Pocket Sponsor

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Some recovering addicts take comfort in their complexity as if they are the exceptionally wounded. They worry their wounds and pick at their pain, giving themselves permission to be difficult, slow, and self-absorbed. Are you simply healing to your own internal rhythm or giving yourself excuses to be difficult?

I don’t make the pity pot too comfortable.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Try to live your life without adding to your Eight Step list. You have enough wreckage to clear up from the past without creating wreckage in the now.

When I feel my worst, I try my best.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




When you work with others, you allow Divine Intelligence to speak and smile through you. You allow the Divine to reach out and hug the drunk, the junkie, and the dope head.

All people smile in the same language.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Do not ask what your Higher Power can do for you, but rather what you can do for your Higher Power. This gets us out of self.

Dear God, what can I do for you today?

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




People who seek a sponsor without faults, will be without a sponsor.

I know that my sponsor is willing to make mistakes, if I am willing to learn from them.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




You are either progressing or regressing. There is no such thing as standing still; there is no such thing as simply “gressing.”

W I can only coast one way, and that's downhill.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




As a general rule, questions that ask “why” go in the wrong direction, seeking explanations that blame and shame. Questions that begin with “How” and “What” as in “How do I start my Fourth?” and “What can I learn from this?” lead to solutions, where the light bulb goes on in your head.

I ask questions that lead to exclamations not explanations.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Sometimes you are the wind; sometimes you are the bug; sometimes you are the windshield.

Experience is what I get when I don't get what I want.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Often the difference between a bad attitude and a good one is simply what you call it. You can be lonely or enjoy blessed solitude. You can be burdened or building strength. People can use you or you can be of use to others.

Whether it is AA for ‘Altered Attitude,’ NA for ‘New Attitude,’ or CDA for ‘Change ‘D Attitude,’ my attitude today is a direct reflection of my personal growth.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




“Rather than put a label on yourself as Christian, Jew, Moslem, Buddhist, or whatever, instead make a commitment to be Christ-like, God-like, Buddha-like and Mohammed-like.” -Dr. Wayne Dryer

I make a commitment to be “Twelve Step-like” today.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Recovery is a Process Not an Event. There will never be a graduation day for your new way of life. The more you learn and grow the more you will see that you have more to learn and grow. That is what Steps Ten, Eleven, and Twelve are all about.

I learn to grow and grow to learn. My day of graduation is when I die.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




When you are in the wrong place, the right place is empty.

Do I know my rightful place in recovery?

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




We may have the right to be wrong, but our steps teach us that we don’t have the right to do wrong.

When my only reason for doing something is “because I have the right!” it usually turns out wrong.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




We often hear "turn it over." This means turn over problems not under our control right now--whether they are with family, friends, work, or the law--we offer the things we cannot change to a Higher Power and LET GO.

If I turn it over and don’t let go, I’ll be upside down!

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




“You should not be esteemed by others if you have no real inner virtue.” -Dogen, The Pocket Zen Reader You get esteem by doing something esteeming.

I never have to worry about low self-esteem when I do esteeming things.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




The safest banks fail, corporations fold, loved ones die, all things change. Your life now changes like the tides or the seasons. You are not alone in this change. Seek out others who have experienced relief from your problem of choice and let them guide you through it.

I can change my clothes and change my address but until I change myself, I cannot grow.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Our disease had so much control over our lives, that it not only made us do things we did not want to do, but would not let us do things that we wanted to.

My disease used to make my choices. Now I do.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




The spiritual journey is one of continually falling on your face, getting up, brushing yourself off, looking sheepishly at God, and taking another step.

If I’m faced in the right direction, and fall on my face, I've still made progress.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Whatever you are trying to avoid, we won’t go away until you confront it.

When I see myself as others see me, do I deny it?

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




It’s a very interesting thing about human nature, when you stop treating yourself poorly, it will become unacceptable for others to do so.

If I don't take care of myself, why should anyone else?

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Do you think you deserve special treatment because you are clean and sober? Most of us do at one time or another. Treat us special and we feel normal; treat us normal and we feel rejected.

Do I want my ego to be the first thing people see when I walk into a room?

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Even when it hurts like hell, hold fast. The pain is the arrow coming out, not the arrow going in. Faith is not about trusting a God who will rescue you from arrows but trusting in the process. Faith will center you, not rescue you.

As the pain and fear pass, I hold fast.

[janbear]

There is no right way to do the wrong thing. Whatever you were thinking of doing, you can not rationalize it into "right" action by saying, "yes but this" or "no but that." You know what's right and you know what's wrong-that gut feeling guides you.

When things go wrong, I don't go with them.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




If people don’t agree with you, so what? If people do agree with you, so what? Our program is one of suggestions, not conformity.

I do not need to conform to be comfortable. “Comfortable” is conscious contact, not conscious copycat.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




All of us chemical dependents have come from the same place, no where. We all enter the world of recovery by changing our place to now here. No Where to Now Here. It works.

NOW is the working unit of my life.

[admin]

Take the "alcohol" out of the "alcoholic" and you're left with the "ic". Are you an untreated "ic?"



The Twelve Steps is how I treat the "ic"

in me, the sick in me.



Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The

Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




There are no victims, only volun-teers. When we cry, “They did this to me, they did that to me…” what we are really saying, is I placed myself in a position for this or that to happen. I volunteered for it.

I volunteer for sobriety today.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




He who laughs, lasts! “But why shouldn’t we laugh? We have recovered.” (P 132, AA Big Book)

My laughter is good medicine.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




You certainly are not good at every aspect of service to your group. You may be good at opening meetings, emptying ash trays, remembering to contact people, or going out on Twelve Step calls. Maybe you are lousy at greeting people at the door, holding office, getting birthday cakes, or paying the rent. Whatever you lack skills for, others can pick up; whatever you are good at, recognize!

For my shortcomings, I delegate; for my strengths, I congratulate.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




“Being angry at God won’t hurt God, and neither will it provoke Him to take measures against us. If it makes us feel better to vent our anger at Him over a painful situation, we are free to do it. The only thing wrong with doing it is that what happened to us was not really God’s fault.” -Harold S. Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Usually, things don’t happen TO make me angry; things happen THAT make me angry.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Life begins right outside your comfort zone. Start changing.

If I fail to change the person I was when I came in, that person will take me out!

[admin]

3/9

- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books



If you are not happy with what you have, what makes you think you would be happy with more?

Happiness is not having what I want but wanting what I have.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




One way to tell how well you are practicing the principles in all your affairs is to notice how you treat people who can be of no service to you.

I go out of my way to be kind to the very next person I encounter, regardless of what they can or cannot do for me.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




It is our experience in recovery that a Power greater then ourselves places the answers before us that we need to hear when we need to hear them. Often we don't like the answers and practice self-will by trying to force our solution. Forcing solutions is the same as ignoring Step Three.

When I force the solution, the solution becomes the problem.

[janbear]

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




Whatever spiritual values you adopt are unique to you. You may adopt a strong religious stance or a more intimate spiritual philosophy from within. In any case, the spiritual path you seek is up to you and not those around you. Be comfortable with your spiritual choices and don’t try to please others.

