Reflections for today - June

[yukonm]

June 16

Jessie Says:

Recovery through Al-Anon has taught me that I need to "Let Go and Let God." When I try to control things over which I have no control, I set myself up. This behavior can only lead to one thing: insanity. When I am able to get my focus back on myself (one of the few things that I do have some control over) I am able to live life with a serenity I never would have known without this program.

[yukonm]

June 17

Jill Says:

When I came to AA five months ago, I thought my only problem was alcohol. Through AA meetings and reading the Big Book, I realized, what most AA members have, my fears were eased by alcohol at the beginning. Then, came the addiction that made the fears worse and changed my personality to someone I did not like. I am very grateful for AA, without it I could not have changed my unmanageable patterns. It works!

[yukonm]

June 18

Linn B. Says:

My husband recently retired after always working from the time he was 14 years old - he's now 62. This morning over our morning coffee, he looked at me and said "you know, this wouldn't be possible without Alcoholics Anonymous - who do I thank?" I told him "everybody that has been there before us and those who will come after us." Neither one of us would have survived the last fourteen great years without a program of recovery - what a life!

[yukonm]

June 19

Jennifer Says:

I have been sober for a little over a year now, not all of it has been spent in the program. Since coming into the program and with the help of church I have now found a higher power that I choose to call God. I had a close call this last weekend and was close to relapse but through prayer for strength I made it through. It made me realize just how powerless I really am. I want to say thanks to all the people in my life who've helped me on my journey.

[yukonm]

June 20

Amy L. Says:

Early in sobriety it seemed that the pain would never end. I also believed that my emotions would stay uncontrollable and rule my life. I remember the pain because a friend reminded me in a meeting tonight of how bad it hurt and how alone I felt. Today the pain is minimal unless I become an architect of my own adversity. God, the steps, a sponsor, literature, prayer, and you people have given me a life beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you.

[yukonm]

June 21

Mary Ann Says:

It helps me a great deal to realize that some people have an allergy to alcohol. Just like a child that craves sugar, they crave alcohol, but the after affect leaves them sick, unable to eat or go out and intensely depressed. The only way out is to detox and avoid it altogether. It is a high that lasts a short time and a hell that lasts for days. It still remains, after all, a poison to the system!

[yukonm]

June 22

Paige M. Says:

When I fail to spend time in spiritual areas of my life I tend to take it all on myself which has led me to poor choices in the past three months. When I read my Big Book daily on surrendering I find the days much less challenging and I remain focused. Gratitude too is a daily part of each morning, reflecting on the blessings I have and not what I want to desire in the 'now.' I find freedom, release, peace and joy through this program and for that I am grateful today!

[yukonm]

June 23

Karen Says:

Just for today I was thinking that one of the things I love about Al-Anon is there are no rules, just suggestions. I was also thinking that even my Higher Power doesn't force me to do anything. I always have choices, and there are no "musts" in Al-anon. That gentleness, attractiveness and non-controlling atmosphere keep me coming back every time. If I had been told I had to do this or that when I came in, I probably would have left long ago.

[yukonm]

June 24

Michael M. Says:

I have found through my journey in recovery that when I have the spiritual aspects running with me I seem to be okay but, when I have not; there might be trouble. No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.

[yukonm]

June 25

Viviane Says:

These past two years have been challenging, difficult and hard, but by far also the very best two years of my adult life. Life has not become easier, but so very much better. Through AA I have had the opportunity to learn new ways of looking at life that reach far beyond just my dealing with addiction, but that made it possible to gain a completely new outlook at every single day of my life.

[yukonm]

June 26

Melinda E. Says:

My dependence on accomplishments and awards defined my existence. And they were fleeting, few, and far-apart. I slowly realized that I was not living my life. I was enduring it. I had no joy. I am trying to experience life to the fullest now. I am surrounding myself with the Experience, Strength, and Hope of the fellowship that surrounds me in this program. I am feeling peace within myself and a feeling that my life does have meaning. I am no longer marking time.

[yukonm]

June 27

Sandman Says:

I drove to my first Al-Anon meeting, and sat in the parking lot to petrified to leave my car. Twenty years later, I finally walked through the door. Six months after my first meeting, I realized this program is about understanding myself, and alcoholism, no matter how long it took me to get here, and no matter how long it takes. I am forever grateful.

[yukonm]

June 28

Ted Says:

One year ago today, after throwing up during a brown out at work, I was escorted to a testing facility where I promptly blew a .27. I subsequently lost a $60K position with a Fortune 20 company, and entered "shangra-la" for a week of "reflection." What a difference a year makes. To all of those who have shared their experience, strength and hope, and most of all to that which created me and guides me, I say thank you.

[yukonm]

June 29

Chrsitine S. Says:

I can't believe the power of a 12 step program. I'm so glad I lived to enjoy life sober. I don't want material things, I'm not preoccupied by money, and I've let go of my "so-called drinking buddies" for favor of real family and friends who are also on the road to recovery. Each day poses and new challenge, but I know with the help of the program and my HP I can do this!

[MajestyJo]

Sikgrl Says:

I'm learning to cultivate gratitude for all the experiences my sober life has to offer, whether I like them or not. the reason is that there is a gift in all things, all people, all events, if i will see it. I will not return to the dope house with gratitude for this life and all it has to offer.

Note:

The "Thoughts of the Day" are from members of various 12 step programs. Some are A.A., some Al-Anon, and some Adult Children of Alcoholics. Take what you need and leave the rest!