June 16 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous

June 16 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous

AA Daily Reflections ~ "OPEN-MINDEDNESS... We have found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the realm of spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 7

Open-mindedness to concepts of a Higher Power can open doors to the spirit. Often I find the human spirit in various dogmas and faiths. I can be spiritual in the sharing of myself. The sharing of self joins me to the human race and brings me closer to God, as I understand Him."


DonInLondon

A beautiful dawn from indigo to powder blue skies, from the brash of city night clattering’s to a brief silence and then the rumblings as millions add to a new thrum... Another day above ground. A rare night terror rolls away and cold sweat abates as daylight warms the earth. How am I feeling? Gratitude for my life today...

Emotional and Spiritual versus Intellect and Thinking in Fellowship! The internal battle of feelings and thinking is over as we put the 12 steps into practice, peace and serenity is possible contingent on the day we ask...

Open mindedness... our aim is to live to principles of open, honest and willing, utilising 12 steps in living life. Extremes of fear, brave facing and ego in the past closed down our courage, faith and confidence to seek new ways of living. Each day, step by step, life changes and balance becomes possible...

Ego, a brave face and fear... Covering up in recovery, when life is difficult is a natural response to "immediate" danger in front of us. A caution to pause and find safe ground, safe harbour. As we recover our wits, make sense, share the experience, courage, faith and confidence can be restored today...


Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"
June 15 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



The three “r’s” reading, writing and arithmetic! We value our thinking and intelligence. And we can forget we are of nature, driven by instincts and emotions. In fellowships, it is all about our emotional and spiritual well being. What we forgot, never learned, refused to deal with, pushed down and denied… This is what we learn, to live our feelings as they are in the moment, and just for today…

AA Daily Reflections ~ "MAKING A.A. YOUR HIGHER POWER..."You can make A.A. itself your ‘higher power.’ Here’s a very large group of people who have solved their alcohol problem. . . . many members . . . have crossed the threshold just this way. . . . their faith broadened and deepened. . . . transformed, they came to believe in a Higher Power. . . ” TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 27-28

No one was greater than I, at least in my eyes, when I was drinking. Nevertheless, I couldn’t smile at myself in the mirror, so I came to A.A. where, with others, I heard talk of a Higher Power. I couldn’t accept the concept of a Higher Power because I believed God was cruel and unloving. In desperation I chose a table, a tree, then my A.A. group, as my Higher Power. Time passed, my life improved, and I began to wonder about this Higher Power. Gradually, with patience, humility and a lot of questions, I came to believe in God. Now my relationship with my Higher Power gives me the strength to live a happy, sober life."

DonInLondon ~ Higher power and feeling the truth... Truth is beyond my opinion, my personal beliefs and often my thinking which justifies my outlook. Truth and good conscience over ride my desires to be right. Living well, is feeling comfortable with the truth of now, as life is, not what I thought it ought to be...


Making AA our Higher Power? As a beginning in finding out how to be me, I became a fellow in AA. Promised a path to sobriety, every fibre of my intellect looked for flaws and weaknesses in AA, a "get out." I found the flaws and weaknesses, they were in me, I stayed in AA and sober one day at a time...

Truth is timeless for me, my relationship with the Truth has been disagreeable on many levels because I did not like it. So my intellect offered me denial and power. And my feelings were always playing catch up with the truth, more denials which kept me blind to reality. Drink gave me illusions of power, then oblivion from the truth. Not only did I take the "edge off" with drink, drink took the "edge off" me. I prefer the cutting edge of reality and truth today, rather than being blunted and stunted by delusions which drink or drugs and fixing on behaviour which kept me in the luxurious miserable dark for decades...


Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviour’s. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"
Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 14



AA Daily Reflections ~ “WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH… It is a design for living that works in rough going. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 15

When I came to A.A., I realized that A.A. worked wonderfully to help keep me sober. But could it work on real life problems, not concerned with drinking? I had my doubts. After being sober for more than two years I got my answer. I lost my job, developed physical problems, my diabetic father lost a leg, and someone I loved left me for another – and all of this happened during a two-week period. Reality crashed in, yet A.A. was there to support, comfort, and strengthen me. The principles I had learned during my early days of sobriety became a mainstay of my life for not only did I come through, but I never stopped being able to help newcomers. A.A. taught me not to be overwhelmed, but rather to accept and understand my life as it unfolded.”

