Renewal of the Mind-Daily Readings

[If Not For Grace]

~ ONE DAY AT A TIME IN AL-ANON ~


The newcomer to Al-Anon is looking for answers to a problem.

The questions often begin with these two words: “WHAT IF . . . What if we lose our home? What if he has an accident with the car? What if he stays out all night, loses his job, gets into fights, goes to jail? What if . . . ?


In Al-Anon we call this “projecting”—looking into the future and trying to imagine what may happen. The future—even as close as tomorrow— is a closed book. We cannot know what it holds, and the more we look for disaster, the more we invite it. Because the past has been unhappy is no index that the future will continue to be. This is something only God knows, and we would do well to trust in His loving wisdom and root out all our thoughts that “things can’t get better.”


Today’s Reminder


It is health to the mind and body to look to the future with confidence. Lifting up our hearts is better preparation for disappointments, if they should come. Negative anticipating only increases the impact of unhappy incidents. Let’s improve the outlook!

“ ‘The thing that I have greatly feared
has come upon me . . .’ says the
Bible. I will not give reality to
trouble that may never come.”


© Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1968, 1972, 1973

 

[If Not For Grace]

You are reading from:

~ EASY DOES IT ~ (A Book of Daily 12 Step Meditations) ~


LISTENING


Before engaging your mouth, put your mind in gear.

~ Anonymous ~


Our world is full of speechmakers who would serve better if they learned the importance of listening. The ability to hear is stressed within our group. It is true that we owe it to fellow members to tell the valuable lessons we learn while dealing with reality. But by listening, we can find truth from outside ourselves, too. Old-timers sometimes remind us to “take the cotton out of our ears and put it in our mouth.”


An old proverb says, “When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear.” Another tells us, “Find a teacher and you will find a friend.” When we learn to be attentive, we continue to be “students” long after our “school years” are over. Even when we read, we can listen well to truths.


One gift of being a good listener is to hear unexpectedly some truth I may have been told before but was not ready to hear.

 

[If Not For Grace]

~ ONE DAY AT A TIME IN AL-ANON ~


The self-searching suggested by Step Four is a long-term undertaking. It must go on for as long as I remain blind to the flaws which create so much trouble for me.


I must go on day after day trying to face myself as I am, and to correct whatever is keeping me from growing into the person I want to be.

As I review each day and think over the consequences of what I have said and done, I can go on to Step Five, which suggests that I admit these shortcomings, first to God as to myself, in a kind of private confession. When that is done, I need the courage to complete the Step by confiding my faults to another trusted human being. Such acknowledgement requires both humility and honesty.


Today’s Reminder

As I understand the difficult task of facing myself and my faults, I will guard against self-justification and self-righteousness. I am well aware how easy it is to make excuses for myself, and to blame my misfortunes on others, and particularly on the alcoholic.


“To overcome my faults, I must first
know what they are. Then I must admit
to them, and, finally, with patient
self-correction, diminish them,
even if I cannot set myself wholly free.”


© Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1968, 1972, 1973

 

[If Not For Grace]

DNA nor Environment are not acceptable excuses for poor behaviors;

You are reading from

~ WALK IN DRY PLACES ~


“THAT’S THE WAY I AM”




Bad behavior is sometimes justified as a form of self-expression: “That’s the way I am.” Others are supposed to tolerate this or risk losing a friendship.


In our program, we should modify any behavior that offends or hurts others. If we have been too brutally frank in our comments, for example, maybe we’re at fault. What we call honesty is really a form of cruelty.


If we persist in “being the way we are” even when it doesn’t work, we have nobody to blame but ourselves when things go wrong. Other people are entitled to be treated fairly and decently. Just as we want to be. Perhaps “the way I am” is something that can be changed for the good of all, ourselves included.


If I have habits and traits that cause friction with others, I’ll take a new look at them. It’s possible that this is something I can and should change.

 

[If Not For Grace]

You are reading from

~ A WOMAN’S SPIRIT ~ (More Meditations For Women) ~


God can work quicker in our lives if God doesn’t have to seek out our hiding place.

~ Jan Pishok ~


What do we gain from wallowing in doubt and hiding from God? Certainly not peace or security. But the pain is familiar. We often hang on to that which we know, regardless of its impact.


In the past, many of us had an attitude, and we nurtured a chip on our shoulder. What a relief to be free of that childish burden! Hiding from God means missing the real gifts of sobriety. Putting alcohol or other drugs aside, but not grasping the hand of God as it comes to us from our friends here, means the torment that triggered our drinking continues to follow close on our heels.


We are learning from our sisters sharing this journey that there’s a far less traumatic way to live. Our assignment is simply to turn to God every day, letting our will and lives be thus guided.


I won’t hide today. I’ll seek God in all my communications with others, and I’ll cherish the peace.

 

[If Not For Grace]

~ TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY ~


A.A. Thought for the Day


We in A.A. must remember that we are offering something intangible. We are offering a psychological and spiritual program. We are not offering a medical program. If people need medical treatment, we call in a doctor. If they need a medical prescription, we let the doctor prescribe for them. If they need hospital treatment, we let the hospital take care of them. Our vital A.A. work begins when a person is physically able to receive it. Am I willing to leave medical care to the doctors?


Meditation for the Day


Each moment of your day which you devote to this new way of life is a gift to God. The gift of the moments. Even when your desire to serve God is sincere, it is not an easy thing to give Him many of these moments: the daily things you had planned to do, given up gladly so that you can perform a good service or say a kind word. If you can see God's purpose in many situations, it will be easier to give Him many moments of your day. Every situation has two interpretations-- your own and God's. Try to handle each situation in the way you believe God would have it handled.


Prayer for the Day


I pray that I may make my day count somewhat for God. I pray that I may not spend it all selfishly.

 

[If Not For Grace]

~ AS BILL SEES IT ~ (The A.A. Way of Life, Selected Writings of A.A.’s Co-founder) ~

~ Page 282 ~

Instincts Run Wild


Every time a person imposes his instincts unreasonable upon others, unhappiness follows. If the pursuit of wealth tramples upon people who happen to be in the way, then anger, jealousy, and revenge are likely to be aroused. If sex runs riot, there is a similar uproar.


Demands made upon other people for too much attention, protection, and love can invite only domination or revulsion in the protectors themselves—two emotions quite as unhealthy as the demands which evoke them. When an individual's desire for prestige becomes uncontrollable, whether in the sewing circle or at the international conference table, other people suffer and often revolt. This collision of instincts can produce anything from a cold snub to a blazing revolution.


~ TWELVE AND TWELVE, P. 44 ~

 

[If Not For Grace]

~ TODAY I WILL DO ONE THING ~ (Daily Readings for Awareness and Hope) ~


I am coming out of denial


At first I couldn't accept the counselor's concerns: In response, I said I didn't have a problem with drugs or alcohol and didn't need her kind of help (strike 1). I insisted to her that I didn't abuse chemicals—that I used them only to help me when I had symptoms of my psychiatric illness (strike 2). I insisted that I was managing my symptoms (strike 3). The facts, of course, were different. I was afraid, in denial, and I didn't understand myself.


Now that I have some time in dual recovery (I'm stable and abstinent), I wish I had listened sooner to that substance abuse counselor. It has been hard admitting a dual disorder—both psychiatric illness and addiction—but since I did, I've felt better, especially through work in my Twelve Step fellowship. I now feel I am honest and no longer working against myself.


Today I will reread Step One in the Big Book and check in with my sponsor.

©1995 by the author, Published by Hazelden®

 

[If Not For Grace]

You are reading from: The Courage to Change November 23rd

How often have I had a dream I longed to pursue, but quit before I started because it seemed too enormous a task to attempt? Going back to school, moving, taking a trip, changing jobs, all these and many other goals can seem overwhelming at first.

Al-Anon reminds me to “Keep It Simple.” Instead of approaching the task as a whole, I can simplify it by taking only one step at a time. I can gather i...nformation—and do nothing more. Then, when I’m ready, I can take the project further. That takes some of the pressure off having to know all the answers and solve every problem that may arise before I’ve even begun.

I am also free to try something and then change my mind. I do not have to make a lifetime commitment before I even know whether or not my goal is desirable.

My plans may involve many actions and many risks, but I don’t have to tackle them all today. I can take my time and move step by step at my own pace. By focusing on one thing at a time, the impossible can become likely if I “Keep It Simple.”

Today’s Reminder

With the help of Al-Anon and my Higher Power, I am capable of many things I could not even have considered before. I may even be capable of pursuing my heart’s desire.

“All glory comes from daring to begin.”
~Eugene F. Ware

Let it Begin...with me

 

[If Not For Grace]

You are reading from ~ TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY ~ December 9th


A.A. Thought for the Day


The way of A. A. is the way of fellowship. We have read a good deal about fellowship and yet it is such an important part of the A.A. program that it seems we cannot think too much about it. Human beings were not meant to live alone. A hermit's life is not a normal or natural one. We all need to be by ourselves at times, but we cannot really live without the companionship of others. Our natures demand it. Our lives depend largely upon it. The fellowship of A.A. seems to us to be the best in the world. Do I fully appreciate what the fellowship of A.A. means to me?


Meditation for the Day


We are all seeking something, but many do not know what they want in life. They are seeking something because they are restless and dissatisfied, without realizing that faith in God can give an objective and a purpose to their lives. Many of us are at least subconsciously seeking for a Power greater than ourselves because that would give a meaning to our existence. If you have found that Higher Power, you can be the means of leading others aright, by showing them that their search for a meaning to life will end when they find faith and trust in God as the answer.


