Oct. 1, 2022 - Readings in Recovery: Today's Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

 

Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022

Today’s Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:

Sharing what worked for us is far better than giving advice.

Everybody loves giving advice, but no one really loves getting it. Advice often sounds like control, and we want to be free to make our own decisions. However, we can appreciate hearing what worked for other people, and we aren’t intimidated by shared experiences. It behooves us to remember this when we are about to give advice to newcomers.

Remembering how it was for us when we first came to meetings will help us know how to approach others who are hurting as we were hurting when we first sought help. Confusion, hopelessness, and fear haunt every newcomer. The way others enfolded us in their hope when we had none made it possible to survive one day at a time. It’s our turn now to pass on that hope to others. The real gift in telling about our experiences rather than giving advice is that we too are strengthened each time we remember how far we have come.

I will be available to help a friend today. My experiences are all I really know, but that’s quite enough.

Hazelden Foundation

Sept. 23, 2022 – Readings in Recovery: The Eye Opener

 

The Eye Opener

Friday, Sept. 23, 2022

In Step Twelve, we learn that we should “try to carry this message to alcoholics” but only after we have “had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps.”

Notice, please, that it does not say that we have an “understanding,” but it says “spiritual awakening.” It takes no English scholar to know the meaning of every one of those two hundred words. A child of ten can grasp what the words actually say, but it is only when we have had this spiritual experience can we understand their full significance.

Only when we have this spiritual experience do we fully possess the Program, and unless we possess it, it is certain that we cannot give it away.

Hazelden Foundation

Sept. 12, 2022 - Readings in Recovery: Today's Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

 

Monday, Sept. 12, 2022

Today’s Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:

Dealing with now

When we were using, we kept avoiding the present moment (it was too painful) by using mood-altering substances. In recovery, we see that right now is all we have. If we avoid it, we avoid life.

Whether it’s getting to school or work, taking care of other daily duties, or staying sober, am I doing what I need to be doing right now?

Higher Power, help me be strong enough to do what I need to do right now.

Today I will improve my level of awareness by…

Hazelden Foundation

Oct. 10, 2020 - Readings in Recovery: Today's GIft from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

 

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020

Today’s Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:

AA Thought for the Day

We’re in AA for two main reasons: to keep sober ourselves and to help others keep sober. It’s a well-known fact that helping others is a big part of keeping sober yourself. It’s also been proved that it’s very hard to keep sober all by yourself. A lot of people have tried it and failed. They come to a few AA meetings and then stay sober alone for a few months, but usually they eventually get drunk.

Do I know that I can’t stay sober successfully alone?

Meditation for the Day

Look by faith into that place beyond space or time where God dwells and whence you came and to which you shall eventually return. “Look unto Him and be saved.” To look beyond material things is within the power of everyone’s imagination. Faith’s look saves you from despair. Faith’s look saves you from worry and care. Faith’s look brings a peace beyond all understanding. Faith’s look brings you all the strength you need. Faith’s look gives you a new and vital power and a wonderful peace and serenity.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may have faith’s look. I pray that by faith I may look beyond the now to eternal life.

Hazelden Foundation