Recovery ABCs

[MajestyJo]

A is for Action. I have freedom of choice. I can choose to apply the spiritual principles of recovery to my life or I can choose to stay in my old patterns and habits. I can take action to change, but turning things over to my Higher Power or I can choose to try to FIX things on my own. My way didn't work. They got me to the doors of recovery. I don't want to go back out. Each day I start my day with the Serenity Prayer. Sometimes, the action I need to take is none at all, especially if it is about using and going back to my old ways of living.

Each day is a new beginning, so have a great one. The Steps I need to take are those that originated with AA.

Principles of the Twelve Steps

1. Honesty2. Hope3. Faith4. Courage5. Integrity6. Willingness7. Humility8. Brotherly Love9. Self Discipline10. Perseverance11. Ever Presence of God12. Service to Fellowman,

Principles of the Twelve Traditions

1. Unity2. Direction3. Recovery4. Understanding5. Sharing6. Simplicity7. Independence8. Selflessness9. Service10. Survival11. Self Reliance12. Humility

Principles of the Twelve Concepts

1. Responsibility2. Reliance3. Trust4. Participation5. Democracy6. Accountability7. Balance8. Consistency9. Vision10. Clarity11. Respect12. Spirituality

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[MajestyJo]

B is for Boundaries. Boundaries are set for our health and well being. They can be set at varying degrees. They are often overlooked, trampled, ignored, and when reinforced respected. They often have to be reconstructed in a way that both parties know the limits as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

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[MajestyJo]

C is for Change. Nothing changes if nothing changes. As the old AA joke goes: What do you get when you sober up a drunken horse thief? A horse thief.

Unless there is a spiritual experience and new awareness, he will not see the error of his ways and want to stop what he has been doings. Like the expression goes, "I have been doing this for many years why should I change now? Why not? Why continue to act out in your dis-ease?

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[dwmoeller]

D is for Daily Meditation

There is a lot of daily readings available: Daily Reflections, Just for Today, 24 Hours A Day, Each Day a New Beginning, Keep It Simple, Stools and Bottles, A Day at a Time, In God's Care, Easy Does It. You could also read the Big Book.

[MajestyJo]

E is for Each day is a new beginning. You can also read: The Language of Letting Go, Courage to Change, One day at a time, Hope, As Bill Sees It, Thought for Today from OA, and so many more. We can find our own personal preference and see which books speak to us and aid us in our recovery. It may change over the years and we need to find other material to feed our soul and enrich our lives.

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[MajestyJo]

F is for Frog. F.R.O.G. means "Fully Relying On God." I found that I needed to cleanse my body, mind and spirit and be open to new things.

I can't, my God can, just for today, I choose to put my life into His Care for safe keeping.

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[MajestyJo]

G is for Green. Think green. This applies to your food amongst other things. Lots of green vegetables makes for a healthier way of life. The foods that come in this colour help to heal our bodies and allows us to grow into a spiritual being in a healthy body.

Green also stands for go. Go to meetings. Go talk to newcomers, make them welcome. Go talk to your sponsor. Go work on the Steps. Someone once asked me, "What Step are you on in today?" My reply was, "Some days I need all 12."

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[MajestyJo]

G is for Good. God is good. Good is God. When I come from a place of Love, goodness abounds in my life. Even when things are not so good, I know my God is there.

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[MajestyJo]

H is for Hope. I had hope today when I saw my sister. I talked to a friend last night and she shared that her sister had the same thing. She was in the hospital for 5 months and lived, so hopefully my sister will be out sooner than that. As her husband said tonight, now the work begins. With my God, there is always hope. What I need is acceptance and allow things happen from there.

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[MajestyJo]

I is for Integrity. Walk your talk. Do your words reflect your actions? Do you remember to take your God with you?

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[MajestyJo]

J is for Judge. Judge not lest you be judged. Who am I to judge another when I can't manage my own life, except through this program with the help of my Higher Power. My God didn't judge me, He is loving and forgiving, so why should I project judgment instead of love and forgiveness that my God gifted to me.

I just have to remember that the other person is in their dis-ease, what ever it may be.

http://www.comments20.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Teddy-Bear.gif

[dwmoeller]

K is for Know

Know that its okay to be human...just don't drink over it.

Know that no matter what your problems, someone's had them before. Don't be afraid to share, as a problem shared is one 1/2 solved.

Know that if your insides match your outsides, everyone looks good.

Know that you are not alone, that's why the "We" in the steps.

Know that no matter how bleak and dark your past may be, your future is clean, bright, and clear if you don't drink today.

[MajestyJo]

L is for Leave. Leave everything in your God's Hands. He is much better equipped to handle things than we are. Leave your past in your past. It has no business being in today, so ask it to leave.

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Meec960d06e40027abed3f4946afba5dco0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

M is for Miracle. I believe in miracles, I am one! I have seen people heal and change as a result of this program. They like me, should have been dead, but instead they are working a living program, through the Grace of God.

Make someone happy, pay forward this hug from me to you.