The more I have on the inside, the less I need on the outside.

[admin]

Don't ever think you have it made. Your time away from your last mind-affecting chemical is not the same as your distance to the next. You are only one drink away from a drunk, one hit away from a high.

Being sober doesn't keep me sober.

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall

[janbear]

Trying to pray is praying, even when we aren't sure exactly what God wants from us. Trying means we have the desire to communicate with the Divine Source. Even if no words come, just hitting your knees means a prayer has occurred.

My healing begins in kneeling.

From the pocket sponsor

[janbear]

"They say that young people don’t get sober, they get caught. Getting caught is a great way to find recovery. We don't care how you get here cyberfamily, whether it is your parents that force you, a school counselor, the courts, or a guilty conscious--you're here. So decide not to get recaught cyberfamily, but to recover instead. Come back tomorrow cyberfamily for another personal message to ponder

Pocket Sponsor

[janbear]

We do not believe in lemming recovery. Clement wrote "faith must go hand in hand with inquiry." If you do not "get" something, ASK. Ask at meetings, ask a clean and sober friend, ask your sponsor, or ask your Higher Power in prayer.

The only stupid question is the one I don't ask.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books
3/16/8

[janbear]

Day Seventeen/9:00 PM:

Sanskrit saying "God sleeps in the mineral, awakens in the plants, walks in the animals, and thinks in you." The Universal Source of life actually thinks in you. Use this well.

Every bad choice I ever made began with a single
Thought. Every good choice I ever made began with a
Single thought. I choose my thoughts carefully.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Some people cannot agree with the slogan that says, "Your worse day sober is better than your best day drunk" because they remember some jolly good times using and some sad times sober. What we can agree with, is that we are only one drink, fix, pill, toke, or line away from losing all we have found in our new way of life.

When I think of where I could be, I sure
Am happy to be where I am.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[eve3]

You can work the steps to get out of trouble or you can work the steps to stay out of trouble.

Change is mandatory, progress optional.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

3/19/8

[Rockin Big Daddy]

Some people cannot agree with the slogan that says, "Your worse day sober is better than your best day drunk" because they remember some jolly good times using and some sad times sober. What we can agree with, is that we are only one drink, fix, pill, toke, or line away from losing all we have found in our new way of life.

When I think of where I could be, I sure
Am happy to be where I am.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

Life has a beautiful rhythm and pace. Live it as it comes.
If you try to outrun life, you miss much of its beauty. Instead of racing ahead to cover more ground, see the treasures that are right here and now.

Rather than resenting or regretting what has already happened, focus your thoughts on the good you can do in this moment. There are plenty of opportunities when you choose to see them.

If you're constantly chasing life, the best of it eludes you. Decide to do a little less pursuing and a lot more enjoying.

You cannot do all of this week's breathing, or eating, or sleeping in just one day. There's plenty of time to get everything done if you'll just stop wasting so much effort on jumping ahead.

Seek to live in harmony with the rhythm and flow of life. Live life as it comes, and it will come to you in great abundance.

-- Ralph Marston

[janbear]

Day Twenty/8:00 AM:

"Drag your thoughts away from troubles...by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it. It's the healthiest thing a body can do." ~Mark Twain.

There is no trouble so bad that thinking
About it won't make it worse.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Twenty-one/8:00 PM:

All our suggestions are free. The ones you don't take are the ones you end up paying for.

"Clean and sober" is not a sentence; it is a reprieve.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Twenty-two/3:00 AM:

In prayer, "We can use words or we can pray silently through careful, mindful, spiritual acts. We can pray for ourselves or others, for what we need or want, or we can pray to follow the will of our Higher Power. In fact, we can make a prayer out of most anything we do. The way we do what we do can make most any act a prayer." Anonymous, Day By Day

Through mindful, spiritual acts, I become a living prayer.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Twenty-three/5:00 PM:

When they ask for a topic at tonight's meeting, suggest "What Happens to People Who Don't Go to Meetings?"

If I don't go to meetings, I won't hear what happens to people who don't go to meetings.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Twenty-five/10:00 PM:
"We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world." ~Helen Keller

My adversities are opportunities in disguise.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books
3/25/8

[janbear]

Day Twenty-six/10:00 AM:

Sweat the small stuff. The big stuff we can handle, it's the day to day crap that gets us. How do we attend to the small stuff? Steps Ten and Eleven.

Today I treat myself to quiet time in order to review the small stuff.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Twenty-eight/9:00 AM:



People may off handedly say "Have a nice day," and you don't see anything "nice" about today. Maybe they should say, "Have a nice day, unless you have other plans."



I don't "have" a nice day, I "make" a nice day.



Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The

Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Twenty-nine/8:00 PM:



When we "cease fighting any one or anything," we must give up conflict. If you participate in it, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.



Conflict cannot survive without my participation.



Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The

Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Thirty/5:00 AM:



Step Six. "Many members mistakenly think this is a passive step requiring no action on their part, just words. Not so. It is just as much an action step as four and five. We act by not acting out and that is how we demonstrate our willingness in this step." (P 46, Young, Sober, & Free)



I stop any behavior connected to my defects. I do not take

revenge, tell someone off, or procrastinate that project.

Stopping the negative behavior is true willingness.



Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The

Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Thirty-one/10:00 PM:

Whether you pray, petition, plead, protest, prod, or praise your Spiritual Source, whether you sing songs of gratitude or whisper words of doubt, this is prayer.

Got prayer?

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day One/12:00 AM:

Do not regret the past. “The past is but the beginning of a beginning/and all that is and has been/is but the twilight of the dawn.” ~H. G. Wells from Beside Prayers. Your past is the beginning of this beginning.

I “will not regret the past nor wish to close
The door on it.” (P 83, AA Big Book)

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Two/12:00 PM:

Today you are leading a life. When you were drinking and drugging, you were a life being led.

It is God’s job to make miracles and I am one of them.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Three/1:00 AM:

"Be humble and you will not stumble." A simple thought; a mighty message.

If I am not humble, I will be humiliated.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Four/4:00 PM:

Part of recovery is becoming whole and that includes relationships. But we must be a whole person seeking a whole person, not a broken person seeking another to become whole.

It's not a question of me finding the right person, but
Becoming the right person. (Especially if I’m
Already with someone!)

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Five/2:00 AM:

Faith has been used as a weapon against us (or we used it against others), blaming our lack of recovery or progress on a lack of faith. If you are having trouble understanding faith right now, think about this: Faith is a tool, not a weapon.

I put down my weapons and pick up the tools.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Six/11:00 AM:

You take them to meetings, but can’t make them listen; you give them a basic text but you can’t make them read it; you set a good example but you can’t stop them from picking up.

I pick them up, as long as they don’t pick up.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Being lonely gets in the way of learning how to live alone. You are not alone even though you Apr have felt alone in a crowd in the past. The remedy for loneliness is service. Show up to a meeting 30 minutes early tonight and help set up. We promise you will not be lonely!

