From the book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, we read:
"There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit. But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life." ~ pg 98, 12&12
Bill W., gives us a good example on page 99, of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions book:
"Well, we might start like this. First let's look at a really good prayer...."
"Lord, make me a channel of thy peace--that where there is hatred, I may bring love--that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness--that where there is discord, I may bring harmony--that where there is error, I may bring truth--that where there is doubt, I may bring faith--that where there is despair, I may bring hope--that where there are shadows, I may bring light--that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted--to understand, than to be understood--to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen." ~ Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, book: pg 99
A short guide to a happy life as written in the famous poem "Prayer of St. Francis". Written by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. It's all about Faith, hope, and love...says it all....
Prayer of St. Francis by Sarah MacLachlan
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24 Hours is still - A Big Deal!
People that are not like us -- don't always understand what a big deal it is for us to be sober for 24 hrs -- let alone for 7 days. Now, after 23 1/2 years of back-to-back "One Day At A Time" I've still never forgotten my first 24 hrs, first 48 hrs, first 7 days, and first 30 days... And, I hope that I never forget! That's one of the things that helps me stay sober -- remembering what it was like and how difficult it was to get that first 24 hrs and first 7 days! It sure wasn't easy. I didn't believe I could do it. I thought it was going to kill me at any moment. So, I definitely understand the appreciation and gratitude for seven days. And, it is a big deal for us. I'm happy for those of you that have achieved another 24 hours of sobriety! If there is anything I can do to help at any time, please let me know. That's the other thing that keeps me sober. I found out that the easiest most surest way for me to get another 24 hrs and another 7 days sober -- was to try to find some other alcoholic and try to do something that would help them get another 24 hrs -- and, if I would do that -- I'd get another 24 hrs for myself. I honestly do believe that this is the real secret why this deal works. Keep coming back! I appreciate you. Each new day that you get sober -- helps all of us stay sober one more day!
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If you have a desire to stop drinking and your drinking is causing you problems -- or, if you have discovered that living without alcohol is uncomfortable, and you get restless, irritable or discontented when not drinking -- it is highly suggested that you find a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. You may discover why you feel this way.
While we stress the importance of going to AA Meetings -- AA Meetings are not the Alcoholics Anonymous program of recovery.
Recovery takes place as a result of taking the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous as presented in the book Alcoholics Anonymous.
Please don't misunderstand... Going to AA Meetings is vital for an AA Member's recovery.
AA Meetings are a place where we can reach out to each other, support each other and practice our 12th Step. And, we need the AA Meetings, to remind us what our problem is and what the solution is!
Often, one of the first signs of a sober alcoholic's relapse to drinking, is not going to meetings on a regular basis. It's can also also be a sign that they have stopped doing the other things that are keeping them sober.
We hope that you find something usefull on our website and that you keep coming back. Perhaps someday, we will meet, as we trudge the road of happy destiny.
