Saturday 30 July 2011

July 30 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous


July 30 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Serenity does not come from being right or righteous. Often we may feel so. Serenity seems to come from acceptance of life on life’s terms. Everything is as it is, we can change our attitudes and behaviour, we are hard pressed if we try the same with others…

A prayer for all seasons and time ~ a meditation in moments where life is joyful or sad, difficult or easy. The serenity prayer offers a reminder in any moment that life is just the way it may be now. That we can change some elements, other elements we cannot and the wisdom is knowing the difference. Acceptance of truth, love and wisdom of others...In good conscience or to the God of your understanding ~ God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change. Courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. The prayer and meditation, for me, a reflection of and feeling the truth of now and not to wishful thinking...

A better perspective on serenity... The truth as it really is can be: wonderful, difficult, denied or accepted. As truth is revealed and experienced by us, our feelings change our thinking changes. With a more sober outlook and maturity we face the consequences of our actions. We feel, we think. We respond as we may to truth...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Giving back: July 30 . . . . he has struck something better than gold. . . . He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product. [AA Big Book]

My part of the Seventh Tradition means so much more than just giving money to pay for the coffee. It means being accepted for myself by belonging to a group. For the first time I can be responsible, because I have a choice. I can learn the principals of working out problems in my daily life by getting involved in the "business" of A.A. By being self-supporting, I can give back to A.A. what A.A. gave to me! Giving back to A.A. not only ensures my own sobriety, but allows me to buy insurance that A.A. will be here for my grandchildren."
-/-

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism

July 29 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Amends are difficult, made because we need own our part in matters. In recovery amends made may not yield and often cannot yield mutual understanding. We let go and accept the steps work for us and not them, whoever them may be…

The Chair last night reminded me of times past, alcoholic and addicted to love, especially heartbreak. Early days sober, letting go not only drink, the old thinking and feelings. A vast emptiness followed. Then letting in the new, a wealth of wonderment as reality hit home…

Anonymous... Fellowship offers sanctuary to find the truth of who we were, and who we are becoming today. A sponsor may be sought to learn the steps when we ask for help. Sponsors may become friends. And we find friendship where there is common interest, just like life! No dogma in fellowship unless we make it so...

Open, honest, anonymity & gossip! Truth is spiritual and sets us free, our fellowship a spiritual kindergarten. Learning the truth of who we are daily is a revelation. We see a lot, hear a lot and learn a lot about ourselves and our fellows... I can share the truth of me, and not about you. Progress not perfection, we learn today
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Tradition 7 Anonymous gifts of kindness: July 29 As active alcoholics we were always looking for a hand out in one way or another.[12 traditions]

The challenge of the Seventh Tradition is a personal challenge, reminding me to share and give of myself. Before sobriety the only thing I ever supported was my habit of drinking. Now my efforts are a smile, a kind word, and kindness. I saw that I had to start carrying my own weight and to allow my new friends to walk with me because, through the practice of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, I've never had it so good."
-/-


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 28 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Meetings are all about sobriety. We share, and we learn from each other. Attraction is “what we see is what we get” and find what will work, and we are so diverse and rich in experience. Promotion suggests a fix, a guarantee. Sober today, contingent on our spiritual condition…

Those who still suffer... Intolerance and hate formed from a superior outlook or an inferior outlook, judging the world as we are judged? Valuing diversity, every life, to love and be loved, to be useful. In recovery and sobriety more able and making progress, we can support and challenge and make good in our actions today..


Step 7 Faith, courage, confidence and truth just for today. Always in the now our fear, a desire to cover up and put on a brave face, ego to hide guilt shame and resentments will challenge our spiritual progress. Spiritual being the truth as it is, not self belief or opinion, so simple yet so complicated? Always for today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Step 7 Those who still suffer: July 28 ~ Let us resist the proud assumption that since God has enabled us to do well in one area we are destined to be a channel of saving grace for everybody.[AA Comes of age]
A.A. groups exist to help alcoholics achieve sobriety. Large or small, firmly established or brand-new, speaker, discussion or study group has but one reason for being: to carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic. The group exists so that the alcoholic can find a new way of life, a life abundant in happiness, joy, and freedom. To recover, most alcoholics need the support of a group of other alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope. Thus my sobriety, and our program's survival, depends on my determination to put first things first."

-/-


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 27 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ How am I feeling, why and what can I do? Emotional and spiritual development and twelve steps to live free. If my emotions fit with reality then I have a better perspective on what I can and cannot do today. Free of the past and wishing for the future…

July 27 2010 ~ Giving freely... to love, be loved and useful. Time is our most precious gift, sober we share experience, strength and hope and develop our wisdom of living. Freely given, freely received we find the truth of now and improve our life choices. Human beings being human we make progress a day at a time...

July 27 2010 ~ To cherish - tolerance and love... Back then, in the day, lost in madness and in early days of recovery, we might only value any experience at the extremes. With our feelings in the moment, we feel life as it is now. As we give to newcomers freely, we need not forget tolerance and love we received so we cherish the truth today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Giving freely: 27 July ~ We will make every personal sacrifice necessary to insure the unity of Alcoholics Anonymous. We will do this because we have learned to love God and one another. [A.A. comes of age]

To be self-supporting through my own contributions was never a strong characteristic during my days as a practicing alcoholic. The giving of time or money always demanded a price tag. As a newcomer I was told "we have to give it away in order to keep it." As I began to adopt the principals of Alcoholics Anonymous in my life, I soon found it was a privilege to give to the Fellowship as an expression of the gratitude felt in my heart. My love of God and of others became the motivating factor in my life, with no thought of return. I realize now that giving freely is God's way of expressing Himself through me."