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[MajestyJo]

N is for Now. All I have is now. In this moment, when I am balanced and centered in living in my God's Care, I am better equipped to handle things as they come my way. If my space is cluttered with thoughts of yesterday and tomorrow, it doesn't leave much room for today and how can I hear, with all that noise going on.

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[dwmoeller]

O is for Open

Open your ears and listen and learn how to live a life of sobriety. Keep an open mind and heart and don't forget the Serenity Prayer.

[MajestyJo]

P is for Practice. This is a program of practice, practice, practice. Practice these principles in all our affairs. The program isn't just for the rooms of recovery, they need to be taken with us to practice at home, at work, and in the community.

Principles of the Twelve Steps
1. Honesty2. Hope3. Faith4. Courage5. Integrity6. Willingness7. Humility8. Brotherly Love9. Self Discipline10. Perseverance11. Ever Presence of God12. Service to Fellowman,
Principles of the Twelve Traditions
1. Unity2. Direction3. Recovery4. Understanding5. Sharing6. Simplicity7. Independence8. Selflessness9. Service10. Survival11. Self Reliance12. Humility
Principles of the Twelve Concepts
1. Responsibility2. Reliance3. Trust4. Participation5. Democracy6. Accountability7. Balance8. Consistency9. Vision10. Clarity11. Respect12. Spirituality

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[dwmoeller]

Q is for Quit

Quit trying to complicate things. Keep it simple!

[MajestyJo]

R is for Rest. Don't rest on your laurels, this is one day at a time. Rest in the arms of your Higher Power, He/She will restore you mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Lean on Him/Her and ask for renewal and clarity of thought and action.

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[MajestyJo]

S is for Serenity. I didn't know what it was when I first felt it. I questioned my spiritual adviser and told him about my strange day and he said, "Do you think you just might have found some Serenity?" I had never felt that way before but liked it and was quite happy for it to happen many times over since that time in my first year of recovery.

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[dwmoeller]

T is for Try

Try to turn your life and your will over to your Higher Power

[MajestyJo]

U is for Unity. This is a "WE" program and we all come together to do what I couldn't and what I can't do in today.

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[dwmoeller]

V is for Volunteer

For example: Make coffee for the meeting, pick up chairs after the meeting, give someone a ride.

[MajestyJo]

W is for Walk. If your thinking is stinking, don't walk, run to the nearest meeting. Walk your talk. Carry a clean message. If I am saying one thing and doing another, I am not carrying a message of recovery. Watch your words, do they match your footsteps.

[dwmoeller]

X is for Spend eXtra time with God/your Higher Power.

[MajestyJo]

W is for Willing. If you can't find it within yourself, pray for the willingness to be willing.

[MajestyJo]

W is for Whoops, I went backwards instead of forwards. So here I am posting another W. Just because I made a mistake doesn't mean I am one. I still don't like having egg on my face for something I didn't pay attention to, yet just maybe the words needed to be said for me, or hopefully another alcoholic or addict.

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[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yet. I may not have done it yet, but if I continue on in my disease, I will surely get there. I have seen it too many times. Too many people yield to temptation because they do not have a strong spiritual defense against that first drink or drug, what ever form it takes.

Won't you be my honey? Addiction can be to relationships and looking for a honey in their lives or they can be addicted to the food.

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[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zest. Do you have a zest for living? If not, ask yourself why. You have been given a second chance at life, celebrate and enjoy. What do you need to put some zest in your step? Perhaps go back and take an inventory and find out what is missing and your score card reads zero.

http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/cartoons/baby-minie-and-pluto.gif

[dwmoeller]

A is for Abstinence - "One Day At A Time"

Today, I choose not to drink!

[MajestyJo]

B is for Big. Think big, we only get out of our recovery what we put into it. A big hug from me to you.

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[dwmoeller]

C is for Cherish

Cherish is the word I say about my recovery. I cherish the gift of sobriety that I have been given.

[MajestyJo]

D is for Denial. Sometimes we pull on the blanket of denial because we are not ready to face our issues. We are only as sick as our secrets and it is good to get them out into the open, whether you talk to a sponsor, a minister, a counselor, or a close friend that you trust. Denial can keep you sick and send you back out. My denial kept me sick for two years until I finally took steps to share my inner most secrets.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod42.jpg

[dwmoeller]

E is for Effort

The program works if we work it. It takes effort on our part to follow our program of recovery in every aspect of our lives.

[MajestyJo]

F is for Forgiveness. Not only others, but forgive ourself too.

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[MajestyJo]

G is for Gratitude. Grateful that I didn't have to go to the hospital yesterday, even though the medical student at my doctor's office told me I should have gone.

Old tapes GOT in the way, I was dressed and ready to go out the door and got no further.

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[dwmoeller]

H is for Help

Help is just a phone call away. Don't be afraid to call someone when you need help. If you don't have a phone list, ask for one and use it when you need it.

[MajestyJo]

I is for Isms. The ISMs of my disease is I, Self, and Me. After me, you come first. I had to change that to "First things first" is recognizing my disease and doing what ever it takes to stay clean and sober.

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[MajestyJo]

J is for Justification. Justification is a part of my disease. Justifiable anger does not make it right. Anger is anger and a danger to my recovery. I don't have to justify my existanc any more, it is okay to be me.

