SloganZ - Recovery Slogans Slogans are wisdom written in shorthand!
Recovery Slogans Alcoholics Anonymous Slogans AA formally uses these Simple Simple Slogans to assist assist members to recover during difficult difficult periods. Easy Does It First Things First Live and let Live Think......Think.......Think One Day At a Time But for the Grace of God Principles before Personalities
Al-Anon Family Groups Slogans Al-Anon formally uses the above AA Slogans as well as these slogans to assist members to recover during difficult periods. Let go and let God This too shall pass Let it begin with me Just for today Courage to change
Overeaters Anonymous Slogans Put down the fork Nothing tastes as good as abstinence Abstinence is the most important thing in my life
Gamblers Anonymous Slogans Stay away from the first bet One day at a Time Don't gamble for Today Get to Meetings Turn it Over
Other Helpful Saying's heard around AA and other 12 Step Rooms
Reality Checks 1. Where ev ever you go go .. .......there ere yo you ar are 2. You are not alone 3. Stay sober for yourself 4. Look Look for simi imilari laritties ies rat rath her tha than n di differ fferen ence cess 5. Remem ememb ber yo your la last dr drunk, us use, bet bet etc etc 6. Reme Rememb mber er tha thatt addi addict ctio ion n is inc incur urab able le,, prog progre ress ssiv ive, e, and and fat fatal al 7. It takes time to get better 8. Depr epress ession is anger toward inward 9. The The less lesson on I mus mustt lear learn n is simp simply ly tha thatt my con contr trol ol is is limi limited ted to my my own own beha behavi vior, or, my my own attitudes 10. 10. The The flip flip side side to for forgi give vene ness ss is rese resent ntme ment ntss 11. 11. The The ele eleva vato torr is brok broken en----------u -use se the the 'ste 'steps ps'' 12. It isn' isn'tt the the load load that that weigh weighss us us down down----------it' it'ss the the way way we carr carry y it it
13. 14. 14. 15. 16. 16. 17. 18. 18. 19. 19. 20.
If I think, I won't drink. If I drink, I can't think Sick Sick and and tir tired ed of bein being g sic sick k and and tire tired d This is a selfish program ram I dran drank, k, ate ate,, gamb gamble led, d, etc etc:: too too much much-----to too o often often----t -too oo lon long g Minds Minds are like like para parachu chutes tes------th -they ey won't won't work work unle unless ss they'r they're e open open When When your your head head begi begins ns to swell swell your your mind mind stop stopss gro growi wing ng A jou journ rney ey of of a 1,0 1,000 00 mil miles es beg begin inss with with the the firs firstt step step When When a pers person on tries tries to cont control rol thei theirr addic addictio tion n they they have have alre already ady lost lost contr control ol
Staying Abstinent 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Poor me.....Poor me...... Pour me a drink! It's the "first" drink that gets you drunk One alcoholic talking to another........ another ........ Do it sober Ever Every y rec recov over ery y fro from m add addic icti tion on beg began an wit with h one one sob sober er Min Minut ute e The The firs firstt ste step p is is the the only only step step a per perso son n can can work work perf perfec ectl tly y you you are are not not requ requir ired ed to like like it, it, you you'r 're e only only requ requir ired ed to DO IT Your Your 12 step step prog progra ram m wil willl work work if you you want want it to work work Keep coming back
If you want to drink-----that is your business , if you want to quit-------that is our business 11. Don't Don't compar compare-e---id -ident entify ify,, don't don't intell intellect ectual ualize ize------ut -utili ilize ze 12. Stay Stay away away from from the the First First Drin Drink, k, Drug Drug,, Bet (apply (apply your your speci specific fic addict addiction ion here) here) 13. 13. Noth Nothin ing g is is so so bad bad,, usi using ng won' won'tt mak make e it it wor worse se 14. Most Most folks folks commit commit suicid suicide e with with a knife knife and fork fork (Eati (Eating ng disord disorders ers))
10.
15.
