Recovery ABCs

[MajestyJo]

A is for Attitude. It takes one to know one. The best way to get an attitude adjustment is to go to a meeting or visit a palliative care unit of the hospital and put some gratitude into your attitude.

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[dwmoeller]

B is for Be

Be grateful, and when you are not....make a Gratitude list. You will find things to be grateful for.

[MajestyJo]

C is for Call. Call upon your Higher Power at all times of stress and worry. Worry is fear that hasn't said it's prayers. Courage is fear that has said it's prayers.

Call your sponsor or a fellow member in the fellowship. We are no longer alone.

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[dwmoeller]

D is for Denial

Denial kept me sick for a long time!

The turning point for me was when I accepted that I needed help and acknowledged that I was an alcoholic. I went into treatment and my sobriety journey began 7 years and 1 month ago. I am grateful to be alive and sober today!

[MajestyJo]

E is for Evidence. My aunt at a plaque that said, "By the stack of evidence (meaning dirty dishes) God is very good to us.

Sometimes there is evidence that we are not working our program very well, and by my attitude, I show that I need to go to a meeting.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod62.jpg

[MajestyJo]

F is for Find. Find another recovering person and try to be there for them over the holiday. The best way to get out of Self is to help someone else. I think if we do this, we will feel better and get through the holiday much easier than if we isolate.

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[MajestyJo]

G is for Gratitude. Grateful for the holiday cheer. The clean and sober variety. Friend and family, and people getting together with others.

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[MajestyJo]

H is for Honest. When I am honest with me, I can be honest with you.

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[dwmoeller]

I is for Identify

Identify your triggers and use the tools of recovery that you have to handle them.

[MajestyJo]

J is for Justification. This was a big defect of character for me. I felt like I had to justify my very existence. I can't always say, "Well I am only human," and continue on in my old ways of living. The old ways lead to drinking and more and the insanity of my disease would take over my life.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/thoughtpod/thoughtpod954.jpg

[MajestyJo]

K is for Kindle. Kindle the love around you. Kindle the love for yourself. You are worthy of recovery. Don't let the flame of life go out.

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[dwmoeller]

L is for Live

Live today, not yesterday, not tomorrow.

[MajestyJo]

M is for Move. Don't become complacent, get back to basics. Move from one Step to another. Some days I need all Twelve. Move to other meetings and if you can, go to meetings out of town.

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[MajestyJo]

N is for Now. Live in the now. Live each day to it's fullest. When we live in the now, we don't get tangled up with our past or worried about our future.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animatedpod/animatedpod1071.gif

[MajestyJo]

O is for Options. Using is not an option. It isn't even open for discussion. In my honest opinion, even though I don't have much, this program has given me a lot. The biggest of this is myself. I thank my God over and over again for my sobriety. I take advantage of all the hugs I can get. I do give people an option. I say, "Do you do hugs? or "Do you need a hug?"

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[dwmoeller]

P is for Progress

Progress is made One Day At A Time!

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quest. I went on a spiritual quest when I came into recovery. I was raised in a religious home, and religion didn't stop me from becoming an alcoholic/addict. My doctor put me on Valium at 16 because I had a nervous disorder and a digestive problem, as well as migraines. Spirituality enhanced my religious beliefs and visa versa. I feel doubly blessed that I have both in my life. I couldn't stop using until I found the spiritual aspect of the program. I had to apply the program to all areas of my life. When I walked into my first Al-Anon meeting, I was told that I was doubly blessed. I could see life from both sides of the track.

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[dwmoeller]

R is for Recreation/Leisure Activities

It is important to find recreational/leisure time activities that you like to do and get involved with them. Pick up an old hobby that you used to do. Find some new interesting things to do. (It is all a part of taking care of yourself in sobriety.)

[MajestyJo]

S is for Sobriety. Sobriety means soundness of mind for me. I have to work on my emotional sobriety today. That is the difference between being sober and having sobriety. Sobriety to me, means continually working the Steps and applying them to my life.

This is a Spiritual program, and that means change. Change me instead of trying to change everyone else.

