“We left laughing, happy to be free.”

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

Today's Gift (Keep it Simple)

Hazelden Foundation

“After some time, we may feel like cutting down on meetings. These are danger signs. We stay sober one day at a time by working the Steps. Let's not forget it starts with “We” even as we grow. It may seem that we’ve been recovering for a long time, but each day is a brand-new day; the gift of another 24 hours. Help me take time again to read the Twelve Steps: to stay a "beginner" in the program. As I meditate on how much these Steps have given me, I strengthen my reliance on a Higher Power, instead of the self-reliance I came here with.”

Meditation for the Day

Twenty-Four Hours a Day (Hazelden Foundation)

“I must keep balance by keeping spiritual things at the center of my life. God will give me this poise and balance as I pray for it. This balance gives me confidence in dealing with the lives of others and manifests itself more & more in my own life. Let me keep material things in their proper place and keep spiritual things at the center of my life; to be at peace amid the distractions of everyday living. I pray that I may dwell with God at the center of my life. I pray that I may keep that inner peace at the center of my being.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

You promised me if I took time with the 12 steps, I’d develop a relationship with a Power greater than myself; more importantly, that I’d come to rely upon it. This was a foreign concept; the God of Reason and understanding was my way of living. Self-reliance, fueled by drugs and alcohol, was going to be enough to take me to the top. That idea totally failed; coming to you, saying the Lord’s prayer, I thought I was in for a Baptism! Looking back, that’s exactly what my 24-hour chip was; a chance to start fresh. And I kept coming back.

Yesterday, meeting up with my friend Kori at Monica’s for breakfast before the noon meeting, we laughed about sitting on her porch in Flagstaff in 1986, looking up at the stars wondering how everything was going to work out! Has it been that long?

At the meeting, she passed around her 40-year chip she had received last week in Scottsdale. The 12-Steps, starting with Step ONE, carried her around the world, in the Navy, thru marriage & divorce, on Hotshot crews for the US Forest Service, raising a beautiful 18-year-old daughter, and starting many women’s AA Meetings.

Later, at lunch celebrating Rusty’s 40-year sobriety at Licano's, they gave him a fancy Sombrero, fried ice cream with a candle, and we sang happy birthday, way out of key, like we drank bottles of Tequila! We left laughing, happy to be free.

At the cabin, on a zoom mtg with Brent and his dog Bill W. from Thailand, Gail laughed in the kitchen as Bill W. barked on camera. This was far better than the party I chased all those years!

Thank you for a life beyond understanding; a Higher Love, encouragement to keep letting go, for the strength to keep growing & trusting, and for the strength to pass it on.