I never have to be alone again.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Eight/3:00 AM:

New-found recovery, makes it all too easy to walk with your head in the clouds of new-found spirituality. You can't see where you're going with your head in the clouds!

I do not become so spiritual that I am
Of no earthly value.


Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Day Nine/7:00 PM:

Being lonely gets in the way of learning how to live alone. You are not alone even though you may have felt alone in a crowd in the past. The remedy for loneliness is service. Show up to a meeting 30 minutes early tonight and help set up. We promise you will not be lonely!

I never have to be alone again.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Anger
If even one person in a house has anger, there is a battle. An angry person makes a household very sorrowful. Anger is a very bitter enemy. Where there is anger and sorrow, that is called hell. Do not make others unhappy due to your anger.



Day Ten/8:00 AM:

If God is your co-pilot, switch seats! (Anonymous Sage) There is something special waiting for you to do today that won’t get done if you are flying around doing your own thing.

When I let my Higher Power pilot my life, I know that
Inspiration will guide my actions and that
“special something” will get done.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[admin]

4/11

"Do not regret the past. The past is but the beginning of a beginning/and all that is and has been/is but the twilight of the dawn- H.G. Wells. Your past is the beginning of this beginning. We will not regret the past nor wish to close the door on it."

[admin]

Day Twelve/12:00 AM:

Don't get ‘seeking serenity’ con-fused with ‘seeking utopia.’ The Twelve-Step programs do not open the gates of heaven to let us in, they open the gates of hell to let us out.

I feel lighter and better about myself when I don’t expect
a perfect world simply because I am clean and sober.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Attitudes

When you extend pure love to everyone with selfless motivation that is an attitude of kindness. When you send good wishes and pure feelings to those who are in deep sorrow, that is an attitude of mercy. When you see the virtues rather than the weaknesses in people that is an attitude of compassion. When you bless and uplift someone even as they defame you, that is an attitude of forgiveness. When you tolerate a situation and take responsibility as well as give cooperation even when not appreciated, that is an attitude of humility and self-respect. Every second, every moment and every breath of your life is nurtured by attitude.




Day Thirteen/11:00 PM:

The Power behind us is greater than the problems in front of us.

Tonight, I am Higher Powered.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



You must learn to pick up a program, not just set down a drink! They call this foot work. Your Higher Power wants to make a deal with you. You do the foot work and He'll take care of the results.

If I have one hand in the fellowship and one hand in God's, I can't pick up today.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote


There will be many times when nothing anyone does, including yourself, seems right. But these 'nothing is ever right' times pass like a cloud over-head. Do not make decisions until the cloud passes, so that you make them in the full light of your good senses.

I do not make decisions when 'nothing is going right.� How can my decision be right if nothing else is?

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



It is not unusual for people to say something and then consider it done. They forget to actually do it. Do not say 'I will go to more meetings; I will get a sponsor soon; I must work with newcomers, then consider it done. You must actually do these things to have them work for you.

I let go of doing life in my head.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Don't allow anger, bitterness, and other character defects to affect your family, friends, and fellowship. It is all too easy to lash out at ones close to you who will 'understand' your hostility and give you room because you are in recovery. Treat them as you would a newcomer for they deserve as much.

Harsh words break no bones but they do break hearts.

[janbear]

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Although romance and relationships are an important aspect of balance in our lives--it is never the solution to drinking and other drug taking. It is sometimes easier to focus on passion, rather than trudge through the steps!

I practice these principles in all my affairs, (pun intended).

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Although a bit of compassion might be nice now and again, you sure don't need anyone's pity! Compassion is laced with understanding while pity reflects a diminished picture of yourself. With gut level honesty, you will evoke compassion; by denying, hiding, and blaming, you are likely to evoke pity from others.

If I am genuine about my recovery with others, they will be genuine in their compassion with me.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



This is a 'We' program, not a 'Me' program. We do this together. Look at our steps. They all say 'We admitted' or 'We came to believe. Doing it together makes us stronger and less likely to fool ourselves with dysfunctional ways of thinking.

This is a self-help program that I can't do by myself

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Seven days without a meeting, makes one weak.

Just as I am not independently wealthy and need to work to stay solvent, I am not independently healthy and need meetings to stay soulvent.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



'Smile facts: It is 2.5 times easier to smile than to frown. It takes 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 to smile. Smiling stimulates our nervous system to produce �cerebral morphine.' This hormone give us a pleasant feeling and it has an anesthetic effect.� ~Karlynn Baker Scharlau, A Thoughtful Moment

When I meet someone today who isn't wearing a smile, I give them mine.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Recovery is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it.

My recovery comes from new daily habits I form in seconds, minutes, and hours of simple Twelve-Step living.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Sobriety often brings us effects we never expected, like becoming the person we used to resent!

I used to resent people whose standards I could not live up to. Now, by the Grace of God, I am one!

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Being lonely gets in the way of learning how to live alone. You are not alone even though you may have felt alone in a crowd in the past. The remedy for loneliness is service. Show up to a meeting 30 minutes early tonight and help set up. We promise you will not be lonely!

I never have to be alone again.

[janbear]

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Having a God of our own under-standing does not mean we have to withhold saying 'God' around non-believers. People who try to get the word 'God' out of the Twelve Steps in order not to offend others, are missing the point. The point is, no one has to say 'God' in order to recover�it does not mean others can't call their Higher Power 'God.'

God is the answer. Now what is my problem?

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Have you ever found yourself saying, 'I can't believe this!' because things have gotten out of hand? You can't believe it because it's gotten out of your hand. This is the time to laugh at yourself for trying to control again�poke fun at the situation, your beliefs, whatever. Have fun.

'When things get goofy beyond belief, it's time to stop believing and get goofy.' ~Pat Samples, Daily Comforts for Caregivers

[janbear]

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It is not your duty to solve other people's problems, arbitrate their disputes and raise their children. If you believe this is Twelve Step work, you will only be hurt when they reject your advice and shocked when they blame you for their troubles.

My job is to carry the message, not deliver the drunk

[admin]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

If you don't stand for something, they say you will fall for anything. Do you stand up for recovery? Do you stand up for principle? Do you stand up for the Traditions, Steps, and Fellowship?

United we stand; divided we stagger.

[janbear]

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Although thoughts are things, they are not actions; although feelings are real, they are not facts. They only have the power we give them through our actions.

When I act kindly, I give power to loving thoughts and feelings; when I use harsh words and 'get even� I give power to angry thoughts and feelings.

[janbear]

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They say that young people don't get sober, they get caught. Getting caught is a great way to find recovery. We don't care how you get here, whether it is your parents that force you, a school counselor, the courts, or a guilty conscious--you're here. So decide not to get recaught, but to recover instead.

If I'm young, I am respectful of the old farts. If I'm an old fart I don't recite platitudes to the young.

[janbear]

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Although there are no Twelve Step gurus, and God knows we are not saints, there are times when the words and actions of some members touch us so much that we practically consider them saints. We never forget though, that they are human and still suffer. So we reach out to them as they reach out to others.

