DR & JFT May 28th

May 28, 2014

As we understand

Page 154

"We examined our lives and discovered who we really are. To be truly humble is to accept and  honestly try to be ourselves."

Basic Text, p. 36

As using addicts, the demands of our disease determined our personality. We could be whoever or whatever we needed to be in order to get our "fix." We were survival machines, adapting easily to every circumstance of the using life. Once we began our recovery, we entered a new and different life. Many of us had no idea what behavior was appropriate for us in any given situation. Some of us didn't know how to talk to people, how to dress, or how to behave in public. We couldn't be ourselves because we didn't know who we were anymore. The Twelve Steps give us a simple method for finding out who we really are. We uncover our assets and our defects, the things we like about ourselves and the things we're not so thrilled about. Through the healing power of the Twelve Steps, we begin to understand that we are individuals, created to be who we are bythe Higher Power of our understanding. The real healing begins when we understand that if our Higher Power created us this way, it must be okay to be who we really are.

Just for Today: By working the steps I can experience the freedom to be myself, the person my Higher Power intended me to be.

Copyright (c) 2013,  NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved ------------------------------------------------------------- MAY 28th EQUAL RIGHTS At one time or another most A.A. groups go on rule-making  benders. . .  After a time fear and intolerance subside. [and we realize] We do not wish to deny  anyone his chance to recover from alcoholism. We wish to be just as inclusive as we can, never  exclusive. "A.A. TRADITION: HOW IT DEVELOPED," pp. 10, 11, 12  A.A. offered me complete freedom and accepted me into the Fellowship for myself. Membership did not depend upon conformity, financial success or education and I am so grateful for that.  I often ask myself if I extend the same equality to others or if I deny them the freedom to be different.  Today I try to replace my fear and intolerance with faith, patience, love and acceptance. I can bring these  strengths to my A.A. group, my home and my office. I make an effort to bring my positive attitude  everywhere that I go. I have neither the right, nor the responsibility, to judge others. Depending on my attitude I can view newcomers to A.A., family members and friends as menaces or as teachers. When I think of some  of my past judgments, it is clear how my self-righteousness caused me spiritual harm.  From the book Daily Reflections © Copyright 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.