Prayer for the Day


I pray that my soul will lose its restlessness by finding rest in God. I pray that I may find peace of mind in the thought of God and His purpose for my life.

 

[If Not For Grace]

You are Reading from December 7th ~ ONE DAY AT A TIME IN AL-ANON ~

These words, long thought to have been dated 1692 and found, so the legend goes, in a Baltimore churchyard, were actually the inspiring work of a modern Terre Haute, Indiana poet named Max Ehrmann, and dated 1927. Its apt title: Desiderata.

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they, too, have their story."

Today's Reminder

Like our Serenity Prayer, repeating these phrases each morning could establish our mood for that day— and make the day a good one. It could serve as a reminder that we must watch the quality of our own deportment, and as we learn in Al-Anon, everything depends on that!

"I will not let my inner peace be disturbed
by the confusions around me. I will be gentle
and tolerant, while maintaining my right to my
individuality. I will listen and appreciate,
and not judge the source of what I hear."

 

[If Not For Grace]

You are reading from December 7th ~ TOUCHSTONES ~ (A Book of Daily Meditations)

Seldom, or perhaps never, does a marriage develop into an individual relationship smoothly and without crises; there is no coming to consciousness without pain.

~ Carl Jung

We don't seek perfect relationships in marriage or in other places in our lives. What we seek instead are real and honest connections. Perfection has a picture book form, but it has no depth and no personality. This means that sometimes we will get upset with others, or they will get upset with us. We need a basic commitment to stay in the relationship dialogue, to continue returning to it as long as both people are willing to work on it. Working through crises is how a relationship grows from simply being an idea to having its unique reality.

We will be frightened by the rough spots. We will wonder if there is something wrong with us or with the other person, or the relationship. We cannot escape such questions. To run from the difficulties cuts off the possibilities for growth. It is a frightening thing to become real, to come into consciousness.

Today, I pray for courage to remain honest and faithful to real relationships through the crises.

 

[If Not For Grace]

You are Reading from "The Language of Letting Go"

December 30

Laying the Foundation

The groundwork has been laid.

Do you not see that?

Don't you understand that all you have gone through was for a purpose?

There was a reason, a good reason, for the waiting, the struggle, the pain, and finally the release.

You have been prepared. The same way a builder must first tear down and dig out the old to make way for the new, your Higher Power has been cleaning out the foundation in your life.

Have you ever watched a builder at construction? When he begins his work, it looks worse than before he began. What is old and decayed must be removed. What is insufficient or too weak to support the new structure must be removed, replaced, or reinforced. No builder who cares about his or her work would put a new surface over an insufficient support system. The foundation would give way. It would not last.

If the finished product is to be what is desired, the work must be done thoroughly from the bottom up. As the work progresses, it often appears to be an upheaval. Often, it does not seem to make sense. It may appear to be wasted time and effort, because we cannot see the final product yet.

But it is so important that the foundation be laid properly if the fun work, the finishing touches, is to be all that we want it to be.

This long, hard time in your life has been for laying of groundwork. It was not without purpose, although at times the purpose may not have been evident or apparent.

Now, the foundation has been laid. The structure is solid.

Now, it is time for the finishing touches, the completion.

It is time to move the furniture in and enjoy the fruits of the labor.

Congratulations. You have had the patience to endure the hard parts. You have trusted, surrendered, and allowed your Higher Power and the Universe to heal and prepare you.

Now, you shall enjoy the good that has been planned.

Now, you shall see the purpose.

Now, it shall all come together and make sense.

Enjoy.

Today, I will surrender to the laying of the foundation - the groundwork - in my life. If it is time to enjoy the placement of the finishing touches, I will surrender to that, and enjoy that too. I will remember to be grateful for a Higher Power that is a Master Builder and only has my best interests in mind, creating and constructing my life. I will be grateful for my Higher Power's care and attention to details in laying the foundation - even though I become impatient at times. I will stand in awe at the beauty of God's finished product.

 

[If Not For Grace]

You Are Reading From :

~ EASY DOES IT ~ (A Book of Daily 12 Step Meditations) ~

ANGER (January 15th)

I was angry with my foe. I told it not. My wrath did grow.

~ William Blake ~

Anger is a common defect in our attitudes and personalities. Like all other character defects, anger grows more harmful the longer it is contained within ourselves. Unless we expose it freely for others to see, it can consume all our good intentions. We must "get the monkey off our backs before it reaches for our throats."

How can we possibly make peace and form worthwhile relationships unless we bring anger into the open by working Steps 4, 5, 6, and 7? Letting go of hidden anger and returning to a stable state of mind is the first step in finding a comfortable peace with life.