DonInLondon ~ Choices made with truth and not denial... June all about step 6, defects of character. When I make choices from extremes of fear, putting on a brave face, and little confidence, denial of truth is highly likely. Today if I pause, deal with "I can't believe it moments," get help and respond, truth prevails, denials fade...
“When The Going Gets Rough”... Unity, service and recovery. Life happens, and we are a part of it, good or bad, sad or joyful and often all mixed in together. Life in "real time" experienced in "real time" is wisdom developing in "real time" Rarely do we control it, we always learn living "now..."


Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"

Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 13



When I am asked a question or someone expects I know the answer, I am happy to say "I don't know" "I can find out." If others look down on me because of it, that is their problem, their fear, their ego and not mine...

AA Daily Reflections ~ "LIVING OUR AMENDS... Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is to some extent, ill. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 122

It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not only hurt myself, but also those around me. Making amends to my family, and to the families of alcoholics still suffering, will always be important. Understanding the havoc I created and trying to repair the destruction, will be a lifelong endeavor. The example of my sobriety may give others hope, and faith to help themselves."

More Will Be Revealed... Experience Strength & Hope. When we wake up, we can ask ourselves "How am I feeling, why and what may I choose to do today?" We can be open, honest and willing, let go our expecations, be open to choices we have, and simply be ourselves today...

Living Amends... nobody is perfect, today sober we can let go our anger and resentment towards ourselves for being human, realise we may be judging our fellows when we need only work on our own attitudes and actions. The living amend, sober and to be human sized, equal with humility...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"
Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 12



Learning to be me… Life confused me from the get go, good people and bad people baffled me, never sure of their intent. Looking back I feel I was mainly a good person with a lot of harsh experiences. Alcohol helped with oblivion and was my best friend. Now I make friends with humans as they are today and can form relationships in an open honest way even though they may still baffle me…

Learning to be a trusted companion… As time goes by, truth helps me learn to be open, honest and willing. How to love, be loved takes time. Not to judge others, simply accept them as they are. I have made friends, formed loving relationships and know there will the vexatious people too, best left to their own devices today…

AA Daily Reflections ~ "FORMING TRUE PARTNERSHIPS... But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability to form a true partnership with another human being. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 53

Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a true partnership with another human being? What a terrible handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life! In my sobriety I will meditate and pray to discover how I may be a trusted friend and companion."

Forming True Partnerships.. From single minded to open minded, from dishonest self interest to honest good living, from stubborn and unwilling to willing to see the world as it is for everyone. Partnership, to be included, to love, be love and useful just for today...

All day long we Judge!.. Modern living, judging, "the X Factor." We are encouraged to develop our talent, to judge people, places and things. We can sit back with ego, watch, judge and vote - FIX. All we really need do is love, look at our own conduct, attitudes and what we give just for today...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"
Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 11



AA Daily Reflections ~ "FAMILY OBLIGATIONS... a spiritual life which does not include... family obligations may not be so perfect after all. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129

I can be doing great in the program–applying it at meetings, at work, and in service activities–and find that things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and value my progress, but they don’t–unless I show them. Do I neglect their needs and desire for my attention and concern? When I’m around them, am I irritable or boring? Are my “amends” a mumbled “Sorry,” or do they take the form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying to reform or “fix” them? Have I ever really cleaned house with them? “The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83).

Family obligations... In fellowship we learn and learn over again how to love, be loved and useful. In unity, service and recovery our feelings return and in early days of recovery, often we are overwhelmed and then with time we find balance where our feelings match real life. It takes time to practice these principles in all our affairs...
I love everyone in my family, over the years in recovery, my nearest and dearest have seen me change, and they have changed, most trust me and accept the new me and love me. The exception is where one is still in the problem of addiction, deeply wounded and deeply wounding for everyone, tolerance and love, and cherish always is key…


DonInLondon ~ Learning Is Timeless... As individuals, with: families, friends and community we are making progress. How we progress in life, consciously or without thought, change and choices happen today. In recovery our impact for good is always in our attitude and behaviour moment by moment...

