“In sobriety, we're now discovering how unmanageable our lives really are.”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

Around the Year with Emmet Fox

Emmet Fox

“There is only one way under the sun by which man can attain salvation, in the true sense of the word; that is by bringing about a radical & permanent change for the better in his own consciousness. ”

Adapted from Around the Year with Emmet Fox

Reflection for the Day

“Regeneration comes through the splendid paradox of the Twelve Steps: strength arises from complete defeat; loss of one's old life is a condition for finding a new one. Am I convinced that in powerlessness, new power comes? Am I certain that by releasing my life I will be released?

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day To God, a miracle of change in a person's life is only a natural happening, operated by spiritual forces. Marvelous changes in people's natures and personalities happen simply, free from all other agencies than the grace of God. But these miracles have been prepared for by days and months of longing for something better. They are always accompanied by a real desire to conquer self, and to surrender one's life to God. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may expect miracles, both in my life and in the lives of other people. I pray that I may be used to help people change.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Early in my recovery, the compulsion and obsession to drink and use something to relieve my fear, insecurities, anxiety & numerous uncertainties left! But real world issues were rushing in. I found myself even more powerless over life. Faced with seemingly impossible challenges & tasks to perform, I called my sponsor. Once again, his laughter came through loud & clear. I almost hung up, but I didn’t. He said, “OK, Steve, let’s read that 1st Step again. See the dash?”

“Duh, of course I had seen the dash, so what? What’s that got to do with my feelings, my challenges, my uptightness?”

He followed my question by something I still use today. “Let’s turn to the A,B & C’s of Recovery, on p. 60 in How It Works:

“…..our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent ideas:

(a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.” He continued,

“See where it says AND, instead of a dash in Step 1?That our personal adventures after?

That’s after we get a 24 hour chip, or any other medallion with a number on it. In sobriety, we're now discovering how unmanageable our lives really are. We need a Higher Power.”

From that brief discussion, I continue to try to align with The Power whenever I feel a state of powerlessness coming on;

to continue to share my difficulties as I go along, to be released from a painful state of mind and being. Then, I can carry The message; it's the Recovery recipe to enjoying life on life’s terms, no matter what, one day at a time!