The road to recovery and clearing the path

Here's what you should know about Ello, that new up-and-comer dubbed the anti-Facebook

Huffington Post: Oct. 2, 2014 - What Is This 'Ello' Everyone's Posting About On Facebook?

Dangerous 'values' at the Republicans' Values Voters Summit

Associated Press: Oct. 2, 2014 - Dangerous Values at Values Voters Summit -

GLAAD study finds increase in depictions of LGBT characters on TV

This photo released by ABC Family shows, from left, Jake T. Austin, Lorraine Toussaint, Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Hayden Byerly, and Maia Mitchell, in a scene from “The Fosters,” on ABC Family

Associated Press: Oct. 2, 2014 - GLAAD study finds increase in depictions of gay characters on TV – LGBTQ Nation

Facebook apologizes to drag performers, LGBT community for ‘real names’ policy

Associated Press: Oct. 2, 2014 - Facebook apologizes to drag performers, LGBT community over ‘real names’ flap – LGBTQ Nation

Oct. 2, 2014 - Today's Gift from Hazelden

The Serenity Prayer

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

The universe operates through dynamic exchange . . .
-- Deepak Chopra

The word currency comes from the Latin word currere, which means "to run," as in "to flow." Currency, or course, is another term for money. By definition, money is meant to be exchanged. We give and receive it. We've probably all heard the expressions "What goes around comes around," "Give and you shall receive," and "You get what you give." We've probably all experienced this phenomenon as well, sometimes with surprise or even amazement.

When we feel we're lacking, we open our hearts to giving. When we give what we seek, we find it returns to us at the right time and place - just when we need it, reminding us that we do not lack for anything. Gifts needn't be material or verbal. They can be good thoughts and prayers, affection, or time.

Today I will give joyfully, knowing that my needs will be met.

From the book:

Letting Go of Debt by Karen Casanova

Oct. 2, 2014 - After the Tears

The Serenity Prayer

After the Tears
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

"It would be wonderful were I able to tell you that my confidence in God and my application of the Twelve Steps to my daily living have utterly banished fear. This would not be the truth. The most accurate answer I can give you is this: Fear has never again ruled my life since that day ...when I found that a Power greater than myself could not only restore me to sanity but could keep me both sober and sane. Never in 16 years have I dodged anything because I was afraid of it. I have faced life instead of running away from it." - Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Alcoholics Anonymous Number Three, Ch 9 ("The Man Who Mastered Fear"), pp 284-85.

Today: fear of what? Of trying to be free of the uncertain but predictable consequences of drinking? Of trying the untested and unfamiliar path of sobriety? Of taking responsibility for the consequences of my actions when drunk, when sober? Of telling someone I'm sorry? Of admitting that I can't do it alone anymore, that I need something better and stronger than myself? Of the risk of opening myself knowing that once the heart is open nothing will ever be the same? Afraid of facing fear? Afraid of what more fear will do to me? Today, if on nothing more than blind faith in something stronger and greater than myself, I confront my fears because I've empowered them far too long. In facing it, God granting, may I have control of my fears - not the other way around. And our common journey continues. After the tears. - Chris M., 2014

Oct. 2, 2014 - Twenty-Four Hours a Day

The Serenity Prayer

Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
What makes an effective talk at an AA meeting? It is not a fine speech with fine choice of words and an impressive delivery. Often a few simple words direct from the heart are more effective than the most polished speech. There is always a temptation to speak beyond your own experience, in order to make a good impression. This is never effective. What does not come from the heart does not reach the heart. What comes from personal experience and a sincere desire to help the other person reaches the heart.

Do I speak for effect or with a deep desire to help?

Meditation for the Day
"Thy will be done" must be your oft-repeated prayer. And in the willing of God's will there should be gladness. You should delight to do that will because when you do, all your life goes right and everything tends to work well for you in the long run. When you are honestly trying to do God's will and humbly accepting the results, nothing can seriously hurt you. Those who accept the will of God in their life may not inherit the earth, but they will inherit real peace of mind.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may have a yielded will. I pray that my will may be attuned to the will of God.

Hazelden Foundation

Oct. 2, 2014 - A Day at a Time

The Serenity Prayer

A Day at a Time
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Reflection for the Day
An entire philosophy of life is condensed in the slogan "Live and Let Live." First we're urged to live fully, richly and happily - to fulfill our destiny with the joy that comes from doing well whatever we do. Then comes a more difficult challenge: "Let live." This means accepting the right of every other person to live as he or she wishes, without criticism or judgment from us. The slogan rules out contempt for those who don't think as we do. It also warns against resentments, reminding us not to interpret other people's actions as intentional injuries to us.

Am I becoming less tempted to involve my mind with thoughts of how others act or live?

Today I Pray
May I live my life to the fullest, understanding that pure pleasure-seeking is not pleasure-finding, but that God's goodness is here to be shared. May I partake of it. May I learn not to take over the responsibility for another's adult decisions; that is my old controlling self trying, just one more time, to be the executive director of other people's lives.

Today I Will Remember
Live and let live.

Hazelden Foundation

Oct. 2, 2014 - The Eye Opener

The Serenity Prayer

The Eye Opener
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Most of us have met persons whom we thought extremely homely until we knew them better. Then we ceased observing their lack of facial beauty and began to appreciate those persons for what they really were.

George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were what might be called extremely homely men, yet the beauty and strength of their characters was such that practically all present-day pictures show little of their ugliness.

You can't do a whole lot to improve an ugly face, but you can hide it behind a lovely character.

Hazelden Foundation