First we stayed sober because we have to... then we stay sober because we are willing to.... finally we stay sober because we want to... 16. 16. One One dri drink nk is too too man many y and and tho thous usan and d not not eno enoug ugh h 17. 17. Try Try not not plac place e con condi diti tion onss on on you yourr sob sobri riet ety y 18. 18. Brin Bring g the the body body and and the the mind mind will will foll follow ow 19. We all all have have anot another her drun drunk k left left in in us but we don't don't know know if we we have have anoth another er recov recovery ery in in us 20. Be as as enthu enthusia siasti sticc abou aboutt recov recovery ery as you were about about your your addic addictio tion n
Daily Living 1.
Be part art of of the the solu olution tion,, not not part art of of the the prob roblem lem
2.
the 24-hour plan Live in the NOW Take Take the the cot cotto ton n out out of your your ears ears and and put put it in your your mout mouth h To keep eep it it (re (reccover overy) y),, you you hav have e to to giv give e it it awa away y What go goes around, comes around Keep an open mind If you you find find a path path with with no no obst obstac acle les, s, it prob probab ably ly does doesn' n'tt lea lead d anyw anywher here e
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Use
9. 10.
To thine own self be true
11.
When wallowing in your self-pity ...... get off the cross! We need the wood
12. 12.
Learn Learn a new new dan dance ce - the the old old "Cro "Cross ss - Pot Pot Shu Shuff ffle" le" is out out of of vog vogue ue
13. 14.
Act as if.........
There are two days in every week which we have no control over----yesterday and tomorrow. today is the only day we can change.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad----it is the remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dre ad of what tomorrow may bring. 15. 15. Get Get it ---gi --give ve itit---gr --grow ow in it 16. 16. Every Every day day is a gif giftt that that is is why why we cal calll it it the the 'pr 'pres esen ent' t' 17. 17. Dry Dry and and tig tighten ten up up (f (finan inancciall ially) y) 18. 18. Befor Before e enga engagi ging ng your your mout mouth, h, put put you yourr min mind d in in gea gear! r! 19. 19. Recov Recovery ery is an educ educat atio ion n wit witho hout ut a grad graduat uatio ion n 20. Easy does it, but do it 21. 21. When When all all els else e fai fails ls,, fol follo low w dir direc ecti tion onss 22. Addict Addictss heal heal from from the outsid outside e in... in...... ..... ...bu .butt feel feel from from the inside inside out 23. Stick wi with the wi winners 24. 24. Look Look afte afterr the Litt Littlle Thin Thing gs 25. 25. Keep Keep com comin ing g bac back. k... .... .... .... ...i .itt wor works ks if you you wor work k it it 26. 26. Sobr Sobrie iety ty is is a jour journe ney y ... ..... .... .... ...n .not ot a dest destin inat atio ion n 27. 27. We are are on only as sick ick as as ou our sec secre rets ts 28. Share your happiness
29. 30.
Share your pain Count your blessings
31.
We're responsible for the effort - not the outcome!
32. 32. 33. 33. 34. 34.
Sorro Sorrow w is is look lookin ing g bac back, k, Worry Worry is look lookin ing g aro aroun und d Form Formul ula a for for fai failu lure re:: try try to to plea please se ever everyo yone ne Humi Humili lity ty is our our acc accep epta tanc nce e of ours oursel elve vess
Enjoy your Recovery 1.
Sober `n` crazy
2.
How does one become an "old-timer" ? Don't drink or use and don't die!
3. 4.
We ad addict's ar are 'g 'gifted' pe people We don' don'tt car carry ry the the alc alcoh ohol olic ic// add addic ictt - we we car carry ry the the mes messa sage ge
5. 6.
The 12 steps tell us how it works; the 12 traditions tell us why it works.........
8.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself; It is thinking of yourself less.
Your 12 step program won't ...........keep you from going to hell.............nor hell.............nor is it a ticket to heaven............but it will...........keep will...........keep u sober long enough.........for enough.........for you to make up your mind...............which mind...............which way you want to go! 7. The The pers person on wit with h the the most most sob sobri riet ety y at a meeti meeting ng is is the the one one who who got got up up earl earlie iest st tha thatt morning
Denial 1. 2. 3.
Yeah but......
4.
Remember whe when............
5. 6.
Around recovery or "in" recovery?
What if......... if......... If only .......
