"The root of our troubles" February 12 Selfishness — self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 62 How amazing the revelation that the world, and everyone in it, can get along just fine with or without me. What a relief to know that people, places and things will be […]

We can't think our way sober February 13 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 […]

Eexpectations vs. demands February 14 Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 98 Dealing with expectations is a frequent topic at meetings. It isn't wrong to expect progress of myself, […]

Taking action February 15 Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us — sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them. Alcoholics anonymous, p, 84 One of the most important things A.A. has given me, in addition to freedom from booze, is the ability to […]

Commitment February 16 Understanding is the key to right principles and attitudes, and right action is the key to good living. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 125 There came a time in my program of recovery when the third stanza of the Serenity Prayer — "The wisdom to know the difference" — became indelibly […]

The love in their eyes February 17 Some of us won't believe in God, others can't, and still others who do believe that God exists have no faith whatever He will perform this miracle. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 25 It was the changes I saw in the new people who came into the […]

Our paths are our own February 18 . . . there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 25 My first attempt at the Steps was one of obligation and necessity, which resulted in a deep feeling of discouragement in […]

I'm not different February 19 In the beginning, it was four whole years before A.A. brought permanent sobriety to even one alcoholic woman. Like the "high bottoms," the women said they were different; . . . The Skid-Rower said he was different . . . so did the artists and the professional people, the rich, […]

The gift of laughter February 20 At this juncture, his A.A. sponsor usually laughs. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 26 Before my recovery from alcoholism began, laughter was one of the most painful sounds I knew. I never laughed and I felt that anyone else's laughter was directed at me! My self-pity and anger […]

I'm part of the whole February 21 At once, I became a part—if only a tiny part—of a cosmos. . . . As Bill sees it, p. 225 When I first came to A.A., I decided that "they" were very nice people — perhaps a little naive, a little too friendly, but basically decent, earnest […]

Guidance February 22 . . . 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 . . . haltingly, toward His own likeness and image. As Bill sees it, p. 51 As I began […]

Mysterious paradoxes February 23 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. Alcoholics Anonymous comes of age, p. 46 What glorious mysteries paradoxes are! They do not compute, yet when recognized and accepted, they […]

A thankful heart February 24 I try to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot entertain great conceits. When brimming with gratitude, one's heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion that we can ever know. As Bill sees it, p. 37 My sponsor told me that I […]

The challenge of failure February 25 In God's economy, nothing is wasted. Through failure, we learn a lesson in humility which is probably needed, painful though it is. As Bill sees it, p. 31 How thankful I am today, to know that all my past failures were necessary for me to be where I am […]

No ordinary success story February 26 A.A. is no success story in the ordinary sense of the word. It is a story of suffering transmuted, under grace, into spiritual progress. As Bill sees it, p. 35 Upon entering A.A. I listened to others talk about the reality of their drinking: loneliness, terror and pain. As […]

A unique stability February 27 Where does A.A. get its direction? . . . These practical folk then read Tradition Two, and learn that the sole authority in A.A. is a loving God as He may express Himself in the group conscience. . . . The elder statesman is the one who sees the wisdom […]

What? No president? February 28 When told that our Society has no president having authority to govern it, no treasurer who can compel the payment of any dues, . . . our friends gasp and exclaim, "This simply can't be. . . ." Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 132 When I finally made my […]

It works March 01 It works—it really does. Alcoholics anonymou, p. 88 When I got sober I initially had faith only in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Desperation and fear kept me sober (and maybe a caring and/or tough sponsor helped!). Faith in a Higher Power came much later. This faith came slowly at first, […]

Hope March 02 Do not be discouraged. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 60  Few experiences are of less value to me than fast sobriety. Too many times discouragement has been the bonus for unrealistic expectations, not to mention self-pity or fatigue from my wanting to change the world by the weekend. Discouragement is a warning signal that […]

Overcoming self-will March 03 So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though he usually doesn’t think so. Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us! Alcoholics anonymous, […]

WEEDING THE GARDEN March 04 The essence of all growth is a willingness to make a change for the better and then an unremitting willingness to shoulder whatever responsibility this entails.  AS BILL SEES IT, p. 115 By the time I had reached Step Three I had been freed of my dependence on alcohol, but bitter experience […]