Essentials Of Recovery

Bill Wilson Speaks On the 3 - Legacies - Part 1 - There are two

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Emmet Fox

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:18:00 +0000

There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer: no disease that love will not heal: no door that enough love will not open...It makes no difference how deep set the trouble: how hopeless the outlook: how muddled the tangle: how great the mistake. A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all. If only you could love enough you would be the happiest and most powerful being in the world...”

― Emmet Fox

Daily Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:15:00 +0000

PEACE OF MIND

Do we lay the matter before our sponsor or spiritual adviser, earnestly asking God’s help and guidance–meanwhile resolving to do the right thing when it becomes clear, cost what it may?

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p p. 86-87

My belief in a Higher Power is an essential part of my work on Step Nine; forgiveness, timing, and right motives are the other ingredients. My willingness to do the Step is a growing experience that opens the door for new and honest relationships with the people I have harmed. My responsible action brings me closer to the spiritual principles of the program — love and service. Peace of mind, serenity, and a stronger faith are sure to follow.

Just For Today

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:13:00 +0000

Secrets Are Reservations

“Eventually we are shown that we must get honest, or we will use again.”

Basic Text p.82

Everyone has secrets, right? Some of us have little secrets, items that would cause only minor embarrassment if found out. Some of us have big secrets, whole areas of our lives cloaked in thick, murky darkness. Big secrets may represent a more obvious, immediate danger to our recovery. But the little secrets do their own kind of damage, the more insidious perhaps because we think they’re “harmless!”

Big or little, our secrets represent spiritual territory we are unwilling to surrender to the principles of recovery. The longer we reserve pieces of our lives to be ruled by self-will and the more vigorously we defend our “right” to hold onto them, the more damage we do. Gradually, the unsurrendered territories of our lives tend to expand, taking more and more ground.

Whether the secrets in our lives are big or little, sooner or later they bring us to the same place. We must choose-either we surrender everything to our program, or we will lose our recovery.

Just for today: I want the kind of recovery that comes from total surrender to the program. Today I will talk with my sponsor and disclose my secrets, big or small.

Twenty-Four Hours A Day

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:11:00 +0000

A.A. Thought For The Day

“How does A.A. grow? Some of us sell A.A. as we go about. Little clusters of twos and threes and fives keep springing up in different communities, through contact with the larger centers. Those of us who travel drop in at other groups as often as we can. This practice enables us to lend a hand to new groups which are springing up all over the land. New groups are being started each month. A.A. is even spreading outside the United States and is slowly becoming world-wide. Thus we grow.” Am I doing all I can to spread A.A. wherever I go?

Meditation For The Day

“Lord we believe. Help Thou our unbelief.” This cry of the human heart is an expression of human frailty. It signifies the soul’s sincere desire for progress. As a person feels the existence of God and His power, that person believes in Him more and more. At the same time, a person is more conscious of his falling short of absolute trust in God. The soul’s progress is an increasing belief, then a cry for more faith, a plea to conquer all unbelief, all lack of trust. We can believe that that cry is heard by God and that prayer is answered in due time. And so our faith grows, little by little, day by day.

Prayer For The Day

I pray that with more power in my life will come more faith. I pray that I may come to trust God more each day.

As Bill Sees It

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:10:00 +0000

A “Special” Experience?, p.256

I was the recipient of a tremendous mystic experience or “illumination,” and at first it was very natural for me to feel that this experience staked me out as somebody very special.

But as I look now back upon this tremendous event, I can only feel very grateful. It now seems clear that the only special features of my experience were its suddenness and the overwhelming and immediate conviction that it carried.

In all other respects, however, I am sure that my own experience was essentially like that received by any A.A. member who has strenuously practiced our recovery program. Surely, the grace he receives is also of God; the only difference is that he becomes aware of his gift more gradually.

Grapevine, July 1962

Walk In Dry Places

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:09:00 +0000

Am I getting too busy?
Time Management.

It’s always risky when a recovering person gets too busy for meetings. It’s also dangerous when business and personal concerns crowd out interest in the program.

We should never deceive ourselves by thinking that we’re somehow safe just because our time is filled with useful and interesting work. Many of us have a tendency to become addicted to “busy-ness”. Though less destructive than drinking, this serves as an escape, just as alcohol did.