In action we got sympathy-----as long as our money lasted. 7. Your Your 12 12 step step prog progra ram m neve neverr open opened ed the the gat gates es of of heav heaven en to to let let you you in, in, It did did open open the the gates of hell to let you out 8. Dang Danger er sig sign: n: whe when n your your eye eyess have have wan wande dered red from from the the alc alcoh ohol olic ic who who sti still ll suf suffer ferss and and needs help-----to the faults of those whom the program has already helped! 9. There There are are non none e too too dumb dumb for for the the 12 12 ste step p pro progr gram am - but but many many are are too too smar smartt 10. 10. I wan wantt what what I wan wantt, when when I want want it 11. 11. Alco Alcoho holi lism sm is is the the only only dis disea ease se tha thatt tells tells you you you you'r 're e all rig right ht 12. 12. The The firs firstt step step in overc overcom omin ing g mis mista take kess is is to to admi admitt them them 13. Knowle Knowledge dge of of "the "the answers answers"" never never made made anyon anyone e slip-slip---it -it was was faili failing ng to to practi practice ce "the "the answers" that were known.
Higher Power 1. 2. 3.
I can can't 't ... ..... .... .... ..He He can. can... .... .... .... ...I .I thin think k I'll I'll let let him him (st (step epss 1,2 1,2,3 ,3)) If it works.........Don't fix it Reco Recove very ry is not not som somet ethi hing ng you you joi join, n, it's it's a way way of life life
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 10. 11. 11. 12. 13. 13. 14. 14. 15. 16. 16. 17. 18. 18. 19. 19.
Expect miracles! God is never late Cou Courage rage is fait faith h tha that has has said aid its its praye rayers rs There is a god and I am not it Fait Faith h is is a ligh lighte ted d doo doorw rway ay,, tru trust st is a dar darke kene ned d hal halll We had to qu quit playing god Ther There e ar are no no ath athei eissts in fox foxhol holes Poss Possib ibil ilit itie iess and and mira miracl cles es are are one one in the the sam same e The will will of God will will neve neverr take take you you wher where e the the grace grace of God God wil willl not not prote protect ct you you When When we we sur surren render der to our our hig highe herr power power,, the the jour journey ney begi begins ns I cam came e -I -I cam came e to to - I cam came e to to bel beliieve eve Fai Faith wi without wo works is is dead ead Get out out of the the driv driver' er'ss sea seat. t... .... .... ..le lett go go and and let let god god Fea Fear is is th the ab absenc ence of of fa faith When When man man lis liste tens ns,, God God spe speak aks; s; when when man man obe obeys ys,, God God works works The The task task ahe ahead ad of of us is neve neverr as great great as the the power power behin behind d us
20.
If God seems far away, who moved ?
21. 22. 22.
If faith faith with without out works works is is dead; dead; then then ..... ........ ....wi .willi llingn ngness ess witho without ut actio action n is fanta fantasy sy Turn Turn it over over,, the the resu result ltss are are in in god god's 's hand hand
23.
Willpower = our will-ingness to use a higher power powe r Rememb Remember er noth nothing ing is goin going g to happen happen today today that that you and God can't can't hand handle le Man' Man'ss ext extre remi mity ty is god' god'ss opp oppor ortu tuni nity ty AA = Altered Attitudes I can can't 't handl andle e it it Go God; you you tak take e ove overr God answers wers "knee mails" Back Backsl slid idin ing g begi begins ns whe when n knee knee-b -ben endi ding ng end endss Spir Spirit itua uali lity ty is is the the abil abilit ity y to get get our our min minds ds off off our ourse selv lves es There There is no che chemi mica call sol solut utio ion n to to a spi spiri ritu tual al prob problem lem Faith Faith is is our our greates greatestt gift; gift; sharin sharing g it with with others others our our great greatest est respon responsib sibili ility ty
24. 25. 25. 26. 27. 27. 28. 29. 29. 30. 30. 31. 31. 32.
Serenity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Respect the an anonymity of of others Try to repl eplace guilt with gratitude Let go of old ideas Change is is a pr process, not an an event Take wh what yo you ca can us use an and lea leav ve th the res restt The The pri price ce for for ser seren enit ity y and and sani sanity ty is self self-s -sac acri rifi fice ce You ca can't gi give awa away y wh what yo you do don't ha have Ther There e are are 12 step stepss in in the the ladd ladder er of comp comple lete te sobr sobrie iety ty
Sponsorship 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Spon Sponso sors rs:: hav have e one one-------us --use e one one-------b -be e one one When When you you are are a sp spons onsor, or, you you get get ou out of of you yours rsel elf f If I serve, I will be served Call your sponsor Make us use of of th the te telephone th therapy Call Call your your spon sponso sorr befo before re,, not not aft after er,, you you take take the the firs firstt dri drink nk Help is only a ph phone ca call aw away There ere ar are no no co coincidenc ences in re recovery ery
9. 10. 10. 11. 12. 13. 13.
It works -------it really does ! You Your Big Big Boo Book is is you yourr spo spon nsor too too Willingness is is th the ke key More will be revealed Be nic nice e to newc newcom omers ers ... ..... .... .... ..on one e day the they y may may be you yourr spon sponso sorr
14.
"You will intuitively know" AA Promises
15. 16. 17.
You will be amazed 12 step step progra programs ms are are a school school in whic which h we are all all learn learners ers and all teache teachers rs No pain.........no gain
18.
You either is-------or you ain't (clean)
click here to read the AA Promises in full
19. 19. Some Some of us our our sic sicke kerr th than othe others rs 20. 20. We'r We're e all all here here beca becaus use e we' we're re not not all all ther there e 21. 21. Alco Alcoho holi lism sm / add addic icti tion on is is an equ equal al opp oppor ortu tuni nity ty des destr troy oyer er 22. The road road to to sobri sobriety ety is is a simp simple le jour journey ney for for conf confuse used d people people with with a compl complica icated ted disease 23. Pass it on 24. 24. You You rec receiv eived ed with withou outt cos cost, t, now now giv give e wit witho hout ut charg charge e 25. It's in the book 26. 26. Befor Before e you you say: say: I can can't 't .... ...... .... .... .... ..sa say y I'l I'lll try try 27. 27. Don' Don'tt qui quitt 5 minu minute tess befo before re the the mir mirac acle le happ happen enss 28. 28. Prac ractice tice an att attitu itude of of gra grati titu tud de 29. 29. Anot Anothe herr frien friend d of Bil Billl W's W's ( Bill Bill Wil Wilso son n is the the coco-fo foun unde derr of AA AA ) 30. 30. God God wil willl nev never er give give you you mor more e tha than n you you can can han handl dle e 31. 31. Have Have a goo good d day day unle unless ss of cou cours rse e you you hav have e made made oth other er pla plans ns 32. Deci ecisions aren' en't foreve ever 33. 33. 90 meet meetin ings gs in 90 days days.. .... .... .... ...9 .90/ 0/90 90 34. 34. Don' Don'tt drin drink, k, don don't 't thi think nk,, read read the the Big Big Boo Book, k, and and go go to mee meeti ting ngss
Recovery Acronyms and Word Associations 1.
H.A. H.A.L. L.T. T. - hun hungr gry, y, ang angry ry,, lone lonely ly,, tired tired Sto Stop p every everyth thin ing g and and get bac back k into into reco recove very ry
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
H.O. H.O.W W - hone honest sty, y, open open-m -min inde dedn dnes esss and and will willin ingn gnes esss Kiss---keep it simple sw sweetie Anger is bu but on one let lettter away way fr from da danger Fear Fear is the the dar darkr kroo oom m wher where e nega negati tive vess are are deve develo lope ped d FEAR (f (f--- everything and run)
7.
Faith is spelled ...............a-c-t-i-o-n ...............a-c-t-i-o-n We can can be be pos posit itiv ive e tha thatt our our dri drink nkin ing g was was nega negati tive ve The The 7t' 7t'ss -----ta tak ke ti time to thin think k the the thin thing g th throug rough h EGO - Edge God Out The 3 T's of grat gratitu itude de to repay repay for for our our sobrie sobriety: ty: our time time,, our our talen talent, t, our our treas treasure ure Keep Keep your your sobr sobrie iety ty firs first, t, to make make it last last Fea Fear st stands fo for Fru Frusstration
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 12. 13.