-/-


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 26 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ A step two meeting last night, all about insanity and a higher power restoring us to sanity. Love and the steps work just for today, practiced in all our affairs whether we know it or not…

“Step Living” ~ “life in the fast lane” versus “slow down you’re moving’ too fast.” When we really get a handle on our step toolkit, we can do both, living in the fast lane or slowing down to smell the coffee. Step change, always just for today…

The value of sobriety: emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. In addiction we have most likely lost our way, comparing and despairing, a fearful trap of self-hate and materialism, forever wanting to be fixed. Sober today, we get to know how we feel, live in the moment and deal with our wellbeing. Needs met, less wanting...

To cherish and learn wisdom: Out of the frying pan into the “fire” of living. Addiction fried our brains day after day. Raw to sober living every sense burns and we are hot with discovery. As anger and resentment at ourselves falls away, we start to learn how to live again. We cherish experience; learn wisdom, we are good enough for today
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "The "worth" of sobriety: 26 July Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. [12&12]

When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I am either too bust to take money out of my purse, or I do not have enough, but I am there because I need this meeting. I heard someone suggest dropping the price of a beer into the basket, and I thought, that’s too much! I almost never give one dollar. Like many others, I rely on the more generous members to finance the Fellowship. I forget that it takes money to rent the meeting room, buy my milk, sugar and cups. I will pay, without hesitation, ninety cents for a cup of coffee at a restaurant after the meeting; I always have money for that. So, how much is my sobriety and my inner peace worth?"
-/-


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 25 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ I need remind myself when I get angry and resentful, most likely my expectations of myself and others is too high. If my or others behaviour seems to be the worst, it is always the best it can be in that moment. Forgiving, humility and learning offers progress and never perfection…

Our principles, the twelve steps start to become second nature as we learn how to relate to others with a sober head. From insanity to sanity, sometimes quickly, often slowly the steps work when we ask for help and just for today…

Supporting each other... No matter how long sober, from a day to a decade, fellowship is about unity, service and recovery. We are all on the same page, we live in this one day and experience life as it is. Difficult or easy, with help we keep sober, we are all responsible in this unique moment of now...

Courage to change... Twelve steps to live life with new attitudes and behaviour. Courage in adversity is not new to us, faith that we can change takes time. And each new day offers fresh challenges. We are unique and authentic in recovery, each on our own path, learning who we are one day at a time...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Those who still suffer: 25 July ~ For us, if we neglect those who are still sick, there is unremitting danger to our own lives and sanity. [12&12]
I know the torment of drinking compulsively to quiet my nerves and my fears. I also know the pain of white-knuckled sobriety. Today, I do not forget the unknown person who suffers quietly, withdrawn and hiding in the desperate relief of drinking. I ask my Higher Power to give me His guidance and the courage to be willing to be His instrument to carry within me compassion and unselfish actions. Let the group continue to give me the strength to do with others what I cannot do alone."
-/-

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 24 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ A fellow said “as long as I don’t drink alcohol, a little weed will do no harm.” It’s called dope for a reason, an escape from reality, from spiritual into oblivion. In oblivion we lose sight and senses. Happiness living life real and connected is as good as it gets.

July 24 2010 ~ Open honest and willing daily ~ Emotional and spiritual living takes a while to settle into a pattern. To understand the feelings we have and experience, all of them, not just the ones we feel others will find acceptable. How am I feeling, why and what may I do? The key is open honest and willing to live to truth, and spirtual is our reward today...

July 24 2010 ~ Helping others... is not pleasing people. If we are open honest and willing, we share the truth of what we know, as we share, others share their truth back as best they can. Nobody is perfect, we simply make progress, truth can be a long haul, we learn wisdom together as we travel this road of destiny, imperfectly perfect in every moment, always "now and spiritual..."

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Helping others: 23 July ~ “Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs. [AA Big Book]

Self-centeredness was my problem. All my life people had been doing things for me and I not only expected it, but I was ungrateful and resentful they didn’t do more. Why should I help others, when they were supposed to help me? If others had troubles, didn’t they deserve them? I was filled with self-pity, anger and resentment. Then I learned that by helping others, with no thought of return, I could overcome this obsession with selfishness, and if I understood humility, I would know peace and serenity. No longer do I need to drink."

-/-

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


Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 23 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ I cannot feel your pain, I can relate to it because of my experiences. I can feel empathy and not assume your grief is the same. Sharing our message will keep the door open, silence will close it. A one day programme with daily routines which work just for today…

Brilliant chair tonight, all about "courage to change:" For me I had to see my defects: too much ignorance and denial, fear, brave face and ego back then. Just for today improving on shortcomings: courage faith and confidence, to ask for help, to learn, to share and be open honest and willing to change...

Hard wired to learn... Nature and Providence, from child to adult, human sponges soaking up life experience. Thirst and zest, nurture plays its part in how we become who we are. In recovery, humility offers freedom to learn new attitudes and behaviour, let go ego and fear. Courage, faith and confidence growing today...

Truth and forgiveness... Truth sets me free, truth sets you free. In truth we are free, to new choices, to see the big picture, live to good conscience and forgive everything, real and imagined. With truth as our guide, forgiveness is key, and we always live with consequences of our actions day by day...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "I ask God [good conscience, wisdom of others to guide me] to decide: July 23 ~ "I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows." [AA Book]

Having admitted my powerlessness and made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God, as I understand Him, I don't decide which defects get removed, or the order in which defects get removed, or the time frame in which they get removed. I ask God to decide which defects stand in the way of my usefulness to Him and to others, and then I humbly ask Him to remove them."


