Finding "a reason to believe" September 02 The willingness to grow is the essence of all spiritual development. As Bill sees it, p. 171 A line from a song goes, ". . . and I look to find a reason to believe . . ." It reminds me that at one time I was not […]

Building a new life September 03 We feel a man is unthinking when he says sobriety is enough. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 82 When I reflect on Step Nine, I see that physical sobriety must be enough for me. I need to remember the hopelessness I felt before I found sobriety, and how I was willing […]

Reconstruction September 04 Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead. . . . Alcoholics anonymous, p. 83 The reconstruction of my life is the prime goal in my recovery as I avoid taking that first drink, one day at a time. The task is most successfully accomplished by working the Steps of our […]

Emotional balance September 05 Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, . . . Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 83 When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom my life touched casually, but whose days I troubled through my anger and sarcasm. These people are untraceable, and direct amends to […]

Removing threats to sobriety September 06 . . . except when to do so would injure them or others. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 59 Step Nine restores in me a feeling of belonging, not only to the human race but also to the everyday world. First, the Step makes me leave the safety of A.A., so […]

"Our side of the street" September 07 We are there to sweep off our side of the street, realizing that nothing worth while can be accomplished until we do so, never trying to tell him what he should do. His faults are not discussed. We stick to our own. Alcoholics anonymous, pp. 77-78 I made […]

"We asked his protection" September 08 We asked His protection and care with complete abandon. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 59 I could not manage my life alone. I had tried that road and failed. My "ultimate sin" dragged me down to the lowest level I have ever reached and, unable even to function, I accepted the […]

Opening new doors September 09 They are being fulfilled among us — sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 84 The Promises talked about in this passage are slowly coming to life for me. What has given me hope is putting Step Nine into action. The Step has allowed me to see and set goals […]

Recovery by proxy? September 10 They will always materialize if we work for them. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 84 Sometimes I think: "Making these amends is going too far! No one should have to humble himself like that!" However, it is this very humbling of myself that brings me that much closer to the sunlight of […]

Making amends September 11 Above all, we should try to be absolutely sure that we are not delaying because we are afraid. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 87 To have courage, to be unafraid, are gifts of my recovery. They empower me to ask for help and to go forth in making my amends […]

I am responsible September 12 For the readiness to take the full consequences of our past acts, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others at the same time, is the very spirit of Step Nine. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 87 In recovery, and through the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, I learn […]

Repairing the damage September 13 Good judgment, a careful sense of timing, courage and prudence – these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 83 To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor's […]

Peace of mind September 14 Do we lay the matter before our sponsor or spiritual adviser, earnestly asking God's help and guidance — meanwhile resolving to do the right thing when it becomes clear, cost what it may? Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 86-87 My belief in a Higher Power is an essential part […]

A new life September 15 Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. . . . Life will mean something at last. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 152 Life is better without alcohol. A.A. and the presence of a Higher Power keeps me sober, but the […]

We stand-or fall-together September 16 . . . no society of men and women ever had a more urgent need for continuous effectiveness and permanent unity. We alcoholics see that we must work together and hang together, else most of us will finally die alone. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 561 Just as the Twelve Steps of […]

Freedom from fear September 17 When, with God's help, we calmly accepted our lot, then we found we could live at peace with ourselves and show others who still suffered the same fears that they could get over them, too. We found that freedom from fear was more important than freedom from want. Twelve steps […]