The danger is that when the work no longer satisfies us, we’ll find our lives becoming empty again. We could then be very vulnerable to taking a drink. We should never be too busy for the wonderful, constructive work of the program.

Far from taking time away from our other actives, work in the program will enhance everything we do.

I’ll try to balance my activities today, making sure that I have time for the program.

Keep It Simple

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:08:00 +0000

You must look into people, as well as at them.

—Lord Chesterfield

When we were using alcohol and other drugs, we only looked at people.

We treated them like objects. Often, we could only see how they helped us get high, or how they got in our way.

Now we can see others as people. We look into them. We learn about their feelings and thoughts.

We care about them. What a wonderful change! We are fully human again. We can have relationships.

When we look into others, we see life. We see beauty, courage, hope and love. We see bits of ourselves and our Higher Power. What a miracle life is.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me be fully human today. Help me see You in others.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll look into someone. I’ll do this by having a talk with a friend. And I’ll really listen.

One Day At A Time

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:07:00 +0000

OVERWHELMED

“Fear is a sign – usually a sign that I’m doing something right.”

–Erica Jong

When I first came into the Twelve Step program, I felt overwhelmed. Life overwhelmed me. My eating disorders overwhelmed me. My inner-pain overwhelmed me. Before I walked into my first meeting, I felt very alone.

My Higher Power has been good to me. When I entered my first meeting, I learned I was not alone. As I began to work the Twelve Steps, I learned that, while I had a lot of healing and learning to do, I would not be doing it alone. I have many friends who help me, but most of all, I have a relationship with my Higher Power that assures me constantly that I am loved.

Today, I don’t often feel overwhelmed. When I do, I turn to my Higher Power and my friends, all of whom help me to focus on doing the best thing for my mental, emotional and physical health.

One day at a time…
I will remember that even when I feel alone, I have the love and help of my Higher Power.

~ Rhonda H.

Father Leo’s

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:07:00 +0000

OPEN-MINDEDNESS

“A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.”

— Winston Churchill

In my addiction I had a closed mind because I was afraid to be seen to be wrong. I had to be right, I had to be in control, and I had to be perfect. To say “I don’t know the answer” would make me weak, vulnerable and human! So I developed a closed mind: my way, my thoughts, my ideas, my life, my God. And I was in pain.

Then I had a moment of clarity. I heard that I was sick. I heard that if I really wanted help, I could receive it. I put away the alcohol and I became vulnerable. Slowly I faced the confusion of life and I discovered the human race. I was no longer alone.

Today the spiritual life is more about living with the questions than providing the answers.

I pray that I may continue to find Truth in variety.

Elder’s Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:06:00 +0000

“Follow the Old One’s advise.”

–Tom Porter, MOHAWK

The Old One is called by many different names – Grandfather, The Four directions, Father Sky, Mother Earth. We should seek the advice of the Old One to help us build our vision. He will put inside of our mind and heart the vision that we are to follow. This vision is recognizable by the feeling that it has with it. This feeling is hard to describe. It feels “right,” it feels calm, it feels joyful, it feels warm, it feels sacred. The Old One has a way of letting us know it really it His advice. Listen carefully!

Grandfather, I’m listening.

A Day At A Time

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:06:00 +0000

Reflection For The Day

In every story we hear from others in The Program, pain has been the price of admission into a new life. But our admission price purchased far more than we expected. It led us to a degree of humility, which we soon discovered to be a healer of pain. And, in time, we began to fear pain less — and desire humility more than ever. Am I learning to “sit loosely in the saddle” — making the most of what comes and the least of what goes?

Today I Pray

If God’s plan for us is spiritual growth, a closer alliance with His principles of what is good and what is true, then may I believe that all my experiences have added up to a new and improved me. May I not fear the lessons of pain. May I know, that I must continue to grow through pain, as well as joy.

Today I Will Remember

I hurt; therefore, I am.

Today’s Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:04:00 +0000

You are the hero of your life

Each of us plays the starring role in the drama that is our life. We co-create the script, along with our Higher Power. Sometimes we forget our lines, and so we improvise as best we can. We are heroes, each of us, as we move through the events of the day, refining our character and using our gifts to shape the action of every scene.