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 22 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Issues of later sobriety, a local meeting. Good to listen to sober people in the AA fellowship for many years. The good news, the issues are clearer, the feelings fit the present moment and we can still be “as daft as a brush” one day at a time…

Newcomers in our meetings. Sometimes when I see a newcomer across a crowded room, at the end of a meeting, I see their aloneness, isolation and disconnection. I cannot always speak to them, age and gender stops me. I have to hope an appropriate person will and share their message of experience strength and hope…

"The good and the bad" We learn what works in life, the good of living sober. We learn what does not work, the pain in living sober, old habits die hard. From extremes back then: to new attitudes and behaviour. From unsustainable extremes, to deeper balances in living, today wisdom grows with sober first

Sober first, "we do not accept the unacceptable." Sober first, we feel right and think right more often. We feel love, love back and become useful. Acceptance of the truth of now, we see the difference between our good and bad experiences in our attitudes and behaviour. We need let go with love what is vexatious today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ ""The good and the bad": July 22 ~ "My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad." [AA Book] Step 7 Reflections

The joy of life is in the giving. Being freed of my shortcomings, that I may more freely be of service, allows humility to grow in me. My shortcomings can be humbly placed in God's loving care and be removed. The essence of Step Seven is humility, and what better way to seek humility than by giving all of myself--good and bad--to God, so that He may remove the bad and return to me the good."

-/-

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 21 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Peace of mind, the absence of mental stress or anxiety, and the presence of serenity, calm, quiet, comfort of mind; inner peace. One man’s peace might be another man’s poison. Fellowship meetings where we develop peace of mind, most often together…

A priceless gift... As we come to understand living now, free of impossible and unsustainable extremes we begin to glimpse serenity. Serenity, and acceptance of what we can do, and cannot do and feeling right about the truth. As denial fades in life's ordeals, less fear, brave facing and ego, "truth spiritual" is always now...


Living courage, faith and confidence. Every day as we develop our wisdom living life, our experience strength and hope grows. Our feelings develop, our emotions are true to life now and less a reaction to history. Joyful or sad, light or dark as life is, the spiritual connection is always to the truth of today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "A priceless gift: July 21 ~ By this time in all probability we have gained some measure of release from our more devastating handicaps. We enjoy moments in which there is something like real peace of mind. To those of us who have hitherto known only excitement, depression, or anxiety--in other words, to all of us--this newfound peace is a priceless gift. [12 & 12]

I am learning to let go and let God, to have a mind that is open and a heart that is willing to receive God's grace in all my affairs; in this way I can experience the peace and freedom that come as a result of surrender. It has been proven that an act of surrender, originating in desperation and defeat, can grow into an on-going act of faith, and that faith means freedom and victory."


-/-

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 20 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ People in high office, commerce, judiciary, politics and media are highly intelligent, paid highly and driven to succeed at all costs. When they see no evil, hear no evil and cannot remember any evil, most likely self-preservation and self-interest make them appear stupid. They are not, that is what they want to you see…

On people in high office “‎"I am responsible when anyone anywhere reaches out for truth, I want the hand of my legal advisor always to be there, and for that I am responsible..."

Open, honest and willing to put in the footwork. Survival in recovery is about learning how to live to good conscience and the common good. Principles of unity service and recovery in fellowship and in practice steer us to a more fulfilling way of living. Progress not perfection…

Room for growth... As we put down extremes of using substance and behaviour to feel life, we need deal with an emptiness which gnaws us deep, lost and lonely old habits can haunt and taunt us. With daily courage, faith and confidence, we can pause, consider, and take time, not to fill the emptiness... We have room to live life as it may be today
Improving our courage, faith and confidence... Yes to the next drink, the next excess, the next project, work and relationships, being liked and loved, a hero? As Ghandi suggested "An emphatic NO is better than a half-hearted yes." Say yes to what is good for us, and feel right rejecting what is not... Just for today, to thine own self be true...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Shortcomings removed: July 20 ~ But now the words "Of myself I am nothing, the Father doeth the works" began to carry bright promise and meaning.[12 & 12] When I put the Seventh Step into action I must remember that there are no blanks to fill in. It doesn't say, "Humbly asked Him to (fill in the blank) remove our shortcomings." For years I filled in the imaginary blank with "Help me!" "Give me the courage to," and "Give me the strength," etc. The Step says simply that God will remove my shortcomings. The only footwork I must do is "humbly ask," which for me means asking with the knowledge that of myself I am nothing, the Father within "doeth the works."

I thank my Higher Power for letting me know that He works through other people, and I thank Him for our trusted servants in the Fellowship who aid new members to reject their false ideals and to adopt those which lead to a life of compassion and trust. The elders in A.A. challenge the newcomers to "Come To"--so that they can "Come to Believe." I ask my Higher Power to help my unbelief."
-/-


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 19 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Humility offers a life open and outward looking. The more we know, the less we know. If I share what works for me, and you share what works for you and we both take notice, we grow with grace and unity one day at a time…

Good News the big book is online, the 12&12 is online, and it is official available free from AA world services. The website "online daily reflections" fulfils an obvious development of sharing the essence of AA in the modern communications era. This website has always been about sharing the message, free and without prejudice. No doubt when someone has time the AA daily reflections will be on the official website, free as it always need be and without prejudice. I need keep my side of the street clean, work to good conscience and share a message always.

Tradition 1, no rules, nor laws or regulations, no one can tell another person what to do. AA unity is based on the group conscience at meeting level, and we are all humble servants living free to our personal choices.
19 July Simple Steps for Complicated People... If something feels right when we are sober, it probably is. As we develop faith, courage and esteem, the promises become a reality. Then we think through what we can do. Practical living is simple with 12 steps and a plan based on reality. We can write out a SWOT plan, Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats, promises live today...

