinker. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing.
Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, Page 30~

Perhaps we shall need to share with this person facts about ourselves which no others ought to know.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 61

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

To Deepen Our Insight
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. TWELVE AND TWELVE, p. 80

Prayer for the Day: Lord Jesus, I ask you to enter my life in a new way this day that I may grow in stature and wisdom and grace as the person you call me to be. Inspire me to follow you more closely and help me to live in such a way that I encourage others and bring life to them. No one is small in your eyes; let no one be small in mine. Amen.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 24

Futility and Unhappiness

It is plain that a life which includes deep resentment leads
only to futility and unhappiness. To the precise extent that
we permit these, do we squander the hours that might have
been worth while. But with the alcoholic, whose hope is the
maintenance and growth of a spiritual experience, this business
of resentment is infinitely grave. We found that it is fatal.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (How It Works) p. 66

Thought to Ponder . . .
We are prisoners of our own resentments.
AA-related 'Alconym'
F E A R = Frustration, Ego, Anxiety, Resentment.

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

Resentment
Resentment is the "number one" offender.
It destroys more alcoholics than anything else.
From it stem all forms of spiritual disease,
for we have been not only mentally and physically ill,
we have been spiritually sick.
When the spiritual malady is overcome,
we straighten our mentally and physically.
In dealing with resentments, we set them on paper.
We listed people, institutions or principles
with whom we were angry.
We asked ourselves why we were angry.
In most cases it was found that our self-esteem,
our pocketbooks, our ambitions,
our personal relationships (including sex)
were hurt or threatened.
c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 64-5

Thought to Consider . . .
Resentment is like taking poison
and waiting for the other person to die.

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

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

Reborn
>From "Riding the Rods":
"That was two years ago. The way has not been easy. The new way of life was strange at first, but all my thoughts were
on it. The going was sometimes slow; halting were my steps among the difficulties of the path. But always, when
troubles came, when doubts assailed and temptation was strong and the old desire returned, I knew where to go for aid.
Helping others also strengthened me and helped me to grow."
2005, AAWS, Inc.; Experience, Strength & Hope, pg. 74

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

"The Italians have a neat way of telling someone 'I love you.' Their expression is 'Ti voglio bene' -- 'I wish you well.' It just
seems to put things on a tangible level ... Quite often my prayer is nothing more than this little Italian phrase, 'Ti voglio bene.'"
Humbolt, Saskatchewan, February 1996
From: "I Wish You Well"
AA Grapevine

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

"Most alcoholics owe money. We do not dodge our creditors. Telling
them what we are trying to do, we make no bones about our drinking;
they usually know it anyway, whether we think so or not. Nor are we
afraid of disclosing our alcoholism on the theory it may cause
financial harm. Approached in this way, the most ruthless creditor
will sometimes surprise us. Arranging the best deal we can we let
these people know we are sorry. Our drinking has made us slow to
pay. We must lose our fear of creditors no matter how far we have to go,
for we are liable to drink if we are afraid to face them."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 78~

"Some people cannot be seen--we send them an honest letter. And there
may be a valid reason for postponement in some cases. But we don't
delay if it can be avoided. We should be sensible, tactful, considerate
and humble without being servile or scraping. As God's people we stand
on our feet; we don't crawl before anyone."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, Page 83~

Belief meant reliance, not defiance.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 31

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Seeking Guidance
'Man is supposed to think, and act. He wasn't made in God's image to be an automaton.
'My own formula along this line runs as follows: First, think through every situation pro and con, praying meanwhile that I
be not influenced by ego considerations. Affirm that I would like to do God's will.
'Then, having turned the problem over in this fashion and getting no conclusive or compelling answer, I wait for further
guidance, which may come into the mind directly or through other people or through circumstances.
'If I feel I can't wait, and still get no definite indication, I repeat the first measure several times, try to pick out the best
course, and then proceed to act. I know if I am wrong, the heavens won't fall. A lesson will be learned, in any case.' LETTER, 1950

Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me to remember that it is not what I say, but what I do that speaks the loudest.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 25

You Are Ready

Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like,
what happened, and what we are like now. If you have decided
you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to
get it—then you are ready to take certain steps.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (How It Works) p. 58

Thought to Ponder . . .
When I got busy, I got better.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A C T I O N = Any Change To Improve Our Nature

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

Powerlessness
Who cares to admit complete defeat?
Practically no one, of course.
Every natural instinct cries out against the idea
of personal powerlessness.
It is truly awful to admit that, glass in hand,
we have warped our minds into such an obsession
for destructive drinking
that only an act of Providence can remove it from us.
c. 1952 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 21

Thought to Consider . . .
We surrender to win.