I remember that the 'alcoholic that still suffers' could just as well be an old-timer as it is a newcomer, my sponsor as my sponsee.

[janbear]

Day Two/12:00 PM:

Today you are leading a life. When you were drinking and drugging, you were a life being led.

It is God’s job to make miracles and I am one of them.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

'Suit up, Show up, Sit up, Shut up� is what we used to tell newcomers. We used to say this for darn good reason. Drunk drunks and newly clean addicts shouldn't be running at the mouth about recovery when they don't understand recovery. Unfortunately 'Politically Correct' (or rather, 'Therapeutically Correct�) often hijacks our meetings. Do not be afraid to take our meetings back.

In order to continue to help the newcomer, I Suit up, Show up, Sit up, and Speak up!

[janbear]

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The old timers used to say that the world's most difficult prayer was 'O, Lord, be as good to me today, as I was to my fellowman, yesterday.'

I say what I mean, mean what I say, and don't say it mean.

[janbear]

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If God is your co-pilot, switch seats! (Anonymous Sage) There is something special waiting for you to do today that won't get done if you are flying around doing your own thing.

When I let my Higher Power pilot my life, I know that inspiration will guide my actions and that 'special something' will get done.

[janbear]

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Don't ever think you have nothing left to learn in the fellowship and that everyone wants to hear you talk incessantly because you are so wise. You can not have an open mouth and an open mind at the same time.

When I do all the talking, I can only hear what I already know.

[janbear]

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We are now learning to keep our thoughts in recovery and not in the insanity of the past. The program fixes it so we don't have to suffer from insanity anymore. Now we can enjoy it!

Crazy-making is what I make of it.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Few of us realize that God is all we need until God is all we have.

If I can't find God, I know who moved.

[janbear]

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If you rely on meetings alone to keep you sober, then you must find a 24 hour meeting. Meetings are for identifying and sharing. People in the meetings will tell you what they did and suggest what you can do, but they can't do it for you.

I can pray for a good harvest, but I still have to plow.

[janbear]

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Don't let your starting point in recovery ever discourage you. Don't let your starting point today put a frown on your face. Anyone who gets to be an old-timer had to be a newcomer first. Smile and start.

My journey of a thousand smiles begins with the First Step.

[janbear]

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'When one is a stranger to oneself then one is estranged from others too. If one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others.' ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gifts From the Sea 1955

I cannot touch others if I am not in touch with myself. I keep in touch with myself through Step Ten.

[janbear]

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The most convincing message we can carry to other chemical dependents is our own example of a contented recovery. And kindness. To the desolate alcoholic/addict, an act of kindness can be the difference between getting 'better' or getting 'bitter.'

I remember that I may be the only Big Book some people ever see.

[janbear]

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If you don't deal with your feelings, they'll deal with you. Whatever you are thinking right now is creating how you feel. One of the best ways to deal with the way you feel is to create positive thoughts.

I create positive feelings by thinking positive thoughts.

[janbear]

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Knowing what to do with this moment, is as simple as doing the next right thing so that your Spiritual Source can act in your best interests.

When my Higher Power is for me, what can be against me?

[janbear]

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Now and then with a little time, we stop working one through nine. The price of recovery is eternal vigilance. Steps Ten, Eleven, and Twelve insure that we keep working One through Nine.

No matter how much time I have from my last drink or drug, I am only Twelve Steps away from the next.

[janbear]

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Whatever our problems, when we dwell on the problem, the problem gets bigger. When we dwell on the solution, the solution gets bigger.

I don't tell my Higher Power how big my problem is, I tell my problem how big my Higher Power is.

[janbear]

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Our recovery has less to do with our thinking and much more to do with our actions. If you don't believe this, stop going to meetings, stop looking at where you're wrong, stop making amends, and stop doing service work. You will soon see that no matter how good your 'thoughts' are, your life won't be worth a hoot in very short order.

My recovery works better when I utilize, not analyze.

[janbear]

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The next time a newcomer tells you, 'The program isn't working for me,� agree with them. They are right. Then explain to them that the only people who stay clean and sober are the ones who work the program, not the ones who wait for the program to work for them.

I must do the work or it doesn't get done.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



'If you are humble, nothing can touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know who you are.' ~Mother Theresa

Humility is that virtue which reduces me to the proper size without degrading me, and increases me in statue without inflating me.

[janbear]

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Frequently, addicts and alcoholics who experience difficulties will isolate in order to lick their wounds like an injured animal. You may not want to bother us, you may be embarrassed by your blunders, or you may think it's not our business. When you don't use our friendship, we can't do our job.

Friends are God's way of taking care of me.

[janbear]

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God is the answer, now what is the problem? Problem with the word 'God?' According to Random House Dictionary--Life, Truth, Love, Mind, Soul, Spirit, and Principle are all synonymous for 'God.' The above statement could just as easily be 'Life, Truth, Love, Mind, Soul, Spirit, and Principle are the answers. Now what is the problem?�

Today, I let go of the labels that stand between me and my understanding of God.

[janbear]

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There will be times when people around you act like absolute jerks. If they are a jerk and the problem is with them, time will reveal it. Likewise, if you are the jerk and the problem is with you, time will reveal it. Do the next right thing and give time time.

[admin]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

You may not always know what is right but you sure know what is wrong. Anytime you have to give excuses for why you do what you do, it's wrong.

If I have to explain or excuse it, then I can do without it.

[admin]

Hour To Hour - Book - Quote

When there is no way to get away from us, when we can't get high enough to turn off the pain anymore, when we are worried and confused, then maybe it is time to try another way.

Right now I surrender to another way. Right now I will not get high and will walk this new road.

[admin]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

Relief Lies in Two Four Letter Words that Begin with F: Steps Four and Five. (P 29, Young, Sober, & Free)

I Uncover to Recover in Four and Five.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

My sponsor's mistakes become my gifts when I listen.

[janbear]

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Living life on life's terms,' just what does this mean to us? It doesn't mean we will get a brownie button for every day we stay abstinent. It simply means life can be tough and we can stay sober if we chose to live by principle.

'Don't you worry none, just take it like it comes, one day at a time.� Song, One Day at a Time

[janbear]

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To err is human but you need to admit it.

I accept that having all the answers is not the answer.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Although loving and being loved is an important aspect of balance in our lives�relationships are never the solution to drinking and other drug taking. We sometimes focus on the strong emotion of love from another rather than face loving ourselves by working the program.

Today I 'act as if� I am worth loving

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



It's not your Higher Power's Will that makes you miserable. It's your resistance to HP's Will that causes the damage. Turning it over will set you right again.

God's will is when I turn it over. Self-will is when I've over turned it.

[janbear]

"Approach each second with respect. If you move too fast, you miss the meeting point between mind and matter and become like the hare who scampered but lost the race." ~Unknown, Pearls of Wisdom



There is no speeding in the "trudging" zone.



The Pocket Sponsor Page -141-

by Shelly Marshall

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



What comes after ninety days? Ninety-one! 'Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.' ~Will Rogers

There are only two times I have to diligently work this program, the first 90 days and every day after that!

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Rather than getting even with those that hurt you, the challenge is to get even with those that help you.

I can't be resentful and grateful at the same time.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Humility is not so much thinking less of yourself as it is thinking of yourself less.

True humility is accepting myself without embellishment and without embarrassment.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Don't get �seeking serenity' con-fused with �seeking utopia.' The Twelve-Step programs do not open the gates of heaven to let us in, they open the gates of hell to let us out.

I feel lighter and better about myself when I don't expect a perfect world simply because I am clean and sober.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



You must be prepared to make some unpopular decisions when you live by principle. You will not be able to please everyone. Be firm with others as you chose the principle and not the personality; be firm with your personality as it butts heads with your principles.

By practicing principles in all my affairs, I learn not to 'people please� but to 'Higher Power Please.'

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



We need special people in our lives so that we can travel the path of recovery. The special people are easy to find, they are right in front of you. They are called 'winners.'

I stick with the winners and win with the stickers

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Progress, not perfection� No matter how long you have been in recovery, no matter how long you have worked the steps, you will never raise above the level of human being.

I claim spiritual progress today, not spiritual perfection.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



People in our fellowships who think they are too big to do little things are perhaps too little to be asked to do big things.

I remember where I came from.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Many problems will be averted with a very simple code for behavior. This is called 'kindness.' Kindness is more then politeness; it means a warm concern for the other person's feelings.

I let my kindness be a gift to another and the tag reads, 'Please handle with tender loving care.�

[janbear]

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'Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth� applies to the old-timer as well as the beginner�anyone who is too fond of their own voice.

I listen to learn and learn to listen.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



If there is someone weaker than you, be kind to them. If there is someone stronger than you, be kind to yourself.

What kind of person am I? The kind, kind.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



You don't have to eat, breathe, and bathe in our fellowship, but you do need to eat, breathe, and bathe in program. This is because you must practice these principles in all your affairs. The only way to do it in all your affairs is to DO IT in all your affairs.

If I'm working my program, I needn't worry about others working theirs

[janbear]

Hour To Hour - Book - Quote



We've heard people say, 'Be humble and you will not stumble.' There's more truth in this then its simplicity implies.

May the God of my understanding enable me to be humble without being humiliated.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



This too shall pass. Sometimes it passes like a gentle breeze and sometimes it passes kinda like a kidney stone. Whichever, we can promise that whatever vexes you now, shall pass.

I give time, time because I know that when God made time, He/She made plenty of it.

[janbear]

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In the ups and downs of life, remember that the most productive ups and downs are getting up for a meeting and down to the steps.

When I'm down, I take a Step and then the Step takes me.

[janbear]

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There are many times when crying is the appropriate thing to do. Tears let us know that you need to be supported and consoled. Do not be afraid to cry. Do not be afraid to support others when they cry.

Tears are liquid prayers.

[janbear]

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There will always be people who did worse than you and always people who do better. You can use comparison to prove anything you want: that you lack thus and such or that you are better than so and so. We learn not to compare our selves and our stories, but to identify.

I identify, I don't compare

[janbear]

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Take heart. There is no situation too difficult to be bettered and no unhappiness too great to be lessened. This is because the spiritual tools you require reside within�within that heart you 'take.'

What lies in front of me and what lies behind me is insignificant compared to what lies within me.

[janbear]

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Ramana Marhrshi talks about life's journey and likens it to a train trip. He says that you can carry your baggage on your head or set it on the floor beside you. Either way, both you and your baggage arrive at your destination. This is because the train carries your baggage, not you. If you prefer to carry your burdens on your head, it doesn't change the destination, it simply gives you a head ache.

I chose to let my Higher Power carry my baggage and my burdens

[janbear]

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Trying to pray is praying, even when we aren't sure exactly what God wants from us. Trying means we have the desire to communicate with the Divine Source. Even if no words come, just hitting your knees means a prayer has occurred.

My healing begins in kneeling.

[admin]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

There is a difference between sharing our experience and imposing our opinions on someone. A sure way to set yourself up for a 'slip' is to be convinced that others will slip if they don't listen to your opinion.

When my opinion means more to me than my sobriety, I set myself up for a SLIP (Sobriety Loses Its Priority).

[admin]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

Almost all anger is some form of control�either you trying to control people, places, or things or them trying to control you. If it's you controlling them, stop it. If it's them controlling you, stop it.

I can't do HP's will, my way.

[admin]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

There may be some people who want you to be perfect. But thanks to our fellowship, to God, and the Twelve Steps, you don't have to be one of them!

I claim progress, not perfection.

[janbear]

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Our program does not teach us how to handle drinking and drugging. It teaches us how to handle recovery.

Another day, another recovery!

[janbear]

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It really is a daily program. Think about it, if you only quit one day at a time, every day that you don't pick up will be an accomplishment. If you quit forever, you won't have accomplished anything until you're dead.

Today, my one day.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Safety is not something freely granted by the world. More people are hungry, homeless, sick, and in violent situations, than we care to admit. There are more lives ruined by chemical dependency that we care to admit. Yet the impermanence and insecurity of the earth plane is matched equally with the permanence and safety of the Divine Realm.

My Higher Power gave me a kit of spiritual tools; I use them to build a durable shelter.

[janbear]

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I People often protest when they don't get their prayers answered as if the Divine Source is not listening. What they fail to understand is that prayer is not intended to change the situation you are praying about; it is intended to change you.

Life is fragile; I 'Handle with Prayer

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



As you work to solve different dilemmas that arise in your life, don't stay so focused on your troubles that you miss discovering the solutions. Give your attention to your Spiritual Source in prayer, meditation, or service to others. By taking your focus off the situation, soulutions have a way of finding you.

Through conscious contact, I allow soulutions to find me.

[janbear]

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'It works,� is the shortest sentence in the AA Big Book and pretty much sums up what the book can do for you. But there's a catch. Keep in mind, the program does not work. The program does not work. Just like alcohol doesn't get you drunk. You have to drink alcohol in order to get drunk. You have to work the program in order for it to work.

It works if I work it.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Sitting at a meeting and sharing how much you love everyone in the room is meaningless if you fail to help cleanup, talk to the newcomer, inquire after the old-timer, and make sure everyone has a ride home.

My well done is better than my well said.

[janbear]

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'You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. ...You must do the thing you cannot do.' -Eleanor Roosevelt

I do the thing I cannot do as I overcome F.E.A.R. I Face Everything And Recover.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Don't let the therapeutically 'correct' way to run a group hijack your meeting. Leaders are reluctant to cut a newcomer off for fear of shaming their inner child, rejecting them, or appearing to be mean. We are not therapy and we can't share with them if they can't listen.

I do not let the newcomer's inner child run our meetings. This is not play therapy

[janbear]

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When you start the day with quiet meditation, you create a consciousness of serenity and peace. At anytime during the day you can bring your mind back to this moment.

When things get hectic or stressful, I bring my awareness back to the peace that I create now.