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[MajestyJo]

K is for Kind. Be kind to yourself. Give to yourself what you give to othes. Keep making healthy choices. Get in touch with nature. Give yourself some TLC.

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[dwmoeller]

L is for Listen

Learn to listen, not just hear. Be open-minded and non-judgmental.

[MajestyJo]

M is for Memories. Grateful for the memories of what ***, use to be like and sad that people no longer come to the site.

Grateful for the remember whens of prior to recovery and the ones in early recovey, and so grateful that I don't have to go back there if I remember to not pick up that first drink. I need to get out of the ISMs of my disease, "I, Self, and Me," and think of others.

If you need me, I'll be there.

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[MajestyJo]

N is for Now. Live in the Now. It is all that we have. Stay in the moment and in the day. Don't drag the past into it, glance over your shoulder to look at it if you need to, so you don't make the same mistakes in today and don't project into the future.

Enjoy what is in today.

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[dwmoeller]

O is for One Day at a Time

This AA slogan remind us that we stay sober one day at a time. A person can break it down even further: One hour at a time, One minute at a time, One second at a time....Whatever time frame you need at the moment to keep you from taking that first drink.

[MajestyJo]

P is for Patience. Patience is always a one day at a time thing. It is in my God's time, not mine. It is important to stay in today and not project into the future.

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[dwmoeller]

Q is for Quit

Quit while you are ahead. It is a progressive disease that doesn't quit. It'll kill you.

[dwmoeller]

R is for Replace old drinking buddies with new AA buddies.

[MajestyJo]

S is for Service. Get involved in service. If you want to keep your sobriety, you need to give it away. If you don't share and give to others, you will lose what you have and set yourself up for relapse.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/kidpod/kidpod1094.jpg

[MajestyJo]

T is for Trouble. When I think of this word, I think of the old World War I (even before my time), "Pick up your troubles in your old kit bag..."

As we hand life on life's terms, trouble with come along, but we will be able to handle it as long as we take our Higher Power with us on our journey.

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[MajestyJo]

U is for Understanding. Through an understanding of who my God was to me, I learned to understand myself. I had to revalue my principles and look at what was important to me.

My God is as I understand Him. Each day I make that connection with Him, and He is as He reveals Himself to me in today. He is the constant, it is me that can slip away.

As a good friend of mine told me many years ago, "Put it out to the Universe and see what you get back."

http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/162865-Have-A-Wonderful-Tuesday.jpg

[dwmoeller]

V is for Victory in recovery.

[dwmoeller]

W is for Watch, Wait, and Listen. Please don't leave until the miracles happen!

[MajestyJo]

X is for X-Ray. Take a look inside, do they match the outside. We need to go within and find our Inner Self and build a relationship with him/her

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[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yet. You may have not done it yet, but if you keep using, you will find yourself there. Yet, if you keep working and applying the program to your life, there is a good chance, you won't have to go there.

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[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zip. Zip your mouth, learn to listen, listen to learn. At first we are not even detoxed and our drug can easily slip into our thinking. We may think we know it all, but often it is someone else's thinking, and we have to find out what works for us.

Haven't seen this for a while. A good way to end this section.

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

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zip. Zip your mouth, learn to listen, listen to learn. At first we are not even detoxed and our drug can easily slip into our thinking. We may think we know it all, but often it is someone else's thinking, and we have to find out what works for us.

Haven't seen this for a while. A good way to end this section.

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

[dwmoeller]

A is for Attend AA meetings regularly and get involved.

[MajestyJo]

B is for Beware. Stick with the winners. Anyone who is sober in today is one. Beware of triggers, your disease is just waiting for you to slip (sobriety loses it priority) up. Beware of this disease, it is cunning, baffling, and power and tells you that you are all better now and it is safe to have just one. One is too many, a thousand isn't enough.

http://angelwinks.net/images/iq/qcbunny396.jpg

[dwmoeller]

C is for Cherish

Cherish your recovery. It is a gift. Cherish your family and friends who love and support you on your journey of sobriety.

[MajestyJo]

D is for Dog. The dog's love is unconditional and he stands for loyalty. I think of it as the God/Dog Syndrome. It doesn't matter if your understanding of God is different than that of others and/or it is opposite of what others believe in. I call it Divine Orderly Good. When I spoke to my ex-sponsor (health issues), she said, "She spells God - Good." This is the lady who told me when I first came into recovery that her Higher Power when she came into recovery was a Leprechaun.

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[dwmoeller]

E is for Eat

Eat at regular hours. Don't get too hungry. It is all a part of taking care of yourself.

[MajestyJo]

F is for First. What is a priority in today? My sobriety. I have to put it first or I don't have myself. First things first is my recovery. Without it, there is no me.

One of the first things I had to do was to bring things out of the darkness into the light so I could heal.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/icq/preciousmomentsangelcard.jpg

[MajestyJo]

G is for Growth. Have I grown in recovery or have I stayed the same. Am I in a rut and do I need to risk and take the next Step. What Step are you on? Do you do the 1, 2, 3 Waltz lately. I can't, my God can, and just for today, I choose to let Him.