19 July Courage faith and confidence grow as we let go extremes of fear, ego and wearing a brave face. With an open, honest and willing outlook, living to good conscience, we can experience acceptance and serenity even when life is tough and difficult. No matter what the outcome, being our best, frail or healthy, we can be loved, love back and useful today...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "False Pride: 19 July ~ many of us who had thought ourselves religious awoke to the limitations of this attitude. Refusing to place God first, we had deprived ourselves of His help. [12 & 12]

Many false notions operate in false pride. The need for direction to live a decent life is satisfied by the hope experienced in the A.A. Fellowship. Those who have walked the way for years–a day at a time–say that a God centred life has limitless possibilities for personal growth. This being so, much hope is transmitted by the elder A.A.s. I thank my Higher Power for letting me know that He works through other people, and I thank Him for our trusted servants in the Fellowship who aid new members to reject their false ideals and to adopt those which lead to a life of compassion and trust. The elders in A.A. challenge the newcomers to “Come To”–so that they can “Come to Believe.” I ask my Higher Power to help my unbelief."
-/-


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 18 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ The good news is the people who disturb us and rent out space in our heads are evicted sooner in recovery. And it is true, no amount of any philosophy can shift the tenant until we have processed, from denial to acceptance and the eviction is complete. Progress can take time, and I am working on awkward tenants who seem to squat from time to time... :)
Usually the tenants move in when I am happy and then for some reason they hurt me, because I trust them to behave as I do. Open, honest and willing and hope they will treat me fairly as I do them. When they don’t, accept and forgive, and the consequence is they can’t come back for a while… or never!
July 18 Grateful for what I have... Rock bottom, some time back, I woke up, no idea what time of day. A moment of clarity, life could get no worse. If this was as bad as it could get and still be alive. No idea what to do, I picked up the phone and asked for help. Now I can do this every day...

July 18 2010 Working Hard... Living life to the full? Driven to be the best I could be. I feared not being good enough, being found out as lacking. Evading guilt and shame and hiding in a bottle. Today I live life with faith and courage, imperfectly perfect, open, honest and willing to change today...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Grateful for what I have: July 18 ~ During this process of learning more about humility, the most profound result of all was the change in our attitude toward God. [12&12]

Today my prayers consist mostly of saying thank you to my Higher Power for my sobriety and for the wonder of God’s abundance, but I need also to ask for help and the power to carry out His will for me. I no longer need God each minute to rescue me from the situations I get myself into by not doing His will. Now my gratitude seems to be directly linked to humility. As long as I have the humility to be grateful for what I have, God continues to provide for me."
-/-

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 17 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ I cannot believe it, sleeping through to 10:00AM, six hours straight, best sleep in years. A good meeting last night, understanding forgiveness for me and others, letting go false hopes, gratitude and deep sigh of relief...

Hurt people, hurt people... as we are hurt, we learn to hurt. As we learn how to forgive our own behaviour, we learn to forgive others. I need not hurt anymore, myself or anyone. Acceptance and forgiveness, hand in hand, we learn truth, to love and be loved and the wisdom to know a better way to live today...

I feel gratitude tonight, many years learning how past generations and my life experience of damage would fall into today. When I see others who have not let go the wreckage of the past still suffer unimaginable pain I need help not hinder, not judge, or make it worse. Letting go can be the hardest and holding on the worst. Peace and serenity reclaimed just for today...

Step 7 Surrender and self examination: Olden days, butterflies and knots, fear, self, self self. When we are able to understand our part in the world today, what a wonderful feeling! A choice to be sober; faith, courage and esteem flow from "mis takes" and learning new choices and included today...


Emotional - Spiritual progress: When we consider our spiritual life today, we let go opinion and belief in favour of faith in universal truth, our part in life, with choices, the big picture. As we feel well, our emotional progress, is powered by open, honest and willing outlooks and actions form good deeds...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Step 7 Surrender and self examination: 17 July ~ My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive. Thus I think it can work out with emotional sobriety. If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependency and its consequent unhealthy demand. Let us, with God’s help, continually surrender these hobbling demands. Then we can be set free to live and love; we may then be able to Twelfth Step ourselves and others into emotional sobriety. [The language of the heart]

Years of dependency on alcohol as a chemical mood-changer deprived me of the capability to interact emotionally with my fellows. I thought I had to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-motivated in a world of unreliable people. Finally I lost my self-respect and was left with dependency, lacking any ability to trust myself or to believe in anything. Surrender and self-examination while sharing with newcomers helped me to ask humbly for help."

-/-

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 16 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous


Love On The Rocks
Some of my favourite drinks were always on the rocks. Irish whiskey “We believe that Jameson brings people together!” A tipple for some and a bottle for me became my truth. No these days I am pleased to say as sobriety continues one day at a time. It is years since my last alcoholic drink.

Perfect strangers meet on the steps of a church; we talk about the week, our troubles and our happiness today. Always there is something to share, feelings and thoughts, current affairs and past love affairs. There seems nothing we cannot share and laugh and commiserate about.

Love is behind just about every decision we make and we agree that love is everything, from being blind, to informed and to complicated. It seems we are both in agreement; we can love people for many reasons.

And when it comes to love and affection for partners and deep intimacy why is it we can find life complicated by loving more than one over the years. And had we ever realised that we had the same deep feelings for lovers at the same time? We both agreed this had happened in the past.

We keep it simple these days. And yet, the feelings of attraction will always be there for many we meet. After all how do we keep making friends, connections where truth flows and nothing is left unsaid. And to cherish always makes me realise that relationships do run deep. I was quite superficial in my understanding of life in general, my attitudes and behaviour were formed by experiences as life was back then. And life was fast and furious, driven by needs I really did not understand. Clueless and seeking the elusive connections that love offered…

Letting go any idea of what might be, might happen has opened me up again. At the same time I realise new living means I need not find every element of love exists in one person. If I relied on one person to fulfil every need, it would be a burden and weigh another down completely. Popularly defined as co-dependence in this modern age of self-analysis.

And most importantly, fidelity is needed and key if ever there were to be a partner in my life. To loved, be loved back and useful. A true partnership, me and another and to be able to share everything, learn our truth together, to develop trust does require fidelity. In love with a partner, we find every element of life will come together. At the same time we will love others in different ways and develop friendships which may last as long as we do.
And living as we do, there will losses too. We can cherish always these days and know people will come into our lives and go as we change and life situations change. Not always welcome, as we see the truth we can find understanding, accept and be let go, or let in as circumstances change.

