Pocket Sponsor

[admin]

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



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]

6/21

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]

6/22

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.

[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 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]

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

Another day, another 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




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]

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




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]

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




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]

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 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]

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 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]

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




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]

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 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]

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




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]

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 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]

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 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]

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 broadening your spiritual path by making your relationship with the Divine proactive. Ask not what the Universe can do for you, but rather what you can do for the Universe! Begin the morning with: Hi World, what can I do for You today?

Asking what I can do for the Creative Source will serve us both better than simply seeking what can be done 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




Since life is 10% actuality and 90% reactuality you must chose your reactions carefully. The program has given you choice and how you choose to react to this day can make the difference between simply being dry or being sober.
I live today as I want to remember my life.

[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




Deal with the small stuff or it will deal with you. Do not allow the small stuff to pile up on the camel’s back. Take each situation that bothers you and deal with that as one unit, not as the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

When I feel it, I deal with it and then can heal from 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 doesn’t pay to argue with “slippers� about the proper way of getting clean and sober. Why should people who are still drinking and drugging tell those who are sober why it can’t be done! We learn not to get in a pissing contest with a skunk. (or should we say drunk!)

The only thing I need to tell a drunk is how I got sober. I can’t tell him or her how they will get sober, because I don’t know.

[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




A main theme in most spiritual traditions states that the best way to get what you want is to provide it for another. If you want serenity, make it peaceful and serene for another. Do you want a feeling of safety? Provide a safe place for another. Do you want to understand what has happened? Help another to understand.

I teach best what I most need to learn

[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 you have one hand in the fellowship and one hand in your Higher Power’s, you can’t pick up today.

I put my hand in my Higher Power’s by saying. “Thy will not mine be done;� I put my hand in the fellowship by saying “I’ll be there, at the next meeting.�

[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




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?

[janbear]

'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




No one wants to hear the Sermon on the Mount or Zen philosophy when they’re trying to save their ass. They want to know what to do—not hear words of wisdom. Tell them what you did.

I do not get so spiritual, that I am of no earthly value.

[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




Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.

I never trust my tongue when my heart is bitter.

[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 are often surprised by who we can count on when the going gets tough. Someone we did not expect to come through might and others whom we thought we could count on may fall short of our expectations. We do not blame the ones that fall short and are grateful for the ones who go the extra mile.

I measure others by their best moments, not their worst.

[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




Pissing contests about who used how much and who acted bad are ego trips in reverse. “It doesn’t matter what or how much we used. In NA, staying clean has to come first. We realize that we cannot use drugs and live.� (P 19, NA Basic Text).

When I brag about how much I used, how bad it was, and how much damage I did, I am doing one of two things, trying to make myself look larger or them smaller.

[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 become one of these people who have two excuses for everything: one excuse for what you don’t do and another for what you don’t have.

Excuses are simply my lack of faith in 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




No God; No Peace. Know God; Know Peace.

My program teaches me that I will have peace of mind in the exact proportion of the peace of mind I bring into the lives of others.

[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




Sponsors are lighthouses, not foghorns. We look to them to see how they do it, not depend on them to tell us what not to do. We already know.

I cannot improve if I only have myself as a model.

[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 program won’t keep you from going to hell nor is it a ticket to heaven. But it will keep you clean and sober long enough for you to make up your mind which way you want to go.

My journey is my destination.

[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




Through the Fourth and Fifth steps we learn who we really are. Once we know who and what we are, we don’t have to be what we were.

Today, I am myself. I am perfect for the part.

[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 making amends, a subtle shift occurs in our thinking. We go from thinking we were a mistake to acknowledging we made a mistake.

I may make mistakes but my Higher Power doesn’t and my Higher Power made 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




Earth Angels dwell among us and they will find you at the moment you need them. These are the people who know just the right thing to say and do to keep you focused on recovery and principle.

Some of my Higher Power’s best work is done anonymously.

[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




“Each place along the way is somewhere you had to be to be here.� ~Wayne Dyer

I cannot get ahead until I learn to be here.

[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




Resentment is from the Latin, meaning to "feel again." Rather than feeling that again, think of how it could have been worse, then be grateful it isn’t. Once you get to the grateful part, you can’t be resentful.

I cannot be grateful and resentful at the same time; I can't serve two masters.

[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




Like the song says, “I’ll bet you think this song is about you?� You need to get over yourself if you want to get over feeling sorry for yourself.

They're just doing it; they're not doing it to me.

[janbear]

Back to the Basics' - Support for Addiction Recovery
- by Shelly Marshall
the author of 'Day By Day', 'Hour to Hour' & other Meditation Books




The AA Big Book, The NA Basic Text, and the CDA First Edition do not need to be rewritten. They need to be reread.

I begin this day by reading at least one page from my program’s basic book.

[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




Unity in our program does not mean conformity. Unity means joining for a common purpose, despite our differences.

I I can disagree without being disagreeable.

[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 Twelve Steps: One to Three: Clear up; Four to Nine: Clean up; Ten to Twelve: Contact up. These are also called the Foundation Steps, the Action Steps, and the Maintenance Steps respectively. Are you looking for something easier?

The easier, softer way is the Twelve Steps.

[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 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.

[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 members of the fellowship say “Our mind is a dangerous neighborhood to be in alone.” But together we can be on block watch! Don’t let your mind get the better of you. Turn that “M” in me upside down, like we are asked to turn it over, and make a “We” out of that “Me.”

It isn’t “me” and “you” anymore; it’s “we” and “us.”

[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 don't have to pretend to be someone you are not. You don't have to pretend to be strong (if you're a man) or fem (if you're a woman). You don't have to pretend that you don't want to use, if you do. Share what is real. The real you is enough.

I am enough; there is enough.

[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




No matter how hard you attempt to control the people in your life, you will not find your fulfillment there. If they don’t change, you will be frustrated; if they do change under your pressure, they will be frustrated.

If I look to others for fulfillment, I will never be fulfilled.

[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 have so many skeletons in the closet that you had to build a walk-in? Share the load. The AA Big Book says that, we “should be willing to bring former mistakes, no matter how grievous, out of their hiding places.” (P 124) Not to do so is being self-centered and selfish.

I am only as sick as my secrets.

[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 feelings don’t define us, our actions do. We are not bad because we have a quick temper--but we learn that expressing that anger hurts others. The longer we keep our temper the more it improves.

I am only as big as the smallest thing that makes 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




You will be receiving many gifts from people in the programs: gifts of help, time, energy, possibly money, talents, and knowledge. You will never be able to pay them all back. You are not obligated to pay them back. You are obligated to pay them forward by giving away what you have when you can.

I appreciate the generosity of others and pay it forward when I am able.

[admin]

8/5

When egos collide, use kind words, do what you have control over, and do what you think is right. Surrender what you don’t have control over, even if you think what others are doing is wrong. Others have the right to be wrong.

I define myself by what I do and how I do it, not by who wins.

[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




Before our recovery we used people and loved things and given recovery we learn to love people and use things. Things are not important, people are.

I treat others the way I would be treated.

[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




Who knows why they are chemically dependent? The answer will not change the fact, and yet many continue to question, why? Indeed, they need an answer, but they are asking the wrong question. The real question is, “How can I become free?” Free of the fear. Free of the pain. Free of the bondage.

I do not receive the right answer when I ask the wrong question.

[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 lives become very different once we learn to magnify our blessings the way we have our troubles.

What I think about enlarges. Am I enlarging my blessings or my troubles?

[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




“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.� ~Martin Luther King. Undoubtedly, there are many on your list to forgive. There is only one whom you must forgive—that is yourself.

[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 find that the smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.

My actions speak louder than words. What are my actions saying now?

[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 you have never experienced the results of working the Twelve Steps, no explanation is sufficient. If you have experienced the results of working the Twelve Steps, then no explanation is necessary.

I am the poster child for the miracles I cannot explain.

[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 continually don’t like the way people treat you, it is usually because you are cooperating with the treatments.

The difference between me being a victor or a victim is ability. Response ability.

[flickchic]

When you continually don’t like the way people treat you, it is usually because you are cooperating with the treatments.
mmmmm:frown:

[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 in our society stress that we ought to be happy. If you’re not happy something is wrong, we are lead to believe. Yet, unhappiness is not a symptom of sickness, it is an expression of life, a natural reaction to situations we don’t like. When **** happens, you don’t have to like it.

I will not be unhappy about being unhappy.

[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




Going to a lot of meetings is important, supportive, and full of fellowship. However, our program is not about meetings but what happens in between meetings.

Do I align my actions with the picture I paint of myself in meetings?

[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




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.

[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




Another day of recovery begins and we start this day with surrender. “From that point, each of us is reminded that a day clean is a day won.� (P 86, NA Basic Text)

When I surrender; I win.

[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




How to share what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now. Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated.

When I share, I share to draw attention to the message, not the messenger.

[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




'Resentment’ is when you didn’t get your way yesterday. ‘Anger’ is when you don’t get your way today. ‘Fear’ is that you won’t get your way tomorrow.

There are no good reasons for resentment, anger, and fear-- just good excuses.

[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




God didn’t do it!

God doesn’t do anything to me, but always through 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




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]

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




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]

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 birth of resentment is blame. Often from the center of your bad feelings you seek someone to blame and yet if you “find� this someone, it can only serve to increase your misery. Blame increases misery because it gives you something to focus on again and again. “Resentment� is from Latin, meaning to “feel again.�

By eliminating blame, I don’t allow “them� to live rent free in my head.

[admin]

8/24

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.

[admin]

8/25

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 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.

[admin]

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



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]

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




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]

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 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.

[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 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]

8/31

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

[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




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]

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 not an event; it is a process. The disease of addiction affects all three aspects of our physical, mental, and spiritual selves by changing our behavior (to self-destruction), thinking (to self-serving), and allegiance (to no purpose). It was a slow debilitating process. Recovery is the same slow process in reverse.

I am in the process of changing my behavior to self-construction, my thoughts to service, and my allegiance from ‘no purpose’ to a higher purpose.

[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




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]

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




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]

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 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]

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




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]

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 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]

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




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]

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




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]

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




In the words of Father Joe Martin, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. But you sure as hell can make them thirsty!�.

Just living my new, free life is often enough to make others “thirsty� for recovery. I don’t always have to carry the message; I am the message.

[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




In the words of Father Joe Martin, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. But you sure as hell can make them thirsty!�.

Just living my new, free life is often enough to make others “thirsty� for recovery. I don’t always have to carry the message; I am the message.

[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 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.

[admin]

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



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

[admin]

9/13

"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.

[admin]

9/14

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]

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




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]

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 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]

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 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]

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




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]

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 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]

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

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

[flickchic]

The more I work on me - the better most people behave.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->ahhhh how true this is!!!!.....Must focus on this, I have seen it over and over, the ripples!!!

[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 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]

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 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]

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




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]

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




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]

Whatever cyberfamily needs support with now: fear, frustration, anger, or boredom, try living in the solution, not the problem. Pick up your program book cyberfamily, close your eyes and leaf through. Run your finger down the page and wherever you stop, read the next three paragraphs. It's a random solution but often guided by Divine Presence. A Divinely Inspired solution finds cyberfamily now. Come back tomorrow cyberfamily for another personal message to ponder...

[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 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.

[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




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]

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 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]

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 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.

[flickchic]

You spend more time with yourself than with anyone else. Doesn’t it make sense to put something into that relationship?
hmmmmm very interesting thought that.....don't think I've ever looked at it that way before......and yes, having now looked at it it makes a lot of sense to put something "more" into that relationship!

[admin]

10/11

“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.

[admin]

10/13

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 program.

[admin]

10/14

Do not pay any attention if people accuse you of inconsistency. Of course you are! How else can you change? You cannot progress if you can’t change and you can’t change if you’re always consistent. Practicing new behaviors is sometimes seen as inconsistent—be proud.

Practice makes progress.

[admin]

10/15

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.

[admin]

10/16

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.

[admin]

10/17

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.

[admin]

10/18

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.

[admin]

10/19

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.

[admin]

10/20

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.

[admin]

10/21

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.

[admin]

10/22

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.

[admin]

10/23

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.

[admin]

10/24

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.

[admin]

10/25

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.

[admin]

10/26

“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.

[admin]

10/27

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.

[admin]

10/28

“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.

[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




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]

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




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.

[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




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.

[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 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.

[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




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.

[admin]

11/3

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!

[admin]

11/4

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.

[admin]

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

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

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

[admin]

11/5

Emotions are influenced by our interactions with others. How we signal others greatly influences how they respond to us.

If I am constantly being mistreated, I am probably co-operating with the treatments.

[admin]

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.

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




“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.

[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




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.

[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 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]

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 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]

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




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.

[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’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.

[janbear]

'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




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.

[admin]

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

[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




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

I stay in today and forget about jumpstarting tomorrow.

[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 may very well under-stand your demons, defects, compulsions, and fear. You have an arsenal of information about recovery to overcome them. Why then is it all so difficult? Deep inside you know what you always have known: knowledge alone is not enough.

I know that “no-ing� is not enough and “knowing� is not enough. I must 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




We not only attempt geographical “cures” while drinking, but often while clean and sober too. When you make a move “for the better,” unless you can honestly say you are running to something positive, then you are running from something that you haven’t faced.

No matter how fast or how far I go, I can't outrun myself.

[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




A temper will get us into trouble and pride will keep us there.

I can’t save my face and my butt at the same time.

[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 people you most need to give love to will seem like the ones who deserve it the least.

It begins with 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




Honesty without kindness is cruel and kindness without honesty is co-dependence.

If I can’t say it kindly, I needn’t say it at all.

[admin]

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.

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




It is better to have some-one sober and hating you because you told them the truth, rather than have someone drunk and liking you because you told them a lie.

[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 empathy for your situation but we will not pity you. We know that pitying you leads to you pitying yourself which leads to mind-affecting chemicals. Rather than pity you, if you need an attitude adjustment, it’s very likely a fellow group member will let you know.

Attitudes are contagious. Is mine worth catching?

[admin]

They say our character defects are like an onion. They come off in layers and make us cry as they peel away. For each shortcoming we address, new realizations and perceptions bring us new layers and levels.

New Level, New Devil.

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




When working Steps Six and Seven we honestly have to ask ourselves “Do I really want to give up the defect? Or do I just want to give up the result of the defect?”

Being an alcoholic does not give me the excuse to act alcoholically.

[admin]

To a practicing addict who lives wholly in the sensations of the body, the recovery state is one of utter boredom. But as we learn to live balanced in body, mind, and soul, we wonder why we ever thought the state of addiction exciting.

Sometimes I get rebellious. Sometimes I get bored.
But I just don't pick up.

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




Reputation: what others are not thinking about you.

What others think about me is never as important as what I think about them.

[janbear]

'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




“Imagine if at every moment we each embraced the world as the gift it is: An apple is a gift; the color pink is a gift; the blue sky is a gift; the scent of honeysuckle is a gift. Hidden in every experience is a gift,” ~Marcia Prager, The Path of Blessing: Experiencing the Energy and Abundance of the Divine

What is my gift right now?

[admin]

The reason people blame other people is because there is only one alternative.

I do not point a finger at another because there are
Always three pointing back at 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 magic wands or burning bushes in our program. Just footwork and faith.

As I feed my faith, my doubts will starve to death.

[admin]

Which "isms" affect you? Alcoholism: Incredibly Short Memory. Egoism: I, Self, and Me. Recidivism: I Sponsor Myself. Narcissism: InSide Me. Pessimism: I Sabotage Myself. Optimism: Incredibly Spiritual Moments.

Which "ism"do I adopt for my life?

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

[admin]

We make two great decisions in life: one, the decision to get clean and sober; the other, the decision to stay that way. Never make the decision not to stay that way when you are depressed or unhappy.

"Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time." ~Robert Schuller

[admin]

11/26

Is your ideal to be clean and whole? If so, ask yourself: What sort of neighbor is a clean and sober person? What sort of family member is a clean and sober person? What sort of Twelve Step program will a clean and sober person work?

Sober is as sober does.

[admin]

Positive clean thoughts of ourselves are a must. Picture yourself speaking at meetings, greeting newcomers, laughing, sponsoring others, and holding your head high. Clean and sober thoughts help counter years of drunk and dirty thoughts.

I picture myself laughing and sharing with others.

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

[admin]

11/27

Positive clean thoughts of ourselves are a must. Picture yourself speaking at meetings, greeting newcomers, laughing, sponsoring others, and holding your head high. Clean and sober thoughts help counter years of drunk and dirty thoughts.

I picture myself laughing and sharing with others

[admin]

11/28

According to the martial arts, Akido, the best way to win a fight is not to be there in the first place. Think of this the next time you are invited to a bar, to ride in vehicle with a pot smoker, or to celebrate at the office party.

My best path to cease fighting anybody or anything, is not to be in the ring in the first place.

[admin]

11/29

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.

[admin]

11/30

How important are the slogans? Sometimes, these are the only things we can bring to mind when we stand at a turning point, the thresh-hold of a crisis.

The slogans work much better for me when I decorate my life with them rather than decorating the walls with them.

[admin]

Although the difference between someone clean and sober for only a few 24 hours and many many 24 hours is usually obvious, we do not all grow at the same rate. The only valid comparison is yourself to yourself over time.

It does not matter how slowly I grow as long as I do not stop.

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

[admin]

12/1

"When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the new worlds which open for us." ~Alexander Graham Bell

God wants for me what I would want for myself, IF I had all the facts.

[admin]

"There are more things in heaven and earth... Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." ~William Shakespeare. Hold on to the knowledge that more good is occurring on this hunk of rock floating through space than you can ever imagine.

I ask for all things that I might enjoy life, I am given
Life that I might enjoy all things.

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

[admin]

12/2

There are a lot more reasons for working the Ninth Step than freedom, serenity, and moral responsibility. Making amends is a good way of having the last word.

I take my program seriously and myself lightly.

[admin]

12/3

Some days you will be shocked at how nasty and short tempered you are. You’ll think, “This can’t be me being so unreasonable.” Yet it is. You may deny it’s really you by jostling the blame on another, “If they hadn’t....” No, your bad behavior is your fault. You have no excuse. Now, can you love you anyway?

I learn to love me even when I don’t like me.

[admin]

12/4

“We weren’t perfect at it. Sometimes we rebelled, and rejected our sponsors’ feedback or the guidance of the Steps. Still, the recovery process was always there when we needed and accepted it.” (P 80, CDA First Edition)

I worked my using hard, so now I work my recovery hard.

[admin]

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.

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

[admin]

12/5

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



Doing the next right thing in the face of a tricky situation is not a choice you can run away from. As the saying goes: Wherever you go, there you are.

I do the next right thing first, so the “situation” doesn’t last.

[admin]

12/6

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.

[admin]

Others may pity you when you don't want them to and then they won't when you do. Likewise, you will pity yourself at times and then be sick of it. Do the best you can and things will turn out better than you planned.

Things turn out the best when I make
The best of the way things turn out.

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

[admin]

12/7

"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.

[admin]

12/8

Some people do not have to have a program to stop drinking and using. But for us, we remember untreated abstinence will make our past our future.

I don’t work the program to get my life back; I work the program to get my life forward.

[cassie]

12/9

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.

[cassie]

12/10

The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention. The smallest kindness is better than the best pitch.

It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.

[cassie]

12/11

The consequences of being dishonest, of being a liar, is not so much that others will not believe you, as it is that you can not believe others.

“Does what I gain by lying balance out the integrity I lose?” (P 54, CDA First Edition)

[admin]

12/12

“The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.” ~Max Lerner. That “core of strength” is based on abstinence and spiritual principles.

I suit up; I show up: I grow up.

[cassie]

At the start of meeting we always ask, “Is there anybody new or coming back?” We should also ask, “Is there anybody old and going out?”

I remember that the “still suffering alcoholic” can include old timers too!

[cassie]

12/13

At the start of meeting we always ask, “Is there anybody new or coming back?” We should also ask, “Is there anybody old and going out?”

I remember that the “still suffering alcoholic” can include old timers too!

[cassie]

12/14

There is no completion for the circle of recovery. A circle has no beginning and no end. It is suggested that recovery begins when you have learned enough from those before you and pass it along to those behind. Love is the process that keeps the circle moving.

Standing hand in hand or arm in arm after a meeting I absorb the love that travels our circle of recovery.

[janbear]

'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




They say, “When all else fails, read the directions.” In recovery, we say, “When all else fails, only then are you ready to read the directions.” It takes what it takes.

I do not wait to hit the bottom of a problem before I hit the books for directions.

[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 of us change when we see the light, most of us change when we feel the heat. Are you waiting to get burned before you do what you need to?

If I don't change... my clean and sober date will.

[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 law of physics says there is only one way to coast: down hill.

If I am not moving forward, I am moving backward. There is no coasting 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




Which “isms” affect you? Alcoholism: Incredibly Short Memory. Egoism: I, Self, and Me. Recidivism: I Sponsor Myself. Narcissism: InSide Me. Pessimism: I Sabotage Myself. Optimism: Incredibly Spiritual Moments.

Which “ism”do I adopt for my life?

[janbear]

'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




Pure and simple: Fear is the absence of Faith. Whether your fears are the Frantic Efforts to Appear Recovered or the F-- Everything And Run type, one thing is guaranteed to alleviate them, the Fear Ain’t In This House type of faith.

My fear no longer owns 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




How long does it take to clear away the wreckage of our past? In the Northwest region of the U.S., Native Americans have a special saying, “How long does it take to clear a landslide? One rock at a time.”

I remove the landslide of my past, one rock at a time.

[admin]

12/21




In working with others, remember that no one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.

I love the unloveables.

[admin]

Take time to laugh, for "we think that cheerfulness and laughter make for usefulness." (P 132, AA Big Book). Resolve today to watch a movie or comedy routine for the sole purpose of laughing--not to learn, not to help others, not to do the right and dutiful thing, just for the heck of it.

Today, I find and watch one film, video, movie,
Or TV show that makes me laugh.

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

[admin]

Some program members get stuck on rules of what one can and can’t say and what dependency qualifies one to be in what recovery group. They demand that newcomers follow traditions as interpreted by them. This can drive newcomers away before they even find out what recovery means.

I carry the message, not the mess.

[admin]

Emmet Fox writes of the Golden Key that will solve every trouble or confusion. "Stop thinking about the difficulty, whatever it is, and think about God instead." Nothing else need be done. Whenever a situation arises, replace the negative thoughts or worries with thoughts of your Higher Power and you will be amazed how things work out by themselves.

I "Golden Key" the next person, place,
Or thing, that troubles me tonight.

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

[admin]

12/23

There is nothing about you that was not intended to be. You have an incredibly sacred purpose.

I am on purpose.

[admin]

It's hard work taking everyone else's inventory. Worst of all, they seldom seem grateful!

When I concentrate on myself, I don't have time to find fault with others.

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




When we feel that fate has dealt us a bad hand with chemical dependency, we simply remember that many people have MS, cancer, diabetes, lupus, or a myriad of maladies that are not so easily put into remission.

Because I count my blessings, my blessings count.

[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 you sponsor others, remember this: If you are trying to recreate someone in your own image, then one of you will be redundant.

My job as a sponsor is to model, not mold, recovery for my sponsees.

[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




Everyone has problems. Your problem though, is not the real problem. The real problem is how you deal with the original problem.

I work the program, not 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




It is remarkable how often we run across this feeling of "uniqueness" as we recover. We may brag that we used more, had worse contacts, spent more in bars, treated our family worse, were younger, older, blacker, gayer, more sensitive--whatever.

I am the only ‘me’ there is ever going to be. I do not try to convince others that I am a better me than they.

[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 reason people blame other people is because there is only one alternative.

I do not point a finger at another because there are always three pointing back at 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




If you are clean and sober, the miracle has already happened. Stick around, the impossibilities take a little longer.

Nothing is impossible in God’s world.

[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 you are clean and sober, the miracle has already happened. Stick around, the impossibilities take a little longer.

Nothing is impossible in God’s world.

[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 can’t find the solution to a problem, look for the soulution to the problem.

I keep whispering my heart’s desires because I never know when my angel is listening.

[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 sole purpose of AA is to help the alcoholic stop drinking. The sole purpose of NA is to help the addict stop using. The sole purpose of CDA is to help the chemically dependent give up mind affecting chemicals. The soul purpose of all these fellowships is service, unity, and recovery.

“I do not put the sole purpose of any fellowship above the soul purpose.” ~Shelly Marshall

[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 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)

[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 you think you are having a problem with God, just try to imagine the problem He/She is having with you!

There is no way to know God’s Will unless I do 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




When we pray for strength, the Universe gives us difficulties to make us strong. When we pray for courage, the Universe gives us danger to overcome. When we pray for patience, the Universe gives us long lines and traffic jams. What are you praying for?

I may ask for favors but the Universe gives me opportunities.

[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




Wet the bed and blame the blanket—that is the life we led. With the Twelve Steps, we learn that problems are basically of our own making.

At the end of BLAME is 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




"This time, like all times, is a very good one if we but know what to do with it." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson. Every thought you have can be part of a continuous prayer and everything you do can be your practice of healing.