God is good. Good is God. Grow a new relationship with Him/Her/It.

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

[MajestyJo]

H is for Honesty. Not just cash register honesty, but self-honesty. Honesty is the principle of the first Step. Until I can admit to being an alcoholic/addict, no one can help me.

Hi, my name is JoAnne, and I am an alcoholic. The people in the rooms loved me back to good health.

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[MajestyJo]

I is for Integrity. Walk your talk. Do the words coming out of your mouth match your actions. Do people see you and see recovery? Do the words go in your ear and out your mouth?

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/16500000/Have-a-good-day-Berni-Frances-yorkshire_rose-16523106-500-375.jpg

[dwmoeller]

J is for Just for today

Just for today I will choose life by choosing recovery. I will take care of myself.

[MajestyJo]

K is for Keep coming back. Keep coming so you don't have to come back.

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[dwmoeller]

L is for Learn

Learn to listen, not just hear. Be open-minded and nonjudgmental.

[MajestyJo]

M is for Motive. Examine your motive and intent. His it for your Higher Good and the good of the whole, or you operating on Self instead of living a spiritual path of life.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/kidpod/kidpod1161.jpg

[dwmoeller]

N is for Nothing

Nothing changes if nothing changes. Use your program and work the steps and things will change in your life.

[MajestyJo]

O is for Open. Open your mind and your heart. My best thinking got me to the doors of recovery, I needed to be open to a new way of living.

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[dwmoeller]

P is for Practice rigorous honesty with yourself and others

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quiet. It was important to quietmy mind so I could hear the Good Orderly Direction I needed one day at a time. It says in Step Three, to listen for the quieet and in the stillness, say the Serenity Prayer.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qckitten337.jpg

[MajestyJo]

R is for Remember When. Remember what it was like when you started using alcohol and drugs. Remember where your using took you. Remember what is was like detoxing. Remember when you came into recovery and how you felt. Remember what it is like in today. If today isn't the best day of your life, what are you doing wrong?

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[MajestyJo]

S is for Sobriety. It is more than being sober. It is soundness of mind. I have to remember that I need to apply the program to my mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well being.

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[MajestyJo]

T is for Top. My sponsor told me many years ago, `Top yourself up and only give away the overflow.` I try to turn my day over to my God each day. As they say, `The top of the morning to you.` Life just seems so much better that way, especially if I follow it up with a prayer of gratitude at night.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/greetingspod/greetingspod53.jpg

[MajestyJo]

U is for Unique. We are not unique in and of ourselves as an alcholic/addict. Our journey is unique in that it is ours and no one else has walked in our shoes. Our trauma is our trauma, even though it doesn't seem as horrific as you hear from some people. I need to understand that the program is about me and not about someone else.

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[MajestyJo]

V is for Victory. We have victory over our disease, if we make the decision to quit one day at a time. We ask for help in the morning and give thanks at night, and we don't pick up no matter what in this 24 hours. We can start a day any time, it is very helpful to pause duriing our day and say the Serenity Prayer.

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

[dwmoeller]

W is for Willing

Willing to go to any length to stay sober!

[dwmoeller]

X is for make eXtra meetings

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yield. Yield to the program, not to temptation. The program works if you work for it.

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[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zero. Something from nothing, is still nothing. If nothing changes, then nothing changes. What brought us to recovery will take us back out if we don't deal with it.

[dwmoeller]

A is for Avoid

Avoid loneliness.

[dwmoeller]

B is for Beware. Beware of triggers, your disease is just waiting for you to slip, it is cunning, baffling, and powerful and tells you that you are all better now and it is safe to have just one.

[dwmoeller]

C is for Cherish

Cherish is the word I say about my recovery. I cherish the gift of sobriety that I have been given.

[MajestyJo]

C is for Choice. I have been given freedom of choice. I choose recovery.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/christmas/c359.jpg

http://www.crivoice.org/symbols/xmasorigin.html

[dwmoeller]

D is for this Day

This Day I choose not to use. I can get through this day, clean and sober with the help of my Higher Power.

[MajestyJo]

E is for Everything. I asked my sponsor what I needed to change and I was told 'everything.' I was told, do the opposite of every thought and act I had done before, because when I was using, I was acting out in my disease.

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[MajestyJo]

F is for Faith. It will see you through if you put your life into the care of your God. Work through the fear and you will find faith on the other side.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/christmas/c194.jpg

[MajestyJo]

G is for Growth. As we learn to work the steps and apply them to our life, we grow in awareness and our perception changes, one day at a time. As they say, "No pain, no gain." We do gain understanding and when we work through things and get to the other side, it is worth it. We can leave the old behind and learn to walk in today with peace and serenity.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/christmas/anc15.gif

[dwmoeller]

H is for Help

Help the alcoholic who still suffers!

[MajestyJo]

I is for Identify. Identify, don't compare. I did that and stayed sick. Look at where someone is coming from, identify with the feelings. Just because it took you to jail, doesn't mean I had to go there to know I was an alcoholic.

Identify with me when I say, "My drug of choice is more." I could never have just one!

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[dwmoeller]

J is for Just for today.