Love On The Rocks? Less so these days and there is no need to drink away heartbreak. Time heals and we forgive and are forgiven, passion and compassion, key in the moment of now…
DonInLondon ~ “Just do it!” an ad campaign suggested. Not easy in early days. To stop thinking so deeply, analysis and paralysis fear of mucking up. As our feelings start to work in recovery, we start to see the light side of life. And emotional and spiritual fellowship, our feelings working in the moment of now…

Step 7 a measure of humility? A wonderful gift, when we can see our defects depleted daily, pride, ego and fear. Painful yes as we make the transition from old behaviour to new behaviour. From excluding others and hiding, to including and asking for help to change, courage, faith and confidence takes time as our world opens and old wounds heal...

Step 7 learning about who I am on a daily basis offers me the opportunity and choices to change with humility, developing esteem, faith and courage to keep on evolving. Our higher power: Truth, love and wisdom of others always. We learn to rely on good conscience and faith, fellowship, family and community. From theory into practice always our key...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Step 7 "A measure of humility": July 16 ~ In every case, pain had been the price of admission into a new life. But this admission price had purchased more than we expected. It brought a measure of humility, which we soon discovered to be a healer of pain. [12&12]

It was painful to give up trying to control my life, even though success eluded me, and when life got too rough, I drank to escape. Accepting life on life's terms will be mastered through the humility I experience when I turn my will and my life over to the care of God, as I understand Him. With my life in God's care, fear, uncertainty, and anger are no longer my response to those portions of life that I would rather not have happen to me. The pain of living through these times will be healed by the knowledge that I have received the spiritual strength to survive."
-/-


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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 15 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ What I can do today, what I cannot do today and learning the wisdom to know the difference. I can do sober, can do forgiving, can do learning and can keep learning from my endeavours. I find out what I cannot do too in every moment and find acceptance as “life is what it is” today…

Graduation Day! In recovery, another sober day means I can keep on learning life. No exam to pass, every mistake an opportunity to learn. No shame or guilt in not knowing something, I can ask for help and sometimes find it. Every day is graduation day in sober living…

Pride... Small word can be a big problem. Never show fear, put on my brave face, admit no weakness, shame, guilt, anger or resentment. Control my feelings and my environment, think tough and overcome. With humility, I keep learning how to live life, pride kept me in the problem, humility keeps me in the solution today...

Pride before a fall... Hungry Angry Lonely Tired? We get fractious and unreasonable with ourselves, then everyone else may get the same? Life is difficult, and life is about balance. With humility we can ask for help, a strength to ask and also to help when asked. We learn from experience if we are open, honest and willing one day at a time...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Pride: 15 July ~ For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige, and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted. In all these strivings, so many of them well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility. We had lacked the perspective to see that character-building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfactions were not the purpose of living.[12&12]
Time and again I approached the Seventh Step, only to fall back and regroup. Something was missing and the impact of the Step escaped me. What had I overlooked? A single word: read but ignored, the foundation of all the Steps, indeed the entire Alcoholics Anonymous program – that word is “humbly”. I understood my shortcomings: I constantly put tasks off; I angered easily; I felt too much self-pity; and thought, why me? Then I remembered, “Pride goeth before the fall,” and I eliminated pride from my life."
-/-

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


Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 14 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ With humility, no need to cover up anymore. When I don’t know something, I don’t know and try to find out. Progress and not perfect, I may feel awkward often and can say so, and then no need to feel hot under the collar or feel less than those who know it all today…

Feelings and thoughts... Feelings happen in the moment. Feelings, as life can be difficult. Feelings first, then we think our best response. Truth is a key in our actions. To love, be loved and useful always in our action. To thine own self be true, so others may be true today...

Ever so humble? Humility: not proud or haughty; not arrogant. Assertive without pride, able to state our case, reflecting, expressing, offered in a spirit of deference to the truth of now. Higher power truth, evolving with love and wisdom in good conscience, always in this day...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "A nourishing ingredient: 14 July ~ Where humility had formerly stood for a forced feeding on humble pie it now begins to mean the nourishing ingredient which can give us serenity [12 & 12]

How often do I focus on my problems and frustrations? When I am having a “good day” these same problems shrink in importance and my preoccupation with them dwindles. Wouldn’t it be better if I could find a key to unlock the “magic” of my “good days” for use on the woes of my “bad days?” I already have the solution! Instead of trying to run away from my pain and wish my problems away, I can pray for humility! Humility will heal the pain. Humility will take me out of myself. Humility, that strength granted me by that “power greater than myself,” is mine for the asking! Humility will bring balance back into my life. Humility will allow me to accept my humanness joyously."

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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..."

DonInLondon, Life Works, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 Steps AA, Addiction And Recovery, Addict, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 13 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ if I don’t know what is right for me, then I don’t know what is right for you. When I hear the experience, strength and hope of living life sober, my choices improve,
more freedom and better outcomes in the moment of now…

Humility is a gift... sharing experience, strength and hope of what we know helps us support our fellows and our communities. Listening to experience, strength and hope informs us of
what we don't know. Humility to learn what I can do, cannot do and wisdom to live the difference...

Humility just for today... Pride and ego can impede my spiritual progress today, seeing the truth of now. Humility and esteem help me be confident learning more of who I may be
today. With each step I take today, open honest and willing more is revealed of how to love, be loved and useful ...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Humility is a gift: 13 July ~ As long as we placed self-reliance first, a genuine reliance upon a Higher Power was out of the question. That basic ingredient of all
humility, a desire to seek and do God’s will, was missing. [12 & 12]

When I first came to A.A., I wanted to find some of the elusive quality called humility. I didn’t realize I was looking for humility because I thought it would help me get what I wanted,
and I would do anything for others if I thought God would somehow reward me for it. I try to remember now that the people I meet in the course of my day are as close to God as I
am ever going to get while on this earth. I need to pray for knowledge of God’s will today, and see how my experience with hope and pain can help other people; if I can do that, I
don’t need to search for humility, it has found me."