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

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

Insanity
From "Bill's Story":
"Shortly afterward I came home drunk. There had been no fight. Where had been my high resolve? I simply didn't know.
It hadn't even come to mind. Someone had pushed a drink my way, and I had taken it. Was I crazy? I began to wonder,
for such an appalling lack of perspective seemed near being just that."
2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 5

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

"I expect to be 'on tap' but never again 'on top,' this being precisely the stance that AA hopes all its old-timers will take."
AA Co-Founder, Bill W., November 1961
From: "Again at the Crossroads"
The Language of the Heart

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

"For the type of alcoholic who is able and willing get well, little
charity, in the ordinary sense of the word, is need or wanted. The men
who cry for money and shelter before conquering alcohol, are on the
wrong track."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 97

"To be gravely affected, one does not necessarily have to drink a
long time nor take the quantities some of us have. This is
particularly true of women. Potential female alcoholics often turn
into the real thing and are gone beyond recall in a few years."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 33~

We will want the good that is in us all, even in the worst of us, to flower and to grow.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 98

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Facing Criticism
Sometimes, we register surprise, shock, and anger when people find fault with A.A. We are apt to be disturbed to such
an extent that we cannot benefit by constructive criticism.
This sort of resentment makes no friends and achieves no constructive purpose. Certainly, this is an area in which we
can improve.
It is evident that the harmony, security, and future effectiveness of A.A. will depend largely upon our maintenance of a
thoroughly nonaggressive and pacific attitude in all our public relations. This is an exacting assignment, because in our
drinking days we were prone to anger, hostility, rebellion, and aggression. And, even though we are now sober, the old
patterns of behavior are to a degree still with us, always threatening to explode on any good excuse.
But we now know this, and therefore I feel confident that in the conduct of our public affairs we shall always find the
grace to exert restraint. 1. GRAPEVINE, JULY 1965 - 2. TWELVE CONCEPTS, p. 69

Prayer for the Day: Lord God, help me to lay my life in the rocks of thy foundation, and not in moving sands which are tossed from shore to shore. May I cling to the rock that was cleft for me and trust for thy care. Amen.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 26

Hadn't Cleaned House

The fact was we really hadn’t cleaned house so that the grace of God
could enter us and expel the obsession. In no deep or meaningful sense
had we ever taken stock of ourselves, made amends to those we had
harmed, or freely given to any other human being without any demand
for reward. 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, (Step Two) p. 32

Thought to Ponder . . .
I can't do God's will my way.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A A A = Awareness, Acceptance, Action.

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

Neighbors
Near you, alcoholics are dying helplessly
like people in a sinking ship.
If you live in a large place, there are hundreds.
High and low, rich and poor,
these are future fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Among them you will make lifelong friends.
You will be bound to them with new and wonderful ties,
for you will escape disaster together
and you will commence shoulder to shoulder
your common journey.
Then you will know what it means to give of yourself
that others may survive and rediscover life.
You will learn the full meaning of
"Love Thy neighbor as thyself."
c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 152-3

Thought to Consider . . .
Sobriety is a journey, not a destination.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
T E A M = Together Everyone Achieves More.

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

Illness
Step Two: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
"Few indeed are the practicing alcoholics who have any idea how irrational they are, or seeing their irrationality, can bear
to face it. Some will be willing to term themselves 'problem drinkers,' but cannot endure the suggestion that they are in
fact mentally ill. They are abetted in this blindness by a world which does not understand the difference between sane
drinking and alcoholism. 'Sanity' is defined as 'soundness of mind.' Yet no alcoholic, soberly analyzing his destructive
behavior, whether the destruction fell on the dining-room furniture or his own moral fiber, can claim 'soundness of mind'
for himself."
1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed 2005; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pgs. 32-33

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

"I was told by a sober member of AA that if I wanted to stay sober I would need to do three things: get a sobriety date
and don't change it, get a sponsor, and get a home group."
Glendale, Calif., March 2002
From: "Three Essentials"
Beginner's Book: Getting and Staying Sober in AA

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

"We know that while the alcoholic keeps away from drink, as he may do
for months or years, he reacts much like other men. We are equally
positive that once he takes any alcohol whatever into his system,
something happens, both in the bodily and mental sense, which makes
it virtually impossible for him to stop. The experience of any
alcoholic will abundantly confirm this."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 22~

"...we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will
and our life over to God as we understood Him. Just what do we mean
by that, and just what do we do?
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."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 60~

"It will become more and more evident as we go forward that it is pointless to become angry, or to get hurt by people
who, like us, are suffering from the pains of growing up.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 92

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Better than Gold
As newcomers, many of us have indulged in spiritual intoxication. Like a gaunt prospector, belt drawn in over the last
ounce of food, we saw our pick strike gold. Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds.
The newcomer feels he has struck something better than gold. 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 . 128-129

Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, Please grant me the wisdom to understand that failing at something is just another
opportunity to start again. Please help me to never give up.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 27

Step Seven

When ready, we say something like this:
"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." We have then completed Step Seven.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (Into Action) p. 76

Thought to Ponder . . .
I don’t get to choose which defects God will remove.