Just for today I choose life by choosing recovery. I will take care of myself!

[MajestyJo]

K is for Keep. Keep coming back to meetings. Keep coming, so you don't have to come back. Some day, you just might not have the option!

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Mf2bd97feeb75e4dfe7a9d51ac24a5598o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

L is for Love. Share the Love. The people in the rooms of recovery, loved me back to good health. Without them, there would be no me.

http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/c/christmas-animals/graphics-christmas-animals-602993.gif

[MajestyJo]

M is for Merry. Merry Christmas to all. The holiday are a time to be merry and grateful for the gifts of sobriety and all the Blessing received in recovery. We can make merry without having to pick up a mood altering substance.

http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/c/christmas-animals/graphics-christmas-animals-123118.png

[dwmoeller]

N is for Nuts

You are nuts if you are:

Not
Using
The
Steps

[MajestyJo]

O is for Options. My only option was to get clean or sober, or I would die. I chose life.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUZkgsZmWiE/UlRm_BfHRAI/AAAAAAAABoo/UKf-x9ITDNg/s1600/stock-vector-happy-cat-cartoon-with-christmas-gifts-153170840.jpg

[dwmoeller]

P is for Practice

Practice control of your anger.

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quit. Quit waiting for something to happen. We have to practice the program in all our affairs. Don't give up before you are half way through. Don't quit calling your sponsor. Don't quit working the Steps. Don't quit going to meetings. Even if you no longer want to go for yourself, don't quit on the newcomers. Give back what was given to you.

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M4e98c7db858b89b04c0eeaa26926dd45o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[dwmoeller]

R is for Rejoice

Rejoice in the manageability of your new life.
Rejoice in your victory in recovery.

[MajestyJo]

S is for Santa. I hope you have been good and Santa was kind to you.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Ma1826d725078fc51d4ebea17541c318eo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

T is for TRY. All we are asked to do is try one day at a time. We have this 24 hours to stay clean and sober. A new day can start any time.

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Ma397d4dc73f5a186aed9276ec65e7b13o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

U is for Understanding. I apologize for not always being here. That is why I post the column, "A Day Can Start Any Time." I couldn't underdtand it today, but I had to accept it, that all I wanted and felt like a needed, was time in my bed.

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Vh8xBq9eKk2Efy6TcsXmMgDIDI&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

V is for Very. I wish you a very healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year. May you stay clean and sober and carry on your program into the New Year. I wish you many blessing in the New Year and may your God be with you on your journey.

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Ma58c99d8378b845781442ec69528bc37o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=261&h=166

[MajestyJo]

W is for Worship. Worship your God and give thanks for the rebirth of your Spirit. We are worthy of recovery, we are a God's children and made in his image. That brings things to mind, and I would rather not go there.

http://www.gifs.net/Animation11/Everything_Else/Smoking/Pipe_snowman.gif

[MajestyJo]

X is for Xenophobia. The fear of strangers and aliens. I think most paranoid alcoholics and addicts qualify for this label.

So grateful for the program and I no longer have to live in the fear.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M7f11476bda4ea66175432963fd0d985fo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[dwmoeller]

Y is for Yourself

Stay sober for Yourself

[dwmoeller]

Z is for ZZZZZZ!

Don't get too tired. Get a good night's sleep.

When I first went into treatment I was put on sleeping pills because I couldn't sleep. My mind was going 800 MPH and I couldn't shut it down to sleep. The sleeping pills helped me to get the sleep that I desperately needed. After time, I found that I didn't need those sleeping pills any more and with the doctors guidance, I slowly got off them. I don't take any sleeping pills now. Yes, there are some nights where I cannot get to sleep but that is rare.

Getting good sleep is one of the keys to good health.

[dwmoeller]

A is for Attend

Attend AA meetings regularly and get involved.

[MajestyJo]

B is for Be. Be willing to be caring and give back what was so freely given to you. It is okay to "Just be!" You don't always have to be busy doing, sometimes you need to just be and wait for the next thing to come along, instead of trying to make things happen.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M02d253335e645fd943e952dff75edf45o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[dwmoeller]

C is for Cherish

First of all, cherish your recovery. It is a precious gift. Also, cherish your family and friends. Cherish the little things in life too...the laughter of a child, a cup of coffee on a cold day in January, the gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

[MajestyJo]

D is for Denial. Denial can make you sick and keep you sick. In order to recover, we need to get honest with ourselves. Don't compare, identify. Don't say, "I'm not that bad." You experience your own trauma and need to deal with it.

https://d13yacurqjgara.cloudfront.net/users/6191/screenshots/1606150/kitten.gif

[dwmoeller]

E is for Eat

Eat at regular hours. Eat healthy food. This is part of taking care of yourself.

[MajestyJo]

F is for Fun. Recovery is a serious business, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun in our lives. As they say in Tradition Four, "Don't take yourself so seriously." You can still dance and do a lot of the things you thought you couldn't do unless you were drunk.

http://www.gifs.net/Animation11/Animals/Rabbits/Pink_bunny_3.gif

[dwmoeller]

G is for God gave us two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you talk. By listening with an open mind and heart, you can learn the tools of recovery and a lot about living the sober life.