-/-

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."


Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The
whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we
admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the
grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.
July 12 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Humility, can be difficult and challenge to everything we may have learned back in the day. If we let our pride get in the way of learning life every day, we feel the pain of staying the same, the phrase “If it ain't broke, don't fix it” can be a two edged sword in recovery…

The opposite of humility can be described with words like “arrogance, assumption, bumptiousness, conceit, egoism, egotism, haughtiness, imperiousness, loftiness, pomposity, pompousness, pretence, pride, prideful, superciliousness”

Giving up centre stage... seeing the big picture, that we are part of it somewhere and somehow and living reality, learning to love, and be loved and useful. In unity, service and recovery as we help our fellows, we help ourselves, "self-less" and learning who we may be today...

Hope and humility... Our hope to live well today, our needs met through endeavours, wants forgotten, needs a part of an achievable plan. Humility a part of us: the ability to let go pride and ego, so we can keep on learning what we can and cannot do. With humility we have hope for today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Giving up centre stage: July 12 ~ For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. . . Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency. [12 & 12]

Why do I balk at the word "humility"? I am not humbling myself toward other people, but toward God, as I understand Him. Humbly means "to show submissive," and by being humble I realize I am not the centre of the universe. When I was drinking, I was consumed by pride and self-centeredness. I felt the entire world revolved around me, that I was master of my destiny. Humility enables me to depend more on God to help me overcome obstacles, to help me with my own imperfections, so that I may grow spiritually. I must solve more difficult problems to increase my proficiency and, as I encounter life's stumbling blocks, I must learn to overcome them through God's help. Daily communion with God demonstrates my humility and provides me with the realization that an entity more powerful than I is willing to help me if I cease trying to play God myself."

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 steps AA In Action, DonInLondon, Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholic, Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous | DonInLondon | AA 12 Steps |July 11 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Step seven is all about developing courage, faith and confidence daily, so I may live well today. Each day is different, the challenges are what they are, I can ask for help at any time to make the best of what is and not what I might imagine…

A lovely meeting last night, all about life being best experienced real, without fixing our feelings. Happy or sad, good or bad, when our feelings fit our experience of now, sobriety works, life on life's terms. Truth, love and wisdom prevails...

Right sized and a right to live... In utter defeat we faced the abomination of self-defeat and self-loathing. 12 steps and a higher power, a day at a time we make good our living in recovery. Taking steps to live well, and not to judge our fellows, family and community. Today we are able to love, be loved and useful...


Just for today, a life plan... judge not as we have been judged. As the days, months and years go by, we meet old friends on their way to rock bottom. As they shunned and judged us in our ruin, we need not judge them or anyone, we simply offer a helping hand in fellowship and love today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "A turning point: July 11 ~ A great turning point in our lives came when we sought for humility as something we really wanted, rather than as something we must have. [12 & 12]

Either the A.A. way of life becomes one of joy or I return to the darkness and despair of alcoholism. Joy comes to me when my attitude concerning God and humility turns to one of desire rather than of burden. The darkness in my life changes to radiant light when I arrive at the realization that being truthful and honest in dealing with my inventory results in my life being filled with serenity, freedom, and joy. Trust in my Higher Power deepens, and the flush of gratitude spreads through my being. I am convinced that being humble is being truthful and honest in dealing with myself and God. It is then that humility is something I "really want," rather being "something I must have.""

-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.


"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..."
July 10 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ As a hard working professional, confidant that I could prevail even in the most extreme business scenarios it came as a shock I could be bullied into a quivering wreck, broken and beyond repair. A decade later, the horror when I see another in the same situation... A bully can break us on our own principles and ethics, never assume being right will make a bad situation good...

Two meetings yesterday, the first reminded me fellowship offers emotional and spiritual wellbeing living to good principles in the 12 steps. The second, reminded me when we tread on the toes of our fellows, anger and rage can be evoked in a moment by a cross word. Humility and learning always for today…

Pride before a fall... Pride and ego made me judge so much, people, place and things. Being right and knowing it, I resented injustice and became filled with anger and resentment, “poor me” drank. There will always be injustice, today I need not drink on it, simply work out what I can do and cannot do and make good choices for today...

Toward peace and serenity... a daily experience in living life. We have a tool kit in recovery, today and how we apply ourselves in our activities is underpinned by what we learn and put into practice, utilising the experience, strength and hope we see from others around us. In humility we learn, in pride we fall...


-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Toward peace and serenity: July 10 ~ . . . when we have taken a square look at some of these defects, have discussed them with another, and have become willing to have them removed, our thinking about humility commences to have a wider meaning. [12 & 12]

When situations arise which destroy my serenity, pain often motivates me to ask God for clarity in seeing my part in the situation. Admitting my powerlessness, I humbly pray for acceptance. I try to see how my character defects contribute to the situation. Could I have been more patient? Was I intolerant? Did I insist on having my own way? Was I afraid? As my defects are revealed, I put self-reliance aside and humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings. The situation may not change, but as I practice exercising humility, I enjoy the peace and serenity which are the natural benefits of placing my reliance in a power greater than myself."


-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."
July 9 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Help me with my shortcomings... In the past I felt only the extreme highs and lows, good and bad of feelings, self-medicating on alcohol and behaviour. Today I have more consistency and balance, understanding the extent of all my feelings, passion, compassion and love. Sober, gentle progress today...

I speak for myself not for A.A... A fellowship: of unique, authentic people who choose to share their experience, strength and hope where they will. There are no spokespersons for AA. Unity, service and recovery assure equality and we value each and every one as we are, always today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "I am an instrument: July 9 ~ humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. [12&12]

The subject of humility is a difficult one. Humility is not thinking less of me than I ought to; it is acknowledging that I do certain things well; it is accepting a compliment graciously. God can only do for me what He can do through me. Humility is the result of knowing that God is the doer, not me. In the light of awareness, how can I take pride in my accomplishments? I am an instrument and any work I seem to be doing is being done by God through me. I ask God on a daily basis to remove my shortcomings, in order that I may more freely go about my A.A. business of "love and service.""