AA-related 'Alconym'
K I S S = Keep It Simple; Surrender.

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

Foundation
There is a direct linkage among self-examination,
meditation, and prayer.
Taken separately, these practices can bring
much relief and benefit.
but when they are logically related and interwoven,
the result is an unshakable foundation for life.
c. 1952 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 98

Thought to Consider . . .
Prayer is asking a question.
Meditation is listening for the answer.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A S A P = Always Say A Prayer.

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

Hope
From "Tightrope":
"He put me in contact with an individual who took me to my first meeting. Although I can barely recall anything about that
meeting, I heard two things I have never forgotten. The first was 'You don't have to drink again.' This was a total
revelation to me. For a long time I had believed that alcohol was one of the few positive things left in my life. I looked
forward to my first drink every evening and thought that alcohol was holding my life together. I had to drink to survive, let
alone to have any comfort. Yet here, people who had been in the same boat were telling me that I didn't have to drink. I
don't think I believed them that night, but it gave me enough hope to avoid drinking the rest of the day."
2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pgs. 364-65

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

"Today, I don't have the home, the husband, the three cars in the garage. I have one old clunker that takes me to
meetings. I am not financially well off, but I have a peace of mind I never dreamed possible. My needs are always met --
and even some of my wishes. I am truly happy for the first time in my life. Thank you AA."
Milwaukee, Ore., June 1999
From: "A Lady After All"
Beginner's Book: Getting and Staying Sober in AA

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

"Though there is no way of proving it, we believe that early in our
drinking careers most of us could have stopped drinking. But the
difficulty is that few alcoholics have enough desire to stop while
there is yet time."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 32

"Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider
another's conception of God. Our own conception, however inadequate,
was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with
Him. As soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative
Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of
things, we began to be possessed of a new sense of power and
direction, provided we took other simple steps."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 46~

"Perhaps we shall need to share with this person facts about ourselves which no others ought to know.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 61

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Righteous Indignation
'The positive value of righteous indignation is theoretical - especially for alcoholics. It leaves every one of us open to the
rationalization that we may be as angry as we like provided we can claim to be righteous about it.'
When we harbored grudges and planned revenge for defeats, we were really beating ourselves with the club of anger
we had intended to use on others. We learned that if we were seriously disturbed, our very first need was to quiet that
disturbance, regardless of who or what we thought caused it. 1. LETTER, 1954 - 2 .TWELVE AND TWELVE, p. 47

Prayer for the Day: God, I pray that I may not neglect my soul in trying to fathom immortal life. If I may be hesitating
between comfort and work, remind me of the greatness of the place which I started to reach. May I not grow weary of
climbing and falter on the stair. Breathe upon me thy inspiration and love, that I may continue in faith all the way. Amen.

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AA Thought for the Day

February 28

Causes and Conditions

Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which
is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though
our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect
unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the
things in ourselves which had been blocking us. Our liquor was but a symptom.
So we had to get down to causes and conditions.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (How It Works) pp. 63 - 64

Thought to Ponder . . .
In order to recover we have to uncover.

AA-related 'Alconym'
A A = Accountable Actions.

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

Self-appraisal
"I used to be a champ at unrealistic self-appraisal.
I wanted to look only at the part of my life
which seemed good.
Then I would greatly exaggerate whatever virtues
I supposed I had attained.
Next I would congratulate myself on the grand job
I was doing.
So my unconscious self-deception never failed
to turn my few good assets into serious liabilities.
This astonishing process was always a pleasant one. . .
I was falling straight back
into the pattern of my drinking days. . .
I shall forever regret the damage I did to people around me.
Indeed, I still tremble when I realize
what I might have done to AA and to its future."
Bill W., June 1961
1988 AAGrapevine, The Language of the Heart, pp. 256-7

Thought to Consider . . .
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A A = Altered Attitudes

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

Renewed
From "An Open Heart":
"I had nothing to do with this gift coming to me, so my gratitude is beyond description. It did not take me back to the
person I was before drinking. It gave me a new life rather, life itself, because I had attempted suicide and had been
hospitalized in private and state mental hospitals. It must have been spiritual; it was neither intellectual nor physical,
that's for sure. I believe it was God as I understand Him, working through the love and understanding available in A.A.
May I keep my heart open. The joy which can come to an open heart is unlimited.--New York, New York, USA"
1973 AAWS, Inc.; Came to Believe, 30th printing 2004, pg. 51

