“There is no graduation in recovery.”

Step One not only helps us give up our obsession with alcohol, but also with the alcoholic. From Steps Two and Three we develop a trust in a Higher Power, and thus give up our fear. We learn that we deserve peace. We'll finally give up a burden we've carried far too long when we come to believe it's not our job to get anyone else sober. Our job is to find happiness, and to offer love to others.\n\nMy personal trust in a Higher Power, gratitude and happiness will be strengthened each time I attend a meeting, and use some part of the program.

Adapted from A Life of My Own: Meditations on Hope and Acceptance©1993 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved.

When I feel stuck, I remind myself of my true purpose. I am not here to gather accolades; I am here to remember who I am, and WHOSE I am, and to express it without apology. We have been called to a Life with a deep-seated trust in God; to develop a new peace that passes all understanding.\n\nToday, help me remember that my inner integrity is far more important than worldly glory; to rededicate myself to authenticity to what and who I truly am.

Adapted from A Deep Breath Of Life

Meditation for the Day\n\nEach day, for this refilling with the spirit, you need these times of quiet communion, away, alone, without noise, without activity. You need this dwelling apart, this shutting yourself away in the very secret place of your being, away alone with your Maker. From these times of communion you come forth with new power. This refilling is the best preparation for effective work. When you are spiritually filled, there is no work too hard for you.\n\nPrayer for the Day\n\nI pray that I may be daily refilled with the right spirit. I pray that I may be full of the joy of true living.

Adapted from Twenty-Four Hours a Day© 1975 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved.