October 16

Today's Thought:

I still get hit with memories and moments that bring sadness, too. When they come, I have to remind myself that they will pass and soon I will feel better again. I do my best to turn it over to my higher power and go about my day. Sometimes that isn't so easy to do, but I keep trying.

Submitted By:

Kitten

October 17

Today's Thought:

I won't avoid my friends who do drink because I have a problem with alcohol. I have steered clear of events that were primary centered on drinking - what would be the point of going - but I won't give up good times with good people. I need all the friends I can get.

Submitted By:

Bonny

October 18

Today's Thought:

I find it necessary to go out and hit meetings and deal with people. We found the time to get to the liquor store or the corner market for our beer didnt we? We can find the time necessary to attend a meeting.

Submitted By:

Steve

October 19

Today's Thought:

What it took for me to finally accept help from outside myself was repeated beatings administered by alcohol. After many years of this torment, I finally waved my little white hankey and surrendered.
Submitted By:

Jack P.

October 20

Today's Thought:

It is when things are going OK and I'm feeling pretty good that I go back to the illusion of having some control. I have heard that "ism" stands for incredibly short memory. I am stubborn. I am arrogant. I need to be reminded. That is why I go to meetings regularly.

Submitted By:

Feel It

October 21

Today's Thought:

In the sixth step it says we're entirely ready to have God remove our shortcomings. The word entirely had me stuck for awhile until one day I realized I don't have to do anything. All I have to do is become willing and accept that there is a power greater than myself who loves me exactly as I am.

Submitted By:

Feel It

October 22

Today's Thought:

We both learned that how we both acted when I got sober was absolutely typically stereo-typically normal. Ah ha! Al-Anon to the rescue! Since we've been going together to both Al-Anon, AA and private counselors we both understand it a "us" problem. Now it's time to talk about "our" recovery instead of just mine.

Submitted By:

Michele

October 23

Today's Thought:

For me the bottom line is that I need to be reminded often about what I was really like when I was drinking. I also need to be reminded that there is a solution, what that solution is, and that there are living examples of the miracles that solution has wrought. I get that from studying the Big Book and going to meetings.

Submitted By:

Jack P.

October 24

Today's Thought:

I abhor the word "work" because it becomes judgmental. Am I working the program hard enough? Am I working the program as hard as Mary or Joe or whoever. If I slip is that because I did not work the program hard enough? As far as put downs go in recovery the word "work" is the worst.

Submitted By:

Rover

October 25

Today's Thought:

I just think that too many people go to these rehab centers to get a quick fix. Learning to live sober is a lifelong process. I truly believe that anyone that is willing to give AA a chance, they have a chance to live a really decent life.

Submitted By:

CourageGirl

October 26

Today's Thought:

I tried for a long time to love unconditionally. What I finally found was that I was drawing my "love" out of a dry well. In order for me to love the way I wanted to love I had to be willing to receive unconditional love from a source that was able to give it. Only then could I pass it on.

Submitted By:

Greg

October 27

Today's Thought:

I discuss everything with my sponsor, I talk with the people in the rooms, and especially the individuals in my home group. I also discuss and gain advice from people outside AA -- other people whom I admire -- and I talk with my counselor about what's good or bad for me. I am lucky to have a well-rounded base to gain knowledge, advice, and support.

Submitted By:

A.E.W.

October 28

Today's Thought:

There have been times that I felt like using and drinking. Although the compulsion has been lifted years ago, the thought would still come from time to time. But, I had kept going to meetings long enough, that when times got tough, I just kept going, until the pain of living had passed.

Submitted By:

Cindy S.

October 29

Today's Thought:

I found meetings helpful in the sense that I needed someplace to be other than in bars and some of the other more seedy places I hung out. I had no socialization skills, so for me it was a good place to start.

Submitted By:

Bette

October 30

Today's Thought:

I know my husband is hitting rock bottom. I believe it's because I left him to his own behavior. Because I'm not pecking at him anymore for drinking, he's left with the guilt of it all. When I do peck at him, he always has a good reason to drink. Al-Anon is the only reason I am still with him.

Submitted By:

Cee