[MajestyJo]

H is for Honesty. I had to get honest with me before I could be truly honest with you. Honesty is the spiritual principle of the First Step.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod25.jpg

[dwmoeller]

I is for Information

When we attend an AA meeting, we gain information on how to remain sober. Sometimes we may share words of wisdom as well. It is all about helping each other on their sobriety journey.

[dwmoeller]

J is for Just for today, I will choose life by choosing recovery. Just for today!

[dwmoeller]

K is for Kind

Be Kind, Be Gentle, Be Courageous!

[MajestyJo]

L is for Let Go and Let God. When we put our lives into the care of God, He/She will direct our path. We don't have to figure things out, we can go with the flow, and let things happen as they should. They won't always be the way we may want them to God, but I have found that my God knows what is best for me.

[dwmoeller]

M is for Maintain

Maintain a balance in your life: spiritual, emotional, mental, physical.

[dwmoeller]

N is for Ninth Step Prayer,

I pray for the right attitude to make my amends, being ever mindful not to harm others in the process. I ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends. Most important, I will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others, and growing in spiritual progress.

[MajestyJo]

O is for Opinions. Everyone has a right to one. Doesn't matter, there is no right or wrong in how you work your program if if it works for you and you are staying sober. We can always agree to disagree.

[dwmoeller]

P is for Practice

Practice rigorous honesty with yourself and others.
Practice control of your anger.
Practice these principles in all your affairs.

[dwmoeller]

Q is for Quit

Quit trying to make things complicated. Keep it Simple!

[MajestyJo]

R is for Resentments. Resentments take us back out. Let them go, forgive, for your own recovery. Anger is a danger. It is alright to feel them, but not to hang onto them.

http://www.orkugifs.com/en/images/have-a-good-day_2527.gif

[dwmoeller]

S is for Stay

Stay away from that first drink,take the first step daily..."We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable."

[dwmoeller]

T is for Take

Take down the bricks from the wall around you; you'll be able to see the daylight better. Let people know who you are.

[MajestyJo]

U is for Unity. We can do what I can't do alone. Wherever you go, you will find a meeting and the people there will welcome you, identify with you, and understand where you are coming from

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcworldkids322.jpg.

[dwmoeller]

V is for Victory in Recovery!

[MajestyJo]

W is for Welcome. Welcome to the site. Welcome to the recovery road. I hope you will share it with us.

http://textimages.us/great-day/great-day02/have-a-great-day-055.gif

[dwmoeller]

X is for eXtra

Make eXtra meetings.

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yield. Yield not to temptation. Yield to the program, it may be one of suggestions, but there are some darn well betters, or you will go back out and drink. It is suggested that you go to meetings, find a group, get a sponsor, and work the steps. If you don't apply the information you find there, there is a good chance you will relapse, if you don't change your ways. What brought you to the rooms of recovery, will take you back out.

I had a fear of relapse, because it meant for me to use is to die. Substitution didn't work for me, I tried for 8 years, and only got sicker. When I came to the doors of recovery, I found people who were able to do what I couldn't do. Stay clean and sober. I could stop, but couldn't stay stopped until I yielded to the fact that I was an alcoholic, and accepted the fact, and take Steps to allow myself to change. It wasn't about everyone else, it was about me.

[MajestyJo]

Z is for ZZZZZ. I didn't find to much sleep over the years. A friend of mine who I went through recovery with said she had been told, "Lack of sleep never killed anyone." Not too sure about, it can make them very sick and depressed. I was told to empty my head of all thought, which wasn't easy. I was told to put them in a brown paper bag, tie them us and say, "You are just thoughts" and it was my choice as to whether I opened the bag in the morning. I didn't have a very good visual, I think it was because I thought if I could envision something, I would see my brother being killed, when I was 3 and he was 2. Someone once said, "Envision a window in your arm, open it and let everything go." I wasn't able to do that.

When I had using dreams in recovery, it was generally a sign that I need to get back to basics. It wasn't so much about what I had done, but what I hadn't done, like talking to my sponsor, going to meetings, and leaving things out of my Step Ten.

[dwmoeller]

A is for Attend AA meetings regularly and get involved!

[dwmoeller]

B is for Be

Be Active. Don't just sit around. Idle time will kill you.

[MajestyJo]

C is for Care.

Make a daily decision to put your life int the Care of the God of your understanding. Your God cares for you. Learn to care for yourself.

[dwmoeller]

D is for Don't

Don't give away more than you can afford to. Your sobriety comes first! It must be your #1 priority. Protect it at all costs.

[dwmoeller]

E is for Enjoy life.

See pages 132-133 in the Big Book.

We absolutely insist on enjoying life. Cheerfulness and laughter is encouraged. Why shouldn't we laugh? We have recovered and have been given the power to help others.

[MajestyJo]

F is for Freedom. Freedom to live our lives and allow others to live theirs. Freedom from old patterns, habits, and behaviors.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/humorpod/humorpod63.gif

[dwmoeller]

G is for Gift

Sobriety is a gift. Be grateful for this gift and guard it well. Your life depends on it!