We can each be a hero in the drama of recovery. To the casual observer, what we do and say may not appear to be at all heroic. But we – as insiders who are only too well acquainted with our individual limitations – can appreciate and applaud a difficult decision or action.

When we accept our role in life, when we pledge to use our energies to do the best we can, and when we rely on our Higher Power for guidance and support, we will be well on our way toward recovering.

I can be a hero today, even if it doesn’t show.

From the book:

Inner Harvest by Elisabeth L.

The Eye Opener

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:03:00 +0000

Beauty that only appeals to the eye is shallow and is of short duration. A thought is only beautiful if it inspires beautiful action. A masterpiece of painting is a masterpiece only if it inspires people to beautiful thinking. Mechanical perfection is only good craftsmanship unless it provides a need for humanity.

A thing of beauty is one that serves a beautiful purpose. If your actions are not motivated by lofty ideals and purposes, you are denying yourself much that is beautiful in life.

Copyright Hazelden Foundation

Daily Tao

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:02:00 +0000

257 – Breakthrough

In late summer, heaven’s breath is damply hot.
It smothers the earth with dullness.
Suddenly, thick clouds gather :
A wave of polar air passes like a frigid rake.
Acorns fall like bullets,
And a new wind breaks through.

When the air is hot and humid, there is a feeling of dullness and stagnation. Everyone is oppressed by lassitude. As the seasons begin changing, fresh air comes from the arctic. Clouds that have been building up begin to dispense rain, and damp air is exchanged for fresh, cool breezes. At night, the heavens are changing so quickly that lightning flashes from colliding clouds, and thunder heralds the revolving of the skies.

The same is true of human life. If the heavens cannot endure stagnation for long, how can stagnation last with us? If we find ourselves blocked and frustrated in life, we must look for the inevitable outlet. Nothing is permanent, so how can our obstacles last? We need to look for the first opportunity to set things moving again.

On the other hand, sometimes stagnation comes from our own laziness or incompetence. In this case, then it is we who must show initiative and stimulate a breakthrough in dull circumstances. As soon as we see a chance, we must act. Unless we engage ourselves and events fully, we cannot expect to act sufficiently.

DAILY ZEN

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:01:00 +0000

If you don’t climb a thousand crags,
How can you learn
All things are empty?

The mountain’s head is white and mine is too.
December dies, the year
Runs out its string as all things do.

At the summit: one rude hut, the snow,
This lonely body, and the wind.
I lean on the rail, heart sudden struck:
The moon rises from the Great River: there.

– Yuan Me (1716-1798)

Gentle Meditation - Ocean Waves

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Elder’s Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:12:00 +0000

“The most important thing you can do during the course of the day is to pray.”

–Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE

There are many things we do during the day that are important. There are many places we have to go and there are many things to accomplish. The old ones say, the most important thing we can do is remember to take the time to pray. We should pray every morning and every evening. In this way we can be sure that the Great Spirit is running our lives. With the Great Spirit we are everything but without Him we are nothing. All Warriors know their greatest weapon is prayer. To spend time talking to the Creator is a great honor.

Great Spirit, thank You for listening to my prayers.

Emmet Fox

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:11:00 +0000

Man is a mental being, and to know this is the first step on the road to freedom and prosperity, for as long as you believe yourself to be primarily physical, a superior kind of animal, you will remain in bondage—in bondage, that is to say, to your own habits of thought, for there is no other bondage.

― Emmet Fox

Daily Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:10:00 +0000

REPAIRING THE DAMAGE

Good judgement, careful sense of timing, courage and prudence – these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83

To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor’s fence, I “make a mend,” and that is a direct amend; the second way is by modifying my behavior, for if my actions have harmed someone. I make a daily effort to cause no further harm. I “mend my ways,” and that is an indirect amend. Which is the best approach? The only right approach, provided that I am causing no further harm in so doing, is to do both. If harm is done, then I simply “mend my ways.” To take action in this manner assures me of making honest amends.

Just For Today

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:09:00 +0000

Something Different

“We had to have something different, and we thought we had found it in drugs.”