[janbear]

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We make two great choices in life: one, the decision to get clean and sober; the other, the choice to stay that way.

God, as I understand You, help me stay away from that first fix, pill, drink, smoke, or snort for this hour.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



If you stop doing the things that keep you in the program, you will go back to doing the things that brought you to the program.

The price of my recovery is eternal vigilance.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



God didn't do it!

God doesn't do anything to me, but always through me.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Do it right the first time. If you don't have the time to do something right, when will you have the time to do it over?

It takes less time for me to do something right, than to explain to my sponsor why I did it wrong.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Embrace all of your emotions for they are what make you, you. 'Hold them in an embrace of total acceptance and in that embrace you will not be agonized any more. Do you think the Christ never cried? Do you think the Buddha never ached? You are not going to be less human, you are going to be wholly human.' ~Bartholomew, I Come as a Brother

I become one with myself by embracing all of me, because I am all of me and I won't be less!

[janbear]

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Sporadically, even with a strong program, you may feel spiritually dead or emotionally empty. We're addicts, it happens! No matter how dead or empty you sometimes feel, this too shall pass.

It came to pass� it didn't come to stay.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



We hug a lot. This can make newcomers uncomfortable because they are not used to being given love and attention without serious strings attached. By your example, you can teach them there are no strings to this love.

A hug is a great gift. One size fits all.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



In light of your recovery, when dealing with family and friends, you may have to make some unpopular decisions and enforce them. Be open to moving toward the middle of issues that don't com-promise your principles and going to any length for those that do.

My recovery is Twelve Steps past any lengths.

[janbear]

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Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen To Good People said that pain is the price we pay for being alive. So instead of wondering why we feel pain, more correctly we should ask, 'What can I do to make my pain mean something more than suffering?'

A No Pain; No Gain/Know Pain; Know Gain

[janbear]

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When you are having trouble doing one day at a time and it feels as though several days have attacked you at once, realize that nothing except your own thoughts can really attack. In fact, it is only your own thoughts that can prove to you that you have not been attacked or singled out unfairly.

I counter thoughts of 'unfairness' with the realization that I am very lucky the world has not paid me back for all the wrongs I've caused.

[admin]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

There may be a great temptation to believe that some sort of sacrifice is being asked of you when you are told you must accept reality. After all, isn't it reality that keeps messing up your fantasies? Do reality; it is the easier softer way.

Reality check: I am here'X'

[admin]

8/29

Daily quote from 'The Pocket Sponsor'
'24/7 Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




There may be a great temptation to believe that some sort of sacrifice is being asked of you when you are told you must accept reality. After all, isn’t it reality that keeps messing up your fantasies? Do reality; it is the easier softer way.

Reality check: I am here.

[admin]

8/30

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote

Relapse is part of recovery: NOT! What the fellowships say is keep coming back SOBER.� Members warn of the very real danger of that last relapse: stepping in front of a car or bus, overdosing, being institutionalized, and death! The truth is, any relapse can be your last. Never kid yourself, relapse is part of the disease process, not part of our recovery process.

I do not help people work on their recovery by OKing working on their disease. OK

[allaflutter]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote
Your life works FOR you. It hones you, teaches you, and makes you a better person. Nothing in your life happens to you, but for you.

This isn't happening to me, but for me.

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



Although we must be of service to our fellow drunk and junkie, although we want the hand of recovery to be there when they reach out, although we must give back what was so freely given to us, we cannot do for them what they must do for themselves.

I carry the message, I don't carry the drunk; however, if necessary, I carry the drunk to the message.

[janbear]

Responsible. This word is a com-bination of "response" and "able." When you want to know who is responsible for something, ask yourself who is "able" to "respond." That is your answer.

Responsibility is simply my response to God's ability.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

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Road rage and recovery rage are closely associated. People, places, and things get in our way and we freak. When the rage begins, quickly ask yourself, 'What would my guardian angel do now?'

My DUI's are no longer under the influence of alcohol. Today, I Drive Unger the Influence of Angels.

[janbear]

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'There are no deals being offered here. You cannot trade the courage needed to live every moment for immunity from life's sorrows.' ~Oriah Mountain Dreamer, The Invitation.

To gain that worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything else.

[janbear]

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Anger can be a source of personal power for people. When you get angry at God or others, even yourself, you feel the energy and you feel strong, not the helplessness of tears. Anger is a form of emotional denial.

Anger 'may be the dubious luxury of normal men' but it is not for me. (P 66, AA Big Book)

[janbear]

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Even though you are a unique human being, you are not so unique that your recovery is any different then thousands before you. If you think we don't understand something about your situation, then your disease is playing tricks on you.

I am unique, just like everyone else.

[janbear]

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Daily meditation for about 20 minutes is recommended for all in recovery, unless of course, you're very busy�then you should meditate for an hour.

May I be blessed with a slow recovery.

[janbear]

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Take a breath and hold it. Take another and hold, hold, hold. You can see that you can't live on the inhale alone. The inhale is the breath of the program bringing you life. The exhale is you working with others.

I inhale healing for my soul and exhale hope for others.

[janbear]

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We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I cannot feel my way into better behavior, I must behave my way into better feelings.

[janbear]

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Friends and loved ones don't always behave as we expect them to. But this is a good thing. If friends and loved ones were absolutely predictable, that would mean they are not changing and if they are not changing, they are not growing.

I don't have to change friends if I understand that friends change

[janbear]

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'If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.'~ Zen Proverb

I don't have to understand how the Steps work, just that they do.

[janbear]

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They say that you need only one meeting a week but it might be a good idea to go to one every night so you don't miss the one you need!

Seven days without a meeting makes one weak.

[janbear]

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Egotism is that certain something that enables a man in a rut to think he's in a groove.

I am never in a rut when I can answer this question, 'What Step am I working now?'

[janbear]

Day Fourteen/3:00 PM:

90 meetings in 90 days is not nearly enough. Tell newcomers to always catch a ride or give a ride to their daily meeting. This way they get a meeting on the way to the meeting, a meeting during the meeting, and a meeting on the way home. That makes 270 meetings in the first 90 days!

Who am I taking to a meeting tonight?

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

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You will respect yourself to the degree that you do not violate your own value system.

Self-respect is the most important respect I can earn.

[janbear]

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Whatever vexes you currently, imagine for a moment what could make it worse. What can make it worse than that? Again. Imagine it, feel it, and come back to now. If you can make it worse, then you can make it better. Remember this: you are not helpless before your feelings.

I am stronger at what I'm doing, than my feelings are at what they're doing.

[janbear]

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Whether you pray, petition, plead, protest, prod, or praise your Spiritual Source, whether you sing songs of gratitude or whisper words of doubt, this is prayer.

Got prayer?

[janbear]

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One of your greatest resources can be your pets. Animals are wonderful companions and better listeners. They give undivided and devoted attention--long past the time when others have exited. They do not judge and they love unconditionally.

I work toward becoming the person my dog thinks I am

[janbear]

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When you are having a bad day, lower your expectations and start over!

The more I work on me - the better most people behave.

