Centering our thoughts August 27 When World War II broke out, our A.A. dependence on a Higher Power had its first major test. A.A.'s entered the services and were scattered all over the world. Would they be able to take the discipline, stand up under fire, and endure . . . ? As Bill sees […]

Lightening the burden August 28 Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing which makes life seem so worth while to us now. . . . the dark past is . . . the key to life and happiness for others. Alcoholics anonymous, p. 124 Since I have been sober, […]

I choose anonymity August 29 We are sure that humility, expressed by anonymity, is the greatest safeguard that Alcoholics Anonymous can ever have. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 187 Since there are no rules in A.A. I place myself where I want to be, and so I choose anonymity. I want my God to […]

The only requirement . . . August 30 "At one time . . . every A.A. group had many membership rules. Everybody was scared witless that something or somebody would capsize the boat. . . .The total list was a mile long. If all those rules had been in effect everywhere, nobody could have possibly […]

A unuque program August 31 Alcoholics Anonymous will never have a professional class. We have gained some understanding of the ancient words "Freely ye have received, freely give." We have discovered that at the point of professionalism, money and spirituality do not mix. Twelve steps and twelve traditions, p. 166 I believe that Alcoholics Anonymous […]

Willingness to grow September 01 If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. As Bill sees it, p. 8 Sobriety fills the painful "hole in the soul" that my alcoholism created. Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done. However, joy is not just the […]

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 […]