Recovery all about everything... In fellowship, 12 steps offer an open, honest and willing approach to life. We join together in unity, service and recovery. Practicing these principles in all our endeavours, keeping it simple, making time, learning balance, the road narrows, experience deepens...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"
Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 10



Hurt people hurt people. Watching a survivor of violence interview describe how they faced their attacker and found forgiveness is truly remarkable. This is not always the outcome. I do know I had a complete breakdown because of bullying in adult life. A bully nearly made me a bully, hurt people do hurt people. Today I see the breakdown, became a breakthrough, only took a decade to get there!

Indeed we do have the ability to hold conflicting attitudes and inconsistent views at the same time. And because we are human, we are pulled both ways in what we feel and what we actually do when confronted with the horror of abuse. Knowing what is utterly right to do does not mean others ever play fair. We can set process in action to correct wrong situations even though we may never change the outlook of other people. That is their burden and not ours... We cannot live in hate, it is not in our nature, big hug and love xxx

Love people hate their behaviour? I learned to hate myself for being weak and unable to stop drinking, and whatever I did it was always about overcoming a weakness and relying on willpower. Willpower kept me silent, isolated and determined and kept me drinking. Fellowship taught me love and forgiveness, humanised me and freed me...

AA Daily Reflections ~ "IMPATIENT? TRY LEVITATING.. We reacted more strongly to frustrations than normal people. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 111

Impatience with other people is one of my principal failings. Following a slow car in a no-passing lane, or waiting in a restaurant for the check, drives me to distraction. Before I give God a chance to slow me down, I explode, and that’s what I call being quicker than God. That repeated experience gave me an idea. I thought if I could look down on these events from God’s point of view, I might better control my feelings and behavior. I tried it and when I encountered the next slow driver, I levitated and looked down on the other car and upon myself. I saw an elderly couple driving along, happily chatting about their grandchildren. They were followed by me–bug eyed and red of face–who had no time schedule to meet anyway. I looked so silly that I dropped back into reality and slowed down. Seeing things from God’s angle of vision can be very relaxing..."

DonInLondon ~ Learning Is Timeless... As individuals, with: families, friends and community we are making progress. How we progress in life, consciously or without thought, change and choices happen today. In recovery our impact for good is always in our attitude and behaviour moment by moment...

Recovery all about everything... In fellowship, 12 steps offer an open, honest and willing approach to life. We join together in unity, service and recovery. Practicing these principles in all our endeavours, keeping it simple, making time, learning balance, the road narrows, experience deepens...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviours. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"
Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 9

AA Daily Reflections ~ "LIVING IN THE NOW... First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober — and it works. Once the idea has become a part of our thinking, we find that living life in 24 hour segments is an effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters as well. LIVING SOBER, p. 7

“One Day At A. Time.” To a newcomer this and other one-liners of A.A. may seem ridiculous. The passwords of the A.A. Fellowship can become lifelines in moments of stress. Each day can be like a rose unfurling according to the plan of a Power greater than myself. My program should be planted in the right location, just as it will need to be groomed, nourished, and protected from disease. My planting will require patience, and my realizing that some flowers will be more perfect than others. Each stage of the petals’ unfolding can bring wonder and delight if I do not interfere or let my expectations override my acceptance — and this brings serenity.
Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready."

DonInLondon Reflections ~ "Any time, any place and anywhere, the twelve steps are timeless principles because they never wear out. The steps, at your service and always work in the moment. How am I feeling, why and what can I do today? Part of my morning meditations now is to know my outlook so I can be free to live life on life's terms today, freedom to be me...

Letting go and letting good prevail. As I came out of the darkest of times in addiction, it was a slow and steady progress of shrugging off the old outlooks. No drink, no oblivion, no dread. Paranoia haunted me a long while. Then room to find faith courage and confidence to live life today…

Helicopter Views... When we can only see life our own way, we have one view, our own view. When we feel pressure we feel life more at the extremes. Taking account of others and their point of view in the here and now, offers opportunity to be right sized with everyone just for today..