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

"We found that all progress, material or spiritual, consisted of finding out what our responsibilities actually were and then
proceeding to do something about them ... We found that we didn't always have to be driven by our own discomforts as,
more willingly, we picked up the burdens of living and growing ... We discovered that full acceptance and action upon
any clear-cut responsibility almost invariably made for true happiness and peace of mind."
AA Co-Founder, Bill W., July 1965
From: "Responsibility Is Our Theme"
The Language of the Heart

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

"Without knowing it, had we not been brought to where we stood by a
certain kind of faith? For did we not believe in our own reasoning?
Did we not have confidence in our ability to think? What was that
but a sort of faith? Yes, we had been faithful, abjectly faithful to
the God of Reason. So, in one way or another, we discovered that
faith had been involved all the time!"
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 53~

"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~

And as we grow spiritually, we find that our old attitudes toward our instincts need to undergo drastic revisions.
-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 114

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

Conviction and Compromise
One qualification for a useful life is give-and-take, the ability to compromise cheerfully. Compromise comes hard to us
'all or nothing' drunks. Nevertheless, we must never lose sight of the fact that progress is nearly always characterized
by a series of improving compromises.
Of course, we cannot always compromise. There are circumstances in which it is necessary to stick flat-footed to one's
convictions until the issue is resolved. Deciding when to compromise and when not to compromise always calls for the
most careful discrimination. TWELVE CONCEPTS, pp. 40-41

Prayer for the Day: May the God of hope fill me and all of us with the joy and peace that comes from believing, so that
we may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

AA Thought for the Day

February 29

Casting Aside

Besides a seeming inability to accept much on faith, we often found
ourselves handicapped by obstinacy, sensitiveness, and unreasoning
prejudice. Many of us have been so touchy that even casual reference
to spiritual things made us bristle with antagonism. This sort of thinking
had to be abandoned. Though some of us resisted, we found no great
difficulty in casting aside such feelings.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (We Agnostics) pp. 47 - 48

Thought to Ponder . . .
Willpower ... our will-ingness to use a Higher Power.

AA-related 'Alconym'
W I L L I N G = When I Live Life, I Need God.

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

Meetings
A "spiritual experience" to me meant attending meetings,
seeing a group of people,
all there for the purpose of helping each other;
hearing the Twelve Steps
and the Twelve Traditions read at a meeting,
and hearing the Lord's Prayer,
which in an AA meeting has such great meaning --
"Thy will be done, not mine."
A spiritual awakening soon came to mean
trying each day to be a little more thoughtful,
more considerate, a little more courteous
to those with whom I came in contact.
c. 1976, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 381
c. 2001, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 356

Thought to Consider . . .

The ankle-biters of everyday struggles will eat away at me
unless I go to meetings and share.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
C A R E = Comforting And Reassuring Each other.

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

From "The Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous":

"Even as early as 1945, the solution of group problems by correspondence had put a large volume of work on Headquarters. Letters to metropolitan A.A. centers filled our bulging files. It seemed as if every contestant in every group argument wrote us during this confused and exciting period.

"The basic ideas for the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous came directly out of this vast correspondence. In late 1945 a good A.A. friend suggested that all this mass of experience might be codified into a set of principles which could offer tested solutions to all our problems of living and working together and of relating our society to the world outside. If we had become sure enough of where we really stood on such matters as membership, group autonomy, singleness of purpose, nonendorsement of other enterprises, professionalism, public controversy, and anonymity in its several aspects, then such a set of principles could be written. A code of traditions could not, of course, ever become rule or law. But it might act as a guide for our Trustees, Headquarters people, and especially for A.A. groups with growing pains."

2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pg. 203

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

"I am glad for everything that has happened to me. I have found a way of life that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world."
Magnolia, Ark., January 1978
"When I Was Sixteen, I Was Ready"
Young & Sober: Stories By Those Who Found AA Early

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

3rd Step Prayer:

"God, I offer myself to Thee to build with me and to do with
me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better
do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may
bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy
Way of life. May I do Thy will always!"

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 63~

Misc. AA Literature - Quote

"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." From "Long-term Hope:"
c. 1990, Daily Reflections, page 167

Prayer for the Day: Stop Fixing Others: Dear Higher Power, When I am overly dependent on others, I try to fix them. I have a real talent in pinpointing what is wrong with other people. But the very thing that enables me to see their defects most often blinds me to the same, sometimes even worse, shortcomings in myself. Help me stop fretting about others and instead focus on correcting my own character defects.