Basic Text p.13

Many of us have always felt different from other people. We know we’re not unique in feeling that way; we hear many addicts share the same thing. We searched all our lives for something to make us all right, to fix that “different” place inside us, to make us whole and acceptable. Drugs seemed to fill that need.

When we were high, at least we no longer felt the emptiness or the need. There was one drawback: The drugs, which were our solution, quickly became our problem.

Once we gave up the drugs, the sense of emptiness returned. At first we felt despair because we didn’t have any solution of our own to that miserable longing. But we were willing to take direction and began to work the steps. As we did, we found what we’d been looking for, that “something different” Today, we believe that our lifelong yearning was primarily for knowledge of a Higher Power; the “something different” we needed was a relationship with a loving God. The steps tell us how to begin that relationship.

Just for today: My Higher Power is the “something different” that’s always been missing in my life I will use the steps to restore that missing ingredient to my spirit.

Today’s Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:09:00 +0000

He who requires urging to do a noble act will never accomplish it.

— Kahlil Gibran

The Third Step speaks of willingness. Willingness puts our hearts and souls into the task at hand. Willingness doesn’t get rid of the fears, but it helps us find the courage to work through them. Willingness doesn’t give us the knowledge to solve the problem, but it may give us the energy to leave our isolation and seek out others with the knowledge. Willingness doesn’t do away with ego; it just shows us an alternative to ego. Willingness is the voice of our Higher Power saying, “I believe in you and want you to do the same.” Willingness is the seed wanting to break through the soil to see the light of day, to be what it is meant to be.

Prayer for the Day

I pray for willingness to do the next right thing. I seek courage, knowledge, the support of others, and my Higher Power’s guidance.

Today’s Action

I will work to notice how willingness is behind all actions. I will work today to be a willing participant in my own life, and in my own recovery.

From the book:

God Grant Me… by Anonymous

As Bill Sees It

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:08:00 +0000

Wider Understanding, p.255

To reach more alcoholics, understanding of A.A. and public good will towards A.A. must go on growing everywhere. We need to be on still better terms with medicine, courts, prisons, mental hospitals, and all enterprises in the alcoholism field. We need the increasing good will of editors, writers, television and radio channels. These publicity outlets need to be opened ever wider.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Nothing matters more to A.A.’s future welfare than the manner in which we use the colossus of modern communication. Used unselfishly and well, it can produce results surpassing our present imagination. Should we handle this great instrument badly, we shall be shattered by the ego manifestations of our own people. Against this peril, A.A. members’ anonymity before the general public is our shield and our buckler.

1. Twelve Concepts, p.51
2. Grapevine, November 1960

Walk In Dry Places

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:07:00 +0000

Learning to Cut my Losses
Honesty

Business people speak of “cutting their losses” when it becomes clear that a venture is going sour. As recovering alcoholics, we need to practice the same principle when we’re obviously on the wrong track.

If a resentment is developing, for example, the sooner we spot it and clear it out, the less damage we suffer. In the same way, we may be engaging in selfish but destructive behavior, or perhaps something that borders on being illicit or dishonest. We minimize our losses by admitting the wrong and getting back to our basic principles of living.

In cutting our losses, the usual barriers are pride and self-deception. While these shortcomings will probably always dog us, we at least have experience in dealing with them, or we wouldn’t have made any progress in sobriety.
If a course of thought or action isn’t working out well, perhaps it’s time today to cut my loses in order to get back on the right track.

Keep It Simple

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:06:00 +0000

People seldom improve when they have no model but themselves to copy.

—Oliver Goldsmith

If we had to get well by ourselves, we’d be in trouble. We’ve already tried this route. We need to learn a new way to live, not the old way we already know.

That’s why we have sponsors in Twelve Step programs. Sponsors are one of the best things about our recovery. We pick people who are happy and doing well in recovery. Then we copy them. We copy them because sponsors are special people who have what we want. They have sobriety. They have happiness. They have common sense. They have peace and serenity. And they will help us get those things too. We learn a new way to live from them.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me pick good models. Help me copy what works for them.

Action for the Day: If I don’t have a sponsor now, I’ll work today on getting one.