Essentials Of Recovery

EMMET FOX - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:35:00 +0000

EXCEEDING RIGHTEOUSNESS

Read Matthew 5:17-20

If anyone were so insane as to suppose that the knowledge of the Truth of Being could put him “above” the moral law, in the sense of authorizing him to break it, he would speedily discover that he had made a tragic mistake. The more spiritual knowledge that one possesses, the more severe is the punishment which one brings upon oneself by any infraction of the moral law. The Christian has to be very much more careful than other people. Indeed, all real spiritual understanding must necessarily be accompanied by definite moral improvement. A theoretical acceptance of the letter of Truth might go with moral carelessness (greatly to the peril of the delinquent), but it is impossible to make any real spiritual progress unless you are trying your very best to live the life. It is impossible to divorce true spiritual knowledge from right conduct.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20)

© 1931 by Emmet Fox

DAILY REFLECTIONS - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:30:00 +0000

CULTIVATING FAITH

“I don’t think we can do anything very well in this world unless we practice it and I don’t believe we do A.A. too well unless we practice it. . . . We should practice . . . acquiring the spirit of service. We should attempt to acquire some faith, which isn’t easily done, especially for the person who has always been very materialistic, following the standards of society today. But I think faith can be acquired; it can be acquired slowly; it has to be cultivated. That was not easy for me, and I assume that it is difficult for everyone else. . . ”

~ DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS, pp. 307-08 ~

Fear is often the force that prevents me from acquiring and cultivating the power of faith. Fear blocks my appreciation of beauty, tolerance, forgiveness, service, and serenity.

Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc

JUST FOR TODAY - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:28:00 +0000

Fear

“We have found that we had no choice except to completely change our old ways of thinking or go back to using.”

~ Basic Text, p. 21 ~

Many of us find that our old ways of thinking were dominated by fear. We were afraid that we wouldn’t be able to get our drugs or that there wouldn’t be enough. We feared discovery, arrest, and incarceration. Further down the list were fears of financial problems, homelessness, overdose, and illness. And our fear controlled our actions.

The early days of recovery weren’t a great deal different for many of us; then, too, fear dominated our thinking. “What if staying clean hurts too much?” we asked ourselves. “What if I can’t make it? What if the people in NA don’t like me? What if NA doesn’t work?” The fear behind these thoughts can still control our behavior, keeping us from taking the risks necessary to stay clean and grow. It may seem easier to resign ourselves to certain failure, giving up before we start, than to risk everything on a slim hope. But that kind of thinking leads only to relapse.

To stay clean, we must find the willingness to change our old ways of thinking. What has worked for other addicts can work for us—but we must be willing to try it. We must trade in our old cynical doubts for new affirmations of hope. When we do, we’ll find it’s worth the risk.

Just for today: I pray for the willingness to change my old ways of thinking, and for the ability to overcome my fears.

© 1991 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services Inc.

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:26:00 +0000

A.A. Thought for the Day

After we’ve been in A. A. for a while, we find out that if we’re going to stay sober, we have to be humble people. The men and women in A.A. who have achieved sobriety are all humble people. When I stop to think that but for the grace of God I might be drunk right now, I can’t help feeling humble. Gratitude to God for His grace makes me humble. When I think of the kind of person I was not so long ago, when I think of the person I left behind me, I have nothing to be proud of. Am I grateful and humble?

Meditation for the Day

I must arise from the death of sin and selfishness and put on a new life of integrity. All the old sins and temptations must be laid in the grave and a new existence rise from the ashes. Yesterday is gone. All my sins are forgiven if I am honestly trying to do God’s will today. Today is here, the time of resurrection and renewal. I must start now, today, to build a new life of complete faith and trust in God and a determination to do His will in all things.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may share in making the world a better place to live in. I pray that I may do what I can to bring goodness a little nearer to the earth.

© 1954, 1975, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation

AS BILL SEES IT - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:24:00 +0000

~ Page 111 ~

Surveying the Past

We should make an accurate and really exhaustive survey of our past life as it has affected other people. In many instances we shall find that, though the harm done to others has not been great, we have nevertheless done ourselves considerable injury.

Then, too, damaging emotional conflicts persist below the level of consciousness, very deep, sometimes quite forgotten. Therefore, we should try hard to recall and review those past events which originally induced these conflicts and which continue to give our emotions violent twists, thus discoloring our personalities and altering our lives for the worse.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“We reacted more strongly to frustration than normal people. By reliving these episodes and discussing them in strict confidence with somebody else, we can reduce their size and therefore their potency in the unconscious.”

~ 1. TWELVE AND TWELVE, PP. 79-80 ~
~ 2. LETTER, 1957 ~

© 1967 by Alcoholics Anonymous ® World Services, Inc

KEEP IT SIMPLE - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:20:00 +0000

One of the most important
parts of the A.A. program
is to give our drink problem
to God honestly and fully…

~ Twenty-Four Hours a Day, March 1 ~

We don’t handle our drinking or other drug problem. We don’t take care of this problem by ourselves. We turn our problem over to God as we understand Him. We need to be very clear about this. We can’t handle our drinking or other drug problem! Our Higher Power keeps us sober through the Steps and the fellowship of the program.

Our job is to hand over our problem to our Higher Power. We do this daily by acting like sober people.

Prayer for the Day

Higher Power, I know I can’t handle drinking and using other drugs. I turn my problem over to you. Please take from me the urge to drink or use.

Action for the Day

Today, I’ll remember why I can’t handle or take care of my problem with alcohol or other drugs. And I’ll remember why my Higher Power can.

© 1989 by Hazelden Foundation

Fr. LEO'S - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:18:00 +0000

VALUES

“A person who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”

~ Charles Darwin ~

Life is not to be wasted. Time is not to be wasted. Friends, relationships, and opportunities are not to be wasted. Why? Because as a vulnerable human being, I do not have ultimate control. I do not know when my life will end, when I shall die, or when time and opportunity will be no more! Life is too precious to waste.

As an addict, I did not value life or time. I did not value friends or relationships. Nothing was valued except the alcohol! My life was meaningless. God was absent, and I felt nothing.

Today this is not the case. Through my pain, I have found the value of life and discovered a God of my understanding.

God, let me value what I have while I have it.

© 2008 Leo Booth

A DAY AT A TIME - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:16:00 +0000

Reflection for the Day

Can I be wholeheartedly grateful for today? It so, I’m opening doors to more and more abundant good. What if I can’t be thankful for the “rain” that has fallen in my life—for the so- called bad times? What then? I can begin by giving thanks for all the sunshine I can remember, and for every blessing that has come my way. Perhaps then I’ll be able to look back over the rainy periods of my life with new vision, seeing them as necessary; perhaps then, hidden blessings I’ve overlooked will come to my attention. Am I grateful for all of life—both the sunshine and the rain?

Today I Pray

May I be grateful for all that has happened to me, good and bad. Bad helps to define good. Sorrow intensifies joy. Humility brings spirituality. Disease turns health into a paradise. Loneliness makes love, both human and Divine, the greatest gift of all. I thank God for the contrasts which have made me know God better.

Today I Will Remember

I am grateful for the whole of life.

© 1989 by Hazelden Foundation

EASY DOES IT - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:15:00 +0000

EARNING REWARDS

I got a religion that wants to take heaven out of the clouds and plant it right here on earth where most of us can get a slice of it.

~ Irwin Shaw ~

We learn that there are no free trips to abstinence. There aren’t any “rain checks” we can take that will give us a head start back to abstinence if we slip. We can’t argue that bad luck or betrayal by others were responsible for the relapse.

We won’t ever be promised that we will have overnight comfort or success. Our success in the Program is decided by how hard we work it. We will get from the Steps only as much as we give it. Our investment in serenity and security will earn simple, real interest. There aren’t any easy contests to win.

The rewards I receive from the Program will be equal to the effort I put into my recovery.

©1990 by Anonymous. All rights reserved. Published by Hazelden.

ONE DAY AT A TIME - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:14:00 +0000

RELIGION

Religion is for people who don’t want to go to hell.
Program is for people who have already been there.

~ Unknown ~

I was religious when I came into program and I was ready and willing to tell everyone what the “true” faith was. I went to church every Sunday. I was a religion teacher. I knew it all.

The truth is I didn’t know ANYTHING. It didn’t take long for me to begin to question my own religiosity. In fact, it began at Steps two and three. Before long, I wondered if there was a God at all. If there was, is God a He, a She or an It? Then I decided, yes there was a God, but did He/She/It care about me?

The real truth is God is who God needs to be to work through me. There’s no right or wrong answer to my questions. What I DO know is that God loves me just the way I am.

The greatest gift my Higher Power gave me came on the day I looked up to “heaven” and told God, “I don’t believe in You!” And that still, quiet voice inside of me asked, “Then to Whom are you speaking?”

One Day at a Time . . .

I don’t have to have theological “proof” that there is a Power greater than myself. I just need to believe.

~ Debbie ~

ELDER'S MEDITATION - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:12:00 +0000

“Conciliation is the key to survival. Peace is the goal.”

~ Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders ~

When we make decisions or experience conflict we need to look at the greater whole. The end result we want to accomplish is peace of mind. If we keep this goal in mind, we will, overall, live a happy and fulfilling life. Everything in the world is constantly changing so we should not resist this change. A good question to ask ourselves is, “would I rather be right or happy?” If we would rather be happy, then it is easier to let the little things go. If we would rather be right, we tend to look for the WIN/LOSE.

Great Spirit, today, give me the tools to seek peace of mind.

A WOMAN’S SPIRIT - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:09:00 +0000

We grow in darkness and in light.

~ Marilyn Mason ~

Every experience is a learning opportunity. The abuse we suffered, whether physical or emotional, taught us survival and resilience. Even though we felt defeated, we are here now, and we’ve learned to recognize relationships that aren’t good for us. That’s evidence of growth.

Sponsors tell us we are always growing. Even when it feels like we are going backward, we are growing. Recognizing our slower pace signals our awareness, and that is growth too.

Gone are the days when we doubted our ability to grow, to change. One of the first lessons we learn In recovery is that change is possible. Every meeting surrounds us with examples. And much of the growth has come through the dark periods of our lives. The darkness and the light have much to teach us. Every moment is to be revered for its message.

I am ready to grow today. Regardless of the kind of experience I’m having, I’ll realize its worth to me.

© 1994 by Hazelden Foundation

THE EYE OPENER - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:06:00 +0000

The churches in their quarrels over purely sectarian issues have done much to divert attention from the primary purpose of religion, which is spirituality.

Some pastors take a more critical attitude toward the neglect of church duties than they do toward moral transgressions.

AA should be kept free of all controversial questions. We have but one purpose and that is to help the suffering alcoholic. Ours is a way of life; not a way of worship.

Published by Hazelden

Daily TAO – Tradition - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:04:00 +0000

Tradition was once function.
But today there is no tradition.
Where is there a true path?

In the past, people didn’t question the teachings of Tao. There was a living tradition, and if one followed it, one could reasonably expect to walk a good path. But today the traditional teachings of Tao have been dimmed by civil wars, political persecution, and the death of masters. Wealth and technology hold the attention of most people, and few have time for Tao. Adopting arcane methods will not lead to success.

We must discover Tao for ourselves. Seeking it in the here and now means fulfilling the spirit of tradition instead of merely copying it. How can we ape the past? The old ways are gone.

Tao means different things to different people in different times. Indeed, we might say that the Tao of today leads in unprecedented directions. We have to adapt, but being contemporary should not be an excuse for adulteration and shortcuts. Once we find the true path of today, we must walk it with the same determination as the ancients.

DAILY ZEN - April 21 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:02:00 +0000

How much of your life do you spend looking forward to being somewhere else?

-Matthew Flickstein, "Journey to the Center"

AS BILL SEES IT - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:24:00 +0000

~ Page 110 ~

Trouble: Constructive or Destructive?

“There was a time when we ignored trouble, hoping it would go away. Or, in fear and in depression, we ran from it, but found it was still with us. Often, full of unreason, bitterness, and blame, we fought back. These mistaken attitudes, powered by alcohol, guaranteed our destruction, unless they were altered.

“Then came A.A. Here we learned that trouble was really a fact of life for everybody—a fact that had to be understood and dealt with. Surprisingly, we found that our troubles could, under God’s grace, be converted into unimagined blessings.

“Indeed, that was the essence of A.A. itself: trouble accepted, trouble squarely faced with calm courage, trouble lessened and often transcended. This was the A.A. story, and we became a part of it. Such demonstration became our stock in trade for the next sufferer.”

~ LETTER, 1966 ~

© 1967 by Alcoholics Anonymous ® World Services, Inc

EMMET FOX - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:35:00 +0000

CITY OF LIGHT

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me (John 12:32)

Never try to force other people to accept spiritual truth. Instead, see to it that they are so favourably impressed by your own life and conduct, and by the peace and joy that radiate from you, that they will come running to you of their own accord, begging you to give them the wonderful thing that you have. To do this is to make your soul truly the city upon a hill that cannot be hidden because it is the City of God. This is to let your light shine to the glorifying of your Father which is in Heaven.

© 1931 by Emmet Fox

DAILY REFLECTIONS - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:30:00 +0000

SELF-EXAMINATION

. . . we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.

~ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 86 ~

When said sincerely, this prayer teaches me to be truly unselfish and humble, for even in doing good deeds I often used to seek approval and glory for myself. By examining my motives in all that I do, I can be of service to God and others, helping them do what they want to do. When I put God in charge of my thinking, much needless worry is eliminated and I believe He guides me throughout the day. When I eliminate thoughts of self-pity, dishonesty and self- centeredness as soon as they enter my mind, I find peace with God, my neighbor and myself.

Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc

JUST FOR TODAY - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:28:00 +0000

Detachment

“Addiction is a family disease, but we could only change ourselves.”

~ IP No. 13, “Youth and Recovery” ~

Many of us come from severely damaged families. At times, the insanity that reigns among our relatives feels overwhelming. Sometimes we feel like packing our bags and moving far, far away.

We pray that our family members will join us in recovery but, to our great sadness, this does not always happen. Sometimes, despite our best efforts to carry the message, we find that we cannot help those we hold most dear. Our group experience has taught us that, frequently, we are too close to our relatives to help them. We learn that it is better to leave them in our Higher Power’s care.

We have found that when we stop trying to settle the problems of family members, we give them the room they need to work things out in their own lives. By reminding them that we are not able to solve their problems for them, we give ourselves the freedom to live our own lives. We have faith that God will help our relatives. Often, the best thing we can give our loved ones is the example of our own ongoing recovery. For the sake of our family’s sanity and our own, we must let our relatives find their own ways to recover

Just for today: I will seek to work my own program and leave my family in the care of a Higher Power.

© 1991 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services Inc.

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:26:00 +0000

A.A. Thought for the Day

The satisfaction you get out of living a sober life is made up of a lot of little things, but they add up to a satisfactory and happy life. You take out of life what you put into it. So I’d say to people coming into A.A.: “Don’t worry about what life will be like without liquor. Just hang in there and a lot of good things will happen to you. And you’ll have that feeling of quiet satisfaction and peace and serenity and gratitude for the grace of God.” Is my life becoming really worth living?

Meditation for the Day

There are two paths, one up and one down. We have been given free will to choose either path. We are captains of our souls to this extent only. We can choose the good or the bad. Once we have chosen the wrong path, we go down and down, eventually to death. But if we choose the right path, we go up and up, until we come to the resurrection day. On the wrong path, we have no power for good because we do not choose to ask for it. But on the right path, we are on the side of good and we have all the power of God’s spirit behind us.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be in the stream of goodness. I pray that I may be on the right side, on the side of all good In the universe.

© 1954, 1975, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation

WALK IN DRY PLACES - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:22:00 +0000

AVOIDING EMOTIONAL WHIRLPOOLS

Serenity

If we were rattling down a rough river, we would try to steer away from whirlpools and rocky rapids. Living each day requires the same alertness. We’re asking for trouble if we drift into malicious discussions about other people… even those who seem to deserve it. We’re also sliding into rocky rapids if we get into supercharged arguments about political and religious issues.