[MajestyJo]

H is for Higher Power. As it says in the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous, God as we understand Him. I like to say, "Him/Her/It" don't limit your recovery by limiting your God as to how He/She/It can work in your life.

As a sponsee once said to me, "I listened to my Lower Power for years, why not listen to my Higher Power in today. Let Him show me the way. Don't discount the people He puts in your path, they are there to help you.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/humorpod/humorpod64.gif

[dwmoeller]

I is for Information

When we attend an AA meeting, we gain information on how to remain sober. We listen and learn the tools of recovery and how to live one day at a time. Sometimes we may share words of wisdom as well. It is all about helping each other on their sobriety journey.

[MajestyJo]

J is for Joy. If you aren't enjoying recovery, what are you doing wrong. There is joy to be found in the Fellowship of the Spirit.

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.9BdWTbMSldcWGRb8-8mqPwEsC4&pid=15.1&P=0&w=323&h=199

[MajestyJo]

K is for Kin. Many of us lose our family, some are fortunate enough to get them back. Kin is important. I found that my AA family was there for me, even when my family wasn't there. Our recovery kin understand where we are coming from and know us in a way our regular family can't hope to understand.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.x3nCs3jlKDmG_DhRZ9TyUgEGEs&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

L is for Love. Love is a unconditional. Love is to be shared. Love is a gift that is given and we in turn must pass it on.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/thoughtpod/thoughtpod1025.jpg

[dwmoeller]

M is for M & M's

Meetings and Meditation -- recommended for sobriety.

Note: M & M candy is also recommended. I prefer the peanut M & M's.

[dwmoeller]

N is for Nuts

You are NUTS if you are:

Not
Using
The
Steps

[MajestyJo]

O is for Omission. Lying by omission, is still lying. We need to look at our whole life, not leave out the ones we don't like or don't want to look at.

We are only as sick as our secrets.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/thoughtpod/thoughtpod1027.jpg

[dwmoeller]

P is for Progress

Progress is made One Day At A Time!

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quit. Quit you belly aching and complaining. Do the work, it works when you work for it. Quit old pattern, behaviors and habits and live a new way of life.

We quit one day at a time. It doesn't happen over night, but one day at a time, it does get better.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qctweetywflower2.jpg

[dwmoeller]

R is for Remember

Remember that addiction is cunning, baffling, and powerful! Be on guard at all times.

[MajestyJo]

S is for Still. I am still an alcoholic. I need to work my program one day at a time. I can till slip back into old patterns and behaviors, but thankfully, in today, I have the tools to deal with my defects and shortcoming. If I am still falling short of who my God would have me be in today, it is time to do a 4th Step.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/singlecard/singlecard61.jpg

[dwmoeller]

T is for Take

Take down those bricks from the wall around you; you'll be able to see the daylight better. Let people know who you are.

I was an isolator and introverted person and built a wall around me....then in recovery treatment, I started to take down those bricks. Sunshine started to come into my dark doom and gloom. The more I opened up and threw those brick away, the more sunshine came in and soon the wall was gone and the darkness had turned to daylight! I was no longer an isolator. In recovery, I have become somewhat of an extroverted person.

[MajestyJo]

U is for the Unknown. So many of us fear it instead of trusting our Higher Power. We can't base our tomorrows on our yesterday's if we rememmber to take our God with us in today. He will make Himself known. He will make your way known. If you don't know, then the time is not right.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/kidpod/kidpod1129.jpg

[dwmoeller]

V is for Victory

We have Victory in Recovery! (with the help of our Higher Power).

[MajestyJo]

W is for Worthy. We are worthy of our recovery. Our disease took us many places that we would rather not have gone, some we didn't mind, but remember that you are worthy because you are a Child of God. You are Loved.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSqkTp5dZiwG1fxWjTbOxZhfc9re6uYs YxG9NO0iRk82Lbkwua-

[dwmoeller]

X is for eXtra

Get eXtra sleep. It is part of taking care of yourself.

Go to eXtra meetings if you feel the need.

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yet. If you continue using, your yets will come true. You will be left with yourself, and then what will you do. How about trying the program, find what works for you, and stay clean and sober, one day at a time.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod82.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zest. The program brought new zest to my life. I liked getting up in the morning. I liked being with people. If I lose that zest and not enjoying recovery, then I need to ask myself, "What am I doing wrong?" Is my score card reading zero again. Learn to identify, not compare.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcgirl384.jpg

[dwmoeller]

A is for Attend AA meeting regularly. You learn how to live a sober life. You have fellowship with fellow alcoholics. It keeps you balanced.

[dwmoeller]

B is for Believe

Believe in the AA program. It works when you work it.

[MajestyJo]

C is for Choices. We have freedom of choice. Are we making healthy choices? Today I choose to stay clean and sober in today. I choose to be of good cheer as I start my day and all the way through. I may have bad moments, but I choose not to carry them throughout my day.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcbigsmile2.jpg

[dwmoeller]

D is for Don't

Don't test your will power. When in doubt, Don't!

[dwmoeller]

E is for Eat

Eat at regular hours. Eat healthy food. It is all part of taking care of yourself in sobriety. You need to nourish the body as well as the spirit.