-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 steps AA In Action, DonInLondon, Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholic, Alcoholism
July 8 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ short on courage, faith and confidence? Contingent on the day I ask, I can work on living to the good of life. With “good conscience” I can deal with life’s difficulties with a positive outlook and my actions are about solutions and not making the problems more difficult for me and anyone else…

Faith was not part of my upbringing. Fear, shame and guilt and covering up made life difficult. There is no blame, and no resentment of those times in my life. Faith in good conscience, courage and confidence to learn, to understand, to let go and let good, and God guide me today…

An ever-growing freedom... Free to learn, free of judging others, free of looking down on others, free of being found out, free of compare and despair. I am happy to learn more, happy in not knowing and finding out. Humility, an attitude of open, honest and willing, a bigger picture of who we are becoming today...

Fear Ego Courage Faith... Simple words to describe feelings we all have experiencing life. Extreme experiences and extreme behaviour, we can be stuck and unbalanced, blocked. In recovery, we develop balance as we may, as life experience changes us, sometimes quickly, often slowly, we are open to change today...

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 steps AA In Action, DonInLondon, Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholic, Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous | DonInLondon | AA 12 Steps |
July 7 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ the phrase, “it is what it is” comes to mind. Frustration as my bank freezes my account until I can prove who I am. Today it feels like a minor inconvenience, back then it was a personal attack on my integrity, an outrage, an abomination. Today it is safety, humility and step seven help me today…

And letting go of it... I was entitled, deserved, worked for it, my place in the big picture. Back then, driven always, work to perfection, live in distraction, stuck in oblivion. Letting go wants and expectations, no fear as needs are met one day at a time. Life becomes what life can be, today...

12 steps all day every day... Principles to be open honest and willing. The closer we can be to seeing and living in the truth of now, the better our choices. When we accept life is difficult, we feel the joy and the sadness, right size and human size, our courage and faith with us today...

-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~ "And letting go of it: 7 July... primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or would fail to get something we demanded. Living upon a basis of unsatisfied demands, we were in a state of continual disturbance and frustration. Therefore, no peace was to be had unless we could find a means of reducing these demands. The difference between a demand and a simple request is plain to anyone. [12&12]
Peace is possible for me only when I let go of expectations. When I’m trapped in thoughts about what I want and should be coming to me, I’m in a state of fear or anxious anticipation and this is not conducive to emotional sobriety. I must surrender over and over to the reality of my dependence on God, for then I find peace, gratitude and spiritual security."

-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

"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 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."
July 6 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Endarkenment and Enlightenment, steps six and seven. Defects step 6: Pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth. Shortcomings step 7: Faith, hope, charity, fortitude, justice, prudence and temperance. Letting go the dark, letting in the light…
In the problem back then I had an excess of darkness in my life, today and contingent on asking for help, confidence may grow to lighter experiences. And living to good conscience improves my emotional and spiritual life today, my feelings fit with reality in the moment of now…

Fear v Faith? ~ Ego v Esteem? All our feelings have their practical value. To what extent? Prolonged extremes of feelings wear us down. Denial when shocks occur is part of a process of acceptance. The unacceptable truth becomes the truth of now, how we live today. Fellowship, in recovery we know our feelings, trust to truth as it unfolds today...

Identifying fear... Step 6 and Step 7, from extremes in step 6, to finding balance in step 7. From living in fear, hiding with a brave face and false pride, to feeling the fear and having faith, courage and esteem to live the experience, open honest and willing, to share and trust to truth, love and wisdom, we learn more of who we are today...

-/-

"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..."

AA Daily Reflections ~ "Identifying fear... 05 Jul ~ The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear. [12&12]

When I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or depressed, I look for fear. This “evil and corroding thread” is the root of my distress: Fear of failure; fear of others’ opinions; fear of harm, and many other fears. I have found a Higher Power, who does not want me to live in fear and, as a result, the experience of A.A. in my life is freedom and joy. I am no longer willing to live with the multitude of character defects that characterized my life while I was drinking. Step Seven is my vehicle to freedom from these defects. I pray for help in identifying the fear underneath the defect, and then I ask God to relieve me of that fear. This method works for me without fail and is one of the great miracles of my life in Alcoholics Anonymous."

-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."
July 5 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ A meeting last night: all about step eleven, prayer and meditation. To improve our conscious contact with god as we understand him. As I hear often God is now, god is truth, love and wisdom. Knowing I cannot define god, or have god like abilities helps me stop my desire to control, indeed it makes me feel human sized, with a conscience and able to make choices with freedom today.

Assets and liabilities... In recovery our liabilities are extremes of outlook and behaviour. Defects: extreme fear, pretending and ego. And blind faith, courage to extremes without foundation. Our assets in fellowship: we build foundations, live to good principles develop courage faith and confidence today…

A new direction... open honest and willing, in unity service and recovery, towards a happy life. Every secret keeps us prisoner to fear, brave facing and ego, being found out. Better to find serenity in truth, being human, able to make mistakes, admit and accept, own up, love and be loved today

-/-

"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..."

AA Daily Reflections ~ "A new direction: July 5 ~ Our human resources, as marshalled by the will, were not sufficient; they failed utterly. . . Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all our activities.[big book]

I hear talk of the "weak-willed" alcoholic, but I am one of the strongest-willed people on earth! I now know that my incredible strength of will is not enough to save my life. My problem is not one of "weakness," but rather of direction. When I, without falsely diminishing myself, accept my honest limitations and turn to God's guidance, my worst faults become my greatest assets. My strong will, rightly directed, keeps me working until the promises of the program become my daily reality."