Carry the Message 1. 2. 3.
The The only only thin thing g we we tak take e fro from m thi thiss worl world d whe when n we we lea leave ve is what what we gave gave away away We give it away to keep it Trus Trustt god god.. .... .... .... ...c .cle lean an hous house. e....... ...... ..he help lp othe others rs
4.
There are members who MAKE things happen there are members who WATCH things happen there are members who DON'T KNOW anything happen WHICH ARE YOU ?
Relationships 1.
Acti Active ve alco alcoho holi lics cs don' don'tt hav have e rel relat atio ions nshi hips ps;; they they take take host hostag ages es
2.
There is a "slip" under every skirt - ( an oldie from the politically incorrect days of AA that still is important today)
3. The The less lesson on I mus mustt lear learn n is simp simply ly tha thatt my con contr trol ol is is limi limited ted to my my own own beha behavi vior, or, my my own attitudes
The Tools Of Recovery 1. 2.
12 step Meetings - Attend at least one meeting a week Plan of Recovery - Draw up a schedule of daily recovery actions with your sponsors
help
3.
Telephone - Use the telephone with other 12 step members to avoid Isolation and keep clean
4.
Sponsor - Get a sponsor and Be a sponsor
5. 6.
Writing - Put things down on paper instead of letting them roll around in your head
7.
Anonymity - Practice the non use of gossip to make yourself feel better
8.
Approved Literature - Read the approved 12 step literature
Service - Ste up the meeting room, chair a meeting, clean up the room after the meeting, greet newcomers.
Spirituality 1.
Spir Spirit itua uali lity ty is the the abil abilit ity y to to get get our our min minds ds off off ours oursel elve vess
2.
Ben Bend you your knee kneess befo before re you bend end you your elbo elbow w
3.
GOD = God Orderly Direction
4. Accep cceptt you yourr adm admis isssion ion an and Get Get a new new atti attitu tude de 5. Ther There e is is no mag magic in reco recov very ery onl only mira miraccles les 6. The The roa road d to to dis disap appo poin intm tmen entt is is pav paved ed with with expe expect ctat atio ion n 7. A "co "coin inci ciden dence ce"" is is a mir mirac acle le in whic which h god god cho choos oses es to rem remai ain n ano anony nymo mous us 8. It's It's a pit pity y we can' can'tt forg forget et our our tro troub uble less the the same same way we for forge gett our our bles blessi sing ngss 9. We are not human human beings beings having having spirit spiritual ual experi experienc ences; es; we are spirit spiritual ual beings beings having having human experiences 10. 10. If it it isn' isn'tt God' God'ss will will ... ..... .... .... .... ...I .I can can't 't mak make e it happ happen en 11. 11. If it it is is mean meantt to be. be... .... .... .... .... ..II can can't 't sto stop p it 12. 12. Pain Pain is is the the tou touch chst ston one e of spir spirit itua uall gro growt wth h 13. Religi Religion on is for for those those who who fear god. god.... ...... .....s ..spir piritu ituali ality ty is for for those those who who have have been to to hell hell and back 14. 14. You You are are exac exactl tly y whe where re God God wan wants ts you you to to be be 15. 15. To be for forgi give ven n - we must forg forgiv ive e 16. 16. Time Time was wasted ted in get getti ting ng eve even n can can never never be use used d in get getti ting ng ahea ahead d 17. 17. Be caref careful ul what what you you pra pray y for for;; you you're 're liab liable le to get get it it
18. 19. 19.
If you turn it over and don't let go of it, you will be upside down. Seren Serenit ity y is not not free freedo dom m from from the the sto storm rm but but pea peace ce ami amid d the the stor storm m
20.
Trying to pray is praying
21. 21. 22. 23. 23.
Sobr Sobrie iety ty deli delive vers rs every everyth thin ing g alc alcoh ohol ol prom promis ised ed God taug taught ht us us to laugh laugh again again but God please please don't don't let let us forget forget that that we we once once crie cried d Faith Faith is is not not belie belieff with withou outt proo prooff but but trust trust wit witho hout ut res reserv ervat atio ion n
Meetings 1. 2.