[janbear]

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Do you like being lied to? Didn't think so. Yet how many times have you said, 'I'm fine' or 'Everything's OK' when it's not? When your friends ask how you are, they deserve not to be lied to. When you lie to others, you lie to yourself.

I am authentic with others and thus myself.

[janbear]

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'When adversity strikes, my message is always, Even this will pass...and better days than we have ever experienced will come.' ~Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

I can't run from God, so I let God run me.

[janbear]

What the Devil presents to you is always a real pretty picture. But there is always one hellava price to pay.

No one is easier to deceive than myself.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

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Courage is more complex than spontaneous reactions to traumatic events. It may take courage to rush into a burning building or jump in a river to save a life, but they are almost instinctual. Sharing your deep feelings might be an act of courage far beyond gallant feats.

My courage is my fear in action.

[janbear]

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Emotional pain is not a character defect. It is a part of life and must be attended to like all our feelings. Feelings are not facts. They are bio-feedback on how we are doing today and what needs attention inside. How are you doing today?

Feelings won't kill me, but killing my feelings will.

[janbear]

Do not be hung up on what you ought to be, what you were supposed to be or what you were going to be. You will never have time to be what you are.

I am the best me there is.

[admin]

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The difference between self-love and self-conceit is very important. Self-love is a healthy appreciation of God's gift to you. Conceit is comparing yourself to others and finding them lacking.

I do not climb the mountain so that I can look down on others.

[janbear]

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They say the easiest way to stay clean and sober is to breathe in and breathe out and don't drink or drug in between. That leads to abstinence. Working the Steps leads to recovery.

Nothing is so bad that a drink or drug won't make it worse and nothing is so good that working my steps won't make it better.

[janbear]

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You spend more time with yourself than with anyone else. Doesn't it make sense to put something into that relationship?

I am my own best friend and value my own companionship

[janbear]

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People think that 'nobility' is something special. But when you study the word, you come to realize that 'nobles� were simply those who served the King. Nobles were servants. In the Twelve-Step programs, we are all nobility.

The highest office I can attain in our fellowship, is Chief Servant.

[janbear]

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When you place your sponsor on a pedestal you are like a child bragging to the other kids, 'Nah, nah, nah, my sponsor is better than your sponsor!�

I don't place my sponsor on a pedestal. It is only from a high place that they can fall.

[allaflutter]

Sponsors are human too..They trudge the same road...and do make mistakes. Thing is....do we see them walking thru it and taking the action necessary...

[janbear]

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Stop looking for the differences. People who matter, don't mind; people who mind, don't matter.

No matter my age, race, religion or chemical, I am more alike my fellow addicts than different.

[janbear]

Every human being is a design of Divine Intention. The complex patterns of the universal cycles are not always understood, yet the world works so perfectly to sustain the cycles of life. You may not understand why you are chemically dependent, but rest assured there is a purpose in your cycle of sobriety.

I recognize the value of all Divine Intention,

And trust in God's purpose for me.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Our greatest strengths taken too far become our greatest defects and our greatest defects tamed, become our virtues. Wrongly used, honesty can become brutal confrontation, nurturing can become 'I'll fix you,� and consistency can become inflexibility.

I examine my Fourth Step list and see how, properly used, each fault becomes a feature I desire.

[janbear]

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'The choice is up to you. It can either be 'Good morning, God!' or 'Good God, morn-ing.' ~Dr. Wayne Dryer, Everyday Wisdom
Choice, not chance, determines my day.

[janbear]

Even when it hurts like hell, hold fast. The pain is the arrow coming out, not the arrow going in. Faith is not about trusting a God who will rescue you from arrows but trusting in the process. Faith will center you, not rescue you.

As the pain and fear pass, I hold fast.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

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Why wonder why? Why ask why? The 'why' questions spring from only one place inside: self-pity. The questions to ask are the 'how' questions. The right questions contain clues to the answers we need.

When I ask the right question, I get the right answer.

[janbear]

If you are not happy with what you have, what makes you think you would be happy with more?

Happiness is not having what I want but

Wanting what I have.


Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

Pocket Sponsor - Book - Quote



If you think you are a victim of the universe, you are probably right. If you think of yourself as becoming whole from your experience, you are probably right.

I am the victor, not the victim. It took all of my past to make this person I love today.

[janbear]

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Life is too short to spend it miserable. An excellent way to abate misery is to look at what you are blessed with. Unclench your angry fist, hold it up, and use your fingers to name five things you are grateful for.

(P.S. we mean now!)

[janbear]

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'We can do no great things, only small things with great love.� ~Mother Teresa

God does not want me to do extraordinary things; S/He wants me to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.

[francie21805]

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'A boxer was in his corner on his knees praying, and someone asked a minister, ?Will that help him?' The minister replied, ?Not if he can't box.' ~Fr Joe M., (P 105, Alkiespeak)

God works with me, not for me.

[janbear]

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Some members believe that our program is too idealistic and doesn't really apply in the 'real' world. They don't get the 'in all our affairs' part. If it works in any place, then it works in every place.

If I work my program in only one place, then I'm not working my progr

[janbear]

You will be happy to know that the universal law that created miracles has not been repealed.

I am a realist. I count on miracles.

[janbear]

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True morality is what we do when no one is watching. Growth is demonstrated by doing the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing.

I judge my growth by how good I am to people who can do nothing for me

[janbear]

Before spiritual awakening...work steps, make coffee, carry the message. After spiritual awakening...keep working steps, keep making coffee, keep carrying the message. -Zen for the 12 Steps-

Enlightment is my ego's greatest disappointment.

[janbear]

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Want to know about your Spiritual Source? 'It is a simple procedure to calculate the number of seeds in an apple. But who among us can ever say how many apples are in a seed?' ~Dr. Wayne Dyer, Everyday Wisdom

Even though I feel very small when the stars come out at night, I remember that I, too, am made of stardust.

[janbear]

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Want to know about your Spiritual Source? 'It is a simple procedure to calculate the number of seeds in an apple. But who among us can ever say how many apples are in a seed?' ~Dr. Wayne Dyer, Everyday Wisdom

Even though I feel very small when the stars come out at night, I remember that I, too, am made of stardust.

[janbear]

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In order to forgive, you have to have blamed.

I don't have to forgive people, places, and things, if I don't blame people, places, and things.

[janbear]

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We recommend that you take your Third Step every morning and turn your will over to the care of God, as you understand God. Then at night, take a Tenth Step to see how God is doing.

I talk often to my Higher Power. S/He understands better than most people.

[janbear]

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Sarcasm is derived from a Greek word meaning 'to tear flesh!' We know that the only weapon that gets sharper with use is the tongue.

I use my wit to amuse and not to abuse.

[janbear]

It has been said that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience but spiritual beings having a human experience. As a dream is to your human experience, addiction is to your spiritual experience. When you awake, you realize it no longer has power over you.

Sometimes I need a rude awakening before I can have a spiritual awakening.

[allaflutter]

Sometimes I need a rude awakening before I can have a spiritual awakening.