-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.
July 4 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ A natural faith in God? I add the question mark to the declaration because I am not sure, and this feels okay for me. As a human being I have learned trust and faith in people I get to know. And I am only able to know them because I do have trust and faith in my life.

Truth, love and wisdom guide me daily. As an individual I can have opinions and belief, which is only part of the story. I need to look outwards toward the big picture, listen to others, and become more informed. When I look out and listen I see and hear the world, more truth, more love and more wisdom.

DonInLondon ~ Conscious contact with god and or good conscience, to love and be loved, useful... Beyond definition, the universe and nature: God. Ever growing truth, love and wisdom we make progress. Nurture our path, so simple when our needs are met, made complicated by our man made wants...

A life plan just for today... Today I do not want to be right, simply to feel right. To be: open, honest and willing to change. To listen to everything and not just what suits me, to be helped and to help, to be a part of life as it may be. To learn: to be at peace and live serenity...

-/-

"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..."

AA Daily Reflections ~ "A NATURAL FAITH... Deep down in every man, woman and child, is the fundamental idea of God. It may be obscured by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of that power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 55

I have seen the workings of the unseen God in A.A. rooms around the country. Miracles of recovery are everywhere in evidence. I now believe that God is in these rooms and in my heart. Today faith is as natural to me, a former agnostic, as breathing, eating and sleeping. The Twelve Steps have helped to change my life in many ways, but none is more effective than the acquisition of a Higher Power."

-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 steps AA In Action, DonInLondon, Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholic, Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous | DonInLondon | AA 12 Steps |
July 3 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ How am I feeling today? I feel better for a meeting yesterday. Discussion about how to help the newcomer, and how to deal with our feelings. How to keep the programme fresh in our minds. And the reading of the spiritual experience always helps me.

Humility: not proud or haughty, not arrogant: False pride and righteousness, grandiosity, egotistical, telling anyone what to do. I need remind myself, experience is my teacher, pride in all its forms can block me from [God and or simply good conscience] the truth, love and wisdom of others today...

Growing up all about being right, winning the argument, material success. Using people and judging them, turning human relations into resources, utilities. Using and being used, always against the grain and my inner being, I broke. In recovery, learning to love, be loved, equal and useful today...
-/-

AA Daily Reflections ~"Experience the best teacher: July 3 ~ Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times. [big book]

Some say that experience is the best teacher, but I believe that experience is the only teacher. I have been able to learn of God's love for me only by the experience of my dependence on that love. At first I could not be sure of His direction in my life, but now I see that if I am to be bold enough to ask for His guidance, I must act as if He has provided it. I frequently ask God to help me remember that He has a path for me.

"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..."
-/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 steps AA In Action, DonInLondon, Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholic, Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous | DonInLondon | AA 12 Steps |
July 2 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



DonInLondon ~ Spiritual... is everything? I ask as a question. For a long time spiritual has been about being in the moment, the ability to cope with and be able to see reality. Where my feelings are in the moment and based on real life. Reality can be good, bad, and anything in-between. How I feel about the reality I am experiencing determines my thoughts and actions which follow...

How do we reach people who are shut in and shut down? How do we share with those who are blind or deaf or... How do we share with anyone who finds it difficult to read and write? How do we open up the possibility of recovery to those who are lost and have given up? How do we include rather than exclude?

Our spiritual path... living reality and in the moment with clarity, to keep learning truth, love and wisdom. The serenity prayer: can do; choices, actions and attitudes change. Cannot do; we let go what we cannot change. Wisdom to accept truth, responsibilities and consequences of what we do...

Courage to change... Learning how to be open, honest and willing is our responsibility. We are responsible for our actions. Let go and let God, or let go and let good conscience guide us; we let in truth, love and wisdom, let go that which we are powerless over. Usually people, places and things, we have choices based on truth today... -/-

"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..."

AA Daily Reflections ~

"The heart of true sobriety July 2 ~ we find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open- mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable. [big book]

Am I honest enough to accept myself as I am and let this be the "me" that I let others see? Do I have the willingness to go to any length, to do whatever is necessary to stay sober? Do I have the open-mindedness to hear what I have to hear, to think what I have to think, and to feel what I have to feel? If my answer to these questions is "Yes," I know enough about the spirituality of the program to stay sober. As I continue to work the Twelve Steps, I move on to the heart of true sobriety: serenity with myself, with others, and with God as I understand Him." -/-

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 steps AA In Action, DonInLondon, Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholic, Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous | DonInLondon | AA 12 Steps |
July 1 2011 Steps In Action Alcoholics Anonymous



"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..."

AA Daily Reflections ~ "The best for today: July 1 ~ The principles we have set down are guides to progress. [big book]

Just as a sculptor will use different tools to achieve desired effects in creating a work of art, in Alcoholics Anonymous the Twelve Steps are used to bring about results in my own life. I do not overwhelm myself with life's problems, and how much more work needs to be done. I let myself be comforted in knowing that my life is now in the hands of my Higher Power, a master craftsman who is shaping each part of my life into a unique work of art. By working my program I can be satisfied, knowing that in the doing the best that we can for today, we are doing all that God asks of us."

DonInLondon

July, my focus in recovery is step seven,"Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings." Which is very appropriate after last night's tantrum by me.

Shortcomings... We have every feeling and thought available to us, life experience and who we have met are our teachers. We have lived at the extremes, built patterns and reacted. The past, too much fear, hiding with a brave face and ego. Now we build courage, faith and confidence for today...

The best for today... we are unique, developing our life crafts in recovery with experience and hope. Our strength of purpose, solid in our foundations we can keep on our path of living. Step by step working to our capacity, courage, faith and confidence, with every setback or success, we grow...

Step 7 The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permits us, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God. The whole emphasis of Step Seven is on humility. It is really saying to us that we ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our shortcomings just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have.

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

Step 7 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA 12 Steps, 12 steps AA In Action, DonInLondon, Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholic, Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous | DonInLondon | AA 12 Steps |

No comments: