“That started my journey of uncovering, discovering and discarding that has lasted over 42 years.”

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

Daily Recovery Readings

There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit. But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life.

A Deep Breath of Life

Alan Cohen

If we open our consciousness, the universe will rush to show us what is true. Something created us and the world. All of nature is there to show us its beauty. Just step outside; breathe in the landscape, ask a friend to go for a hike, go to the ocean. Like a dream, just outside our door is an unseen world, just waiting for us. Today, help me open the door to the life that is available to me, and let me live it; that I may step out beyond the known to claim the riches of Your Reality and Love.

Twenty-Four Hours A Day

Hazelden Foundation

“I will practice love, because lack of love will block the way. I will try to see good in all people, those I like and those who fret me and go against the grain. They are all children of God. I will try to give love, otherwise how can I dwell in God’s spirit, whence nothing unloving can come? I will try to get along with all people, because the more love I give away, the more I will have. I pray that I may do all I can to love others, in spite of their many faults. I pray that as I love, so will I be loved.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

After my 1st meeting, I sat at home and thought, “Maybe AA is a cult, a scam, a trap? I had the book, the meeting list, and a sponsor.

What’s this AA thing really all about?”

I remember my sponsor said to call him if/when I felt weird, so I did. I’d been asking Something to help me, but was this AA thing really an answer for me? Privileged, accomplished, and Jewish, why me? But I was tired of living a nightmare, so I called him. That started my journey of uncovering, discovering and discarding that has lasted over 42 years. Today, I’m so grateful.

Yesterday, I sat outside at the Adobe with Gail, my old college roommate, and his wife for lunch. Both women had never gotten wrapped up in alcohol or done any party drugs. That’s insane. On the other hand, I got enticed and swallowed up by the exhilaration of the 60’s counterculture.

I rode that wave for 15 years, landing on the doorstep of AA, dazed & confused.

Taking in all of the beauty and love surrounding us, we sat for 3 hours, talking and laughing.

Walking into Hogan’s Heroes at the Franciscan Renewal Center, there was coffee, fresh baked cookies and brownies, warm smiles and friends. Inside, it was standing room only; no dues or fees, no one recruiting me or selling me anything. Unlike a mirage, it’s real.

My nightmare has ended; today is another new wave; like I’m running down a dream.

Thanks for God’s grace and love that over 90 years ago inspired our forefathers to simply share their experience, strength & hope, with simple 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. Pass it on.