How very true...It is also true I was spiritually bankrupt when I came in the doors
Thank You Jan

[janbear]

i can relate to your share allaflutter.

[janbear]

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The possibilities in this world are endless and abundant even when they appear impossible. Watch a tiny bird lift itself into the air by flapping fragile wings. See a pollywog transform into a frog, a seedling into an oak. Many wonders exist in God's world and you are one of them.

My Higher Power does the impossible, after I've done what is possible.

[allaflutter]

Watch a tiny bird lift itself into the air by flapping fragile wings. See a pollywog transform into a frog, a seedling into an oak. Many wonders exist in God's world and you are one of them.

...and watch a caterpillar turn into a beautiful butterfly

I was once a caterpillar and God turned me into a Butterfly
so yes..I am one of them...Thank God!!!

[janbear]

Yes you are :1: allaflutter :42:
I always appreciate everyone's shares in here. :1:

[janbear]

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You cannot go back and make new choices or change the outcome of the past. But you can face the demons of your past and change your destiny.

Not everything I face can be changed, but nothing can be changed until I face it.

[janbear]

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On the way to becoming an old-timer, there are those who glow in their growing and those who are slow in their growing. The person who glows is always able to see the larger picture and the one who doesn't stays focused in their own little world. See yourself as a small part of a magnificent whole and do not see self as the whole.

The fellowship is not my whole world but my world wouldn't be whole without it.

[janbear]

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'Always remember that each day as you look at your world and see millions upon millions of flowers opening up, God does it all without using any force.' ~Dr. Wayne Dyer (P 91, Everyday Wisdom)

If I have to force the solution, then it's not the solution.

[janbear]

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Probably any one of us can get along with perfect people, but our task is to get along with imperfect people. The worst part of trying to get along with imperfect people is that they refuse to change into what we want.

When I think about how hard it is to change myself, I know how hard it will be to change others.

[janbear]

When the pain of where you were is worse than the discomfort of where you are going, then you'll move.

The pain of my growth is a good sign, not a stop sign.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[janbear]

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'Laughter has something in it in common with the ancient winds of faith and inspiration; it unfreezes pride and unwinds secrecy; it makes people forget themselves in the presence of something greater than themselves; something that they cannot resist.' ~G.K. Chesterton

I cannot feel sorry for myself and laugh at the same time, so I take my levity seriously.

[letgo]

Hi Jan
Laughter is so important in recovery; being able to laugh at myself for one thing! (Rule 62??), laughter at meetings - not of our illness but the laughter of true camaraderie and having some fun - not something I experienced much of when downing Vodka and thinking of nothing else but downing more vodka.

[janbear]

Thanks for you share letgo. Rule 62 is one thing i have had to apply to myself i dont know how many times. I have done it so much that i am much better than i use to be. It has taken a lot of practice for me to not take myself so seriously. Some times i think laughter is contagious, it has rubbed off on me from others. I appreicate it today.

[janbear]

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Treat your family like you would a newcomer. Give them the same latitude for mistakes, give them the same love, the same gentleness, the same priority and care. This makes for a well-nourished family.

When I ask 'How can I be of service?' my family is at the head of the line.

[janbear]

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What you are feeling today is not the way you will always feel. Happy or sad, mad, glad, or bad, the one thing you can always count on is that everything changes.

Even though I resist change, there's no way to progress without it.

[francie21805]

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What lies ahead of you and what lies behind you is insignificant compared to what lies within you.

The thing that's so great about recovery today is that no matter where I am, I'm here.

[francie21805]

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Sometimes it is heard around the tables that there's 'us alkies and addicts' and then there's the so-called 'normal people. So-called 'normal' people are simply people that you haven't gotten to know very well.

'Normal' is a cycle on my washing machine, not a cycle in my life.

[francie21805]

Hey Jan--"normal" :mrgreen:

[letgo]

I have heard a lot of references (here in the UK) to non alkies and addicts as "civilians"!!

[francie21805]

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They say that when you are angry or resentful at someone, your best course of action is to pray for them. That's difficult when you'd rather bop the bastard. Say it like you mean it, until you mean to say it.

Whenever I want to get even, I get even worse.

[janbear]

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People may off handedly say 'Have a nice day,' and you don't see anything 'nice' about today. Maybe they should say, 'Have a nice day, unless you have other plans.'

I don't 'have' a nice day, I 'make� a nice day!

[francie21805]

A friend use to say "Have a nice day--If you want to." Same thing really, posting just reminded me of her. :42: Thanks!

[francie21805]

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White lies, little lies, and unimportant lies are still all lies. Even small dishonesties will make your life uncomfortable. Is it worth it?

If I always tell the truth, I never have to remember what I have said.

[janbear]

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'We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are.' ~Talmudic Saying

I need to put things in perspective because I have a disease of perception.

[letgo]

So true Francie. I am very, very tired because I chose to stay up all night and watch the election. Now I am grumpy and irritated by someone, because I am tired and am not adjusting my attitude to them. They won't change! Every action has a consequence, but hey! seeing Obama win was worth it!

[janbear]

:42: letgo

[francie21805]

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Eventually, in everyone's recovery comes the day when reason doesn't cut it and we hit a wall. At this point, you either have a break down or a break through. If you've been doing Step Eleven, you'll have the break through.

Sometimes I have to get on my knees to rise.

[francie21805]

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As we learn to accept our disease, our circumstances and what we must do to recover, we come to realize that although we may not have control over these situations, we do have control over how we react to them. Bill W., co-founder of the Twelve-Step programs, wrote 'We neither ran nor fought. But accept we did. And then we were free.'

Am I finished with fighting?

[janbear]

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'The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.' ~Albert Einstein

When my problems are significant and my program isn't working, I work my sponsor's program for awhile.

[janbear]

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Not knowing, is not the problem. Not being OK with not knowing is the problem.

I don't need to figure it out. I just need to do it.

[francie21805]

:15:

[janbear]

Grateful addicts don't drink and drug and drinking and drugging addicts aren't grateful.

My gratitude is not the word but my desire to say the
Word. My desire to say the word is a corner stone of my recovery.

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books

[francie21805]

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When you're being nice, it's OK to over do it. During the HALT moments, when you're too hungry, angry, lonely, and tired, it's not.

When I go too far, it is seldom in the right direction.

[francie21805]

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Each person you meet is in a specific stage of their life, a stage you may have passed through or not yet reached. Judging them by your standards and experience is therefore not only unfair, but could lead to unnecessary anger and frustration. (P 135, Alkiespeak)

I practice tolerance by putting up with those I'd like to put down.

[janbear]

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Don't try to clear away the wreckage of your future.

I stay in today and forget about jumpstarting tomorrow.

[janbear]

You must be prepared to make some unpopular decisions when you live by principle. You will not be able to please everyone. Be firm with others as you chose the principle and not the personality; be firm with your personality as it butts heads with your principles.

By practicing principles in all my affairs, I learn not to
"people please" but to "Higher Power Please."

Excerpt from the Pocket Sponsor, By The
Hazelden author of ' Day By Day' & other Meditation Books