If I’m not happy today, what am I waiting for?

[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 can’t change reality but you can change your attitude toward it.

When reality messes up my fantasies, I pause and ask my Higher Power to guide my thoughts.

[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




Are you going to let tough times make you bitter or make you better?

I embrace “tough” times because I get to practice my principles.

[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 more things in heaven and earth... than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” ~William Shakespeare. Hold on to the knowledge that more good is occurring on this hunk of rock floating through space than you can ever imagine.

I ask for all things that I might enjoy life, I am given life that I might enjoy all 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




Seemingly “bad” days are usually the days in which we don’t get our own way. This is a Third Step problem. If you are having a “bad” day, read the Third Step from your basic recovery text and ask yourself what part of your life today has not been turned over.

Today I work toward matching my will to my Higher Power’s, not my Higher Power’s to mine.

[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




Gaining our strength in recovery by admitting our powerlessness in addiction is a mystery to us. But, the First Step says we are powerless over “our drug of choice” and not powerless over “our recovery.” Don’t limit yourself.

I am powerfully recovering.

[admin]

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.

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 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.

[admin]

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.

Today, I don't let people rent space in my head.

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




Service is sacred. “…our sometimes smoke-filled, coffee-filled, talk-filled clubs, meetings, and social gatherings are the basis for a lot more than laughter—they add up to a major part of our recovery.” May 29, Day By Day

Am I contributing to the fellowship?

[admin]

Today we have a choice! Don't take this gift lightly. You can choose to do right, you can choose to do wrong; with enough wrong choosing, your choices will be gone.

My Higher Power gives the best to me
when I give my choice to Him.

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 you are looking for the perfect group before you join a home group, then you are going to be homeless.

My home group members are not perfect and neither am I, so we suit each other perfectly.

[admin]

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.

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

[janbear]

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 hard to believe that this simple program can work for us. But it does. We see it each time an old timer celebrates a birthday, a newcomer picks up a token, or a former skid row drunk reaches out to help an alcoholic doctor that has hit his first meeting in desperation. Believe.

I make believe until I can believe.

[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




Self will and ‘running the show’ can be like the monkey who sticks his hand into the trap for food. He grasps the food tightly creating a fist that won’t slide out the trap door. The monkey struggles but won’t release the food and he is trapped. Holding tight to your will and your way can be the fist that traps you.

I Let Go and Let God. What a relief.

[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 program will work for people who believe in God. Our program will work for people who don’t believe in God. Our program will not work for people who believe they are God.

[admin]

Some members of the fellowship say "Our mind is a dangerous neighborhood to be in alone." But together we can be on block watch! Don't let your mind get the better of you. Turn that "M" in me upside down, like we are asked to turn it over, and make a "We" out of that "Me."

It isn't "me" and "you" anymore; it's "we" and "us."

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




Us addicts are often hyper-vigilant about others “talking behind our backs” or slandering us. Our sponsors tell us that what “they” think of us is none of our business. It can still be hard to take.

It matters not if someone speaks badly of me; I live so no one will believe it.

[admin]

When egos collide, use kind words, do what you have control over, and do what you think is right. Surrender what you don't have control over, even if you think what others are doing is wrong. Others have the right to be wrong.


I define myself by what I do and how I do it, not by who wins.

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




And so our very best thoughts won’t save us. When we are given a program of action, it tells us what to DO, not what to think. Think anything you want, just DO the suggestions (your thoughts will change).

What can I do this moment to have an awesome day?

[admin]

"Remember there's a very, very big world out there, with lots of loving people in it who you can have good relationships with." ~Toby Rice Drews. There are some relationships that you will never get back but that doesn't mean you won't have meaningful relationships

Rather than regret not having the relationships I would
love to have today, I love the ones that
HP would have me have today.

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

[admin]

1/19

Everybody makes mistakes. Fools repeat them, the weak excuse them, only the wise admit and profit from them.

If I really want to find a solution to my current quandary, I will. If not, I will find an excuse.

[admin]

Recovery is not an event; it is a process. The disease of addiction affects all three aspects of our physical, mental, and spiritual selves by changing our behavior (to self-destruction), thinking (to self-serving), and allegiance (to no purpose). It was a slow debilitating process. Recovery is the same slow process in reverse.

I am in the process of changing my behavior to self-
construction, my thoughts to service, and my allegiance
from 'no purpose' to a higher purpose.

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

[admin]

“Thoroughly have we seen a person fail who has rarely followed our path.” This is an interesting slip of the tongue from Chapter Five of Alcoholic’s Anonymous. Yet it contains a lot of wisdom.

I cannot work the steps too soon, because I do not know how soon it may be too late.

[vanessap]

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



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.

you are so right...there were times when i couldn't pray or didn't know what to pray for..but just the fact that i wanted to, or needed to,gave me such a feeling of peace...talking to my sponser about the fact that i was just angry and tired and maybe confused seem to lighten my load...one of the things i do whenever things are going on with me and i have no clue what my feelings are to these things,:12: i just ask God to show me what they are and somehow i'm able to work thru them and they seem to lessen and soon disappear

[vanessap]

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

Another day, another recovery!

here's one just as good "another day a better way"

[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




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.

[admin]

Meetings will not keep you sober but they sure as heck will mess up your drinking and drugging. People with a belly full of booze and head full of program find it a miserable way to live.

I may have one more drunk left inside, but not another
Sobering up-I don't take any chances.

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

[janbear]

'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




“For a time we are living inside a scream where there seems to be no exit, only echoes. The small cares that seemed so important yesterday seem like nothing, and our daily concerns become petty and irrelevant. When we finally reclaim ourselves, as we ultimately do, we are changed.” -Kent Nerburn, Simple Truths

Cooperating with God is the easier softer way.

[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




“Nothing contributes more to the peace of the soul than having no opinion at all." -George Christopher Lichtenberg

When I have no opinion on outside issues, I cannot be drawn into controversy. (Tradition Ten)

[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 an exceptional human being. There has never been anyone with your personality, ability, and unique way of seeing things. Take the world by storm because you have what it takes!

I used to feel impending doom. Now I feel impending good.

[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




Let go or be dragged…

I pray for the willingness to be willing to be willing to let go absolutely. (P 97, Meeting Wisdom)

[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




Egoism isn’t necessarily thinking a lot of yourself--just thinking of yourself a lot.

I begin this day by thinking of another first. Who is distressed or frightened that I may offer words of comfort?

[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




Witness the miracle of recovery happening for others, and you come to believe that this miracle can happen for you as well. Look at the miracles around you, one month off drugs, three years, 20 years or more. You are surrounded by living miracles.

I do not believe in miracles, I rely on 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




Many meetings, many chances; few meetings, few chances; no meetings, no chances.

The trouble with staying home and isolating is I get a lot of bad advice.

[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 something is right, it can be done. If it is wrong, it can be done without.

I can do that!

[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




They say both, “My best thinking got me drunk” and “Think a drink through.” Which is it? Are our thoughts friend or foe? Both, and the difference between “stink’n think’n” and “straight thinking” is simply self-honesty. We find a good place to start in Step Four.

I have to think everything I believe, but I don’t have to believe everything I think.

[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




Anger. “Anger” is one letter away from danger.

If I am right, I don’t need to be angry. If I am wrong, I can’t afford to be 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




Nothing happens by accident. There are no coincidences, they say, only God-incidences.

I believe that God can do for me what I can’t do for myself. I believe in God-incidences.

[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 do you begin helping a newcomer? When you see a newcomer. Don’t sweat it; just do it.

When I work with a drunk, the drunk I'm working on is 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




Life on earth is one of polarity. We feel the comfort of love because we know the pain of rejection; we know the satisfaction of a full belly because we know the emptiness of hunger. Without darkness we can’t appreciate the light; without cold we can’t cherish the warmth. We know the joy of recovery because we came from the depths of despair.

I am not what I am in spite of my disease; I am what I am because of 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




We find that the difference between adventure and disaster usually boils down to attitude. It’s like the glass half full or half empty. Is it a problem or an opportunity; an obstruction or a challenge for growth? The way you choose to see it makes all the difference.

I don’t see thing as they are, I see things as I am.

[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




Practicing the principles can never be done from a pedestal of self-righteousness. The very act of judging, complaining or criticizing, demonstrates that we are spiritually out of whack--not the ones we judge. Oh, they may be out of whack too, but that’s not our side of the street, is it?

My program does not work in principle. It only works in practice.