Reflections for Every Day - October
 

October 1

Today's Thought:

I was not a daily drinker. There were times when I could actually stop for a drink and actually have one. There were, however, those other times when I stopped for one and had five, six, ten, or more. The problem was I couldn't predict what it was going to be once I had that one.

Submitted By:

Timothy

October 2

Today's Thought:

I have been a alcoholic ever since I was born. I really never had a chance to become a social drinker. I drank too much right from the start.

Submitted By:

S.A.E.

October 3

Today's Thought:

If we arrive at adulthood with severe problems because of the way we were raised and the people around us - shame on them. But if we continue through adulthood with the same ideas and thoughts - shame on us. Their influence can be changed and redirected in our lives.

Submitted By:

Neal

October 4

Today's Thought:

Recovery is just that, getting over our old lifestyle, moving on and participating in life. I am not going to continue letting my Alcohol past rule over the rest of my life. The desire to drink and smoke pot is gone. I'm who I've always wanted be, and incorporating common sense and balance in my life, has helped my recovery much more than emphasizing my alcoholism.

Submitted By:

Terri

October 5

Today's Thought:

There is an escape route from relapsing. Since my last relapse (7 years ago), I not only greet the newcomer but also the ones I've seen go back out and try to come back in. Most have heard my story, so they know I've been there and done that.

Submitted By:

Jean

October 6

Today's Thought:

I remember asking my sponsor one day, am I going to have to try everything I can think of to get what I want before I finally accept this step? Am I going to have to get on the ground, kick and scream, and yell I can't do this anymore? He smiled, a bit sarcastically I thought, and replied, "Maybe, but would you rather get hit over the head with a hammer or a feather?"

Submitted By:

Feel It

October 7

Today's Thought:

I don't believe we set out and choose to become addicted. I know I did choose to self-medicate which in no time at all turned into an addiction. But quite honestly I didn't come to believe I was really addicted until many many years later.

Submitted By:

Terri

October 8

Today's Thought:

Spirituality does not require the belief in a God, gods, or a higher power. While most religious practice is spiritual, there is much spirituality that is not religious.

Submitted By:

Larry

October 9

Today's Thought:

It took me a long time to understand the alcoholic's constant denial, lies and blame. I found it difficult and almost impossible to cope with her emotional dumping. Slowly, day by day I gained and found the necessary courage to cope with all of this. I know that I didn't cause the alcoholism, I can't control it and I can't change it.

Submitted By:

Dinga

October 10

Today's Thought:

Unless shame-based issues are addressed there is no recovery. Shame-based behavior is learned behavior, it's not natural. Infants do not know shame.

Submitted By:

Iconoclast

October 11

Today's Thought:

I also get involved in service, that's been a lifesaver for me, as there have been times when my resolve to continue with AA has tended to wane, but because I committed myself to service I kept on plodding along.

Submitted By:

Graeme

October 12

Today's Thought:

Going to Al-Anon was my lifesaver. It showed me how to live my own life and know that I can be a good person. It showed me how to detach from other people's 'stuff' and concentrate on my own.

Submitted By:

Rose

October 13

Today's Thought:

In my opinion, maintenance and growth of a spiritual condition is the best method yet devised for keeping drunks sober, useful, and reasonably happy. It has worked for me even when I thought I was beyond hope. I am not perfect, but I am MUCH better than I was before.

Submitted By:

Jack P.

October 14

Today's Thought:

We can learn coping skills to help us understand addiction and how not to get caught up in it. We learn how to love someone in a healthier way; not shielding them from the consequences of their actions.
We learn to set boundaries surrounding what is and is not acceptable behaviors of others. Mostly, we learn to feel okay about who we are. No one can force anyone to do anything. People have to want to get better.

Submitted By:

Rose R.

October 15

Today's Thought:

Here I am almost a year later and I'm not sure where I'm headed. I do know that I have to quit using alcohol. I have many a good years of partying under my belt and now it's time to grow up.

Submitted By:

Geezo