District 9: January 2015

Friday, January 30, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 31, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 31, 2015

Easier, Softer Way
When I couldn't find an easier, softer way, I looked for the person with the magic wand,
the one person in AA who could make me all better, right now. This was a frustrating task,
and I finally realized that if I wanted this life, I was going to have to do what the others had done.
No one made me drunk, and no one was going to make me stay sober.
This program is for people who want it, not people who need it.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 315

Thought to Ponder . . .
I am worth staying sober for.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
B E S T = Been Enjoying Sobriety Today?

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Meeting Schedule
The Daily Thought Discussion Board
Service Opportunities
AA Birthday Signups
Helpful links and much more
Please go to our Website
http://aa-alive.net …
G.S.O. Registration Number: 712515

** Trademarks and Disclaimer: **
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. The AA Daily Thought is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated nor affiliated with, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.
Disclaimer: The Daily Thought is meant for domestic distribution only and for countries where it is in public domain.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 30, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 30, 2015

Control
When I was still drinking, I couldn't respond to any of life's situations the way other, more healthy, people could.
The smallest incident triggered a state of mind that believed I had to have a drink to numb my feelings.
But the numbing did not improve the situation, so I sought further escape in the bottle.
Today I must be aware of my alcoholism. I cannot afford to believe that I have gained control of my drinking
-- or again I will think I have gained control of my life. Such a feeling of control is fatal to my recovery.
- Daily Reflections, p. 26

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

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
O D A A T = One Day At A Time.

Meeting Schedule
The Daily Thought Discussion Board
Service Opportunities
AA Birthday Signups
Helpful links and much more
Please go to our Website
http://aa-alive.net …
G.S.O. Registration Number: 712515
** Trademarks and Disclaimer: **
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. The AA Daily Thought is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated nor affiliated with, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.
Disclaimer: The Daily Thought is meant for domestic distribution only and for countries where it is in public domain.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 29, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 29, 2015

Identity
Every day, I feel a little bit more useful, more happy and more free. Life, including some ups and downs, is a lot more fun.
I am a part of AA which is a way of life. If I had not become an active alcoholic and joined AA,
I might never have found my own identity or become part of anything . . . I like to think about this.
- Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 363

Thought to Ponder . . .
The peaks and valleys of my life have become gentle rolling hills.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Always Awesome.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 28, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 28, 2015

~ Scroll Down for Share ~

Maintenance and Growth
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 worthwhile.
But with the alcoholic, whose hope is the maintenance and growth of a spiritual experience,
this business of harboring resentment is infinitely grave.
- As Bill Sees It, p. 5

Thought to Ponder . . .
Hurt people hurt people.

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

A Member Shares:
Hi Family, I'm Deb, and I am an alcoholic. I want to continue to grow spiritually, grow my faith, and grow in the spiritual principles of The Program of AA. For me, to "maintain" is to keep things in the same condition. And some days that is fine, not backsliding, but also not moving forward. As for anger and resentments, oh heavens! I have wasted so much of my life replaying those in my head. The only thing that changed was my perception. I could conveniently block out my parts and put a magnifying glass on someone else's part. And, boy! did I think it justified a drink -- or twelve! They tell me not to sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff. Most of the time, that's easy, granted. But there are times when I am not spiritually fit and anger grabs a hold of me. Thankfully, I have people around who will call me on it, and after, I know I need to give it to God. By the Grace of God, the program of AA, and the goodness of the Fellowship, I am sober today. Thank you.
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Monday, January 26, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 27, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 27, 2015

Responsibility
To my chagrin, I've learned the hard way that I am responsible for slipping into mental and emotional depressions. . .
My depressions are mostly brought on by frustration, fear of the future, rage at my lot in life, but above all fear.
AA has taught me that I will not be asked to bear more than I can, regardless of what I think
but that I am responsible for reporting for duty and making the effort to overcome the adversity,
and in so doing to overcome myself, which is my first responsibility.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 1], p. 56

Thought to Ponder . . .
The only time I get depressed is when I'm thinking about myself.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
F E A R = Frustration, Ego, Anger, Resentment.