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[MajestyJo]

T is for Treat. Treat yourself. It doesn't mean have a drink or overeat. Every pay day I try to buy myself something. When finances are slim, I can't always afford butter. If bacon is on special, I buy it. Everything tastes better with butter and/or bacon. The only thing I needed to be mindful of spoiling myself rotten.

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[dwmoeller]

U is for US

This is not a me program. It is an "US" program. You are never alone.

[MajestyJo]

V is for Validate. Validate yourself. You don't have to go outside looking for validation. As the slogan says, "Let it begin with me."

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[MajestyJo]

W is for Wake. When you wake up each morning, do a meditation and put your day in God's Care. It can be short or long, as long as you take time to talk to your God. If you need to, pray and ask for the willingness to be willing. Awaken to the gifts of recovery.

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[MajestyJo]

X is for X-ray. Look within, don't just make the surface attractive. Our emotions can make themselves known physically.

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[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yellow. Yellow is the sign of caution. Have you become complacent. Have you stopped going to meetings. Have you stopped talking to your sponsor. Have you quit working the Steps. When you get to Step 12, you start all over again, because you have a new understanding as a result of working the Steps, so you will see your life anew, and you will have a new perspective on things. Recovery is a living thing, a program works if you continue to work for it.

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[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zip. Long-timers say if your are new to the program, you should zip your lip. You don't know anything about recovery, so you should shut up and listen. Listen to learn, Learn to listen. They often tell it as it is, and for the most part, we don't want to listen. If we shut out them, then we shut out other things that we don't want to hear. Your best thinking and actions got you to the doors of recovery. You had no other place to go. So listen to what we have to tell you. We have found a better way to live.

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[dwmoeller]

A is for Abstinence

Today I will not drink. This is a "One Day at a Time!" program. Stay sober for you...not someone else...otherwise it won't work.

[MajestyJo]

B is for Believe. Find a Higher Power that works for you. Someone who is bigger than you. Believe in your Higher Power and trust that He/She/It will be there for you in all times of strife and sorrow. Believe that you are never alone. Your HP led you to it and will see you through it.

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[dwmoeller]

C is for Courage

Have the Courage to Speak and the Wisdom to Listen at AA meetings. You can share your experience, strength, and hope. You can listen and learn in order to take home tools of recovery that you can use in your every day life.

[MajestyJo]

D is for Day. All I have is this day, this 24 hours, to stay clean and sober. One days experiences, thought, feelings, joys and sorrows. One day's ups and downs, which become not to high or low as they were in early recovery, by working your program, one day at a time.

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[MajestyJo]

E is for Everlasting. The program doesn't grow old, it is just as valid in today as it was 70 years ago. Each day is a new beginning. What I do today will not help me stay sober tomorrow, but it will give me hope for a better tomorrow, if I continue to apply the program to my life, one day at a time.

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[MajestyJo]

F is for Forgiveness. We need to forgive our self as well as forgiving others.

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[MajestyJo]

G is for Gratitude. We finished our meeting with a gratitude meeting. What a great time of the year to stop and think about what we have to be grateful for.

God is Good. Good is God. May you show your gratitude by giving thank for His wonderful Grace and Blessings in today, so we can finish the year off with goodness in our hearts.

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[MajestyJo]

H is for Help. Don't be afraid to ask for help. This is a "We" program. We are no longer in the self-centered mode of thinking we can do it all ourselves mode. We can do what I can't do alone.

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[dwmoeller]

I is for Integrity

Learn to walk your talk!

[MajestyJo]

J is for Joy. May you celebrate the holiday clean and sober. Just for today, I choose not to use. If you aren't enjoying yourself, what are you doing wrong. Perhaps you need a meeting, a change in attitude, a talk with your sponsor, a hand to give to a fellow friend who is struggling too.

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[dwmoeller]

K is for Keep

Keep it Simple.

[MajestyJo]

L is for List. List the reason why you are grateful. List your character defects that can turn into short coming. List what needs to be changed that no longer serves me in today. List what my God has done for me. Things that I can`t take credit for. List the ways your God has done for you what you were never able to do for yourself. So much to be grateful for. My God`s Love and Support, let me count the ways.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod26.jpg

[MajestyJo]

M is for More. My drug of choice was more. In today, I try to think more recovery. When I apply my program on a daily bases, I have a good day. It is one day at a time, no less or no more. It is a 24 hour program, not a 2-4 hour program.

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[MajestyJo]

N is for New. This is the last day of 2017, tomorrow God Willing, we will start a new day. Be here for the newcomer today, so he can stay clean and sober to start a new year.

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[MajestyJo]

O is for Open. Keep an open mind. Hesitate and Meditate before you open your mouth. Open your heart to receive your God's Love. We are suppose to give, but we need to be open to receiving too.

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[MajestyJo]

P is for Persevere. If at first we don't succeed, try, try, again. The last letter of JusT foR todaY. spells TRY.

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[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quiet. Listen for the quiet, and when you find it, say the Serenity Prayer. How can we expect to hear our God's Good Orderly Direction if we are caught up in our internal chatter. As they say, "Be still and know that I am God." Better our God instead of our own self-will.

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[dwmoeller]

R is for Recreation/Leisure Activities

Find recreational and leisure activities which you can do. I started drawing and painting again when I sobered. I read books, go to sporting events (high school and college), do gardening in the summer months, go for walks. The list of things to do is endless. Find things to do that makes you happy and you have fun doing and start doing it. One of the benefits to doing rec/leisure activities is that it is good for your mental and physical health.

[MajestyJo]

S is for STAY. If you want to stay clean and sober, do the suggested things in recovery. If you want to stay clean and sober, stay in the rooms of recovery, get a sponsor, and work the Steps. Socializing is good. Finding sobriety is better. It keeps you in the rooms of recovery long enough to recover.

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[MajestyJo]

T is for Trouble. Even after all these years, I can still get myself into trouble. I often ask myself how I got here, but it generally is a result of not practicing enough self-care. It is okay to help others, but I must top myself up first. I can't believe I forgot that. Today feels like a total day of collapse, no go. The only thing that will jump start me is my God. I hope He has more energy that I do and I doesn't let me sit too long in my own stuff.

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[MajestyJo]

U is for Understanding. Understanding the Healing power of our Higher Power. Through Him all things are possible.

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[MajestyJo]

V is for Value. Value yourself. You do deserve recovery. You are not your disease. You are loved.

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[MajestyJo]

W is for Why. Don't keep asking Why?" Don't question the program, just accept it as it is, because it works. I could stop, but couldn't stay stopped until I came through the doors of recovery. I think it iis important too, as to which door you go through. You need the one that works for you.

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[dwmoeller]

X is for X-ray

An x-ray helps a doctor see what is going on under your skin and come up with a treatment plan to make you well. We also need to look at the x-ray of our inner feelings and get in touch with them, deal with them, learn from them and make changes if needed.

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yellow. Mellow yellow is what I like to think of. We can `yell`out to our friends and say, Ì have found this new way of life, let me tell you all about it.` I was surprised when I said to my cousin and her husband about learning to live one day at a time. He said, `Doesn`t everyone.` I was clueless, so I am glad that I got with the crowd and started living, one day at a time.

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[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zealous. We need to put some zeal into our recovery. Get excited. We have cause to celebrate. Each day we wake up clean and sober, we are given a great gift. I need to remember to say thank you and show my gratitude by helping others.

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[dwmoeller]

A is for Avoid

Avoid loneliness. Attend AA meetings regularly and get involved.

[MajestyJo]

B is for Blessings. There are many blessings and gifts that are priceless when you stay clean and sober. Working the Steps, leads to new awareness that those blessings are there. We can see our God working in our life, doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Finding a good sponsor to guide you in your recovery is truly a great blessing.

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[dwmoeller]

C is for Came

Step 2

We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Acceptance is what happens here. In accepting the situation and knowing that you do not need to stay there, balance is possible. Sanity comes from balance. Now begins the action...Step 3: We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

[MajestyJo]

D is for Determination. I am determined to have a nice day, especially when the sun is shinning. When the sun isn't shinning, I am bound and determined to have a good day too. It is my choice. It will be about me and my attitude.

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[MajestyJo]

E is for Everyone. Everyone is welcome to work the 12 Steps. They are applicable to everyone, under all conditions. Just about everyone has an obsessive/compulsive disorder of some kind. I tell people, you qualify, you know me.

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[MajestyJo]

F is for Friendly. Be friendly with others, all it takes is a smile. It doesn't even matter if it is returned to you. But on the whole, when we give, we receive.

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[MajestyJo]

G is for Gratitude. I am so thankful for the fellowships of recovery. I am no longer alone. My life has truly been enriched.

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[MajestyJo]

H is for Hope. When I walked through the doors of AA, I thought, there is hope for me. At first it was, it helped them, so it will work for me. Learn to identify, not compare. When I went to Al-Anon, they told me I was a double winner.

I had one reason to go to AA, I had 3-33 reasons to go to Al-Anon.

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[MajestyJo]

I is for Insecurity. Feed yourself affirmations. Remember we didn't get here overnight and we don't get better overnight. I am a work in progress. My God has me under His wing and safeguarding me against my own mistakes.

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[MajestyJo]

J is for Just for Today. All I have is today. One day's thoughts, actions, experiences, etc. Just this 24 hours. A day can start any time. I can stop any time during the day, pause and say the Serenity Prayer and start the day over again.

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[MajestyJo]

K is for Kindle. Just because I like the sound of the word. For me it means nurture and give some tender loving care to the people, places, and things you love. Like a family member, a plant, your bed. Tell your loved one that you love them, spruce them up a little bit and buy them a gift to say, I care.

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[MajestyJo]

L is for Love. When we come from the heart, we know we are doing our God's Will. When we care for one another, we make this world a better place.

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[MajestyJo]

M is for Moments. Cherish them as they arrive. They are too fleeting, so we need to gather them up to make a good day.

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[MajestyJo]

N is for Number. What number are you. Take the age of your birthday, add it up and see what you get. April 1, 1942 - 4 + 1 + 1 +9 + 4 + 2 = 21 = 2 + 1 = 3. A little lesson on numerology, it says you may be seen as: expressive, talkative, friendly, sociable and popular. You have strong willpower and sense of determination. Many see you as having no worries or concerns. Not true! I have a son in active addiction, I just put him in his God's Hands. Taken from Numerology Made Easy by W. Mykian

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[MajestyJo]

O is for Options. We do have options. For me, when I came into recovery, relapse was not an option. For me to use was to die, so I have tried to make healthy choices. I chose recovery and for one day at at time, I have stayed clean and sober.

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[MajestyJo]

P is for Prayer. Without out the Serenity Prayer, I don't think I would be sober in today.

Prayer goes a long way in fixing what ever we perceive to be wrong with us and the world at large. Meditation is listening for the answers. They go together. If you want your God's Help, you need to listen for His Good Orderly Direction.

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[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quell. Quell the fear within. Let it go and replace it with faith that the program will work for you. It has helped others, it will work for you if you work it. Quell the if only's and what if's and trust in the process.

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[MajestyJo]

R is for Rapid. There is no race to run, but I found that when I had enough, using was no an option for me. I learned there was no race to run, and I didn't have beat any or compare myself to others, it was real freedom. I wanted more, I had a real thirst. For the first two years, I went to 2, sometimes 3 meetings a day. I felt if I missed a meeting, I would relapse. The butterfly stands for transformation. The person that was is no more in today.

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[dwmoeller]

S is for Serenity.

We say the Serenity Prayer at every AA meeting. Early in my sobriety, I recited the Serenity Prayer many times a day. It is still an important prayer for me today 7 plus years later.

God grant me the Serenity
to accept the things I cannot change.
Courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.

[MajestyJo]

T is for Trust. Learn to trust yourself and others, through trusting the program and the God of your understanding. Even is you don't understand God, keep trying, He will reveal Himself to you.

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[MajestyJo]

U is for Understanding. The program says "The God of our understanding. Not the understanding of your church, your parents, your best friend, your sponsor, you partner, and you clergyman. It is your understanding of your God. My God is as He reveals Himself to me in today.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod11.jpg

[MajestyJo]

V is for Vow. I make a vow to stay clean and sober each day. I vow to make healthy choices, doing what is best for my Higher Good, to the best of my ability.

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[dwmoeller]

W is for Write a gratitude list.

[MajestyJo]

X is for X marks the spot. The longest journey we take in recovery is from our head to our heart.

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[Zendor]

W is for Write a gratitude list.

W is for wonder as well. Wonder why?!

[dwmoeller]

Y is for You're Special

You're special. In all the world there's nobody like you. Since the beginning of time there has never been another person like you. Nobody has your smile, nobody has your eyes, your nose, your hair, your hands, your voice.

You're special. No one can be found who has your handwriting. Nobody anywhere has your taste for food, clothing, music, or art. No one sees things just as you do. In all of time there's been no one who laughs like you, no one who cries like yo=,and what makes you cry or laugh will never produce identical laughter and tears form anybody else, ever.

You'r the only one in all of creation who has your set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things you are good at, but no one in the universe can reach the quality of your combination of talents, ideas, abilities, and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the symphony sound when all are played together. You're a symphony.

Through all of eternity, no one will ever look, talk, walk, think, or do like you.

You're special...you're rare. And in all rarity there is a great value. Because of your great value you need not attempt to imitate others...you will accept---yes, celebrate your differences.

You're special and you're beginning to realize it's no accident that you're special. You're beginning to see that God (Higher Power) made you special for a purpose. He must have a job for you that no one else can do as well as you. Out of the billions of applicants, only one is qualified, only one has the right combination of what it takes.

That one is you, because...YOU'RE SPECIAL.

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zone. We need to stay 'in the zone" and focus on our recovery. It is important to stay on track, although we have been known to take a detour now and then, if we are in our God's Care, He/She will bring us back to where we need to be.

For me, the Zone is a spiritual way of thinking and acting. It is the only defense I have against that first drink or drug. Drugs come in many forms, so I need to be mindful of my obsessive/compulsive thoughts and actions.

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[MajestyJo]

A is for Awareness. We can't change what we don't see. We need to take off our blanket of denial and face reality.

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[MajestyJo]

B is for Boredom. I hear many young people say they are bored. They are use to living on the edge and they find that they can't reclaim that feeling in recovery. It can be there, but you have to live the program taking the 12 Steps. There are natural highs in recovery.

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[MajestyJo]

C is for Care. In order to truly care for others, we need to take care of ourselves. If people don't see us walking our talk, our words lose their value.

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[MajestyJo]

D is for Do onto others as you would have them do onto you. It is good to receive as well as give. We need to do both, life is about balance.

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[dwmoeller]

E is for Eat

Eat at regular hours. Don't get too hungry. Don't skip meals. Eat healthy. It is all a part of taking care of yourself in your sobriety.

[MajestyJo]

F is for Faith. They say fear and faith can't occupy the same space. Know that the program has worked for many years, it has worked for others, it will work for you.

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[MajestyJo]

G is for Group. It is important to find a home group. A place you feel sharing in. A group that has long term recovery and people who work a good program. A place to get involved in service. My favourite place is at the door welcoming others, especially newcomers.

If you haven't get one. Your sponsor can be from your home group, but she doesn't have to be. You can get a sponsor who has what you want, in another group and in my honest opinion, a group that you can get to, if your sponsor wants you there. Some of them, may want their own space.

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[MajestyJo]

H is for Helper. I can help others, as long as I learn to help myself first. Recovery begins with me. How can I give away what I don't have?

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[MajestyJo]

I is for Interest. I can take interest in spiritual things, or I can help others and make a deposit on my life insurance, and then later when need be, I can gather the dividends on the interest that has accrued. I can also go to meetings, they pay much bigger credits because you are helping you and others too.

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[MajestyJo]

J is for Just for Today. Just for today, I choose not to use. The meditation book Just for Today has been a real tool for my recovery. It has always been a tool that I have used on my recovery road.

Just For Today
Just for today I will have a program. I may
not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will
save myself from two pests: hurry and
indecision.
Just for today I will have a quiet half hour
all by myself and relax. During this half
hour, sometime, I will try to get a better
perspective of my life.
Just for today I will I will be unafraid.
Especially I will not be afraid to notice
what is beautiful and to believe that as I
give to the world, so the world will give to
me.


PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord make me an instrument of Thy
Peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow
love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is doubt, faith; where is despair,
hope; where there is darkness, light; and
where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled, as to
console.; to be understood, as to
understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is
in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that
we are born to eternal life.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1231.jpg

[MajestyJo]

K is for Know. When the time is right you will know. If you don't know, and there is doubt, recognize your God at work. If you don't know, don't do. I was told, "If you are doubting yourself, you are doubting your God. Take time to know your God.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcanbearshuggingonhill1.gif

[MajestyJo]

L is for Luck. My mother told me many years ago that there was no such thing as luck. She said it was a gift or a lesson to be learned from my God. It can come in good or bad flavours. It reminds me that what I put out I get back, so I best make healthy choices.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcppine296.jpg

[MajestyJo]

M is for More. More Love, more rest, more good food, more quality time with my God, more time with my sponsor, more time with friends, it is a good way to replace the thought of more liquor. My drug of choice was more, so I had to change the picture.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/lovepod/lovepod18.gif

[dwmoeller]

N is for Now

Take time now to read...

the Bible, devotional books, Big Book, 12x12, poetry, and great books. Thoughtful reading is enriched reading. Take time to think!

[MajestyJo]

O is for Open. Open your mind. Don't conform to old beliefs, they are good, but don't limit your God by putting limitations on Him. He is greater than we ever imagined Him to be.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qckittenwaiting2.jpg

[dwmoeller]

P is for Protect

Protect your sobriety at all costs! Keep the light on you.

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quit. Quit drinking and drugging. Remember that drugs take many forms, people. places, and things. I need to quit old behaviours, habits, and patterns. I need to quit pulling hissy fits, belly-aching, and sitting on a pity pot.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animatedpod/animatedpod1154.gif

[MajestyJo]

R is for Remember When. Don't just remember the times before recovery, remember what it was like in remember. I remember detoxing and never want to go through that again. I remember when all the new feelings come up and it felt like they all came up at once. Unfortunately, that was not true; there were more to be revealed.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/ifyoubelievecard.jpg

[MajestyJo]

S is for Serenity. That quiet and calm we can find within ourself that allows us to find some peace amongst the chaos of life. Life happens. It is how we deal with it that makes the difference.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/gnpod/gnpod54.jpg

[MajestyJo]

T is for Touch. Keep in touch with other members in the fellowship. This is a "we" program. Reach out and touch someone, if you don't do hugs, shake their hand and say I am glad you are here. Without you, there is no me.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/lovepod/lovepod23.gif

[MajestyJo]

U is for Understanding. This is a keyword in recovery. It is God as I understand my God to be. I found that God was an old tape and I had to find out who my God was to me. I had to make Him personal instead of listening to everyone else's thoughts and understanding of their God.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1240.jpg

[dwmoeller]

V is for Victory

We have victory in recovery!

[MajestyJo]

W is for Wake. I am grateful each time I wake up to a new day. Each new day bring a new sense of awareness and wakefulness to new thing. A new awareness for those around me. Awake that I may see what is around me.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/kitten/kitten7.jpg

[MajestyJo]

X is for Xenophobia. It is the fear of aliens and strangers. I had to change that quick when I found out that I was one too.

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[MajestyJo]

L is for Lament. We can wish we had found recovery sooner. We can lament over the things we did in active addiction. We can also be troubled about things we did in recovery. I must remember that the past is past. We can't change it, all we can do is live for today.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1243.jpg

[MajestyJo]

M is for Memories. We need to remember that was then, this is now. The person who came into recovery is no more. We need to stay in today and work through our issues and memories and not let them over power us. They don't have the power unless we give it to them.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod38.jpg

[dwmoeller]

N is for Nuts

Not
Using
The
Steps

[MajestyJo]

O is for Options. We need to look at what is in the moment and look at what are options are. First thing first is our sobriety. Using is not an option.

https://alamendah.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/animasi-kodok-05.gif?w=400

[MajestyJo]

P is for St. Patrick's Day. Drink green tea instead of green beer. I know it doesn't go down as well, but you will remember what you did when you wake up.

https://www.askideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Breaking-Into-A-Jig-To-Wish-You-A-Pot-Of-Luck-Full-Of-Smiles-Top-Of-Cheer-Kind-Of-Joy-Happy-Saint-Patricks-Day.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quit. As it says in NA literature, "We found we had to quit all drugs in order to recover." Substitution doesn't work. You will end up with two addictions or more, like I did. I am an alcoholic and an addict who was addicted to relationships (men), prescription medication, food, work/busy, and to my computer. I had to turn it all over to my Higher Power.

http://bloggfiler.no/myasteni.blogg.no/images/558409_10_1307272614035-1892172-11-1460884905614.jpg

[MajestyJo]

R is for Relax and Rest. We should take time out of our busy day, every day to relax, do some meditation, and spend time with our God.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1252.jpg

[MajestyJo]

S is for Serenity. Didn't know the meaning of the word. When I first felt it, I phoned my sponsor and spiritual advisor and was told, "Do you think you may have found some Serenity?" I thought there was something wrong.

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[dwmoeller]

T is for Take

Take it: :92:

[MajestyJo]

U is for Understanding. This is a spiritual program that welcomes people from all religions. We each have to come to our own understanding of God and build a personal relationship with our God. My God is as He reveals Himself to me in today.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcanpixie.gif

[dwmoeller]

V is for Victory

Victory in Recovery! Just for today I choose life by choosing recovery!

[MajestyJo]

W is for When. Many people say, "When should I start working the Steps." I say as soon as your head is clear and you can take an honest look at the Steps.

Others ask, "When should I get a sponsor?" or "When should I get a home group?" My thought is, "As soon as possible, go to 90 meetings in 90 days and find someone who is walking their talk and have worked the Steps in her/his life and find a place that seems safe to you and where you feel comfortable.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/butterfly11.jpg

[MajestyJo]

X is for Xenophobia. The fear of strangers and aliens. Best I don't look in the mirror. Did you ever look into a window and wonder who the person was behind you? It couldn't possibly be you. I found out I was getting old.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1257.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yet. You may not have done it. You might not have done it yet, but if you continue doing what you are doing, you may find yourself there, if you aren't vigilant. Learn to identify, not compare.

I have not done my laundry yet. If I don't do it soon, I am going to be embarrassed.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod52.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zip. We generally end up with zip, nada, zero, which ever way you look at it, it doesn't amount to much.

Once I pick up that first one, the drug no matter what for it takes, takes me along or the ride, then I crash land. Most importantly, I lose myself. I have no desire to go back there in today. I found myself in the rooms of recovery.

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/dodo.gif

[dwmoeller]

A is for Alcoholics Anonymous

The program of AA works if you work it.
It saves many lives....it saved my life...it can save your life too!

[MajestyJo]

B is for Beauty. See the beauty in others. It is a reflection of what is inside of you. It is okay to be you.

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[MajestyJo]

C is for the 3 Cs. I didn't cause it, I can't control it, and I can't cure it. Control is an illusion. If you have to control it, it is already out of control.

https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-pdb/25978/bd704167-7eb3-40bd-a17b-676c3cb08442/orig

[MajestyJo]

D is for Detachment. We detach because we do love them. That doesn't mean we have to remove ourselves physically, although it helps. It is a mental tool to help us live in today.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/13/77/94/1377946d7f07bfa9a1839db09f9b7a9c.gif

[MajestyJo]

E is for Each new day is a new beginning. Each day brings us hope for tomorrow. Each day, for this 24 hours, I don't have to use. I am given freedom of choice.

http://www.filegenie.net/animated_gifs/easter/e77432.gif

[MajestyJo]

F is for Faith. Have faith in the program, it will lead you to a great understanding and faith in your God.

http://www.filegenie.net/animated_gifs/easter/e99.gif

[MajestyJo]

G is for But for the Grace of God. With His Grace, I stay here to show my thankfulness for His Grace that brought me to the doors of recovery.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod58.jpg

[MajestyJo]

H is for Happy. It is bonus when we get to be happy with our friends.

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[MajestyJo]

I is for Insecure. Know that you are loved. Know that others are. God doesn't make no junk.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod61.jpg

[MajestyJo]

J is for Jump. Jump up for all the gifts in recovery when you apply the 12 Steps to your life. Jump up, be grateful for the 12 Step Programs. Jump up for a second chance at life.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod62.jpg

[MajestyJo]

K is for Keep. Keep going to meetings. As the song says, "Keep your hand on the throttle. We need to hang on for the ride and allow our God to guide us.

It isn't spring here. We had snow yesterday.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR-llNbvDqg0G1A8dcQr3wTtyKKGXwvypgDvqA2GLESJ345I51H

[MajestyJo]

L is for Love. Know that you are loved.


I Love You

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qckitten1.jpg

I Love You because ...
whenever you smile
it really lights up your face,
Because your laughter
fills up a room
and makes it a happier place.
I Love You because
you hug me real tight
and tell me you love me, too.
I Love You because
there's nobody else
in the whole wide world
like YOU!

[MajestyJo]

M is for More. More people, more relationships with others, more time with my God, and more Step work with my sponsor. I can change the word and give it new mean.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod3.jpg

[dwmoeller]

N is for Not

Not my will but God's will. 3rd step prayer:

God, I offer myself to you--to build with me and to do with me as you will. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do your will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of your power, your love, and your way of life. May I do your will always! Amen.

[MajestyJo]

My favourite prayer, say it many times. I always follow it up with the 7th Step prayer to help me get out of the way and let my God work through me instead of having to walk through me.

O is for Open your heart and mind to what your God has to say to you in today.

Seventh Step Prayer.

When ready, we say something like this: "My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding, Amen."

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod4.jpg

[dwmoeller]

P is for Prayer

Yes! The 3rd Step Prayer and the 7th Step Prayer listed above are wonderful prayers.

Without the help of God (my Higher Power) I would not be sober today. Prayer keep us connected to this Power that can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quell. Quell the noisy and chaos going on inside of you. Find some peace and quiet so you can hear your God's Plan for you. Build a relationship with your HP. Take Him by the Hand and let Him guide you.


http://angelwinks.ca/images/lovepod/lovepod60.gif

[MajestyJo]

R is for Read. Read the literature for help in recognize ourself, put ourselves back together, and guide us in our recovery's daily walk.

The frog means Cleanse according to Jamie Sams. Getting rid of the old, to make room for the new.

https://www.graphicsfactory.com/clip-art/image_files/tn_image/7/1346517-tn_2651-Royalty-Free-Frog-Sticking-Out-His-Tongue.jpg

[MajestyJo]

S is for Serenity. Have it if you can. For me that means quieting my internal chatter. Being at peace with were I am at. Living in the moment, connected to the God of my understanding.

https://www.graphicsfactory.com/clip-art/image_files/tn_image/7/583327-tn_frog33.gif

[MajestyJo]

T is for Today. All I have is today. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow never comes. I get up in the morning and say the Serenity Prayer and ask my God to lead and guide me each day. I can't take Him for granted. I need that daily contact.

https://www.graphicsfactory.com/clip-art/image_files/tn_image/9/1362169-tn_Cartoon-Frog-Prince-On-A-Red-Heart-with-rose.jpg

[MajestyJo]

U is for Unity. One for all, all for one. This is a we program.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod74.jpg

[MajestyJo]

V is for Victory. We have victory over the disease of addiction one day at a time. Just for today, I don't have to use. For this 24 hours the God of my understanding, will direct my path.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/greetingspod/greetingspod14.jpg

[MajestyJo]

W is for Wonderful. What a wonderful life I have since I found recovery. I am so grateful for a second chance at life. I am not saying everything is rosy, but i have the tools to deal with things as they come.

https://quotesayings.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/good-morning-quotes-happy-sunday-whatever-youve-got-planned-enjoy-wishing-you-a-restful-peac.jpg

[MajestyJo]

X is for 'Xample. Lead by example. Do people look at you and want what you've got. Are you an 'Xample of what recovery is about?

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod17.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yellow. Yellow is a caution sign. Don't be complacent or allow your sobriety slip from your mind and you find it unimportant.

Recovery is a daily thing. We have daily reprieve one day at a time.


http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod80.jpg