Reflections for Every Day - July
 

July 1

Candy Says:

I have so much to be thankful for today, and it is because of my higher power, whom I choose to call God, and my wonderful sponsor, and the of course the fellowship of AA. I had never known the true meaning of friendships, or the the true meaning of living, until I came into AA. I have a life today that I never thought possible, all I needed to do was surrender, and realize that I was not alone.

As I often say, surrender doesn't mean to give up, it means give over.

Just being clean and sober in today, is a reason to be grateful.

July 2

Amy L Says:

It never ceases to amaze me how God works through my group. No matter how much we disagree, we always find the love of a forgiving higher power that brings us back into unison. Today I know that God's purpose for me is to live, love, share with others the gift of sobriety I have found through the grace of God.

July 3

Ted Says:

God has done for me what I could not do for myself. A year ago, I would have said that "peace" is only something that hippies wish upon each other. Today I understand that, if I ask God for another day of sobriety, true peace and happiness will follow.

July 4

Radar Says:

By attending Al-Anon for the last two years I have found a serenity that I never thought possible. With the strength of my Al-Anon fellowship behind me, I was able to confront both of my parents with what I believe to be true and explain to them how this has affected me. I have learned to focus on what my responsibility is regarding my character defects. I continue to learn tools that I can use to move on from experiences and have the peace I've sought for so long.

July 5

Betty Ann Says:

There came a time in my recovery when (through good sponsorship) that I was informed that all resentments are dishonest, because I had either done it, thought about doing it, or was in the process of doing it. The term spot it you got it is how I gauge the quality of my recovery in the moment. My attitude, actions and reactions are the only thing in this life that I have any say in, and what other people do or don't do is really not my concern, it's God's.

July 6

Carol Says:

I'm the wife of an alcoholic and I watch as he deteriorates from this cruel disease. Today he is in much emotional and physical pain as his health is slipping away. But denial keeps him from the reality of his disease. Because of the years I have spent in Al-Anon, I can remove myself from his suffering. I can only hope he will notice what recovery has given me and the spring in my step these days, and want this for himself.

July 7

Lori Says:

All I have to do is practice the principles I've learned to the best of my ability, and take the recommended suggestions of my sponsor and those with whom I've built relationships with in the program. Unity, service and recovery will come to you if you go to meetings, work the steps with a good sponsor, reach out to others, avail yourself to service and practice return to conscious contact continually. It can happen for anyone!

July 8

Betty Ann Says:

When life on life's terms seems to overwhelm me it's back to basics for me. Making time for prayer and meditation, meetings, and working with others get me back on track. These simple actions keep me grounded in the reality that I am an alcoholic, and that I can choose to live with an awareness of this spiritual malady, or without the proper maintenance that I can die from it.

Note:

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

July 9

Tim Says:

There were times when I could actually stop for a drink and actually have ONE. There were, however, those other times when I stopped for one and had five, six, ten, or more. The problem was I couldn't predict what it was going to be once I had that ONE. If you can successfully control your drinking, the chances are you're probably not an alcoholic. If however, you find that your drinking is uncontrollable, then you might just be an alcoholic. Only you can decide.

July 10

Cee Says:

I joined Al-Anon because I knew my potential for happiness was great. I just wasn't very happy because I was insane always thinking about the alcoholic in my life. Well, now I think about me. I do things for me now. I go to meetings, I make phone calls, I read lots and lots of Al-Anon literature, and of late, I've gone on-line. I also take pleasure in my children, my husband, my dog, my surroundings, and I thank my higher power every day for everything I do have.

July 11

Rock Says:

I think we get hung up on terminology sometimes: "Am I an alcoholic? Am I not an alcoholic?" To me, the bottom line was that alcohol was causing me so much pain in my life that I had to stop. Whether or not I'm an alcoholic (and I accept the fact that I am), the simple fact was that I had to stop drinking to maintain my marriage and my sanity. If you're questioning the role alcohol plays in your life, then maybe it is time to make some strong changes.

I finally figured out, ¨If I am not an alocholic, what am I?¨ I did not want to think of the alternative.

I always knew I was an addict. Some is good, more is better. I never knew what more would take me and how far, I could not use safely.

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July 12

Roselle Says:

One of the affirmations I've often used when overwhelmed with 'whatever' is: "I'm a beloved child of the universe." I'd repeat it to myself, silently or out loud, until any feelings of anxiety would disappear. Sometimes this affirmation brought up strong feelings, sometimes tears.

July 13

Carol D. Says:

I read a book "Under The Influence" by Milam and Ketcham that proved to my satisfaction that I suffer from a deadly progressive disease. That information... coupled with a new resolve to follow the tenets of AA has been my salvation. Each day without alcohol is a victory. My depression left quickly once I cleared my mind and body of booze. My life is full of purpose and joy.