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Meeting Schedule
The Daily Thought Discussion Board
Service Opportunities
AA Birthday Signups
Helpful links and much more
Please go to our Website
http://aa-alive.net …
G.S.O. Registration Number: 712515

** Trademarks and Disclaimer: **
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. The AA Daily Thought is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated nor affiliated with, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.
Disclaimer: The Daily Thought is meant for domestic distribution only and for countries where it is in public domain.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 26, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 26, 2015

Loneliness
When we first listen to recovered alcoholics in AA talking freely and honestly about themselves, we are stunned.
Their tales of their own drinking escapades, of their own secret fears and loneliness, jar us like a thunderbolt.
We discover -- but can hardly dare to believe right at first -- that we are not alone.
We are not totally unlike everybody, after all. . .
We sense, almost before we can articulate it, that we do belong somewhere, and the loneliness starts rapidly leaking away.
- Living Sober, p. 34

Thought to Ponder . . .
The sense of belonging is tremendously exciting.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Y A N A = You Are Not Alone.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 25, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 25, 2015

~ Scroll Down for Share ~

A Spiritual Awakening
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 on his unaided strength and resources alone.
He has been granted a gift which amounts to a new state of consciousness and being.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pp. 106-107

Thought to Ponder . . .
A spiritual awakening is our greatest gift.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
G I F T = God Is Forever There.

A Member Shares:
Hello all, I am Kevin, an alcoholic. That day I asked God for help with my drinking problem was the start of my spiritual awakening. God led me to AA. AA taught me a new spiritual lifestyle. Through this way of life I have seen God work for me as I work for God. This awakening into a spiritual life with the God of my understanding has lead me through the 12 Steps which have brought me closer and closer to that Power greater than me. Then one day I was struggling; almost ready to drink. In my mind I could see that bottle of alcohol calling to me. I prayed even more deeply than I have ever prayed before. Suddenly, I was overcome by a feeling that I was loved and cared for. I believe it was a spiritual experience of God. God was giving me the gift of Himself, there for me to help me and to love me. This closeness with God would never have happened without the program of AA and all of you to teach me How It Works. Thanks so much for letting me share.
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Friday, January 23, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 24, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 24, 2015

Open-mindedness
Under the lash of alcoholism, we are driven to AA, and there we discover the fatal nature of our situation.
Then, and only then, do we become as open-minded to conviction and as willing to listen as the dying can be.
We stand ready to do anything which will lift the merciless obsession from us.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 24

Thought to Ponder . . .
The gritty pain of alcoholism is the traction of recovery.

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

Thursday, January 22, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 23, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 23, 2015

Acceptance
I needed to look no further than the Twelve Steps and the powerful wording of our Serenity Prayer, "to accept the things we cannot change."
My personal answer is there in the word "accept." Accept man's place in the universal scheme.
Accept my life as one minute particle of the whole.
None of us can ever fathom the glories and uncharted regions of the universe. But we can live on earth and love one another.
We can let in the beginnings of concern, compassion, consideration, and watch ourselves grow.
With the tools and guideposts of AA, we can learn a little of this precious gift -- our gateway to human spirituality.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 129

Thought to Ponder . . .
The Three "C's" -- Concern, Compassion, Consideration.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A B C = Acceptance, Belief, Change

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 22, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 22, 2015

Great News!
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution.
We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action.
This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 17

Thought to Ponder . . .
Walk softly and carry a Big Book.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
B I G B O O K = Believing In God Beats Our Old Knowledge.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 21, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 21, 2015

~ Scroll Down for Share ~

Trust
For we are now on a different basis; the basis of trusting and relying upon God.
We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves. We are in the world to play the role He assigns.
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

Thought to Ponder . . .
Reliance on God enables me to match calamity with serenity.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
G O D = Gifts Offered Daily

A Member Shares:
I am Mike, a very grateful alcoholic. I didn't just wake up and come to AA to save my soul; I came to AA to save my ass. I was in deep trouble and it took some old-timers to explain to me that my ass and my soul are connected. I was, at one time, an atheist. I didn’t even think I could believe, but that was not the case. You see, God's transmitter was never broken, but through alcohol and self-centeredness I had destroyed my receiver. In order to receive this gift of sobriety or God's grace I had to make myself ready to receive it. I had to use Steps 4 through 9 to clear that heart filled with anger, resentment, hate and fear. It's almost like someone giving you a new bedroom set. Before you can receive that new furniture, first you've got to get rid of the old. That's how our Steps work. Do I do this perfectly? No! But it always works when I finally give up my will and accept His. I am a human living in a sorely troubled world seeking a spiritual life; one that is happy, joyous and free. Thanks.
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Monday, January 19, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 20, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 20, 2015

The Ladder
No one who drank as I did wakes up on the edge of the abyss one morning and says: Things look pretty scary; I think I'd better stop drinking before I fall in.
I was convinced I could go as far as I wanted, and then climb out when it wasn't fun anymore.
What happened was, I found myself at the bottom of the canyon thinking I'd never see the sun again.
AA didn't pull me out of that hole. It did give me the tools to construct a ladder, with Twelve Steps.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 316

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

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

Sunday, January 18, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 19, 2015

(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 19, 2015

Truth
As I began to look more closely, I noticed serious flaws: I was an alcoholic; I was neurotic; I was brimful of serious character defects.
But these were things that, in time and with help, could be dealt with.
No longer did I have to run with nightmarish terror from an inner monster.
I had seen the truth, and the truth had freed me to do less hiding and more seeking.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 1], p. 134

Thought to Ponder . . .
Truth is to inner space what sunshine is to a garden.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
T H I N K = Thank Heavens I Now Know.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 18, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 18, 2015

~ Scroll Down for Share ~

A Higher Power
We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice
and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results,
even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 46

Thought to Ponder . . .
Reliance on God enables me to match calamity with serenity.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H E L P = His Ever - Loving Presence.

A Member Shares:
I'm Tommy, an alcoholic. I still have issues concerning God, but I always go back to God. I've said goodbye to God, but I always come back and wonder who I’m talking to if HP does not exist, often laughing at myself. And I've also admitted to some friends outside the program that I believe in a Higher Power: God. That is big for me -- a big step! Recently, my mother died suddenly. So now, I really talk and think a lot of God and about how she must be in heaven drinking coffee. I feel a bit crazy, because I talk aloud with my mum and with God when I’m alone. But if it works, why not? It is scary because I kind of get answers. Or it is like I hear answers, not real voices, but hard to explain. So, from being the real atheist I once was, it is kind of cool to have something bigger, like God and all of you to support me in good and bad. My feelings are like a rollercoaster up and down right now, but that's ok. So, thank you so much. And very welcome if you are new, this works!
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

AA Thought for the Day - January 17, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 17, 2015

Habits
Our drinking was connected with many habits -- big and little.
Some of them were thinking habits, or things we felt inside ourselves. Others were doing habits -- things we did, actions we took.
In getting used to not drinking, we have found that we needed new habits to take place of those old ones. . .
After we spent a few months practicing these new, sober habits or ways of acting and thinking,
they become almost second nature to most of us, as drinking used to be.
- Living Sober, Preface

Thought to Ponder . . .
Habits are like cork or lead -- they tend to keep you up or hold you down.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
B A T H = Behavior, Attitude, Thinking, Habits.

Friday, January 16, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 16, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 16, 2015

Surrender
The principle that we shall find no enduring strength until we first admit complete defeat
is the main taproot from which our whole Society has sprung.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pp. 21-22

Thought to Ponder . . .
We surrender to win.

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

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - January 15, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 15, 2015

Philosophy
For me, AA is a synthesis of all the philosophy I've ever read, all of the positive, good philosophy, all of it based on love.
I have seen that there is only one law, the law of love, and there are only two sins;
the first is to interfere with the growth of another human being, and the second is to interfere with one's own growth.
- Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 431

Thought to Ponder . . .
When in doubt, be silent. Grow where you are planted.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A R T = Always Remain Teachable.