A 12 12 step step meet meetin ing g is is whe where re los losers ers get get tog toget ethe herr to talk talk abou aboutt the their ir win winni ning ngss What yo you hea hearr an and se see her here e, st stays her here e!
AA is the highest priced club in the world.........if u have paid the dues, why not enjoy 3. the benefits ? 4. Chair a meeting 5. Shar Share e you yourr exp experi erien ence, ce, stren strengt gth h and and hope hope,, not not jus justt your your garb garbag age e
6.
Isolation is a killer, use your telephone list, come to an extra meeting, reach out and help the newcomer or struggling member. 7. Each Each and and every every alcoho alcoholic lic / addi addict ct -------sob sober er or or notnot------tea teache chess us us some some valuab valuable le less lessons ons about ourselves and recovery 8. When When you you do do all all the the tal talki king ng you you onl only y lear learn n wha whatt you you alrea already dy know know 9. Seve Seven n day days wi withou thoutt a meet meetin ing g mak makes es one one WEA WEAK 10. AA has a wrenc wrench h to to fit fit every every nut nut that that walks walks throug through h a meetin meeting g room room door door 11. 12 step step progra programs ms may may not not solv solve e all your your proble problems ms but but are are willi willing ng to to share share them them 12. 12. The The time time to to atte attend nd a meeti meeting ng is is when when you you leas leastt feel feel lik like e goin going g
AA Saying's 1.
Don't watch the " slippers " but watch those who don't slip closely and watch them go through difficulties and pull through 2. Work th the pr program fr from th the wa waist up up 3. Some Some peop people le are are so so succ succes essf sful ul in in AA AA that that the they y turn turn out out to to be alm almos ostt as good good as as they they used to think they were when they were drinking. 4. AA spoils your drinking!
5.
In AA we get understanding------for nothing!
6. 7. 8.
Anon nonymi ymity is so impo import rtan antt it it's half half of our our nam name e Even Even my my wors worstt day day in sobr sobriet iety y / cle clean an is is bet better ter than than my my bes bestt day day drun drunk k / usi using ng When When all all else else fail fails.. s.... ..... .....t ..the he direc directio tions ns are in the Big Big Book Book (Alcoh (Alcoholi olics cs Anony Anonymou mous) s)
9. 10.
If we don't grow, we gotta go
11. 12.
All you need to start your own AA meeting is a resentment and a coffee pot!!
Read AA approved literature. Other books and materials, while they may be excellent, are usually only one individuals slant on a subject. Why recovery never ends: the disease is alcoholISm, not alcoholWASM!
13. The AA AA way of life life is is meant meant to be be bread bread for for dail daily y use, use, not not cake cake for spec special ial occasi occasions ons 14. 14. The The smar smarte test st thi thing ng an an AA AA mem membe berr can can say say is, is, " hel help p me me " 15. It takes takes the good good and and bad bad AA meetin meeting-g----t --the he good good and and bad bad AA AA talk talk --------to -to make make the the fellowship "work" 16. 3 A's in AA----AA-----aff affect ection ion (thou (thought ghtful fulnes ness) s) -----a -----atten ttentio tion n (listen (listening ing)) -----ap -----appre precia ciatio tion n (gratitude) 17. 17. Slip Slippe pers rs in in AA AA use use the the RDP RDP----r -revo evolv lvin ing g doo doorr poli policy cy 18. AA work workss for for people people who beli believe eve in in god god AA works works for for people people who don' don'tt believ believe e in god god AA NEVER works for people who believe they ARE god
The AA Promises THE PROMISES If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.
1.
We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. 2. We will will comp compre rehe hend nd the the wor word d ser seren enit ity y and and we will will know know peac peace. e. 3. No mat matter ter how how far far down down the the scal scale e we have have gon gone, e, we we will will see see how how our our expe experi rien ence ce can can benefit others. 4. That That fee feeli ling ng of of use usele less ssne ness ss and and sel selff-pi pity ty wil willl dis disap appe pear ar.. 5. We wil willl los lose e int intere erest st in self selfis ish h thi thing ngss and and gai gain n int inter eres estt in in our our fel fello lows ws.. 6. Self-seeking will slip away. 7. Our Our who whole le atti attitu tude de and and out outlo look ok upon upon life life will will chan change ge.. 8. Fear Fear of peop people le and and of of eco econo nomi micc ins insec ecur urit ity y wil willl lea leav ve us. us.