Slow Down To Now.. Reaction to new situations with old behaviour. Anger resentment, frustration are evoked by experiences today. Old behaviour can overwhelm and distort the present moment. Take in each new situation, consider how to respond as reality is. In recovery, can do, cannot do..."

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"

Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 8



AA Daily Reflections ~ "OPENING UP TO CHANGE... Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision, action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side of our natures. With it comes the development of that kind of humility that makes it possible for us to receive God’s help. . . . we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life — the one that did not work — for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever. AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8

I have been given a daily reprieve contingent upon my spiritual condition, provided I seek progress, not perfection. To become ready for change, I practice willingness, opening myself to possibilities of change. If I realize there are defects that hinder my usefulness in A.A. and toward others, I become ready by meditating and receiving direction. “Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58). To let go and let God, I need only surrender my old ways to Him; I no longer fight nor do I try to control, but simply believe that, with God’s help, I am changed and affirming this belief makes me ready. I empty myself to be full of awareness, light, and love, and I am ready to face each day with hope."

DonInLondon ~ Sober, contingent on my spiritual condition? I looked for the fine print in the fellowship, the get out clauses, the short cuts, something they failed to mention. I do not know who I thought "they" were. I tried in vain, there were no hidden features and there was no "they" to complain to in AA. Its simply us today...

A life time in a day... At the end of each day, We will know more about who we are, how life can challenge us and our attitudes, how we are open, honest and willing to change. Where we had strong feelings, where we have gratitude and where we have solace, where we have acceptance...

The easier softer way... To live in reality, to experience our feelings as they are happening, to be a part of the big picture. To develop esteem, faith and courage in real time, to be human, to love, be loved and useful, to share experience strength and hope, happy or sad as life is...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 7

AA Daily Reflections ~ "LONG-TERM HOPE Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it isn’t strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose. When they drive us blindly, or we willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point at which we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65

This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is gained, both of the nature of my illness and the path of my recovery. The beauty of A.A. lies in knowing that my life, with God’s help, will improve. The A.A. journey becomes richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams become realities–and today becomes forever. As I step into the A.A. light, my heart fills with the presence of God."

DonInLondon ~ Past PRESENT Future... We can be beguild by the past. Reminded of the good times and the bad times, we can evoke powerful memories and extremes. We can look forward and miss the present moment, today we can make choices based on reality, always the present perfect moment to change...

Long Term Hope... Always in the action and today. If we can ground ourselves in what we can do now, cannot do now, we set a plan for the day. Needs met, wants in balance. We can be hopeful, long term for us can be this one day. Our actions today are foundations and the future becomes possible...

"Your time is precious, don’t waste it living someone else’s idea of life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t drown in other’s opinion, listen to your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, you already know what you truly need to become. Freedom in action"


Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."


Alcoholics Anonymous Steps In Action June 6



AA Daily Reflections ~ "ALL WE DO Is Try... Can He now take them all — every one? ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

In doing Step Six it helped me a lot to remember that I am striving for “spiritual progress.” Some of my character defects may be with me for the rest of my life, but most have been toned down or eliminated. All that Step Six asks of me is to become willing to name my defects, claim them as my own, and be willing to discard the ones I can, just for today. As I grow in the program, many of my defects become more objectionable to me than previously and, therefore, I need to repeat Step Six so that I can become happier with myself and maintain my serenity."

DonInLondon ~ When I am disturbed it is for a reason and very valid to question why. When I am disturbed by people places and things, if I can see the situation through their eyes long enough to understand why, I may find a path and make choices which keep me safe and out of harms way... step 6, step 1, step 11 & 12

Step six problem step seven to solution... Stuck in old ways, fear, brave facing, cover up, and spinning we are the problem and will find ourselves back in it from time to time. In time we develop courage, faith and confidence to learn and be human today...

Steps work just for today; defects are at the extremes of attitudes and behaviour, balance in the middle? The wisdom comes from living them, after studying them. As we recognise how steps are working for us, we keep our books handy for daily reference and sharing, living texts for people living...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"



June 5 | Alcoholics Anonymous Daily Video |



The principles of unity, service and recovery, sharing experience strength and hope. Equality is at the heart of fellowship, our "anarchic democracy." No rules or laws. Inclusion not exclusion. In fellowship, the rooms provide sanctuary to experience truth, love and wisdom. Freedom from oppression, free to make informed choices and live life on life's terms today...

Truth Will Set Us Free... We have no monopoly on truth, it takes courage to face the truth because we cannot control the outcomes. If we hold back on our truth, we exclude others from their choices. For me God is truth, it offers a freedom, forgiveness and acceptance of life today

All we do is try... If we are to maintain our path of open honest and willing, we need be aware where our defects of character can block our progress. Fear of being found out often hampers as shame and guilt prevail. Secrets keep us sick, truth offers freedom for recovery to prevail...

AA Daily Reflections ~ "ENTIRELY READY? “This is the Step that separates the men from the boys.”. . . the difference between “the boys and the men” is the difference between striving for a self determined objective and for the perfect objective which is of God. . . It is suggested that we ought to become entirely willing to aim toward perfection. . . The moment we say, “No, never!” our minds close against the grace of God. . . This is the exact point at which we abandon limited objectives, and move toward God’s will for us. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 63, 68, 69

Am I entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character? Do I know at long last that I cannot save myself? I have come to believe that I cannot. If I am unable, if my best intentions go wrong, if my desires are selfishly motivated and if my knowledge and will are limited — then I am ready to embrace God’s will for my life."


Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"


June 4 | Alcoholics Anonymous Daily Video |



In recovery, we can be happy or sad and still enjoy our freedom. It is good to be able to make choices each day and know as life changes, so too our choices can always change...

All About Recovery ~ Recovery from addiction to substance and behaviour. What works for me? The many voices in fellowship who share experience, strength and hope. Recovery is about learning new attitudes and behaviour to be open, honest and willing to learn. Freedom of choice one day at a time...

AA Daily Reflections ~ "LETTING GO OF OUR OLD SELVES... JUNE 4, 2011 Carefully reading the first five proposals we ask if we have omitted anything, for we are building an arch through which we shall walk a free man at last. . . . Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 75, 76

The Sixth Step is the last “preparation” Step. Although I have already used prayer extensively, I have made no formal request of my Higher Power in the first Six Steps. I have identified my problem, come to believe that there is a solution, made a decision to seek this solution, and have “cleaned house.” I now ask: Am I willing to live a life of sobriety, of change, to let go of my old self? I must determine if I am truly ready to change. I review what I have done and become willing for God to remove all my defects of character; for in the next Step, I will tell my Creator I am willing and will ask for help. If I have been thorough in the preparation of my foundation and feel that I am willing to change, I am then ready to continue with the next Step. “If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76)

DonInLondon ~ Hurt People, Hurt People.. If we are hurting how likely is it that that we will consciously or unconsciously hurt others? Withdrawn, isolated our thinking and feelings may remain dark.. Make contact, a phone call, a meeting, let out and express. If we hurt less, we hurt less people...

Letting go of our old selves... The daily reprieve from old attitudes and behaviour, our daily reflections, we live the steps today. At any time we can return to old feelings and thinking. Keeping our living in the day, “day sized,” we treat ourselves and others more “right sized” and choices manageable...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"


June 3 | Alcoholics Anonymous Daily Video |



AA Daily Reflections ~ "ON A WING AND A PRAYER... . . . . we then look at Step Six. We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76
Steps Four and Five were difficult, but worthwhile. Now I was stuck on Step Six and, in despair, I picked up the Big Book and read this passage. I was outside, praying for willingness, when I raised my eyes and saw a huge bird rising in the sky. I watched it suddenly give itself up to the powerful air currents of the mountains. Swept, along, swooping and soaring, the bird did things seemingly impossible for mortal birds to do. It was an inspiring example of a fellow creature “letting go” to a power greater than itself. I realized that the bird “took back his will” and tried to fly with less trust, on its power alone, it would spoil its apparent free flight. That insight granted me the willingness to pray the Seventh Step prayer. It’s not easy to know God’s will in each circumstance. I must search out and be ready for the currents, and that’s where prayer and meditation help! Because I am, of myself, nothing, I ask God to grant me the knowledge of His will and the power and courage to carry it out — today."

Wing and a prayer.. We are all of nature, learning and developing emotional attributes. We find "balance" in all matters offers freedom of choices in this one day. Stuck in extremes we may cope a while. Open and willing to change, we cope less and live more freely moment to moment...

Steps...Sixes and Sevens... Morning reflections start with our inner voice on waking. We can be at "sixes", tired from a restless night, angry, resentful at noises and yesterdays dismays, and then as we come round, acceptance and "sevens," courage and faith... Sixes and sevens, always a balance today

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"

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Alcoholics Anonymous Video | DonInLondon | Life Works In Recovery |


June 2 | Alcoholics Anonymous Daily Video |



AA Daily Reflections ~ "THE UPWARD PATH... Here are the steps we took. . . . . ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59

These are the words that lead into the Twelve Steps. In their direct simplicity they sweep aside all psychological and philosophical considerations about the rightness of the Steps. They describe what I did: I took the Steps and sobriety was the result. These words do not imply that I should walk the well-trodden path of those who went before, but rather that there is a way for me to become sober and that it is a way I shall have to find. It is a new path, one that leads to infinite light at the top of the mountain. The Steps advise me about the footholds that are safe and about chasms to avoid. They provide me with the tools I need during the many parts of the solitary journey of my soul. When I speak of this journey, I share my experience, strength and hope with others."

Let go humour...King George V, on the verge of death, surrounded by his family. The King’s physician reportedly suggests, “Your Majesty will soon be well enough to visit Bognor.” [A Spa Town] The King replies, “Bugger Bognor”... Famous last words, let go move on... laugh be happy

Progress Not Perfection... Letting go and enjoying progress, to be on the path of living now. Step four, our inventory of torments and triumphs, step five sharing our life story. Step six recognising the defects are prolongued extremes of feeling and being stuck... Today we can change

Forgiving In Recovery... How am I feeling today? Life is hard knocks and joy from moment to moment... Doing our best may feel the worst for others.. And the worst of others we experience is the best they can be in this moment. Acceptance of how life is now opens up our choices...


Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"


June 1 | Alcoholics Anonymous Daily Video |



Seven years sober today... calm this morning.. Day by day, a journey made possible with the support of fellowship.. "Newcomers" to "Old timers," thankful for the many still on the path and remembering those who have perished along the way, love and gratitude...

June & July Steps six and seven in the daily reflections. Step six days, all about events which evoke fear, a desire to hide our truth and put on a brave face and ego comes rising. Or step seven days where events evoke courage, faith and confidence.. If I know how I feel, I know how to deal...

Step 6 is a step of preparation and reflection. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now I need to make sure that I am ready. I need to make sure in my own heart and mind that I am truly willing for God to remove these defects of character that have enabled my addictive behaviors. It might mean letting go of other things in my life in order to allow God to do the work that needs to be done. I need to determine if I am truly ready.

AA Daily Reflections ~ "A CHANGED OUTLOOK Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84

When I was drinking, my attitude was totally selfish, totally self-centered; my pleasure and my comfort came first. Now that I am sober, self-seeking has started to slip away. My whole attitude toward life and other people is changing. For me, the first “A” in our name stands for attitude. My attitude is changed by the second “A” in our name, which stands for action. By working the Steps, attending meetings, and carrying the message, I can be restored to sanity. Action is the magic word! With a positive, helpful attitude and regular A.A. action, I can stay sober and help others to achieve sobriety. My attitude now is that I am willing to go to any length to stay sober!"


"The A.A. Steps & Traditions are neither rules, regulations, nor laws. Perhaps the secret of their power lies in the fact that these life-giving communications spring out of living experience and are rooted in love." 1. A.A. COMES OF AGE, P. 105." "We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works..."

Spiritual principles to live life "real" ~ "Forgiveness" "Acceptance" "Surrender" "Faith" "Open-mindedness" "Honesty" "Willingness" "Moral-inventory" "Amends" "Humility" "Persistence" "Spiritual-growth" "Service"

Step 6 "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character"

Step Six AA 12&12 Twelve Steps And Twelve Traditions