How do we avoid touchy situations that can lead to violent arguments or terrible breakdowns in personal relationships? We can begin by recognizing that we’re not on this earth to judge, manipulate, or control other people. We’ll do well today to keep our own performance up to a good standard.

We can also respond correctly to people who seem hopelessly wrong. Borrowing an idea from one Twelve Step program, we can detach from such people with love, even if circumstances require continuing contact with them. At whatever cost, we must avoid emotional whirlpools and rocky rapids in life.

Looking ahead at the things might happen today. I’ll adjust my thinking for situations that could be troublesome or destructive. I will try especially hard to avoid trouble with my fellow workers.

© 1996 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved.

KEEP IT SIMPLE - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:20:00 +0000

A great obstacle to happiness is to expect
too much happiness.

~ Fontenelle ~

Our disease is sometimes called the disease of “always wanting more.” We pushed ourselves to get as much pleasure as we could. If one was good, two was better. We didn’t see that what we were lacking was faith.

At times, in recovery, we still crave “more.” We must pay attention to these cravings. When we have a craving, maybe we’re scared, and our Higher Power is trying to tell us that, if we have faith, we’ll be taken care of. Perhaps our Higher Power just has a message of love for us. All we need to do is listen. It may be that this is the only “more” we really need.

Prayer for the Day

I pray to see my cravings as spiritual needs. I pray to turn to my Higher Power instead of to alcohol or other drugs.

Action for the Day

Today, I’ll think about how much recovery has given me. I will share this with a friend and with my Higher Power.

© 1989 by Hazelden Foundation

FR. LEO'S - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:18:00 +0000

CHANGE

“There is nothing permanent except change.”

~ Heraclitus ~

I know I need to change. My past behaviors and attitudes were negative and destructive. Today I choose to work on my addiction. I was changing before I embraced a spiritual program, but for the worse. Each day I grew more dependent, isolated, angry, and depressed. I felt I was a hopeless case!

Now I am working on my anger and loneliness. I talk about my pain and distress. I express my resentments and fears—and life is getting better. God created the world in perpetual change, and I believe God may be discovered in that change. I am evolving into Truth with my steps toward recovery—this is my “Yes” to God.

In the daily changes I discover Your stability.

© 2008 Leo Booth

A DAY AT A TIME - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:16:00 +0000

Reflection for the Day

“If a person continues to see only giants,” wrote Anais Nin, “it means he is still looking at the world through the eyes of a child.” During this 24-hour period, I won’t allow myself to be burdened by thoughts of giants and monsters—of things that are past. I won’t concern myself about tomorrow until it becomes my today. The better I use today, the more likely it is that tomorrow will be bright. Have I extended the hand of caring to another person today?

Today I Pray

God, may I please grow up. May I no longer see monsters and giants on my walls, those projections of a child’s imagination. May I bury my hobgoblins and realize that those epic dream- monsters are distortions of my present fears. May they vanish with my fearfulness, in the daylight of my new serenity.

Today I Will Remember

I will put away childish fears.

© 1989 by Hazelden Foundation

EASY DOES IT - April 20 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Essentialsofrecovery) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:15:00 +0000

SINCERITY

The more we love our friends, the less we flatter them; it is by excusing nothing that pure love shows itself.

~ Moliere ~

The concern we display for those new to our Program must always be sincere and honest. When beginners ask for advice, our answer mustn’t be phony, but we also need to soften the blow by “truth with love.” We can do this by promising them that life will get better if they really want spiritual growth and if they are freely willing to change their attitudes.

If we “con” anyone with false promises because we don’t want to hurt their feelings, they will become our enemy when they find out the truth. This will surely happen when their recovery becomes secure.

If someone in the Fellowship makes me angry by telling a truth that brings me progress, let me be sincere enough to tell them I am grateful.

©1990 by Anonymous. All rights reserved. Published by Hazelden.