9.
We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
10. We will will sudd suddenl enly y realiz realize e that that God God is doing doing for for us us what what we could could not not do do for oursel ourselves ves.. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us— sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. The will always materialize if we work for them. Reprinted from Alcoholics from Alcoholics Anonymous, Anonymous , 3rd Edition p. 84
The Addicts Paradoxes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
From From weak weakn ness ess (adv advers ersity ity) com comes es stren trengt gth h We forgive to be forgiven We suffer to get well We surrender to win We die to live From darkness comes light Fro From de dependenc ence we we fo found in independenc ence
Wolf Parable An elder Apache was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them,"A fight is going on inside me; it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego. The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person too." They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Grandpa simply replied, "The one you feed. Are you feeding your addiction or your recovery?
Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problems at once. I can do something for 12 hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a LIFETIME. AlAnon LIFETIME. AlAnon
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Slogans Easy does it. First things first. Live and let live. But for the grace of God. Think think think. One day at time. Let go and let God. K.I.S.S.—Keep It Simple Stupid. Act as if. This, too, shall pass. Expect miracles. I can’t, He can, I think I’ll let Him (Steps 1,2,3). If it works, don’t fix it. Keep coming back, it works if you work it. Stick with the winners. Keep on trudgin.’ Sobriety is a journey, not a destination. Faith without works is dead. Poor me, poor me, pour me another drink. To thine own self be true. I came; I came to; I came to believe (Steps 1,2,3). Live in the NOW. If God seems far away, who moved? Turn it over. A.A. = Altered Attitudes Nothing is so bad, a drink won’t make it worse. We are only as sick as our secrets. There are no coincidences in A.A.. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Sponsors: have one, use one, be one. I can’t handle it God; you take over. Keep an open mind. It works it really does! (page 88 in the Big Book) Willingness is the key. More will be revealed. You will intuitively know. You will be amazed. No pain, no gain. Go for it. Keep the plug in the jug. Do it sober.
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Let it begin with me. Just for today. Sober ‘n‘ crazy. Pass it on. It’s in the book. You either are or you aren’t. Before you say I can’t, say I’ll try. Don’t quit before the miracle happens. Some of us are sicker than others. We’re all here because we’re not all there. Alcoholism is an equal opportunity destroyer. Practice an attitude of gratitude. The road to sobriety is a simple journey for confused people with a complicated complicate d disease. Another friend of Bill W.’s. God is never late….always right on time. Have a good day, unless of course you have made other plans. Decisions aren’t forever. It takes time. 90 meetings in 90 days. You are not alone. Where you go, there you are. Don’t drink, read the Big Book, and go to meetings. Use the 24-hour plan. Make use of the telephone therapy. Stay sober for yourself. Look for the similariti similarities es rather than differences. Remember your last drunk. Remember that alcoholism is incurable, progressive, progressive, and fatal. Try not to place conditions on your sobriety. When all else fails, follow directions. Count your blessings. Share your happiness. Respect the anonymity of others. Share your pain. Share your gratitude. Ÿ Practical experience shows that NOTHING will so s o much insure immunity fromdrinking as INTENSIVE work with other alcoholics. Big Book, p89 ŸOUR VERY LIVES, as ex-problem drinkers, drinkers, depend upon our CONSTANT thoughtof others and how we may help meet their needs. Big Book, p20 ŸDO THE RIGHT THINGS AND THE RIGHT THINGS WILL HAPPEN ŸFor if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could NOT survive the CERTAIN trials and low spots ahead. Big Book, p14 ŸKeep on the firing line of life with these MOTIVES and God WILL, (not might) keepyou unharmed. Big Book, p102