We find that "letting it all out" through the Steps is the way to become free and happy. We continue to take daily personal assessments of our spiritual growth by monitoring our anger.

When I become angry, I'll count to ten and deal with my anger in an appropriate way.

©1990 by Anonymous

 

[If Not For Grace]

You Are Reading From January 15th


EACH DAY A NEW BEGINNING(Daily Meditations For Women)


Everything is so dangerous that nothing is really very frightening.


~ Gertrude Stein ~


Life is full of dangers and risks and challenges. We can choose to meet them fearfully or in a spirit of welcome. To choose fear, to say, "I won't take that risk because I might lose," is to prevent ourselves from ever winning. If we welcome the danger, the risk, or the challenge, we acknowledge that life is made up of losses as well as victories, of gains as well as pain.


Life holds the dangers as well as the rewards. We choose how we will act. Sometimes we may feel trapped in a cycle of fearfulness. If we examine our own part, will we find that we are neglecting to take a balanced view? Perhaps, through a fear of losing, we are missing many chances for satisfaction.


I will remember: I have the power to choose what my attitude will be toward this day's offerings.


© 1982, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation

 

[If Not For Grace]

A WOMAN’S SPIRIT (More Meditations For Women) Dec 31


Every ending is part of a beginning. Every loss is part of an emptiness that can be filled with newness.


~ Jan Lloyd ~


The door that is closing today may fill us with dread; however, we can find relief when we recall other endings that unexpectedly led to new friend-ships, better jobs, wonderful opportunities.


Life is a process. Every event in our lives is connected to what has gone before and what will come after. There are no real endings; there are only new opportunities for growth and change. For most of us it’s a matter of changing our perspective. The difference is subtle yet extremely powerful, and our lives will never feel the same.


I look forward to these twenty-four hours! I can be glad for everything that comes to me, trusting in its blessing.


© 1994 by Hazelden Foundation

 

[If Not For Grace]

DAILY REFLECTIONS JAN 20th


"WE PAUSE . . . AND ASK"


As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.


~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87 ~


Today I humbly ask my Higher Power for the grace to find the space between my impulse and my action; to let flow a cooling breeze when I would respond with heat; to interrupt fierceness with gentle peace; to accept the moment which allows judgment to become discernment; to defer to silence when my tongue would rush to attack or defend.


I promise to watch for every opportunity to turn toward my Higher Power for guidance. I know where this power is: it resides within me, as clear as a mountain brook, hidden in the hills—it is the unsuspected Inner Resource.


I thank my Higher Power for this world of light and truth I see when I allow it to direct my vision. I trust it today and hope it trusts me to make all effort to find the right thought or action today.


Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc

 

[If Not For Grace]

Feb 13 You are reading from:


~ DAILY REFLECTIONS ~


WE CAN'T THINK OUR WAY SOBER


To the intellectually self-sufficient man or woman, many A. A.'s can say, "Yes, we were like you—far too smart for our own good. . . . Secretly, we felt we could float above the rest of the folks on our brain power alone."


~ AS BILL SEES IT, p. 60 ~


Even the most brilliant mind is no defense against the disease of alcoholism. I can't think my way sober. I try to remember that intelligence is a God-given attribute that I may use, a joy—like having a talent for dancing or drawing or carpentry. It does not make me better than anyone else, and it is not a particularly reliable tool for recovery, for it is a power greater than myself who will restore me to sanity—not a high IQ or a college degree.

 

[If Not For Grace]

Feb 16th You are Reading from


~ JUST FOR TODAY (NA) ~


Faithful Feelings


"When we refuse to accept the reality of today we are denying faith in our Higher Power This can only bring more suffering."


~ IP No. 8, "Just for Today" ~


Some days just aren't the way we wish they would be. Our problems may be as simple as a broken shoelace or having to stand in line at the supermarket. Or we may experience something far more serious, such as the loss of a job, a home, or a loved one. Either way, we often end up looking for a way to avoid our feelings instead of simply acknowledging that those feelings are painful.


No one promises us that everything will go our way when we stop using. In fact, we can be sure that life will go on whether we're using or not. We will face good days and bad days, comfortable feelings and painful feelings. But we don't have to run from any of them any longer.


We can experience pain, grief, sadness, anger, frustration- all those feelings we once avoided with drugs. We find that we can get through those emotions clean. We won't die and the world won't come to an end just because we have uncomfortable feelings. We learn to trust that we can survive what each day brings.


Just for today: I will demonstrate my trust in God by experiencing this day just as it is.

 

[If Not For Grace]

~ ALKIESPEAK ~


An alcoholic is a fellow who is trying to get his religion out of a bottle, when what he really wants is unity within himself. Unity with God.


~ Bill W. ~


Quotes from the book 'ALKIESPEAK' by Andy A. of Australia