Keeping recovery fresh
“Complacency is the enemy of members with substantial clean time. If we remain complacent for long, the recovery process ceases.”
Basic Text, p. 84

Just for today: As I keep growing in my recovery, I will search for new ways to practice my program.

Connection is the opposite of addiction.

Looking back at struggles I had early in recovery I think about how simple the solutions could have been. The tools were freely given to me, but I struggled using them.

I can stare at my phone all day long looking at Facebook, why is it so difficult to call someone from my phone list?

Today I'll reach out to a newcomer knowing that connection can change the coarse of someone's harmful thinking including my own.

“Working with others is only the beginning of service work.”
Basic Text, p. 59

Just for today: I will take part in the development of group conscience. I will remember that the world won’t end just because I don’t get my way. I will think about our primary purpose in all my service efforts. I will reach out to a newcomer.

I'm so quick to identify six defects of character to anyone who points out one of mine.

I'll also deflect with humor.

I am able to change I've proven that to myself, but when someone notices a change I could make my mind snaps shut.

Today I'll embrace the opportunity to correct a character defect with an open mind. Accepting the love and concern from a friend rather than deflecting.

Change and growth
“When someone points out a shortcoming, our first reaction may be defensive. There will always be room for growth.”
Basic Text, p. 36

Just for today: I will greet each opportunity for growth with an open mind.

I remember being in "control" of my life.

When I acted on my will, I was miserable. I couldn't bare reality, so I altered it. I didn't want to live, so I would hope every time I used would be the last thing I did.

I don't know how to explain the miracle that snapped me out of it but once I found recovery reality became barable. Life as I knew it ended and a new way of living commenced.

Today I surrender my will to a power greater than myself without second guessing it because when I'm in "control", I'm absolutely miserable.

Surrendering self-will
“Our fears are lessened and faith begins to grow as we learn the true meaning of surrender. We are no longer fighting fear, anger, guilt, self-pity, or depression.”
Basic Text, p. 27

Just for today: I will surrender self-will. I will seek knowledge of God’s will for me and the power to carry it out. I will leave the results in my Higher Power’s hands.

I'm grateful to be alive.

When I was brought back to life after an overdose all I could think of was the heroin that was wasted.

I look back at that moment with sorrow for the man that welcomed death. I didn't know how much life had to offer until I found recovery.

Today I can recognize that my Higher Power had more in store for me on this planet before I meet my maker, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity.

Not just lucky
“The process of coming to believe restores us to sanity. The strength to move into action comes from this belief.”
Basic Text, p. 25

Just for today: My recovery is more than coincidence. My strength comes from the knowledge that my Higher Power has never let me down and will continue to guide me.

We're not going to like everyone we meet.

It's just a part of life, sometimes personalities clash and that's ok.

One doesn't need to like someone in order to be kind though. We can show love for our fellow human like we ourselves would like to be shown.

Today I keep "principles before personalities" on my mind as I encounter people I like and dislike.