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ŸYour MOTIVE is your PROTECTION ŸYour job now is to be at the place where you may be of MAXIMUM helpfulness to others. Big Book, p102 The good is the enemy of the best. Tradition 2 ŸWhen ALL other measure failed, work with another alcoholic WOULD save us.Big Book, p15 ŸI would be AMAZINGLY lifted up and set on my feet. It is a design for living that works in rough going. Big Book, p15 Ÿ Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? Ÿ Surrender to Win Ÿ (On holding back) The more you put in, the more you get out Ÿ COMPLETELY give yourself to THIS simple programme Ÿ Reliance not defiance Ÿ I'm not getting into the lifeboat until I know WHY this ship s hip is sinking! Ÿ Bludgeoned into Humility by pain and unremitting suffering Ÿ Sick and tired of being sick and tired Ÿ If you're spinning your wheels, try getting out of the driver's seat Ÿ Change is not painful. It is RESISTANCE to change that is painful Ÿ Your Higher Power makes your life uncomfortable when its time for you to change Ÿ THERE ARE NO DAYS OFF! Ÿ It's alcohol-ism, not -wasm. Ÿ Great suffering and great love are A.A.'s disciplinarians; we need no others. Some of us have taken VERY hard knocks to learn this truth: Job or no job, wife orno wife, we simply do NOT stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon otherpeople (places and things) ahead of dependence on God Ÿ If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re going to KEEP getting what you’re getting Ÿ If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got. Ÿ If nothing changes, nothing changes. Ÿ On Arrogance: You don't know what you don't know Ÿ Take the plank out of your own eye before you take the splinter s plinter out of someone else's Ÿ You can't bullshit a bullshitter Ÿ Let go or be dragged Ÿ Insanity is doing the same s ame thing over and over, and expecting a different result Ÿ What makes you think it's going to be different THIS time? Ÿ Its better to be in AA pretending to be an alcoholic, than to be 'out there', pretending you're not Isolation is the dark room where we develop our 'negatives' 'negatives'.. ŸRelapse begins long before you pick up the drink/drug. Ÿ SLIP: Sobriety loses it's priority. ŸEVERY time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something s omething wrong with US
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ŸPain is necessary, suffering is optional! ŸIf you hang around a barbershop long enough, eventually you'll get a haircut. ŸThoughts Become Things...choose the good ones! ŸYou move towards, and become like, that which you think about, whether it is good for you, or bad for you Ÿ"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thought. With our thoughts, we make our world." ~The Buddha ŸThe more you think about the problem, the bigger the problem gets. The more you think about the solution, the bigger the solution gets. Ÿ We don't see things as they are, we see them as WE are ŸWhat you 'see' is what you 'get' ŸI know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become ŸWhat would it look like WITHOUT the problem? ŸWhat do you want? Ÿ Stick with the winners: Have they got what you want? Do they look as though they areenjoying their sobriety? What are they like in the traffic? Are they comfortable in their ownskin? ŸFake it to make it ŸAct as if ŸOn negative self talk. If a friend spoke to you, the way YOU, spoke s poke to you, would you hang around with them? ŸLive in the solution ŸTHE NEWCOMER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE ROOM ŸCOMPLETELY give themselves to THIS simple program. Ÿ Just do what makes you feel COMFORTABLE ŸWe are SURE God wants us to be happy, joyous and free. ŸEVERY time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something s omething wrong with US ŸOur very lives, as ex-probl ex-problem em drinkers, depend upon our CONSTANT thought of others andhow we may help meet their needs ŸWise people learn from their own mistakes. Smart people learn from other people’s ŸThe people that matter don’t mind, and the people that mind, don’t matter ŸWear life like a loose garment, not like a hair shirt! ŸIt’s a cinch an inch, but it’s hard by the yard ŸWhat would be the LOVING thing to do? Ÿ Stick with the winners ŸKeep on the firing line of life with these motives and God WILL, (notmight) keep youunharmed Ÿ(On choosing Sponsors) Have they got what you want? ŸDo they look as though they are enjoying their sobriety? ŸWhat are they like in the traffic? ŸAre they comfortable in their own skin? ŸThe good is the enemy of the best
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ŸYour job now is to be at the place where you may be of MAXIMUM helpfulness to others Ÿ Sick and tired of being sick and tired Ÿ Its better to be in AA pretending to be an alcoholic, than to be 'out there', pretending you'renot ŸIt's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice Ÿ(on talking in meetings) In a 'GENERAL' way. Not a blow by blow account! Ÿ Just do your lousy best!