[MajestyJo]

F is for First. First things first is your sobriety, without it, you have nothing and your family doesn't have you. They may be family, but.... Sometimes we do have to detach from them and focus on our own recovery. Sometimes the people in our home group is our family. They are the first ones to understand us and know where we are coming from.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalpod/generalpod1085.jpg

[dwmoeller]

G is for Get

Get a home group and attend it regularly. It is important to go to AA meetings.

[MajestyJo]

H is for Home. Find yourself a home group. A place you feel comfortable sharing at. A place where you can relate to the people and they have something that you want.

Don't ask what your group can do for you. Ask for what you need to bring and do for your group. Service is an important part of sobriety. It makes a house a home.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animatedpod/animatedpod1042.gif

[MajestyJo]

I is for Identify. Identify, don't compare. Don't look at what you didn't do, but look at what you did do. Don't say, I am not as bad as they are, be grateful you never got there yet. We have a progressive disease which gives us a daily reprieve.

We only get out of a day what we put into it.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/kidpod/kidpod1057.jpg

[MajestyJo]

J is for Justified. Justified anger is not any healthier than regular anger. Anger is anger. We can justify a lot of things, but that doesn't make them right. It doesn't make them wrong either. When I start to justify, I know I have to look at me.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/animatedpod/animatedpod1045.gif

[dwmoeller]

K is for Keep

Keep coming back...it works!

[MajestyJo]

L is for Love. We need to learn to love ourselves before we can truly love someone else. Then we have to turn around and learn to like ourselves, that was the hard one for me.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/lovepod/lovepod11.gif

[MajestyJo]

M is for More. My drug of choice was more. In recovery, I try to turn that around to more meetings, reading more literature, more sharing and talking with others in recovery, more helping others, etc.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgicpod/nostalgicpod13.jpg

[dwmoeller]

N is for Nuts

Not
Using
The
Steps

This is dangerous!

[MajestyJo]

O is for Keep an Open Mind. I once heard a guy say, "Don't keep it so open that everything falls out of it. I had to change and not allow my mind to snap shut when I saw or heard something I didn't want to acknowledge.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/faithpod/faithpod15.jpg

[dwmoeller]

P is for Practice

Practice control of your anger!

[MajestyJo]

Q is for Quell. Quell those internal voices and the debating society. Quiet your mind and in the stillness, say the Serenity Prayer or any prayer you wish. We can hear our Higher Powers Good Orderly Direction, if we don't quell that internal chatter.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcmousewflowers1.jpg

[MajestyJo]

R is for Recovery. My sponsor told me, "If you have recovery, show it. Do people look at you and see recovery." I was also told to clean up my persona, my act, and my mouth.

Not quite an angel, just aim towards the best I can be each day. I always tell people, I am one in disguise, and hope they realize that I still have a sick sense of humor that God and I work on daily. I have my guardian angel watching over me.

http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/angel1.gif

[MajestyJo]

S is for Sobriety. Sober is different than sobriety. I was told by my spiritual advisor that sobriety meant soundness of mind. In order to achieve that, I had to work the steps and learn to apply them to my life daily.

Sober is so important, without that, I can't achieve anything and get ahead. Sobriety give me that something extra that makes life worth living and the freedom that recovery brings.

This picture will change daily. A different angel to help you along the way each day.

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

[MajestyJo]

T is Trust. Trust the program it works. It is a thinking disease that leads to dis-ease and we reach out to other things to fill the void. We can hide in just about anything. We do what ever it takes to not look at ourselves. I can't look at me, when I am busy looking at you.

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

[MajestyJo]

U is for Up. Walk tall, look up, stop looking at the sidewalk. Stand tall, you are worth while, you deserve recovery. The God of your understanding will walk with you and show you the way.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/thoughtpod/thoughtpod980.jpg

[MajestyJo]

V is for Victory. We have victory over our disease, when we practice our program, one day at a time. I can envision a hope for tomorrow, when I stay clean and sober in today.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/thoughtpod/thoughtpod982.jpg

[MajestyJo]

W is for Wonder. Oh the wonder of it all. I am sure this program was divinely inspired. What a wonderful world this would be, if everyone made their space the best it could be in today.

http://www.animatedimages.org/data/media/50/animated-flower-image-0023.gif

[MajestyJo]

X is for 'Xtra. When you are feeling down or hurting, go to eXtra meetings. Pay eXtra care to your program and look to see if something needs to change or if it is no longer of service to you in today. I always like to get back to basics. Do what I did in early recovery. Give yourself some eXtra care, don't be too hard on yourself.

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.MXaGsOQsrWl_xRDKl9XjmwEsEs&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[MajestyJo]

Y is for Yellow. Yellow is the sign of caution. We need to be ever watchful and not become complacent. When every thing seems to be good and comfortable, it is a sure sign that you need to look at the next step. Yield to the program, not self will.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcmanysmiles2.jpg

[MajestyJo]

Z is for Zip. Zip the lip or as the old timers day, sit down, shut up, and listen. Some times we want to give our opinion but it is best to share, our experience, strength and hope than to give advise.

http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcteddybears334.jpg