12 Step Soul Food 1st Annual Group Gathering

Dearest Family,

There are currently plans in the works for planning a gathering for all 12
Step Soul Food members.  Come meet the groups founder, Scott H., and others
who are members of this group.  We are currently looking at locations on the
East Coast of U.S. for early May 2007.  We ask if anyone knows of a "perfect
place" for our gathering, retreat house, camping site with cabins please let
us know by emailing mspjpatterson@...

If you would like to be apart of the planning committee or just keep up on
the meeting notes please forward your email titled ³Gathering 12 Step Soul
Food² to mspjpatterson@...  I will then add you to the group email
list.  Please DO NOT send the request to the
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirt@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Connecting With Spirits*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Step 3
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2002/step03c.html
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2003/step03.html
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2004/step03.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is May the 5th month, PLEASE share on the 5th step
If you havenıt done the 5th step with your sponsor
Please share on trust and integrity...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

May 1
When I look within, I find that I have all that I need.
It feels wonderful to discover that
I already am the beautiful person that I would like to be.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

At Last.

Godıs grace is all around me
Godıs love is in my heart.
Thereıs hope for me just for today
And thatıs a real good start.

I pray for love and laughter
An end to all my tears
I pray for courage to live this day
And let go of all my fears.

The steps are the solution
To the wreckage of my past.
I live the steps and start to change
And love myself at last.

Meg M.
mm1597@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The PROPHET, by Kahlil Gibran
www.columbia.edu/~gm84/gibtable.html

Broken Toys
www.wscribe.com/parables/toys.html

Colors Of The Rainbow
<http://www.wscribe.com/parables/rainbow.html>

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
May 1                                Self-worth and service

Being involved in service makes me feel worthwhile."
   Basic Text, p. 212

  When most of us arrived in Narcotics Anonymous, we had very little
self-worth left to salvage. Many members say that they began to develop
self-esteem through being of service early in their recovery. Something
just short of a miracle occurs when we begin to have a positive impact on
others' lives through our service efforts.

  Most of us don't have a lot of experience, strength, or hope to share
at thirty days clean. In fact, some members will tell us in no uncertain
terms that what we can do best is listen. But at thirty days, we do offer
something to that addict just coming into the rooms of NA, struggling to
get twenty-four hours clean. The very newest NA member, the one with
only the desire to stop using and none of the tools, can hardly imagine
anyone staying clean for a year, or two years, or ten. But he or she can
relate to those people with thirty days clean, picking up a keytag with a
look of pride and disbelief emblazoned on their faces.

  Service is something that is our unique gift‹something that no one can
take away from us. We give, and we get. Through service, many of us
start on the sometimes long road back to becoming productive members
of society.

Just for today:  I will be grateful for the opportunity to be of service.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/May.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happiness Is Not The Point

I don't think happiness or unhappiness is the point.  How do we meet the
problems we face? How do we best learn from them and transmit what we have
learned to others, if they would receive the knowledge?
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  306

In my search "to be happy," I changed jobs, married and divorced, took
geographical cures, and ran myself into debt-financially, emotionally and
spiritually.  In A.A., I'm learning to grow up.  Instead of demanding that
people, places and things make me happy, I can ask God for
self-acceptance.  When a problem overwhelms me, A.A.'s Twelve Steps will
help me grow through the pain.  The knowledge I gain can be a gift to
others who suffer with the same problem.  As Bill said, "When pain comes,
we are expected to learn from it willingly, and help others to learn.  When
happiness comes, we accept it as a gift, and thank God for it."  (As Bill
Sees It, p.  306)

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ May 1st

A.A. Thought for the Day

The A.A. program is one of charity because the real meaning
of the word charity is to care enough about other people to
really want to help them. To get the full benefit of the program,
we must try to help other alcoholics. We may try to help
somebody and think we have failed, but the seed we have
planted may bear fruit some time. We never know the results
even a word of ours might have. But the main thing is to have
charity for others, a real desire to help them, whether we
succeed or not. Do I have real charity?

Meditation for the Day

All material things, the universe, the world, even our bodies,
may be Eternal Thought expressed in time and space. The
more the physicists and astronomers reduce matter, the
more it becomes a mathematical formula, which is thought.
In the final analysis, matter is thought. When Eternal Thought
expresses itself within the framework of space and time, it
becomes matter. Our thoughts, within the box of space and
time, cannot know anything firsthand, except material things.
But we can deduce that outside the box of space and time is
Eternal Thought, which we can call God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be a true expression of Eternal Thought.
I pray that God's thoughts may work through my thoughts.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
MAY 01

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Recovery Prayer

This prayer is based on a section of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous:

Thank you for keeping me straight yesterday. Please help me stay straight
today.

For the next twenty-four hours, I pray for knowledge of Your will for me
only, and the power to carry that through.

Please free my thinking of self-will, self-seeking, dishonesty, and wrong
motives.

Send me the right thought, word, or action. Show me what my next step should
be. In times of doubt and indecision, please send Your inspiration and
guidance.

I ask that You might help me work through all my problems, to Your glory and
honor.

This prayer is a recovery prayer. It can take us through any situation. In
the days ahead, we'll explore the ideas in it. If we pray this prayer, we
can trust it has been answered with a yes.

Today, I will trust that God will do for me what I cannot do for myself. I
will do my part - working the Twelve Steps and letting God do the rest.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Soulful Filled E-Cards
www.lightandcolor.org/soulful-cards/index.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

EVERYDAY SPIRITUALITY
Seven Ways to Connect With the Divine
by Lynn A. Robinson

Following are some suggestions for finding "Divine Moments" to
connect with the sacred in your daily life.

NATURE BREAK - Take a few moments to step outside, rain or shine,
and go for a short walk.  You may see an unusual cloud formation, a
resilient weed pressing up through the pavement, feel inspired by the
birds soaring in the sky, hear a child's laugh, or be especially
appreciative of the clean air you breathe.  Pay special attention to
the natural beauty and abundance that God has created all around you.

GRATITUDE PAUSE - We spend much of our lives waiting, whether it's
in line at the grocery store, standing in the elevator as we go to the
office, or in the car in a traffic jam.  When you find yourself with a
few moments on your hands, think silent thoughts of gratitude for all
that you have.

ROAD PEACE - Most people don't behave in a raging and abusive manner
if all is well in their lives.  The Course in Miracles makes a
statement, "Today I will see all anger as a request for love." Imagine
sending love to the harried driver who cut you off on your way to
work.  See him or her as needing your compassion rather than
retaliation.

MORNING BLESSINGS - Before you open your eyes in the morning,
envision the day to come.  Pray that you speak, think, and act with
love and wisdom throughout the day.

ANGEL BLESSINGS - You probably know someone at your office or in
your neighborhood who is down on their luck.  Perhaps they've been
experiencing ill health, are caring for a sick family member, or
perhaps they have experienced a recent financial crisis.  What could
you provide that would be helpful to this person?  Giving doesn't need
to cost money.  You could shovel a driveway, rake leaves, provide a
meal, offer to baby-sit, drive them to an appointment, shop for their
groceries, or simply offer a listening ear.

CHECKBOOK FAITH  - Paying bills each month creates anxiety for many
people.  Use it as an opportunity to build your faith by making a
donation to someone less fortunate. Here's an affirmation to bring to
mind as you write the check, "I freely give, knowing that as I do I am
opening myself to God's rich abundance."  There is a spiritual cycle
of giving and receiving.  As you freely give, you open yourself to
receive.

INTUITION INTERLUDE  - Next time you find yourself fraught with
anxiety, check in with your Divine guidance.  Get in the habit of
asking questions of your intuition and expecting a reply. You might
ask, "What could I do to feel calmer about the meeting this
afternoon?" In response, you get an image of a quiet lunch in the park
by your office coming to mind.  That is one of the ways your intuition
responds - through images.  Your intuition is connected to a higher
wisdom that always knows what you need.  It will always lead you to
peace, love, forgiveness, gratitude and faith.


Copyright (c) 2003, all rights reserved. Permission is granted to
reproduce, copy or distribute these articles as long as this
copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is
attached.

The author of these articles is Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed. Lynn is one
of the nation's leading experts on the topic of intuition. Her most
recent books include "Compass of the Soul: 52 Ways Intuition Can Guide
You to the Life of Your Dreams" (Andrews McMeel, 2003) and "Divine
Intuition: Your Guide to Creating a Life You Love" (DK Books, 2001).
Lynn is a popular and widely recognized author and motivational
speaker as well as a columnist and the Intuition-At-Work Expert for
iVillage.com. www.LynnRobinson.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

More Life with Little

Living by little increments
extracts meaning
allows for change to replace the expected
there's a certain kindness in that

Little steps work better than long strides
for in the running you may miss
the surrounding landscape you may miss
the important stuff
walking allows for the flow of images to come in
to sit, simmer and stay for awhile

Little knowings make someone else's life
become more familiar bit by bit
better not try to assimilate all at once
and jump to conclusions
Little sharings open up the heart one layer at a time
and let in the humanity ~ tender, raw, truthful
Little moments to exchange a touch, a smile
to build upon larger things
acceptance perhaps

Great joys come from little seeds
and little kinds of giving
Rejoice in little patches of freedom along the river
Rejoice in little glimmers of reflections on the water
they make the promise of the ocean
a magical possibility

Love
Stella
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Tumbleweed's Junction

Upon spying the long and
Graceful sunflower,
Thought the tumbleweed,
Alas,
I am not
And will never be
A sunflower.
I can not put down roots;
Instead, I travel on and on,
Following scattered routes.
It's a tough life and,
Although I have become
Battle scarred
From chronic rolling here and
Constant rolling there,
Only a small portion of me
Possesses the tactile sense.
Although I most assuredly
Am not
Insensitive.

With that, the tumbleweed skewed away
On a zigzagged path which seemingly
Defied logic,
Dancing, though not merrily,
Ungracefully, to
The mindless music of the wind.
Suddenly the wind strengthened and
The tumbleweed slammed
Against a wall of rock.
Crashing to pieces.

The tumbleweed thought,
How strange, I feel that I am floating.
Floating, over the shards of my
Tumbleweed shell.
And, look, there is the sunflower.
The sunflower I earlier spied.
How I wanted to be a sunflower.
I will never be a sunflower.
And now, I am not even a tumbleweed.

Suddenly, the sunflower spoke,
Hello, you lovely, lovely butterfly,
How I wish I were a butterfly,
Free to
Roam the earth.
Free to
Fly here,
To hasten there.
Instead, I sit rooted here,
Day in,
Day out,
Stretching, stretching, stretching
Towards the warm  and comforting sun.
But I will never be able to reach the sun
Or to see the far flung wonders of the
World.
And, when the sun sets,
I feel cold and
Wonder,
Will I live to see
Another warm and sunny day?

And, as the tumbleweed floated,
She turned to the sunflower and
Said
Good afternoon, sunflower.

The sunflower replied,
Good afternoon, butterfly.

Butterfly?  I'm not a butterfly,
I'm a tumbleweed,
At least, I used to be a tumbleweed.

No, said the sunflower,
You were the chrysalis, waiting to become
A butterfly.
Your cocoon was merely
Attached to a tumbleweed,
Composed of bits and pieces of
Dead plants.
The tumbleweed was for you as
A nest is for a bird.
And now your time has come.
Now, fly away,
Fly away.
Transverse, travel, rejoice and celebrate the
Beauty of the world.
Forget not your past,
Forget not your friends,
But live, live in your present.
Remember, it is called
Your present because it is
God's gift to you.

And the butterfly flew forward,
Eager to embrace adventure.
Never to turn around
Nor to mourn
The life past as a tumbleweed.
Forward to face the sun.

Lisa Renee Kraus

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God's Grace

Wading through memories,
Is not an easy chore.
Just longing to go back,
And do that once more.
But now that I know,
I must live for today,
The past is forgiven,
But won't go away.
For this is who I am,
This is the real me,
And all that was done,
Was the way it should be.
There's things I can't change,
And things that I can,
Accepting myself,
Was part of the Plan,
I try to stay happy,
And it's up to me,
While living God's will,
That's how it must be.
The love that I found here,
I'd never have known,
If not for God's grace,
And the mercy He's shown.

Sharlett Hunt
Sharlette863@...
4/20/03  Easter Sunday

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Face Everything

There is no magic in my voice
What I'm saying is
You have a choice
It all boils down to you
What is it that you want to do
Whose love lives inside your heart
Are you willing to finish
That what you start
Can you stay for the long haul
It takes time to hear the call
You will have a lot of work to do
You have to dig deep inside of you
Face everything and recover
Face everything and discover
Who you really are deep inside
What's in your closet
That you used to hide
Every stone has to be turned over now
If you really want to discover how
I'll show you what I did
I'll share things
I did when I was a kid
I'm just like you
You'll soon see
Your also just a lot like me
We traveled the same road
We carried the same load
Everyone in this room
Has done things a lot the same
We all played the addiction game
If you want what we have
You'll have to do what we do
In here at the start
It's all about you

Daniel M. Corkery
3/1/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't ask yourself what the world needs;
ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Harold Whitman

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Prayer is a conduit for miracles.
It addresses the problems of the world at their source.
It changes people at a cellular level,
and with each one who changes,
others are brought miraculously close to enlightenment.
  Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nature gave us one tongue and two ears
so we could hear twice as much as we speak.
Epictetus

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One of the most valuable things we can do to
heal one another is listen to each other's stories.
Rebecca Falls

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Listen. Don't explain or justify.
William G. Dyer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You have to work your recovery,
to have your recovery work for you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

7 days without a meeting
makes one weak.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I go to meetings because I need to be loved.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You can't stash recovery,
If you try you are stealing.
We can only keep what we have by giving it away.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Step 2
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2002/step02c.html
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2003/step02.html
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2004/step02.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12 Step Soul Food 1st Annual Group Gathering

Dearest Family,

There are currently plans in the works for planning a gathering for all 12
Step Soul Food members.  Come meet the groups founder, Scott H., and others
who are members of this group.  We are currently looking at locations on the
East Coast of U.S. for early May 2007.  We ask if anyone knows of a "perfect
place" for our gathering, retreat house, camping site with cabins please let
us know by emailing mspjpatterson@...

If you would like to be apart of the planning committee or just keep up on
the meeting notes please forward your email titled ³Gathering 12 Step Soul
Food² to mspjpatterson@...  I will then add you to the group email
list.  Please DO NOT send the request to the
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirt@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Connecting With Spirits*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?

(((Family))) a BIG hug to you all
Its been a while since I have made the time to post
Its a beautiful Sunday morning
and I am looking forward to going to Yankees Stadium in a couple of hours.
When I came into the rooms
someone told me that the slogans were the banisters to the steps
They were the simplified versions
My favorite Slogan was
"Those who fail to remember are doomed to repeat"
I remember, to remember where I came from.
I remember quite VIVIDLY.
I respect this disease.
I don't play around people, places things.
I make meetings and stay involved in my own personal recovery.
Its not that were forget, its that we don't remember.
The slogan that I disliked hearing was,
"You are exactly where you are supposed to be"
ughhhhhhh that used to tear me up,
because of the shit I put myself through clean.
Sharing clean and living dirty.
Doing things in recovery that I didn't do when I was using.
But today by the Grace Of God, I look at my feet tell myself
I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I trust the process.
My heart is filled with gratitude.
My cup runneth over.
My wife, son and myself are going away this week on our first
family vacation in 30+ months, to Bal Harbor Florida.
I forgot what it was like to look forward to a vacation.
Just lookin forward to kickin back and relaxing on the beach.
I will be getting together with my sponsor for a day as well.
I am so STOKED!!!!!!
When I take bathes with my son, I think I have more fun than he does
splashing the water out of the tub onto the floor.
Just cant wait to get in the pool with him :)
In closing, several other favorite slogans.
"Todays peacock could be tomorrows feather duster"
If ya don't do what you need to do take care of yourself.
"Once your a pickle, you can never be a cucumber again"
and "Isolation is the darkroom where negatives are developed"
Have a great day, unless you have made other plans!
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ cleandate 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 30
As I start this day with quiet meditation,
I feel myself becoming still and at peace.
At any time during the day
I can bring my mind back to this moment.
I will bring my attention and awareness back to the peace
that I have when I am with my breath and
I know that my breath is with me at all times,
whether I remember it or not.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Who You Think I Am

I hate it when addicts, admit their addiction
I'd rather them powerless and under affliction
When they seek Power, greater than themselves
I use weapons of doubt, stored up on my shelves
For if they make it, past Step number three
They'll acquire an ally, much greater than me
I try to overwhelm them, with Step number four
Cause if I succeed, they'll go out and score
I hate when they find help, in Step number five
And I'd like to burn, their Sponsor alive
If they should waffle, over Step number six
I'll whisper in their ear, you could sure use a fix
And when they seek help, in step number seven
I wince from the power, which comes down from heaven
When I see them attempt, an amends list
I tell them its no use and many resist
When in fear, about making amends
I remind them those people, will never be friends
Step Ten presents a problem, however many are slack
I notice complacency and spring to attack
I don't like em praying, or listening to God
Cause I don't bury many of those, under six feet of sod
I hate it most, when they carry their message of hope
Because I can't seem to get those ones, back on the dope
I'm cunning, baffling, and powerful as can be
So ya better keep 12 Steps of distance, between yourselves and me
I smile when you're miserable, and breathe your last breath
There's nothing like good ole jails, institutions and death
Some call me the addict, disease or reaper that's grim
Others say I'm the devil, as you understand him
For now I'll stay anonymous, just do your program
Cause I don't give a damn, WHO YOU THINK I AM

Poem by Kevin Kensick,
03/30/2003
rjonesincoming@...
http://www.recoveryjonescartoons.com/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Brick
www.wscribe.com/parables/brick.html

YellowRibbon.org - For the prevention of teen suicide
www.yellowribbon.org

Mcfeth.com...it's time to relax...
www.mcfeth.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 30                                 God does for us  

"Ongoing recovery is dependent on our relationship with a loving God
who cares for us and will do for us what we find impossible to do
for ourselves."   Basic Text, p. 96

How often have we heard it said in meetings that "God does for us what
we cannot do for ourselves"? At times we may get stuck in our recovery,
unable, afraid, or unwilling to make the decisions we know we must make
to move forward. Perhaps we are unable to end a relationship that just
isn't working. Maybe our job has become a source of too much conflict. Or
perhaps we feel we need to find a new sponsor but are afraid to begin the
search. Through the grace of our Higher Power, unexpected change may
occur in precisely the area we felt unable to alter.

We sometimes allow ourselves to become stuck in the problem instead
of moving forward toward the solution. At these times, we often find that
our Higher Power does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Perhaps our
partner decides to end our relationship. We may get fired or laid off. Or
our sponsor tells us that he or she can no longer work with us, forcing us
to
look for a new one.

Sometimes what occurs in our lives can be frightening, as change often
seems. But we also hear that "God never closes a door without opening
another one:' As we move forward with faith, the strength of our Higher
Power is never far from us. Our recovery is strengthened by these changes.

Just for today:  I trust that the God of my understanding will do for me
what I cannot do for myself.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Entering A New Dimension

In the late stages of our drinking, the will to resist has fled.  Yet when
we admit complete defeat and when we become entirely ready to try A.A.
principles, our obsession leaves us and we enter a new dimension -- freedom
under God as we understand Him.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  283

I am fortunate to be among the ones who have had this awesome
transformation in my life.  When I entered the doors of A.A., alone and
desperate, I had been beaten into willingness to believe anything I
heard.  One of the things I heard was, "This could be your last hangover,
or you can keep going round and round."  The man who said this obviously
was a whole lot better off than I.  I liked the idea of admitting defeat
and I have been free ever since!  My heart heard what my mind never could:
"Being powerless over alcohol is no big deal."  I'm free and I'm grateful!

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 30th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The A.A. program is one of faith because we find that
we must have faith in a Power greater than ourselves if
we are going to get sober. We're helpless before alcohol,
but when we turn our drink problem over to God and have
faith that He can give us all the strength we need, then
we have the drink problem licked. Faith in that Divine
Principle in the universe which we call God is the essential
part of the A.A. program. Is faith still strong in me?

Meditation for the Day

Each one of us is a child of God, and as such, we are full
of the promise of spiritual growth. A young person is like
the springtime of the year. The full time of the fruit is
not yet, but there is promise of the blossom. There is a
spark of the Divine in every one of us. Each has some of
God's spirit that can be developed by spiritual exercise.
Know that your life is full of glad promise. Such blessings
can be yours, such joys, such wonders, as long as you develop
in the sunshine of God's love.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may develop the divine spark within me. I pray
that by so doing I may fulfill the promise of a more abundant life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 30

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Balance

The goal is balance.

We need balance between work and play. We need balance between giving and
receiving. We need balance in thought and feelings. We need balance in
caring for our physical self and our spiritual self.

A balanced life has harmony between a professional life and a personal life.
There may be times when we need to climb mountains at work. There may be
times when we put extra energy into our relationships. But the overall
picture needs to balance.

Just as a balanced nutritional diet takes into account the realm of our
nutritional needs to stay healthy, a balanced life takes into account all
our needs: our need for friends, work, love, family, play, private time,
recovery time, and spiritual time -- time with God. If we get out of
balance, our inner voice will tell us. We need to listen.

Today, I will examine my life to see if the scales have swung too far in any
area or not far enough in some. I will work toward achieving balance.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tug Of War
www.inspiringthots.net/movie/tugofwar.php

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There Is an Oz

   They arrive exactly at 8:00 a.m. to take her home, but she
has been ready since before seven.  She has taken a shower --
not an easy task lying down on a shower stretcher.  She isn't
allowed to sit up yet without her body brace, but regardless,
here she is, clean and freshly scrubbed and ever so anxious to
go home.  It has been two-and-a-half months since she has seen
her home -- two-and-a-half months since the car accident.  It
doesn't matter that she is going home in a wheelchair or that
her legs don't work.  All she knows is that she is going home,
and home will make everything okay.  Even Dorothy says so:  "Oh,
Auntie Em, there's no place like home!" It's her favorite movie.

  As they put her in the car, she thinks now of how much her
father reminds her of the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz.  Like
the scarecrow, he is built in pieces of many different things --
strength, courage and love.  Especially love.

   He isn't an elegant man.    Her father is tall and lanky and
has dirt under his fingernails from working outside.  He is
strictly blue collar -- a laborer.  He never went to college,
didn't even go to high school.  By the world's standards he
isn't "educated."  An awful lot like the scarecrow -- but she
knows differently.  He doesn't speak much, but when he does, she
knows it is worth remembering.  Even worth writing down.  But
she never has to write down anything that her father says
because she knows she'll never forget.

   It is hard for her to sit comfortably while wearing the
body brace and so she sits, still and unnatural, staring out the
window.  Her face is tense and tired and older somehow, much
older than her seventeen years.  She doesn't even remember the
world of a seventeen-year-old girl -- it's as if that world
never was.  And she thinks she knows what Dorothy must have
meant when she said, "Oh, Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas
anymore."  It is more than an issue of geography, she is quite
certain.

   They pull out onto the road to begin their journey and
approach the stop sign at the corner.    The stop sign is just a
formality; no one ever stops here.  Today, however, is
different.  As he goes to coast through the intersection, she is
instantly alert, the face alive and the eyes flashing.  She
grips the sides of the seat.  "Stop!  That's a stop sign!  You
could get us killed!  Don't you know that?"  And then, more
quietly and with even more intensity, "You don't know what it's
like -- you have never been there."  He looks at her and says
nothing.  The scarecrow and Dorothy journey onward.

   As they continue to drive, her mind is constantly at work.
She still hasn't loosened her grip on the seat.  She thinks of
the eyes, the eyes that once belonged to her -- big, brown,
soulful eyes that would sparkle with laugher at the slightest
thought of happiness.    Only the happiness is gone now and she
doesn't know where she left it or how to get it back.    She only
knows that it is gone and, in its absence, the sparkle has gone
as well.

   The eyes are not the same.  They no longer reflect the soul
of the person because that person no longer exists.  The eyes
now are deep and cold and empty -- pools of color that have been
filled with something reaching far beyond the happiness that
once was there.  Like the yellow brick road it stretches
endlessly, maddeningly, winding through valleys and woodlands,
obscuring her vision until she has somehow lost sight of the
Emerald City.

   She lightly touches the tiny gold bracelet that she wears.
It was a present from her mother and father, and she refuses to
remove it from her wrist.  It is engraved with her name on the
side that is visible to others, but as in everything there are
two sides, and only she knows the other is there.  It is a
single word engraved on the side of the bracelet that touches
her skin and touches her heart:  "Hope."  One small word that
says so much about her life and what is now missing from it.
She vaguely remembers hope -- what it felt like to hope for a
college basketball scholarship or maybe a chance to dance
professionally.  Only now, she's not sure she remembers hope as
it was then -- a driving force, a fundamental part of her life.
Now, hope is something that haunts her.

   The dreams come nightly.    Dreams of turning cartwheels in
the yard or hitting a tennis ball against a brick wall.  But
there is one, the most vivid and recurring, and the most
haunting of all...There is a lake and trees, a soft breeze and a
perfect sky.  It is a scene so beautiful it is almost beyond
imagining.  And in the midst of it all, she is walking.  She has
never felt more at peace.

   But then she awakens and remembers.  And remembering, she
knows.  She instinctively fingers the bracelet, the word.  And
the fear is almost overwhelming -- the fear of not knowing how
to hope.

   She thinks of her father's God and how she now feels that
God abandoned her.  All at once, a single tear makes a trail
down her thin, drawn face.  Then another and another, and she is
crying.  "Oh Daddy, they say I'll never walk again!  They're the
best and they say I'll never walk.  Daddy, what will I do?"

   He looks at her now and he stops the car.  This is the man
who has been with her down every road, every trail and every
path -- so very like the scarecrow.  And he speaks.  "I know
that they can put you back together.  They can put steel rods in
your back and sew you up.  But look around you.  Not one of your
doctors can make a blade of grass."

   Suddenly she knows.  He has taught her the most valuable
lesson in her life and in all her journey:  that she is never
alone.  There is an Oz; there is a wizard; there is a God.  And
there...is...hope.  She releases her grip on the seat, looks out
the window and smiles.  And in that instant she loves her father
more than she has ever loved him before.

By Terri Cecil from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II
Copyright 1998 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Kimberly Kirberger

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kindred Spirits

Poetry is the language of the heart
Music the language of emotion
But the sacred communication
between kindred souls
has no set definition in any dictionary
on this earth

It rides invisible waves of warm intention
Glories in Beauty and Truth
regardless of cold greed that feeds this world
It surpasses barriers of the physical kind
Overlooks the walls of the fearful mind

The sound of recognition carries
across time and space
whole sentences fulfilled in a glance
chapters written with the invisible chords
of the heart
resonating their frequency at a perfect pitch
that only two can receive together
even when apart

Honesty is the language of the soul's need
for a safe reflecting echo of itself
It accepts no cover-ups
No artificial substitute will do
for the fitting closely knitting contact
has all of Life wrapped inside
It's a language of dreams
for kindred soulspeak

Love
Stella
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I'm Slipping

When I begin to dislike AA conversation and company...
When I deliberately stay away from meetings....
When I am beginning to take
your inventory, instead of my own....
When I am more afraid to be known as an AAer
than a drunk.....
When I begin to remember the good times
that I had drinking and overlook the bad....
When I begin to condemn in others
that which I tolerate in myself....
When I shrink from self-examination....
I'm slipping.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

On the Wings of Recovery

On the wings of recovery I will soar
over the mountains I created long ago out of molehills.

I will fly over rivers and see the remnants of  bridges I burned.

I will feel a sense of relief and regret as I look down
at the quicksand I narrowly escaped
and shudder at the thought of my recklessness.

I will relax as the clouds and stars pass me by and wonder
why I always thought they were so out of reach.

These wings are sturdy,
but still a little awkward in their newness.

I am exercising them, though,
and they become stronger and more beautiful
with each passing day.

Erica Seawright
EricaSea1@...
February 8, 2002

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sewers in Your Mind

In the darkness of the night
In the shadows where there's no moonlight
From the sewers in your mind
Greed and lust is all you find
All that matters is yourself
And what you got that is of wealth
Your selfishness it always wins
Stirring lustfulness from within
You decide what to give and take
And all others just have to wait
Is your wallet getting fatter
This is not what really matters

Step out of the sewer in your mind
Out into another time
When happiness came your way
And you were grateful just for the day
Now stop and hear the plead
Start helping others in their need
Reach out your hand to the man
That has less than
To a mother, give a cover
Help your sister and your brother
Give a child a smile
Even if it lasts just awhile
It doesn't have to be a kin
Or even have the same color of skin
You just have to begin
All you have to do is be kind
And stay out of the sewer in your mind.

İby: Angie F Moore. whfl
Amoore530@...
All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner,
without prior written consent is prohibited.
{permission granted}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

to fulfill, some message has to be delivered, some work has to be completed.
You are not here accidentally--
you are here meaningfully.
There is a purpose behind you.
The whole intends to do something through you.
Osho

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly,
what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antointe de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Love is a force more formidable than any other.
It is invisible it cannot be seen or measured,
yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment,
and offer you more joy than any material possession could.
Barbara De Angelis

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wish not so much to live long, as to live well.
Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Men trip not on mountains!
They trip on molehills.
Chinese Proverb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You will either change or go.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The most precious gift that I have today is my recovery.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You have to get a foundation
for anything meaningful to last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You can't expect the rooms to carry you,
You have to do the footwork in this process.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Step 1
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2002/step01c.html
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2003/step01.html
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2004/step01.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12 Step Soul Food 1st Annual Group Gathering

Dearest Family,

There are currently plans in the works for planning a gathering for all 12
Step Soul Food members.  Come meet the groups founder, Scott H., and others
who are members of this group.  We are currently looking at locations on the
East Coast of U.S. for early May 2007.  We ask if anyone knows of a "perfect
place" for our gathering, retreat house, camping site with cabins please let
us know by emailing mspjpatterson@...

If you would like to be apart of the planning committee or just keep up on
the meeting notes please forward your email titled ³Gathering 12 Step Soul
Food² to mspjpatterson@...  I will then add you to the group email
list.  Please DO NOT send the request to the
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirt@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Connecting With Spirits*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 29
With every breath that I take, healing is taking place.
I relax safely in the knowledge that positive,
healing energy is working in my life today.
I am being renewed and refreshed and energized.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

YOU
(my higher power, with gratitude)

you are the colors in my world...
the star of the path I follow....
you are the sun that creeps into my window...
and makes my day bright...

you are the music that makes my heart sing...
you leave me breathless when I am...
not expecting the love in your voice...
or the warmth of your arms...
holding me tight....

you are air and blood and life to me...
I do not exist without you,
for without you I am alone...
your faith in me lets me touch the heavens...
and eases my doubts and worries....

every dream and thought is with you in mind...
you give me strength and hope...
for a better tomorrow...
and for all those reasons...
because you are you...
in my recovery I give you me...

4/27/05 İ
written by anna m
amarley3@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Both Glad and Sad
www.wscribe.com/parables/glad_and_sad.html

But You Promised
www.wscribe.com/parables/snake.html

Hepititus C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 29                            "What if...."  

"Living just for today relieves the burden of the past and the fear of
the future. We learned to take whatever actions are necessary and to
leave the results in the hands of our Higher Power."  Basic Text, pp. 90-91

  In our active addiction, fear of the future and what might happen was a
reality for many of us. What if we got arrested? lost our job? our spouse
died? we went bankrupt? and on, and on, and on. It was not unusual for us
to spend hours, even whole days thinking about what might happen. We
played out entire conversations and scenarios before they ever occurred,
then charted our course on the basis of "what if.. ." By doing this, we set
ourselves up for disappointment after disappointment.

  From listening in meetings, we learn that living in the present, not the
world of "what if," is the only way to short-circuit our self-fulfilling
prophecies of doom and gloom. We can only deal with what is real today,
not our fearful fantasies of the future.

  Coming to believe that our Higher Power has only the best in store for
us is one way we can combat that fear. We hear in meetings that our
Higher Power won't give us more than we can handle in one day. And we
know from experience that, if we ask, the God we've come to understand
will surely care for us. We stay clean through adverse situations by
practicing our faith in the care of a Power greater than ourselves. Each
time we do, we become less fearful of "what if" and more comfortable
with what is.

Just for today:  I will look forward to the future with faith in my Higher
Power.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Learning To Love Ourselves

Alcoholism was a lonely business, even though we were surrounded by people
who loved us . . .  We were trying to find emotional security either by
dominating or by being dependent upon others . . .  We still vainly tried
to be secure by some unhealthy sort of domination or dependence.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  252

  When I did my personal inventory I found that I had unhealthy relationships
with most people in my life -- my friends and family, for example.  I
always felt isolated and lonely.  I drank to dull emotional pain.
  It was through staying sober, having a good sponsor and working the Twelve
Steps that I was able to build up my low self-esteem.  First the Twelve
Steps taught me to become my own best friend, and then, when I was able to
love myself, I could reach out and love others.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 29th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The A.A. program is one of faith, hope, and charity. It's
a program of hope because when new members come into
A.A., the first thing they get is hope. They hear older
members tell how they had been through the same kind
of hell that they have and how they found the way out
through A.A. And this gives them hope that if others can
do it, they can do it. is hope still strong in me?

Meditation for the Day

The rule of God's kingdom is perfect order, perfect
harmony, perfect supply, perfect love, perfect honesty,
perfect obedience. There is no discord in God's kingdom,
only some things still unconquered in God's children. The
difficulties of life are caused by disharmony in the
individual man or woman. People lack power because they
lack harmony with God and with each other. They think
that God fails because power is not manifested in their
lives. God does not fail. People fail because they are out
of harmony with Him.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be in harmony with God and with other
people. I pray that this harmony will result in strength and
success.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 29

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Initiating Relationships

Often, we can learn much about ourselves from the people to whom we are
attracted.

As we progress through recovery, we learn we can no longer form
relationships solely on the basis of attraction. We learn to be patient, to
allow ourselves to take into account important facts, and to process
information about that person.

What we are striving for in recovery is a healthy attraction to people. We
allow ourselves to be attracted to who people are, not to their potential or
to what we hope they are.

The more we work through our family of origin issues, the less we will find
ourselves needing to work through them with the people we're attracted to.
Finishing our business from the past helps us form new and healthier
relationships.

The more we overcome our need to be excessive caretakers, the less we will
find ourselves attracted to people who need to be constantly taken care of.

The more we learn to love and respect ourselves, the more we will become
attracted to people who will love and respect us and who we can safely love
and respect.

This is a slow process. We need to be patient with ourselves. The type of
people we find ourselves attracted to does not change overnight. Being
attracted to dysfunctional people can linger long and well into recovery.
That does not mean we need to allow it to control us. The fact is, we will
initiate and maintain relationships with people we need to be with until we
learn what it is we need to learn -- no matter how long weve been
recovering.

No matter who we find ourselves relating to, and what we discover happening
in the relationship, the issue is still about us, and not about the other
person. That is the heart, the hope, and the power of recovery.

We can learn to take care of ourselves during the process of initiating and
forming relationships. We can learn to go slowly. We can learn to pay
attention. We can allow ourselves to make mistakes, even when we know
better.

We can stop blaming our relationships on God and begin to take
responsibility for them. We can learn to enjoy the healthy relationships and
remove ourselves more quickly from the dysfunctional ones.

We can learn to look for what's good for us, instead of what's good for the
other person.

God, help me pay attention to my behaviors during the process of initiating
relationships. Help me take responsibility for myself and learn what I need
to learn. I will trust that the people I want and need will come into my
life. I understand that if a relationship is not good for me, I have the
right and ability to refuse to enter into it -- even though the other person
thinks it may be good for him or her. I will be open to the lessons I need
to learn about me in relationships, so I am prepared for the best possible
relationships with people.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rude Awakening
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/July/0797-15.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Galactic Fairy Tale
by Michael Lightweaver

A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away there were all of these
little light beings just hanging out enjoying life in that joyful & timeless
dimension. And then one day a very large, magnificent angel came to them. He
had a very serious look on his face. He was looking for volunteers for a
very important cosmic mission.

"We have this small - but very special - planet out at the edge of the
Alcyon galaxy called Gaia. It is quite unique like a beautiful garden and it
is teeming with hundreds of thousands of different life forms. It has been
something of an experimental station in the galaxy and it has a most
interesting humanoid life form that incorporates the very highest and lowest
frequencies known in the cosmos. It is in fact the very epitome of dualism.
On the one hand it is an incredibly beautiful life form and is capable of
carrying the highest frequencies of love, light & joy known throughout the
whole Universe. On the other hand it is capable of carrying the densest and
darkest frequencies the cosmos has ever experienced - frequencies which the
rest of creation evolved beyond eons ago.

Here is the current situation. Within the domain of time, this planet goes
through periodic cosmic cycles. It is now coming to the end of two major
cycles - a 2,000 year long age of Pisces and the 25,000 year long cosmic
year in its journey around Alcyon, the central sun of the milky way galaxy.

With the completion of this cycle, many things are coming to an end and many
things are about to begin. But most importantly, the planet is experiencing
an infusion of light that is dramatically increasing it's frequency. As
during any major time of transition, there will be a certain amount of
turbulence. Some of this will be geological, for Gaia herself is a living
planet and is also evolving. But much of it also involves the humanoid
species that dominates the planet.

This will not be a particularly easy time for the species - especially for
those who are sleeping and those who are vibrating at the lowest
frequencies. As the frequency changes it will create insecurity which in
turn will create fear.

The first era of evolution on this planet was the physical era and the key
word was survival. The second era, which is now ending, was the mental era
and the key word was logic. The third era, which is now beginning, is the
era of the heart and the key word is love. This is the highest frequency.

Those who currently hold the reign of power on the planet are of the old
order of the physical & mental. To the extent that they can make a graceful
transition to a heart centered and divinely guided life, it will be an easy
transition. To the extent that they are unable to do this, they will
experience much turmoil.

So this is the current situation of Gaia. The reason I am here is to seek
volunteers who would be willing to incarnate in humanoid form on the planet
at this time to help make this an easy and smooth transition. We have sent
prophets and teachers in the past. Very often they were brutally persecuted
or killed. In other instances they were set up as "gods" to be worshiped
and these humanoids built elaborate religions and rituals around them and
used these religions to control each other. They did everything except
follow the simple teachings that were offered.

So this time we are trying a different approach. No more prophets, saviors &
avatars that they can use to create religions. This time we are sending in
thousands - actually hundreds of thousands - of ordinary light beings with
only two assignments:

1) Stay in your heart. Regardless of what happens, stay in your heart.

2) Remember who you are, why you are here and what this is all about.

Now that seems easy enough, right? Unfortunately, No! As I have said,
duality has reached its peak on this planet. This species has perfected the
illusion of good and evil. The greatest challenge you will experience is to
remember Who You Really Are, Why You Are Here and What This Is Really All
About. When you remember, you will be ale to stay in your heart, regardless
of external events.

So how will you know when you are forgetting? It is easy. Watch your
judgments. The moment you notice that you are in a place of judgment you
will know that you have forgotten Who You Really Are, Why You Are Here and
What This Is Really All About. That will be your signal.

Now here is the challenge. Life on this planet will require a great deal of
discernment - wise evaluation of what is true, what is appropriate and what
is for the highest good, both for yourself and for the planet. In many ways
discernment is similar to judgment. However, you will know when you are in
judgment and when you have moved out of your heart when you are in a place
of blame.

We know how challenging that this planet can be. We know how very real the
illusions on this planet appear to be. We understand the incredible density
of this dimension and the pressure you will face. But if you survive this
mission - and it is a voluntary one - you will evolve at hyperspeed.

We also should say that we know that some of you who will go to this planet
as starseeds, will never germinate - never awakened to the remembrance of
who you really are. Some of you will awaken and begin to shine, only to be
choked down by the opinions and prevailing thoughtforms around you. Others
will awaken and remain awake and your light will become a source of
inspiration and remembrance for many.

You will incarnate all over the planet; in every culture, every race, every
country, every religion. But you will be different. You will never quite fit
in. As you awaken you will realize that your true family isn't those of your
own race, culture, religion, county or even your biological family. It is
your cosmic family - those who have come as you have come - on assignment to
assist in ways large and small in the current transition.

True brotherhood and globalization in its highest form will come only in
remembering Who You Really Are, Why You Are Here and What This Is Really All
About. It will come as you return to the true temple of Divine Presence,
your heart, where this remembrance takes place and from which you are called
to serve the world.

So, are your ready? Good!

Oh, and by the way, there are a couple of other minor things I should
mention......

Because of the density, you can't operate in that dimension without a space
suit. This is a biological suit that actually changes over time. There are
many things we could tell you about this but our orientation time is short
so I think you can just jump in and experience it. You should be forewarned,
however. There will be a danger that if you forget who you really are, you
may think you ARE your space suit instead of the fact that it is simply your
vehicle in that dimension. Once there, you will notice that there is an
infinite variety of space suits and a great deal of attention given to
these. However, in spite of the infinite variety, because this a planet of
duality, they all fall into two basic categories called 'genders.' Again, we
really don't have time to go into this now. But you will find your
relationship with your own space suit to be most instructive and
interesting.

The other little thing is this. In order to operate in that dimension, you
will also receive a microchip called a 'personality.' This is like an
identity imprint that, along with your space suit, will essentially make you
different from everyone else. This will allow you to participate in the
hologram there - something they call 'consensus reality.' Once again, there
will be a real danger that you will become so engrossed in the holographic
personality dramas that you will forget who you really are and actually
think that you ARE your personality. I know it sounds rather unbelievable
right now, but once you get there.....

Again, there is so much more we could tell you by way of orientation, but we
think you can learn the rest experientially 'on site." The only thing that
is important is to remember Who You Really Are, Why You Are Here and What
This Is Really All About. If you can do that, everything else will work out
fine. But take note: So few really DO remember this they stand out as
'different' and others called them 'Enlightened" or 'Awakened" and similar
terms. Strange isn't it?

Well, Good Luck & Bon Voyage!!!

Michael Lightweaver
PO Box 18909 Asheville, NC. 28814 (USA)
http://www.n2012.com/index.htm
lightweave@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Look Within
by Virginia

"Look within...
Don't look without,
to find out what you're all about.

You'd be surprised...
At what you'll find,
When journeying your heart and mind.

You'll never understand...
just who you are,
Hitching onto someone else's star.

Forget about your work, your things.
You're so much more than these, you see.

Go deep within your secret space,
That no one knows - your private place.

It's there, in peaceful quietude...
You find out who is really you.

Look within...
not once or twice.
Keep looking in throughout your life."

Virginia Santoro
İ 2000
MorningMusings@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's A Brand New Day

Why are we afraid to give our hearts in love?
Is it because we have been hurt in the past?
We live in self-made prisons.
That keep us from our path.

Why do we never say the words to them,
Words that could save this love?
Are we really so sick of ourselves
Or do we feel "not good enough"?

We need to learn we have survived
Pain that we've had from before.
We need to finally find God's will
And open up love's door.

All it takes are three small words
To open up your heart.
Let go of the fear and the pain
And make a brand new start.

Do not be afraid to love.
It is God's gift to all.
Do not be afraid to dream,
He'll catch us if we fall.

So to all of you afraid of life,
Have faith, God lights the way.
Give in to love, faith, and hope.
Because it's a brand new day.

Meg M
meg4how@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our Last Chance

As the past is dealt with it's damage and toll,
By working the steps, an awakened Spiritual goal

Nothing to fear as we move forward, ahead,
Our addiction in check, lays down it's ugly head

God guided us here to find solace at last,
Knowing no other way for us to change, finally escaping our past

The future awaits as we take our last chance,
12 steps on the floor of recovery's delivery dance

It doesn't matter from hence you came,
The question is now, will you change or remain the same?

If you want to live more than merely survive,
Why not check us out and give it a try

You have nothing to lose except a slow lonely death,
Step up as you catch your first new found breath

Getting better each day as we search, reveal and delve,
Coming to learn that we can truly love ourselves

We help each other on our paths with hope,
Sharing our experiences no longer living with dope

If its working for me, maybe you too my friend,
"When at the end of your road" can choose your life to amend.

God and N.A. Grateful ~ AJ
aj4how@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today

Today is unlike others, the days before my waking
It hints of things left unsaid, undone, where my step work has me taking

I never felt the feelings, like these I'm left to hold
Today I look within, and do the things I'm told

I cannot pass by my lessons, the ones presented today
For I've squandered time and Love, of myself and those held dearly

Today is like no other, I amend and follow my path
I await the God within me, to stir and quicken my heart

When all is said and done, with only action left to live
I want the Highest Good for all and will demonstrate my Love

Awakening to my Spirit, numb for so many years
I'm lifted with God's Power, from past sorrow with fresh tears

God is good and allowed me, to find the 12 step rooms with you
I cannot turn my Love away, from forward growing anew

This chance at living finally fresh,
examining where I'm going fast
No fear to slow me down again,
I accept the challenge and I love myself at last.

Thanking God through N.A. and ALL those who have helped
me in my recovery, I gratefully bless you.
Those that have been there for me, those that will be there
for me, and those that will return with me to continue on our
path together allowing our Spirits to unfold awakening to life
and Love.  (((Hugs)))

AJ - clean 1/3/97 and honest at long last
aj4how@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There's a type of freedom that occurs
when everything that you've believed in and worked for is shattered,
because then you have the opportunity to rebuild
and to put yourself back together in a new way.
Dennis Kucinich

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you find yourself in a hole,
the first thing to do is to stop digging.
Will Rogers

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We must release the old to make room for the new.
Alan Cohen, The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You have a responsibility to be loving.
John-Roger
(From: Loving Each Day, Volume 1)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

New Thought spirituality offers principles around which we can build
our lives and practices that make those ideas a living reality.
As we attentively practice living our lives by these principles,
we experience a greater connection with God each day
as a comforting companion, a guiding light and ever-present power.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's not the outside things that make me better,
recovery is an inside job.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery is my job.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are in recovery you are blessed,
you can hear a message of hope
that you don't have to suffer
and that you have a choice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I don't know what it is,
but I know what it isn't,
I cannot use "No Matter What"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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that you belong to
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

12 Step Soul Food 1st Annual Group Gathering

Dearest Family,

There are currently plans in the works for planning a gathering for all 12
Step Soul Food members.  Come meet the groups founder, Scott H., and others
who are members of this group.  We are currently looking at locations on the
East Coast of U.S. for early May 2007.  We ask if anyone knows of a "perfect
place" for our gathering, retreat house, camping site with cabins please let
us know by emailing mspjpatterson@...

If you would like to be apart of the planning committee or just keep up on
the meeting notes please forward your email titled ³Gathering 12 Step Soul
Food² to mspjpatterson@...  I will then add you to the group email
list.  Please DO NOT send the request to the
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirt@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Connecting With Spirits*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tradition 12
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition12.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 28
It is exciting to know that my thoughts and my actions
in the present moment condition the next moment.
I am responsible for my future.
Today I am bringing awareness to my self-talk
and replacing all negative thoughts with positive thoughts
as soon as they appear on my mindscape.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How To Save N.A.

Have you ever thought that maybe you have been spiritually
singled out to lead the masses in Narcotics Anonymous?
If you feel it's your chosen destiny to better the NA fellowship
in spite of its pure simplicity and mundane loving nature,
this post is for you.
Over the years I have seen many personalities
in the rooms of NA acting in the alleged behalf
for the betterment of all addicts in recovery.
All of whom have helped me to come to these conclusions.

The following is a list of some "things to do" when you've come
to the conclusion that you need to "Save The Fellowship".

Join as many subcommittees as humanly possible
(with the exception of H&I because it will not bring you
the limelight you will need) in order to quickly move up to
the top of the food chain in the service structure so
that others will recognize you as an authority figure addict.

Memorize the traditions, concepts, and the principles of the
steps so that you can twist them to fit what ever agenda
or debate you are having on a moments notice
and to lecture newcomers on their misguided ways.

Take a firm stand against all other 12 step programs and
do not allow your sponsee's to converse with others
who have not yet seen the light.
Feel free to lump all people into categories as you see fit.

Forget where you came from, it will do you no good where you
are going and it will only make you weak.

Share at ALL meetings you attend, after all,
what YOU have to say is for the benefit fellowship and
is spoken through you, directly from god.
Besides, what YOU have to say is probably more important
than what someone else has to say.

Never take on meaningless responsibilities like making coffee,
setting up chairs, or being a secretary.
As these positions will not offer the recognition you deserve,
nor will they supply that platform you need
to begin your rise to power.

Carefully manage all those you sponsor!
Direct them to the join subcommittees that most need your impact.
This next part may be difficult.....
MAKE SURE they know exactly what your opinion is before
they get to the meeting so you can have an impact
even though you are not there.
As a bonus feel free to tell them and those they sponsor
what to do in all relationships and if they go against you FIRE them!

Collect and wear loving t-shirts with sayings on them like
"One program One Disease Mine!"
You should be able to get a color for every day of the week. :)

Don't have sex with newcomers in THIS program.
I know you hate this one (we all do) but you have to
make the sacrifice in order to get the program back on track.
Try this: Hook up with someone who has some time,
but considerably less than you,
that way they will have to do as you say just like your sponsees.

If you manage to work up to the world service level,
although you won't be considered the way you should be at the WSC,
the folks back home will think you are the shit and
you may be able to steer your region/area in the right direction.

Sponsor everyone you can, even if you don't have time for them.
Make a list of do's and don'ts and
just hand it to them when they need something.


Do not waste time on anything
other than being a high ranking soldier in the field of NA,
i.e. don't go to school or have hobbies.
This way you will remain vigilant in service and
know what is happening and you will be
able to nip it in the bud before it gets out of control.

Ok boys and girls, go get em!
Remember NA needs you, you don't need it.

Love Jimmy S.

PS..... If you are unable to perform the above mentioned tasks,
just send 20 bucks to:

SAVE THE FELLOWSHIP
P.O. Box 13th Step
Cloud Nine, N.A.
123,123,123

The money will go for those t-shirts.

PSS..... Serious replies are not necessary.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Attitude
www.wscribe.com/parables/attitude.html

Go To Your Soul
www.wisehearts2.com/gts.htm

Feed an Animal in need for Free
www.theanimalrescuesite.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
April 28                                 Who really gets better?

"We can also use the steps to improve our attitudes.
Our best thinking got us into trouble. We recognize the need
for change." Basic Text, p. 53

   When new in recovery, most of us had at least one person we
just couldn't stand. We thought that person was the rudest, most
obnoxious person in the program. We knew there was something
we could do, some principle of recovery we could practice to get
over the way we felt about this person‹but what? We asked our
sponsor for guidance. We were probably assured, with an amused
smile, that if we just kept coming back, we'd see the person get
better That made sense to us. We believed that the steps of NA
worked in the lives of everyone. If they could work for us, they could
work for this horrible person, too.

   Time passed, and at some point we noticed that the person didn't
seem as rude or obnoxious as before. In fact, he or she had become
downright tolerable, maybe even likeable. We got a pleasant jolt as
we realized who had really gotten better. Because we had kept coming
back, because we had kept working the steps, our perception of this
person had changed. The person who'd plagued us had become "tolerable"
because we'd developed some tolerance; he or she had become "likeable"
because we'd developed the ability to love.

   So who really gets better? We do! As we practice the program, we
gain a whole new outlook on those around us by gaining a new outlook on
ourselves.

Just for today:  As I get better, so will others. Today, I will practice
tolerance and try to love those I meet.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A.A. Is Not A Cure-All

It would be a product of false pride to claim that A.A. is a cure-all, even
for alcoholism.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  285

In my early years of sobriety I was full of pride, thinking that A.A. was
the only source of treatment for a good and happy life.  It certainly was
the basic ingredient for my sobriety and even today, with over twelve years
in the program, I am very involved in meetings, sponsorship and
service.  During the first four years of my recovery, I found it necessary
to seek professional help, since my emotional health was extremely
poor.  There are those folks too, who have found sobriety and happiness in
other organizations.  A.A. taught me that I had a choice: to go to any
lengths to enhance my sobriety.  A.A. may not be a cure-all for everything,
but it is the center of my sober living.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 27th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We're so glad to be free from liquor that we do something
about it. We get into action. We come to meetings regularly.
We go out and try to help other alcoholics. We pass on the
good news whenever we get a chance. In a spirit of
thankfulness to God, we get into action. The A.A. program
is simple. Submit yourself to God, find release from liquor,
and get into action. Do these things and keep doing them and
you're all set for the rest of your life. Have I got into action?

Meditation for the Day

God's eternal quest must be the tracking down of souls. You
should join Him in His quest. Through briars, through waste
places, through glades, up mountain heights, down into valleys.
God leads you. But ever with His leadership goes your helping
hand. Glorious to follow where the Leader goes. You are
seeking lost sheep. You are bringing the good news into places
where it has not been known before. You may not know which
soul you will help, but you can leave all results to God. just go
with Him in His eternal quest for souls.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may follow God in His eternal quest for souls.
I pray that I may offer God my helping hand.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 28

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Anger at Family Members

Many of us have anger toward certain members of our family. Some of us have
much anger and rage -- anger that seems to go on year after year.

For many of us, anger was the only way to break an unhealthy bondage or
connection between a family member and ourselves. It was the force that kept
us from being held captive -- mentally, emotionally, and sometimes
spiritually -- by certain family members.

It is important to allow ourselves to feel -- to accept -- our anger toward
family members without casting guilt or shame on ourselves. It is also
important to examine our guilty feelings concerning family members as anger
and guilt are often intertwined.

We can accept, even thank, our anger for protecting us. But we can also set
another goal: taking our freedom.

Once we do, we will not need our anger. Once we do, we can achieve
forgiveness.

Think loving thoughts; think healing thoughts toward family members. But let
ourselves be as angry as we need to be.

At some point, strive to be done with the anger. But we need to be gentle
with ourselves if the feelings surface from time to time.

Thank God for the feelings. Feel them. Release them. Ask God to bless and
care for our families. Ask God to help us take freedom and take care of
ourselves.

Let the golden light of healing shine upon all we love and upon all with
whom we feel anger. Let the golden light of healing shine on us.

Trust that a healing is taking place, now.

Help me accept the potent emotions I may feel toward family members. Help me
be grateful for the lesson they are teaching me. I accept the golden light
of healing that is now shining on my family and me. I thank God that healing
does not always come in a neat, tidy package.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Love Life
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/July/0797-02.html

Ask  And Receive
by Susan de  Montfort
www.innerself.com/Money_Matters/ask_and_receive.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Ice Cream Comb
Written by:  Rick Beneteau

   She was three. Just released from a far-away hospital after life
threatening brain surgery, ready to take on the world again. I was
happy just to have her back. My little "Mr. Clean" (shaven head and hoop
earrings) and me driving along to our local mall. Hanging out with dad day.
I recall her words as if it were yesterday.
"Daddy, can I get a treat?"

   As she was understandably spoiled (if there is such a thing), I replied
"OK honey, but just ONE".

   Her eyes beamed like the Fourth of July in anticipation of that
something only she knew at the time.

   We drove around to the new end of the mall on the normal seek-and-
destroy mission of capturing a parking place. After all, it was Saturday.
We landed a fair distance from our destination, and began walking
hand-in-hand towards the entrance, her pace gaining momentum with each
tiny step. A few feet from the doors she broke loose and ran hands-first
into the thick wall of glass, trying with everything she had to swing the
big doors open. No luck. With a little assistance, she 'did it' and tried
the very same thing at the second set of doors.

   It was then that I asked her what she wanted for her treat. Without
hesitation, she matter-of-factly said "an ice cream comb from the ice
cream store." OK, the goal was set and we were in the mall!

   But hold on! What was this? At the end of what was just an ordinary
looking lane of retail chain outlets she spied something new-- this huge
fountain, water shooting who knows how high into the air. The new goal
line!

   She ran, and I walked (don't ya just hate it when parents let their
kids run wild in public?), and we arrived at the spectacle at about the
same time. The turbulent noise was almost deafening.

   "Daddy, can I make a wish, can I make a wish?" she screamed as she
jumped with the kind of pure joy we've all long since forgotten.

   "Sure honey, but that will be YOUR TREAT you know" I explained
(gotta be firm with these kind of things).
She agreed.

   I fumbled around in my pocket and pulled out what I think was a dime
(big spender) and placed it in her outstretched hand. She cupped it
tightly,
closed her eyes and grimaced, formulating her wish. I stared at that
little scrunched-up face and said my own kind of prayer of thanks,
feeling so blessed to still have this ball of energy in my life. And then
like
a shooting star, the coin was flung into the foaming water and with it,
her wish.

   We happily continued our stroll into the familiar section of the mall. An
eerie silence ensued, which I was admittedly uncomfortable with. When
I just couldn't stand it anymore, I couldn't resist breaking it.
"Aren't you gonna tell daddy what you wished for?"
She retorted "I wished I could get an ice cream comb."

   I just about lost it right then and there. Couldn't imagine what the
shoppers thought of this lunatic laughing uncontrollably in the middle of
a crowded mall. And needless to say, she got her wish, and two treats.

   Little did I know then that my beautiful little girl would soon embark on
a long road of seizures, surgeries, special schools, medications and end
up partially paralyzed on her right side. She never learned to ride a bike.

   Today, she is almost seventeen. She cannot use her right hand and walks
with a noticeable limp. But she has overcome what life seemed to so
cruelly inflict on her. She was teased a lot and always struggled in
school, both socially and academically. But each year she showed
improvement. She is planning a career in early childhood education. With
one year still remaining in high school, her and I, one night not too long
ago, mapped out all the courses she would need to take in community
college. It was her idea. She volunteers weekly at a local hospital, on
the children's floor. She baby-sits a neighbors children five days a week.
On her own this year, she stood outside in line for four hours on a cold
Canadian January afternoon and enrolled herself, with her own
babysitting money, into two courses she felt she would need for college.
You see, to her failure was never an option.

   It would almost be redundant for me to explain why I wanted to share
this story with you. She IS my daughter and I carry all those fatherly
biases with me wherever I go. But these aside, she is a very exceptional
person and one that I admire and have learned a lot from.

   It is my sincerest hope that her story will have even a momentary
positive impact on you as a human being, a parent or a spouse.

   I'd like to leave you with a closing thought. As human beings, we deserve
all the treats, and the multitude of good things that life can offer us.
We all have wishes and dreams, AND the power to make them reality.
Just simple truths of the universe.

   We can wish for, and get, that ice cream comb.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living In Truth

There once was a child named Yemaya.
Even before she could walk or talk,
her mother introduced her to the trees.
Yemaya touched them and they accepted her.
They told her she was wonderful and she knew it was true.

As she grew up,
Yemaya occasionally met people who said unkind things to her.
When this happened, she went back to her trees,
who continued to tell her she was just fine.
She couldn't understand what was wrong with those who were mean to her.
Whenever they appeared and insisted on being mean,
she pretended what they said was an arrow that
sailed right by as she stepped out of the way.

We can do the same.
What others say or think is part of them and their lives, not ours.
When we are wise enough to let go of things that don't belong to us,
we will find our own treasures.

Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Footprints In Time

Two young lovers, Walking on the sand,
Gazing at each other, Talking hand in hand,
The prints they leave behind them,
Marking memories of the past,
The long beach laid before them,
Hoping love will last,
The ocean captures the footprints,
And erases them from the shore,
Taking with it remembrances,
And leaving them with more,

Many years have passed,
Time flies when you're having fun,
And before you know it innocence fades,
And the teen years are done,
Now she's back on the beach,
Except she is alone,
Watching and waiting,
For the love that hadn't grown,
She walks along the ocean,
Two footprints, not four,
Wondering where the laughter went,
Why he didn't love her more,
Then she stops to sit,
And draws his name in the sand,
A celestial stranger comes along,
And reaches out a hand,
Hesitantly she takes it,
And he listens to her cries,
He's been there before,
He's heard many lies,
They decide to walk,
And she follows, not knowing why,

Love will always be reborn again,
Even if it may die,
She is more cautious than before,
And as she looks back at the footprints,
She smiles seeing not two, but four,
This time will be different,
Her heart trying to say,
Something magical happened,
She felt it the first day,
Something clicked when they touched,
A jolt from inside,
She knew he'd be there always,
If she had something to confide,

Now here it is twenty years later,
And his love for her,
Is now even greater,
He looks at her like the first time they met,
And despite all the years gone by,
They can never forget,
Those four special footprints,
That are never washed away,
They'll stay forever on her heart,
Until their dying day.

Lauren Posey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2nd Childhood

Oh little girl inside us all
Can she come out to play
I'm sorry she's real busy now
Maybe another day.

Ya see, Daddy will be coming home
it's time for her to hide
There's not too many places left
She thought out loud and cried.

Its nighttime now, time for bed
Her mommy tucks her in
Then daddy comes to say goodnight
And does his daily sin.

Then in the morning really sad
Staring at her toast
And sitting right across from her
the one she hates the most.

It's time for school her mama says
And sends her on her way
And off she goes with a quiet sigh
And dreads another day.

She really doesn't understand
what makes daddy tick
Why he does those things to her
What made him so sick?

So, all her life she turns to drugs
And shuts the whole world out
No life, no love, no hope, no hugs
The solution - death - no doubt.

Then God steps in, she makes it through
A second chance has she.
So she reaches out and asks for help
And finds recovery!

Now dedicated to the cause
of letting others know
No matter how bad the pain inside
God can help you heal and grow.

Years go by, the doorbell rings
And the little girl locked away
Can finally be a child again
And runs outside to play.

Randi M. @ Randi7258@...
Miami Beach, FL -
I wish all of you survivors out there much hope and healing!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Game of Blame
      
Some people play the game of blame
Take me, Make me
Use me, Brake me
So that they are the victim
In this there is no shame
Just conviction
"How dare you," they shout
And don't stop to see
What it is really about
They run seeking love
But finding lust
Then say never again
Will they trust
They put themselves in situations
With all of their misconceptions
Wondering why life throws them a hard ball
When that isn't it at all
They become drained
Then act refrained
While emotions are boiling
Their minds are soiling
With thoughts of anger and despair
To them this just isn't fair
 
This is what I have to say
Stop being the actor
Life's not a play
Stop dreaming upon a star
Start finding out who you are
You've found out what it cost
For now you feel quite lost
You are turning into a ghost
Find your heart and hold it close
People will come and they will go
Don't let this take you so low
When the right one comes
You will know
So work on your soul
Until you become whole
Then you will begin to find
True love comes with time
So quit making yourself drain
Stop the tears
Clear up the rain
For in this there is no gain
Nor a reason to play the game

İ 1999 By: Angie F Moore. whfl
Amoore530@...
All rights reserved.
Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner,
without prior written consent is prohibited.
{Permission Granted}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

At this very moment the universe is trying to manifest miracles
through your visions, intuitions, and longings.
Imagine that your inklings are God's whispers to your heart.
The same God that gave you the idea,
will give you the means and support to see it through.
The world is being transformed through people like you,
who love themselves enough to trust their inner guidance,
and relax enough to let the universe take care of the means.
  Alan Cohen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Beauty, truth, friendship, love, creation -
these are the great values of life.
We can't prove them, or explain them,
yet they are the most stable things in our lives.
Jesse Herman Holmes

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone
who can do him absolutely no good.
Ann Landers

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Learning to love yourself...
is the greatest love of all.
George Benson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Success is to be measured not so much by the position
that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which
he has overcome while trying to succeed.
Booker T. Washington

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is a lot easier to stay clean
then it is to get clean.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you stick to the basics,
you don't have to come back to the basics

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When the student is ready the teacher appears,
I am the student and my experiences are my teacher.
These lessons are no ones responsibility to teach me,
They are my responsibility to learn.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is the 12 Step Program where,
I learn to live and live to learn.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
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and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 11
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition11.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12 Step Soul Food 1st Annual Group Gathering

Dearest Family,

There are currently plans in the works for planning a gathering for all 12
Step Soul Food members.  Come meet the groups founder, Scott H., and others
who are members of this group.  We are currently looking at locations on the
East Coast of U.S. for early May 2007.  We ask if anyone knows of a "perfect
place" for our gathering, retreat house, camping site with cabins please let
us know by emailing mspjpatterson@...

If you would like to be apart of the planning committee or just keep up on
the meeting notes please forward your email titled ³Gathering 12 Step Soul
Food² to mspjpatterson@...  I will then add you to the group email
list.  Please DO NOT send the request to the
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirt@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Connecting With Spirits*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 27
Today I have the courage to face life as it is
and make progress a part of my life.
I am willing to take chances and grow
and risk and feel what it means to be fully alive in the moment.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Freely Give

Freely give as you receive
Trust in the God you believe
Nothing happens by mere chance
Study the picture do not just glance
No one is beyond hope
We were like you
We learned to cope
In here no one is alone
Practice recovery in your home
Freely give all you can
All along the way
In recovery
We do it
Just for today
Freely give to one and all
Do it when you hear the call
God will freely give all you need
In recovery you can succeed
Freely give as you get
Most of all do not forget
Freely give your strength
Most important all of your hope
God will freely give you
All you need to cope

Daniel M Corkery
5/25/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery Cliches
www.personal.nbnet.nb.ca/spirit/cliches.htm

Twelve Songs
"Inspired by achieving recovery through the 12 steps of Alcoholics
Anonymous,
each song uniquely relates to a corresponding step":
www.twelvesongs.com

Jim W Songs
"One Man's Walk" 12 Step recovery music:
www.jimwsongs.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 27                 Recognizing and releasing resentments  

"We want to look our past in the face, see it for what it
really was, and release it so we can live today" Basic Text p. 28

Many of us had trouble identifying our resentments when
we were new in recovery. There we sat with our Fourth
Step in front of us, thinking and thinking, finally
deciding that we just didn't have any resentments.
Perhaps we talked ourselves into believing that we
weren't so sick after all.

Such unwitting denial of our resentments stems from the
conditioning of our addiction. Most of our feelings were
buried, and buried deep. After some time in recovery, a
new sense of understanding develops. Our most deeply
buried feelings begin to surface, and those resentments
we thought we didn't have suddenly emerge.

As we examine these resentments, we may feel tempted to
hold onto some of them, especially if we think they are
"justified.' But what we need to remember is that
"justified" resentments are just as burdensome as any
other resentment.

As our awareness of our liabilities grows, so does our
responsibility to let go. We no longer need to hang on to
our resentments. We want to rid ourselves of what's
undesirable and set ourselves free to recover.

Just for today:  When I discover a resentment, I'll see
it for what it is and let it go.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

New Soil .  .  .  New Roots

       Moments of perception can build into a lifetime of spiritual
serenity, as I have excellent reason to know.  Roots of reality,
supplanting the neurotic underbrush, will hold fast despite the high winds
of the forces which would destroy us, or which we would use to destroy
ourselves.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  173

  I came to A.A.  green -- a seedling quivering with exposed taproots.  It
was for survival but it was a beginning.  I stretched, developed, twisted,
but with the help of others, my spirit eventually burst up from the
roots.  I was free.  I acted, withered, went inside, prayed, acted again,
understood anew, as one moment of perception struck.  Up from my roots,
spirit-arms lengthened into strong, green shoots: high-springing servants
stepping skyward.

Here on earth God unconditionally continues the legacy of higher love.
My A.A.  life put me "on a different footing .  .  .  [my] roots grasped a
new soil" (Alcoholics Anonymous, p.  12).

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 27th

A.A. Thought for the Day

By submitting to God, were released from the power of liquor.
It has no more hold on us. We're also released from the things
that were holding us down: pride, selfishness, and fear. And
we're free to grow into a new life, which is so much better
than the old life that there's no comparison. This release gives
us serenity and peace with the world. Have I been released
from the power of alcohol?

Meditation for the Day

We know God by spiritual vision. We feel that He is beside us.
We feel His presence. Contact with God is not made by the
senses. Spirit-consciousness replaces sight. Since we cannot
see God, we have to perceive Him by spiritual perception. God
has to span the physical and the spiritual with the gift to us
of spiritual vision. Many persons, though they cannot see God,
have had a clear spiritual consciousness of Him. We are inside
a box of space and time, but we know there must be something
outside of that box, limitless space, eternity of time, and God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may have a consciousness of God's presence.
I pray that God will give me spiritual vision.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 27

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Letting Go of the Need to Control

     The rewards from detachment are great: serenity; a deep sense of peace;
the ability to give and receive love in self-enhancing, energizing ways, and
the freedom to find real solutions to our problems.
     --Codependent No More

Letting go of our need to control can set others and us free. It can set our
Higher Power free to send the best to us.

If we weren't trying to control someone or something, what would we be doing
differently?

What would we do that we're not letting ourselves do now? Where would we go?
What would we say?

What decisions would we make?

What would we ask for? What boundaries would be set? When would we say no or
yes?

If we weren't trying to control whether a person liked us or his or her
reaction to us, what would we do differently? If we weren't trying to
control the course of a relationship, what would we do differently? If we
weren't trying to control another person's behavior, how would we think,
feel, speak, and behave differently than we do now?

What haven't we been letting ourselves do while hoping that self-denial
would influence a particular situation or person? Are there some things
we've been doing that we'd stop?

How would we treat ourselves differently?

Would we let ourselves enjoy life more and feel better right now? Would we
stop feeling so bad? Would we treat ourselves better?

If we weren't trying to control, what would we do differently? Make a list,
and then do it.

Today, I will ask myself what I would be doing differently if I weren't
trying to control. When I hear the answer, I will do it. God, help me let go
of my need to control. Help me set others and myself free.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Letters of Wisdom and Affirmations
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/August/0897-21.html

Am I Being Inspired?
by Dan Joseph
www.innerself.com/Spirituality/joseph_dan_50904.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Feeling Good About Ourselves
by Susan Ann Darley

What have you done lately to nurture yourself, enhance your creativity and
honor your soul? Feeling sad lately? When we neglect ourselves in the mad
rush to make a living, take care of business and raise our families, we die
a little with each passing day. A thousand daily deaths can lead to a barren
life starved for affection and love. And yet we don't understand. Our
partner loves us, our children need us, our friends are there for us and our
employer counts on us. We are loved and needed we defiantly state. So we
continue our frantic pace and fill up our lives with busyness.

Our faces, with well-applied make-up, mask the pain of our souls that lie
waiting for us to discover what real beauty is. Until we touch the beauty of
our souls and live from our own heartfelt inspiration, we live with a
profound sadness and longing.

Some women desperately search their entire lives to find a cure for such
emptiness. The quest for a man, success and eternal youth override the
longing of their souls.

Our obsession with our physical appearance has reached epidemic proportions.
Women seem more dissatisfied with their bodies than they were even two or
three decades ago. Some types of plastic surgery on any number of body parts
can be performed on our lunch hours. It's time to ask, "What in the world
are we teaching our daughters?"

And why the impossible quest for perfection? Why do we mold and reshape our
faces and bodies? Do we do it to appear younger, to keep our jobs, to
attract a lover or to feel better about ourselves?

How long can we feel good about ourselves when we seek artificial means to
make our lives work? How long can we feel good when we value our appearance
more than ourselves?

Why can't we say "no" to societal pressure to conform to impossible beauty
standards? What will we lose? Why does the risk seem so high?

We could choose to grow old gracefully. When enough join the chorus it will
change. But we are caught in the glamour of the external world in search of
the eternal fountain of youth. We are under the influence of the opinions of
others and afraid to rock the boat. So again and again we give our power
away and by doing so, give our permission to be taken for granted, used and
exploited.

In other words we play the role of the victim - an all too familiar role for
women to play. Over and over we play this role as it is handed down from
generation to generation. Regardless of where and how we play it out, our
complacency blinds us to its often-subtle disguise.

From a victim state-of-mind we become needy. Neediness is a form of negative
dependency that brings up all kinds of negative emotions such as resentment,
jealousy, and anger. Not knowing how to nurture ourselves and take care of
ourselves emotionally, we depend on others to do so. When they fail to do
so, we rage. And oddly enough, even when they do so, we rage even more. Why?
Because we know deep inside that our emotional health is not dependent on
others, but ourselves. We know that our strength to move beyond the victim
state comes from within. Deep inside we know that absolutely no one can have
power over us unless we allow it.

Yet we make excuses for the abusive people in our lives. We blame ourselves
for their insensitive and harmful behavior. We take care of others at our
own expense. We stay in destructive relationships out of convenience. And
the cycle perpetuates itself over and over.

From neediness to rage, these are the collective deep wounds of women. Only
truth will soften the edges of our pain. Only learning how to honor
ourselves will heal our sorrow.

If we are so good at taking care of others, then why is it so hard to take
good care of ourselves? Perhaps we haven't been taking such good care of
others. I can feel the caregivers of the world -- overworked, overtired,
underpaid and rarely acknowledged, glaring at me with vengeance.

When we take care of ourselves first, then we can give freely and generously
of ourselves without resentment. With our own needs met through
self-acknowledgment we can lovingly help others. However, the very thought
of putting ourselves first usually produces major guilt. How dare we?

Get over it. Take good care of yourself. Show the world how much you value
you. Learn to say no. Set healthy boundaries. Protect yourself. Tell the
truth. Be honest with yourself. Live your life with integrity. Take care of
your emotional, mental and physical well being. Take care of your finances.
Acknowledge your feelings. Trust your intuition. Follow your heart. Honor
your creativity.

Easy to suggest and write, but not always easy to do, for where there's a
victim, there's a bully not far behind. When you've been beaten up enough,
you begin to believe you're damaged. And when you start to believe that lie,
you beat up on yourself. The bully can be long gone, but the script is still
read, in fact memorized all too well.

It takes conviction to rewrite the script. It takes courage to prove to
ourselves that we're intelligent, talented and valuable. It takes
perseverance to nurture our dreams to fruition.

And in our solitary moments we realize what is possible. Not only can we
forge beyond the past, we must. So when you lose your confidence and it all
seems to fall apart and the journey is too damn long and you're too tired to
care anymore, ask yourself, "What will be my legacy?"

Stop. Pray. Ask for strength and the wisdom to understand your true
identity. Look past appearances and stop comparing yourself to others.
Reconnect with your spiritual essence.You will become stronger, more
powerful, more confident and desirable. There is nothing more appealing and
sensual than pure love and joy.

Allow divine feminine energy to flow through you as a healing force. Be
filled with its grace and let it overflow into the world. This energy when
used consciously is a powerful force. It has been dormant for too long,
buried deep within our souls. Let it rise and stand. Allow it to join forces
with the masculine energy of the world in order to create and give birth to
your vision. It will temper, teach, heal, and balance. When both forces, at
long last, stand side-by-side, we will then experience true equality. We
will then know that our journey has been worthwhile.

This article was excerpted from The Power of Constructive Love, İ2002, by
Susan Ann Darley.  Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Wisteria
Productions, Sierra Madre, California.

About the Author:
Susan Ann Darley is a personal empowerment coach and writer. She helps
people through private consultations, teaching, and public speaking to move
beyond the limits of their past, to hear their "true voice" and find the
courage to express it in all circumstances. She works with individuals to
nurture their creativity and to launch their creative projects. Visit her
website at www.EmpoweringArtists.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A beautiful illustration of a parable......
Carrots, Eggs and Coffee

  A certain daughter complained to her father about her life and how things
have been so hard for her.  She did not know how she was going to make
it and she wanted to give up.  She was Tired of fighting and struggling.  
It seemed that just as one problem was solved another arose. Her
father, a chef, took her to the kitchen, Filled three pots with water
and placed the fire on high.  Soon the three pots came to a boil.  In one
he placed carrots, in the other he placed eggs, and in the last he placed
ground coffee beans. He let them sit and Boil, without saying a word.
The daughter sucked her teeth and impatiently wondered what
he was trying to do.  She had problems, and he was making this
strange concoction.

  In a half an hour he walked over to the oven and turned down the fire.  
He pulled the carrots out and placed them in the bowl.  He pulled the eggs
out and placed Them in the bowl.  Then he ladled the coffee out and
placed it in a bowl Turning to her he asked. "Darling what do you see."
Smartly, she replied.  "Carrots, eggs, and coffee."

  He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.  She did and
noted that they were soft.  He then asked her to take an egg and break
it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.  Finally,
he asked her to sip the coffee. Her face frowned from the strength of
the coffee.

Humbly, she asked. "What does it mean Father."
He explained.  "Each of them faced the same adversity, 212 degrees of
boiling water.  However each reacted differently."
"The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting.  But after going through
boiling water, it softened and became weak."
"The egg was fragile.  A thin outer shell protected a liquid center.  But
after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened."
"The coffee beans are unique, however.  After they were in the boiling
water, it became stronger and richer."
"Which are you," he asked his daughter?
When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?
Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
Are you the carrot that seems hard, but with the smallest amount of pain,
Adversity, heat you wilt and become soft with no strength?
Are you the egg, which starts off with a Malleable heart? A fluid spirit.
But after a death, a breakup, a divorce, a layoff you became hardened and
stiff.  Your shell looks the same, but you are so bitter and tough with a
stiff spirit and heart, internally.

Or are you like the coffee bean?   The bean does not get its peak flavor
and Robust until it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit.  When the water
gets the hottest, it just tastes better.  When things are at there worst,
you get better.  When people talk the most, your Praises increase.  When
the hour is the darkest, trials are their greatest, your worship elevates
to another level.

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Forgiveness is like the martial arts of consciousness.
In Aikido and, other martial arts, we sidestep
our attackerıs force rather than resisting it.
The energy of the attack then boomerangs
back in the direction of the attacker.
Our power lies in remaining nonreactive.
Forgiveness works in the same way.
When we attack back, and defense is a form of attack,
we initiate a war that no one can win."
- Marianne Williamson

Today's Affirmation:
I am forgiving and I am forgiven.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I do not want to hang on to past mistakes, past hurts,
past wrongs or past experiences.
I understand that the past is over unless I make it the present.
My intellect knows these things God,
but my intellect is not what is wounded.
I want to also be free of the feelings of hurt and anger.
I want to be free of the tendency to defend myself
against what I perceive to be attack.
Sometimes I feel so stuck.
I need a miracle.
It seems that there is something very subtle that I sometimes miss.
Lift me above the illusion and clarify my vision.
Teach me how to forgive fully..
I am willing to respond from Love.
Please, show me how.
Thank You God!
Amen

Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Teach Only Love

There are only two emotions,
Fear and Love.

Fear, in all its forms leads only to attack and separation.
There is never any justification for teaching fear,
No matter how obvious the outside world circumstances
May indicate it should be.

Love is the only antidote to those circumstances since
It is our misdirected thoughts which created them to begin with.

Loving thoughts create loving circumstances.
The residue of past error laden thinking will continue
To appear for a time,
But soon the New Love based thoughts will manifest,
And the circumstances of Life will reflect only Love.

Therefore, in all our teaching, whether it be in a
Classroom, workshop, written work or by the
Moment by moment example we set...
Let us Teach Only Love.

Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Journey On

  Never quit,
  Live each day as if it is your last,
  Forgiving those who are spiritually sick,
  Pray for them to have the love and light you would want,
  Love deeply all things living,
  Share the light of love and embrace the sick,
  So the world you know it may be touched,
      by that ray of illuminating love and grace,
  To feel the hope,
So you can move on with peace
      and Love in your heart.

ChinaRose
chnarose@...
www.chinarose.net

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One does not discover new lands without consenting
to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.
Andre Gide

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life
is the source from which self-respect springs.
Joan Didion

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make
you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Choose your friends by their character and your socks by their color.
Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense,
and choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable.
Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you want to be spiritual,
then you have to act spiritual.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery is doing things that you don't want to do.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is more important to be the right person,
than to meet the right person.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I don't need anyone to be harder on me,
than I am on myself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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Tradition 10
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition10.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 26
Today I am open to all the powers of the universe.
I am letting them work for me
and carry me to my next step...JOY!
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One Candle

If one candle lights another,
Will it's light, by one, diminish?
If it shares its flame with one hundred candles,
An entire room will commence to glow,
'Til wax and wick no longer flow,
And all the flames extinguish.

Yet, that one candle, which lit many more,
Still glowed as brilliantly as before.

Such is the miracle of light!
It's magic is our treasure.
And the difference it made in that darkened room,
That difference cannot be measured.

If one heart gives love to another,
Is its capacity to love, by one, diminished?
If it shares its love with a thousand souls,
Those souls will commence to glow,
'Til muscle and sinew no longer grow,
And their earthly light's extinguished.

Yet, that one heart, who loved many more,
Still sang as sweetly as before.

Such is the miracle of love!
Its magic is our treasure.
And the difference it makes in a darkened world,
That difference cannot be measured.

Iris Fox (pen name I.A. Krate)
ifox@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Comic Strips That Have Aided My Recovery
www.recoveryresources.org/comics.html

A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/akron_manual.html

Quotes to Live By
www.geocities.com/lf_loriflower/1/quotes.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
April 26                                        Self-acceptance

"The most effective means of achieving self-acceptance is
through applying the Twelve Steps of recovery."
  IP No. 19, "Self-Acceptance"

Most of us came to Narcotics Anonymous without much self-acceptance.
We looked at the havoc we had wreaked in our active addiction, and we
loathed ourselves. We had difficulty accepting our past and the self-image
produced by it.

Self-acceptance comes more quickly when we first accept that we have
a disease called addiction, because it's easier to accept ourselves as sick
people than as bad people. And the easier it is to accept ourselves, the
easier it becomes to accept responsibility for ourselves.

We achieve self-acceptance through the process of ongoing recovery.
Working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous teaches us to accept
ourselves and our lives. Spiritual principles like surrender, honesty,
faith, and humility help relieve us of the burden of our past mistakes.
Our attitude changes with the application of these principles in our daily
lives. Self-acceptance grows as we grow in recovery.

Just for today: Self-acceptance is a process set in motion by the
Twelve Steps. Today, I will trust the process, practice the steps,
and learn to better accept myself. pg. 120

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous Âİ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CULTIVATING FAITH

"I don't think we can do anything very well in this world unless we
practice it.  And I don't believe we do A.A.  too well unless we practice
it.  .  .  .  We should practice .  .  .  acquiring the spirit of
service.  We should attempt to acquire some faith, which isn't easily done,
especially for the person who has always been very materialistic, following
the standards of society today.  But I think faith can be acquired; it can
be acquired slowly; it has to be cultivated.  That was not easy for me, and
I assume that it is difficult for everyone else.  .  .  .  "
DR.  BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS, pp.  307-08

Fear is often the force that prevents me from acquiring and cultivating the
power of faith.  Fear blocks my appreciation of beauty, tolerance,
forgiveness, service, and serenity.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 26th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The A.A. program is one of submission, release, and action.
When were drinking, we're submitting to a power greater
than ourselves, liquor. Our own wills are no use against the
power of liquor. One drink and we're sunk. in A.A. we stop
submitting to the power of liquor. Instead, we submit to a
Power, also greater than ourselves, which we call God. Have
I submitted myself to that Higher Power?

Meditation for the Day

Ceaseless activity is not God's plan for your life. Times of
withdrawal for renewed strength are always necessary. Wait
for the faintest tremor of fear and stop all work, everything,
and rest before God until you are strong again. Deal in the
same way with all tired feelings. Then you need rest of body
and renewal of spirit force. Saint Paul said: "I can do all things
through Him who strengthens me." This does not mean that
you are to do all things and then rely on God to find strength.
it means that you are to do the things you believe God wants
you to do and only then can you rely on His supply of power.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that God's spirit may be my master always. I pray
that I may learn how to rest and listen, as well as how to work.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a Âİ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 26

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie Âİ

Negativity

Some people are carriers of negativity. They are storehouses of pent up
anger and volatile emotions. Some remain trapped in the victim role and act
in ways that further their victimization. And others are still caught in the
cycle of addictive or compulsive patterns.

Negative energy can have a powerful pull on us, especially if we're
struggling to maintain positive energy and balance. It may seem that others
who exude negative energy would like to pull us into the darkness with them.
We do not have to go. Without judgment, we can decide it's okay to walk
away, okay to protect ourselves.

We cannot change other people. It does not help others for us to get off
balance. We do not lead others into the Light by stepping into the darkness
with them.

Today, God, help me to know that I don't have to allow myself to be pulled
into negativity -- even around those I love. Help me set boundaries. Help me
know it's okay to take care of myself.

Âİ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Relationship and the Spiritual Path
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/August/0897-19.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lightheart
by Alan Cohen

While perusing the hieroglyphics in an ancient Egyptian tomb,
I discovered a painting showing a set of scales, like the scales of
justice. On one side of the scales was a feather, and on the other,
a human heart. Near the scales a godly entity looked on, along with
an ugly monster-like animal.

Our Egyptologist explained that this image depicted the Egyptian
concept of the day of judgment. When someone died, according to
the ancient legend, the person would be accused by 42 gods of having
committed various sins. If the person could deny these sins -- while
keeping his heart as light as a feather -- he would be admitted to
heaven and enjoy eternal life. If he could not deny these sins with a
light heart, the nasty-looking dog-entity Anubis stood waiting to
devour him and send him to. . . well, you know.

If I were a fire and brimstone minister, I could have a field day
with this scenario. But I am a teacher of forgiveness, and I will have
my own field day with it.

Can you recognize your innocence when others are trying to convince
you that you are guilty? The Four Agreements advises us, "Don't take
anything personally." A Course in Miracles tells us, time and again, that
we are all innocent. None of us have truly sinned. Yes, we have made
plenty of mistakes, but none of us has done anything that would cause
us for even a moment to lose the love of God or deserve damnation.
To the contrary, the Course tells us, we are born of light and unto light
we return. If we practice forgiveness and self-honoring, we can enjoy
the light even as we walk the earth.

When faced with demanding situations, can you keep your heart as light
as a feather? Can you laugh your way through challenges and maintain an
attitude freer than fear? When confronted with upsets and the poisonous
projections of others, can you remember that all is well? Do you know that
you are a spiritual being, not subject to the whims and caprices of earthly
tides? Are you bigger than your circumstances?

One of my favorite movie characters is played by Gene Wilder in Stir
Crazy. Harry is a perpetually happy-go-lucky fellow with a knack for turning
every experience into a gift. When Harry is thrown into prison for a crime
he did not commit, the prison officials try to break his positive attitude.
But they can't. The guards hang Harry by his wrists for several days, only
to find him with a big smile on his face. "Thank you, oh, thank you!" he
exclaims as they untie him. "You've finally solved my back problem!"

Next, the officials lock Harry in a little hot box under the sweltering sun.
When they extract him a few days later, he begs, "Oh, please, give me just
one more day - I was just starting to get into myself." Finally they throw
Harry into a cell with Grossberger, a 300-pound crazed murderer that the
toughest criminals avoid like the plague. When the guards return, they find
Harry and Grossberger on the floor laughing over a game of cards. Harry kept
choosing joy, and everything around him lined up with his best interests.

February is the month for lovers. Let's revisit relationships through the
eyes of lightheartedness. The nature of love is freedom and empowerment.
It is about play, delight, and celebration. It is about supporting each
other
to be ever more passionately creative. Relationship was never intended to be
heavy, constricting, and soul-consuming. It is not about projecting need and
blame and judgment upon our partners or ourselves. Yes, there is life beyond
processing. If there is one purpose to relationship, it is to empower each
other to be more comfortable, confident, and alive in who we already are.

Throughout your day, as often as possible, take a heart reading. Ask
yourself, "In this moment, is my heart light or heavy? Am I pandering to the
fears of others, or proceeding from my inner strength? Have I given my power
to appearances, or do I remember the truth?

The lesson is the same for the lighthearted Egyptian, Harry the prisoner,
and you and me: Enjoy your life. Everything else is details. Forget about
the ugly monster waiting to devour you; he is a figment of somebody else's
imagination. Your own imagination can take you to far brighter places.

We have been taught that spirit and matter are different, but they are
not. Matter is an expression of spirit, and in the end, the only thing that
matters is spirit.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Take A Moment - Relax

Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Take several gentle,easy breaths.
Allow your shoulders, neck, and back to relax and let go. Feel a
wave of relaxation flow through your body. Continue breathing gently
and consciously. While you are in that quiet state, visualize having
something you want, say a prayer of gratitude, or ask your Inner
Wisdom for guidance. Then when you feel complete, breathe more
deeply, stretch, open your eyes, and slowly start your activities.

When you give yourself the gift of experiencing a few minutes of
quiet every day, you give your body and mind precious moments to
relax, rev up your immune system, gain access to the wisdom within,
stimulate creativity, feel a connection to Source, and open your
heart. The benefits of those few minutes are enormous!

Patricia Crane, Ph.D.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Cherish things while you still have them,
before they're gone,
and you realize how precious they really are.

Life can only be understood backwards,
but it must be lived forwards.
Everything in life is temporary.
So if things are going good,
enjoy it because it won't last forever.
And if things are going bad,
don't worry because it won't last forever either.

Destiny is not a matter of chance,
it is a matter of choice;
it is not a thing to be waited for,
it is a thing to be achieved.
If you can not add years to your life
Add life to your years.

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Despite All Odds

An innocent rose just emerging into this world so cruel,
Not even yet a bud,
Such a beauty with strength and courage,
Surviving the hardships of her surrounding,
Thunder and rain crashing down upon her roots,
Yet, she still stands.
Harsh winds pushing and pulling,
Still she stands,
Standing alone slowly emerging, hanging strong.

Those around her crumble and fall,
Unable to withstand the torture and abuse,
And she still pushes her way up,
Staying undiscouraged by the weakness that surrounds her,
Surpassing the hardships of nature and man,
Defying the odds against her,
She starts to bloom,
those walk by and admire her beauty,
Unknown of the treacherous weather she had withstood,

Insects fly by taking her soul so they may live,
Taking for their own needs,
Leaving her shallow and empty,
Yet, she still illuminates with beauty,
An evil created by man arrives,
Spraying her with a vicious venom that burns and stings,
Seeping into her pores, crushing her soul,
Creatures dying around her,
Their bodies lay upon her motionless.

Such burden taking away from her liveliness,
Now those walk by, only glimpse and passion,
Sadness fills her as they pick those around her,
Those seemingly more innocent and pure,
One's who yet to see nor experience the hardships she had induced,
Life within her drains out lonely and sad,
Left alone to die,
Never receiving the admiration of her beauty despite the abuse,
Such a cruelty to allow a beauty to stand alone.

Only a little nurturing is all she needs,
A simple act to clear away the facade created by abuse
Just a simple feed as water,
Only a little time and affection to bring out her illuminating beauty,
Out of a rose so delicate, beautiful and fragile.
So much cruelty to leave such a small delight alone,
To stand alone and die alone,
Without ever exploring the happiness one can bring, despite all odds.

Eva Y. Ng
chnarose@...
www.chinarose.net
January 15, 1991
Âİ 1994

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today

Today I am free
Free of resentments
But mostly of me
I live for today
Taking the steps
That show me the way
The past is no more
The future unknown
Today I walk through a new door
I need not fear
What lies beyond
For god is always near
He isn‚t in my head
But in my heart
Without him I‚d surely be dead
Today I have a new attitude
Not full of hate
But overflowing with gratitude
Today there is hope
No need to be afraid
That my life is at the end of it‚s rope
A gift has been given to me
The gift of today
This, I am now able to see
Please give me the strength, I pray
To live my life as best I can
If only, just for today

Don M. Iser Âİ
dmi88@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect he becomes an
adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he
forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Aiden Nowlan

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you know something, it is in your head.
When you believe something, it is in your heart.
Gabriel A. Bankes

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"You will regret many things in life but you will never
regret being too kind or too fair."
Brian Tracy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"We understand that by giving we receive.
We grasp that by lighting others' candles,
we do not lose our own light.
The more candles one lights,
the more enlightened the world becomes."
John Bradshaw

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am strong.
I am sure.
Any trial,
I can endure.
For I know
That I am loved
By some below
And GOD above
So, until tomorrow,
I can say,
I can make it
Through today.
M'Chelle Smith

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This program of recovery is not about what you know,
it's about what you do.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There are a lot of little battles along the way,
however the war is over.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is not Burger King,
I can't do it my way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is a simple program
for complicated people,
don't confuse simple with easy.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
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giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Clutterer’s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forâ€Ĥ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@Âż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 9
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition09.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 25
Positive energy attracts positive energy.
Today my Higher Power continues to guide my growth
so that I am more and more open.
I am becoming free and unblocked and
am attracting all that is good and right in my life.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Beans

Here in this cozy home in which I reside.
There's a place I go to - with all that's inside.
Alone at night as I lay in my bed.
My inventory makes notes in my head.

In my world there's a cat named "Beans".
When she was a kitten she made us memory scenes.
Hilariously funny, my what spunk! Look at that!
Now a  loveable scraggily old lady cat.

She crawled into bed with me (& I usually remove her).
But, tonight It just seemed right to allow her to stay.
I thanked God for getting to love her one more day.
Then I listened to what God had to say.

"Remember when Beans was hiding outside?
You had a house full of strangers and a heart, black inside ...
- ruled by your emotions and your mind was a mess?"
I just saw it through God's eye's and said "yes".

"Along with the good seeds you planted with Love,
there are weeds that you let in and their roots are way deep.
They were sown when you lived like the demons that creep ...
disguised like a handsome man with a wink and some money.
Some of those demons you brought home and called "honey".

"How many years did you go your own way?"
I thought about it and I replied,
" My life has been a mixture of flowers and weeds
growing side by side."

"Well, now you have compassion and gone is your thirst
to be impulsive and jump for the worst."
"Yes, God that's true my last infatuation blew away my need
to live in imagination and greed."

"Oh God, how do I live with this thing that I see?
I passed on the evil that thrived inside me.
My children now show the weeds living next to the flower.
I by myself have nothing, no power.
But you, are a power greater than me.
Please open their eyes and help them to see."

"What can I do Lord? Please show me, I'll do it.
Only your wisdom can help us all the through it.
Can you stop them from ruining their lives like I did?
Is there something, anything I can do?"

"I loved you before you could see who you are.
Now love others even though they are cruel and self-centered.
The ones closest to you, you possibly mentored."

"How do I love them when I feel so much pain?
I know now how I hurt them a long time ago.
When I was at the top of the roller coaster ride,
the exhilaration of passion that I felt was so good,
   was the very thing that hurt them and I couldn't see ...
The only thing important to me ... was a fantasy."

I looked down at the old cat purring on my arm,
   knowing that I had ignored truth and caused so much harm.
And God whispered, "Let go, I waited for you.
Your children will do what they have to do.
I have all eternity to help them to see.
You be your best and leave the rest up to me."

As I walked through the days of my old cats life.
Humbled that my higher power would choose to use "Beans",
All the things that God showed me tonight.
Let me know that even though today things are not right ...
That the future belongs to Almighty God
and so does the past and that seems odd.

I can't shape the future.
I can't change the past.
Today is enough; goes incredibly fast!
The people I love will make their mistakes.
Maturity just takes whatever it takes.

Yes, sometimes life stings ... and consequences I still must pay.
My life gets better day by day.
Today I am fortunate to have a guide.
I'm no longer on that roller coaster ride.
The best thing is that I don't plant anymore weeds.
Today my life is full of bountiful, beautiful seeds.
For the rest of my life I get to watch them grow.
Someday my children will know what I know.

Here in this cozy home in which I reside.
There's a place I go to - with all that's inside.
Alone at night as I lay in my bed.
My inventory makes notes in my head.

In my world there's a cat named "Beans".
When she was a kitten she made us memory scenes.
Hilariously funny, my what spunk! Look at that!
Now a  loveable scraggily old lady cat.

She crawled into bed with me (& I usually remove her).
But, tonight It just seemed right to allow her to stay.
I thanked God for getting to love her one more day.
Then I listened to what God had to say.

"Remember when Beans was hiding outside?
You had a house full of strangers and a heart, black inside ...
- ruled by your emotions and your mind was a mess?"
I just saw it through God's eye's and said "yes".

"Along with the good seeds you planted with Love,
there are weeds that you let in and their roots are way deep.
They were sown when you lived like the demons that creep ...
disguised like a handsome man with a wink and some money.
Some of those demons you brought home and called "honey".

"How many years did you go your own way?"
I thought about it and I replied,
" My life has been a mixture of flowers and weeds
growing side by side."

"Well, now you have compassion and gone is your thirst
to be impulsive and jump for the worst."
"Yes, God that's true my last infatuation blew away my need
to live in imagination and greed."

"Oh God, how do I live with this thing that I see?
I passed on the evil that thrived inside me.
My children now show the weeds living next to the flower.
I by myself have nothing, no power.
But you, are a power greater than me.
Please open their eyes and help them to see."

"What can I do Lord? Please show me, I'll do it.
Only your wisdom can help us all the through it.
Can you stop them from ruining their lives like I did?
Is there something, anything I can do?"

"I loved you before you could see who you are.
Now love others even though they are cruel and self-centered.
The ones closest to you, you possibly mentored."

"How do I love them when I feel so much pain?
I know now how I hurt them a long time ago.
When I was at the top of the roller coaster ride,
the exhilaration of passion that I felt was so good,
   was the very thing that hurt them and I couldn't see ...
The only thing important to me ... was a fantasy."

I looked down at the old cat purring on my arm,
   knowing that I had ignored truth and caused so much harm.
And God whispered, "Let go, I waited for you.
Your children will do what they have to do.
I have all eternity to help them to see.
You be your best and leave the rest up to me."

As I walked through the days of my old cats life.
Humbled that my higher power would choose to use "Beans",
All the things that God showed me tonight.
Let me know that even though today things are not right ...
That the future belongs to Almighty God
and so does the past and that seems odd.

I can't shape the future.
I can't change the past.
Today is enough; goes incredibly fast!
The people I love will make their mistakes.
Maturity just takes whatever it takes.

Yes, sometimes life stings ... and consequences I still must pay.
My life gets better day by day.
Today I am fortunate to have a guide.
I'm no longer on that roller coaster ride.
The best thing is that I don't plant anymore weeds.
Today my life is full of bountiful, beautiful seeds.
For the rest of my life I get to watch them grow.
Someday my children will know what I know.

"Beans"
Rita Hurd 4/9/2003
nafesah_faith_ali_loves_you@...
(Thank you mom for being in the 12 step program, setting a
good example of being willing to pull up the weeds in your life,
learning to change, applying principles, and most of all for praying
and loving me at my worst.)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Special Recovery Articles
www.recoveryemporium.com/SpecialArticles.htm

Recovery Resources
www.recoveryresources.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 25                                Embracing reality

"Recovery is a reality for us today" Basic Text, p. 97

Pain and misery were realities in our using lives. We were unwilling
either to accept our living situation or to change what was unacceptable
in our lives. We attempted to escape life's pain by taking drugs, but
using only compounded our troubles. Our altered sense of reality became
a nightmare.

   Through living the program of Narcotics Anonymous, we learn that our
dreams can replace our nightmares. We grow and change. We acquire the
freedom of choice. We are able to give and receive love. We can share
honestly about ourselves, no longer magnifying or minimizing the truth.
We accept the challenges real life offers us, facing them in a mature,
responsible way.

   Although recovery does not give us immunity from the realities of life,
in the NA Fellowship we can find the support, genuine care, and concern
we need to face those realities. We need never hide from reality by
using drugs again, for our unity with other recovering addicts gives us
strength. Today the support, the care, and the empathy of recovery give
us a clean, clear window through which to view, experience, and
appreciate reality as it is.

Just for today: A gift of my recovery is living and enjoying life as it
truly is. Today, I will embrace reality.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Self-Examination

.  .  .  we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be
divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, P.  86

   When said sincerely, this prayer teaches me to be truly unselfish and
humble, for even in doing good deeds I often used to seek approval and
glory for myself.  By examining my motives in all that I do, I can be of
service to God and others, helping them do what they want to do.  When I
put God in charge of my thinking, much needless worry is eliminated and I
believe He guides me throughout the day.  When I eliminate thoughts of
self-pity, dishonesty and self-centeredness as soon as they enter my mind,
I find peace with God, my neighbor and myself.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 25

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Finding Our Own Truth

We must each discover our own truth.

It does not help us if those we love find their truth. They cannot give it
to us. It does not help if someone we love knows a particular truth in our
life. We must discover our truth for ourselves.

We must each discover and stand in our own light.

We often need to struggle, fail, and be confused and frustrated. That's how
we break through our struggle; that's how we learn what is true and right
for ourselves.

We can share information with others. Others can tell us what may
predictably happen if we pursue a particular course. But it will not mean
anything until we integrate the message and it becomes our truth, our
discovery, our knowledge.

There is no easy way to break through and find our truth.

But we can and will, if we want to.

We may want to make it easier. We may nervously run to friends, asking them
to give us their truth or make our discovery easier. They cannot. Light will
shed itself in its own time.

Each of us has our own share of truth, waiting to reveal itself to us. Each
of us has our own share of the light, waiting for us to stand in it, to
claim it as ours.

Encouragement helps. Support helps. A firm belief that each person has truth
available -- appropriate to each situation -- is what will help.

Each experience, each frustration, each situation, has its own truth waiting
to be revealed. Don't give up until you find it -- for yourself.

We shall be guided into truth, if we are seeking it. We are not alone.

Today, I will search for my own truth, and I will allow others to do the
same. I will place value on my vision and the vision of others. We are each
on the journey, making our own discoveries -- the ones that are right for us
today.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Character of Personal Power
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/August/0897-15.html

Affirmation, Prayers, and Blessings
by Sirona Knight
www.innerself.com/Spirituality/knight_sirona_41104.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Freeing Ourselves from Clutter
by Katherine Gibson

I am often teased about a round side table that once belonged to my aunt.
It's draped with a Victorian-era cloth of ivory silk, its fine strands of
fringe sweeping the floor. On it sits a small wedding photo in a silver
frame, diminutive glass sculptures, a hand-painted porcelain vase, and an
orchid, all gifts from dear friends. To some, the table is a mishmash of
clutter. To me, each object is a treasure that connects me to those whose
love is represented there.

When we consciously choose what graces our environment, it will harmonize
with our inner journey. Our home will be welcoming, restful, and intensely
personal. Rather than mimicking an interior design magazine, each book on
the shelf, every painting on the wall, and even the decorations we use at
Christmas will reflect who we are and what matters most.

As the need for more diminishes, appreciation for what we have increases.
Our life bursts with abundance but not in the usual sense. We have more
time. Rather than spend life's energy shopping for things we don't need, we
can take long walks, read, or build a tree fort with the kids. With less to
clean and mend, we can focus on pursuits that add dimension to our purpose
in life and enrich our spiritual, social, physical, and mental experiences.

With an uncluttered life, we have more money. It's not that we earn more
(although for some increased income is the result of uncluttering); we
simply buy less. But when we do shop it is with forethought, not impulse,
for we know that what we bring into our life must offer a purposeful or
spiritual benefit.

An uncluttered life ends confusion. With things in their places, we save
time and frustration. We ease through the day with confidence and clarity
instead of spinning into a whirl as we run late, double-book engagements, or
forget them altogether. With a schedule that respects our limits and
interests, a written to-do list (not the one you carry in your mind), and
joy in what we do, life will hum.

A life free from internal and external clutter is healthful. Research
confirms that our physical environment, be it home or the office, influences
how we feel internally. Organized surroundings positively influence our
heart rhythms and blood pressure, reducing anxiety and tension. We smile
more, breathe deeper, and notice the details around us. We can control many
of the factors that shape our surroundings by reducing nuisance noise,
eliminating visual clutter, and making technology our servant instead of our
master. Taking charge of our time by under-scheduling leaves space for us to
become fully engaged in what we do with reduced pressure and added pleasure.

The uncluttered mind allows space to nurture the childhood brilliance that
creates entire towns from egg cartons, or spawn a cook's ingenious fish
sauce recipe. The uncluttered mind energizes us to think in new directions
that can translate into serious money if that fish sauce is franchised or
that novel wins the Pulitzer.

The uncluttered life unleashes joy. When we love what we do, when our work
reflects passion and utilizes our gifts and talents, we excel and others
benefit. Several years ago Bob and I took a city bus from La Jolla, a
community at the north end of San Diego, to visit the zoo. The driver sang
out the names of each stop and embraced each passenger with an unbridled
smile and a neighborly hello. As the bus moseyed along, folks traded
snippets of news. Although we were in a big city with big-city issues, the
atmosphere on the bus felt like a small town church picnic - even though we
were among strangers. While the driver provided transportation that respects
the environment, he also colored his job with a joyfulness that bubbled like
champagne.

The uncluttered life is filled with possibilities. I met Janet Stewart Lilly
while biking a trail in Derbyshire, near the Welsh border. She had lived in
London and worked for a national publishing firm. Now she operated the small
tourism office where I had stopped for a map. She was refreshingly open and
engaging, and before long she was telling me about the sweeping life change
she and her husband, David, had made when they moved from the city. Janet
explained why in a letter she later wrote to me:

   I was quite happy climbing the corporate ladder. We worked hard, were paid
well, and had plenty of disposable income for weekends away and holidays.
Can you believe that living in a one-bedroom flat [in London], I even
employed a cleaning lady! But the daily demands [at work] increased.
Everything became impersonal and PC-based. I was up at 6 a.m. and didn't
leave my desk until the mad dash home on the 7 p.m. train.

   David had always wanted to restore an old property and so we started
looking. I never thought I would be the proud owner of an expensive pile of
stones, but here we are [in Derbyshire]. And what a life! I can't believe
that I have become such a keen veggie gardener. I wear the same old
clothes - what a relief from having to worry about your appearance. We eat
homegrown food and I get lots of exercise in the fresh air. I also have time
for others, time to write letters and talk on the phone, time for myself,
time to cook proper meals. Even though we have given up some things -
financial security, expensive clothes, and holidays - I wouldn't want to go
back to the way we lived.

While not all of us wish to restore a derelict property or muck about in the
garden, Janet's letter sparkled with the message of the uncluttered life -
purposeful, creative, authentic, and mindful. When we release clutter, we
harness clarity. Our goals are focused, our path is clear. We know what
matters most and we discard the rest. We choose our experiences and don't
let others direct our lives. Vicarious experiences are not for us. We want
to taste and feel and be in life! We take the high road and recognize the
right of all to live their own truth, even if it differs from ours. We put
money in its place and know the difference between price and value.

The uncluttered life exudes peace of mind. Free from the weight of negative
thoughts and toxic people, our life is filled with affirming and enriching
relationships. In place of righteousness, resentments, grudge holding, and
jealousies, we find acceptance and compassion. When our world rocks and
rolls, we hold on, knowing that life is textured with challenges. And when
we take our last breaths, we'll know that the life we lived was truly ours.

This article was excerpted from Unclutter Your Life, İ2004, by Katherine
Gibson.  Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Beyond Words Publishing
Inc. www.beyondword.com

About the Author:
Katherine is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and the
national board of the Periodical Writers Association of Canada. Katherine
holds a Master of Education degree and is a recognized educator who offers
courses at the University of Victoria. Katherine is a dynamic keynote
speaker and seminar leader and also provides private coaching to writers.
Katherine is based in Victoria, British Columbia.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Are we really listening? - The next time you're in conversation with
someone think about this question for a second. Many times we're simply
thinking of what we're going to say next, rather than actually listening
to the person with a clear mind.

   If you're guilty (as I sometimes am) of this at times there's some
really bad news. The other person knows this as well. It's written all
over our faces. It's in the very words that we use to follow up with in our
discussion with that person. The good news is that by making ourselves
aware of the fact that we're not truly listening we can begin at that very
moment correcting the problem.

   Make yourself aware of the importance of listening and you'll reap many
rewards. It's one of life's most awesome facts that people are drawn to
those who are good listeners. Upon reading the biographies of many
leaders one thing is clear. Each in their own way are magnificent
listeners...

Your friend in cyberspace,
Josh Hinds :-)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Care Package

Ever get a care package in the mail?
one came for me last week
in surprise form
delicious gifts that fed my soul's hunger
for something my tongue could not tell
it held...

A rose quartz of flashing beauty
scents from heaven: oil, myrrh & incense
seeds to perpetuate the friendship of flowers
a candle of hearts surrounded
and more

But the crowning glory was
a silver-trimmed silk scarf
hand painted with the love of the heart
and carefully made by the hands
of a friend from far away

What the box contained that touched me deeper
than the sight, touch, scents and soft sounds of fine tissue paper
was the invisible love and care with which the box
had been packed, filled with pieces of her joy to me

It remains in the folds of the scarf
it dances in the flame of the candle
and lingers in my heart

Love
Stella
stellaraymonde@...
İ2000 Stella Savoie

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let Go

Take off your coat of shame
Throw away those thoughts of blame
Walk away from all the guilt
Tear down the walls you built
Let go of the pain
Before it drives you insane
Find the one
Who rises the sun
Keep the love within your heart
For only there you can start
To build the dreams
Instead of those schemes
To love and hold
And not to scold
To laugh and cry
With little sighs
Up until the day you die
When you learn to forgive
is when you will start to live
All this I now know
Because I have learned to let go.

İ1999 By: Angie F Moore. WHFL
Amoore530@...
All rights reserved.
Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner,
without prior written consent is prohibited.
Permission Granted

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am Blessed

Confused,
I asked for clarity.
You gave me wisdom and knowledge.
I asked for patience and tolerance, and you put me in rush hour traffic.
I needed to know your will for me??
I found myself in jail,
sharing what you taught me in recovery.
I prayed for friends,
You sent me hundreds.
To love me unconditionally.
I learned honesty, respect, and principles.
Though I received so much more than I prayed for.
I am over paid.
Each and every day I get to be alive, I am blessed.
Your my higher power, my guidance, my strength.
That is my understanding.

kenneth  klein
sportsterken67@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

At this very moment the universe is trying to manifest miracles
through your visions, intuitions, and longings. Imagine that your
inklings are God's whispers to your heart. The same God that gave you
the idea, will give you the means and support to see it through. The
world is being transformed through people like you, who love
themselves enough to trust their inner guidance, and relax enough to
let the universe take care of the means.
Alan Cohen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The principle we are working with today is JOY.
It is a state of delight and well-being.
An experience of great pleasure.
Inner jubilation demonstrated as a pleasant manner.
A state of happiness.
Iyanla Vanzant

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

EVERY moment is an opportunity for Love.
Where there is hatred, may we bring Love.
Where there is prejudice and injustice, may we bring Love.
Where there is insecurity and small-mindedness, may we bring Love.
Where there is fear in any form,
may we bring the illuminating Light of Love.
We do not open our hearts 'when';
we open them 'in spite of.'
God grants us the opportunity and power to transform
every negativity into everlasting love.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Faith is like electricity. You can't see it,
but you can see the light.
Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you get to the end of all the light you know
and  it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown,
faith  is knowing that one of two things shall happen:
either you will be given something solid to stand on,
or you will be taught how to fly.
Edward Teller

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Live and Let Live

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let Go and Let God

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Turn it Over

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Give time,
time.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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or
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Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 8
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition08.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 24
Today I am practicing looking at all beings
with the eyes of compassion.
Not only do I feel good when I come from a place of love
and understanding, I also feel useful and connected.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ALL- FEEL- BETT(er)

A-    stands for addict, WE all must admit
B-    is for BASIC, the TEXT  how to quit
C-    stands for come, coming to believe
D-    is the desire, each member should achieve
E-    stands for encouragement, show the newcomer you care
F-    is for feelings, that lose power as you share
G-    stands for God, who's  loving  as can be
H-    is for home group, a place meant for thee
I-    is the info, the "How And Why" brings your way
J-    is your journal and "Just For Today"
K-    stands for kindness, let it abound
L-    is for love, spread some around
M-    is for meetings, do ninety in a row
N-    is the newcomer, and just saying no
O-    is the obsession, the Steps take from you
P-    is for phone numbers, be sure to grab a few
Q-    is for quiet times, prayer and meditation are good
R-    is relapse prevention, make a plan like you should
S-    is for sponsor, dedicated and caring
T-    is the Twelve steps, your life they'll be sparing
U-    stands for unity, passing around greetings
V-    is your voice, at area meetings
W-    stands for WE, WE must never part
X-    is for x-ray, examine your heart
Y-    is your program, so fight the good fight
Z-    stands for zee's, giving thanks late at night
Do the A, B, C's of the program, as you go through each letter
And I guarantee ya, you'll ALL FEEL BETTER

Poem by Kevin K. 06/04/2003
www.recoveryjonescartoons.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great Info on Hepatitis
www.herointimes.com/apr01/hepc.html

Hepatitis Links
www.hep-links.com/index.php?id=30

Hepatitis Links
www.hepcassoc.org/relatedlinks.htm

Hooked On Crack
www.recoverylane.com/hooked1.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 24                        Twelve steps of life

"Through abstinence and through working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics
Anonymous, our lives have become useful"  Basic Text, p. 8

  Before coming to Narcotics Anonymous, our lives were centered around
using. For the most part, we had very little energy left over for jobs,
relationships, or other activities. We served only our addiction.

  The Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous provide a simple way to turn
our lives around. We start by staying clean, a day at a time. When our
energy is no longer channeled into our addiction, we find that we have
the energy to pursue other interests. As we grow in recovery, we
become able to sustain healthy relationships. We become trustworthy
employees. Hobbies and recreation seem more inviting. Through
participation in Narcotics Anonymous, we help others.

  Narcotics Anonymous does not promise us that we will find good jobs,
loving relationships, or a fulfilling life. But when we work the Twelve
Steps to the best of our ability, we find that we can become the type
of people who are capable of finding employment, sustaining loving
relationships, and helping others. We stop serving our disease, and
begin serving God and others. The Twelve Steps are the key to
transforming our lives.

Just for today: I will have the wisdom to use the Twelve Steps in
my life, and the courage to grow in my recovery I will practice my
program to become a responsible, productive member of society.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BROTHERS IN OUR DEFECTS

       We recovered alcoholics are not so much brothers in virtue as we
are brothers in our defects, and in our common strivings to overcome
them.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  167

  The identification that one alcoholic has with another is mysterious,
spiritual -- almost incomprehensible.  But it is there.  I "feel"
it.  Today I feel that I can help people and that they can help me.

  It is a new and exciting feeling for me to care for someone; to care
what they are feeling, hoping for, praying for; to know their sadness,
joy, horror, sorrow, grief; to want to share those feelings so that
someone can have relief I never knew how to do this -- or how to try.
I never even cared.  The Fellowship of A.A., and God, are teaching me
how to care about others.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 24th

A.A. Thought for the Day

It's been proved that we alcoholics can't get sober
by our willpower. We've failed again and again.
Therefore I believe there must be a Higher Power
which helps me. I think of that power as the grace of
God. And I pray to God every morning for the strength
to stay sober today. I know that power is there because
it never fails to help me. Do I believe that AA. works
through the grace of God?

Meditation for the Day

Once I am "born of the spirit," that is my life's breath.
Within me is the life of life, so that I can never perish.
The life that down the ages has kept God's children
through peril, adversity, and sorrow. I must try never
to doubt or worry, but follow where the life of the spirit
leads. How often, when little I know it, God goes before
me to prepare the way, to soften a heart, or to overrule
a resentment. As the life of the spirit grows, natural
wants become less important.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my life may become centered in God more than
in sell I pray that my will may be directed toward doing His will.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 24

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Lessons on the Job

Often, the spiritual and recovery lessons we're learning at work reflect the
lessons we're learning in other areas of our life.

Often, the systems we're attracted to in our working life are similar to the
systems in which we find ourselves living and loving. Those are the systems
that reflect our issues and can help us learn our lessons.

Are we slowly learning to trust ourselves at work? How about at home? Are we
slowly learning to take care of ourselves at work? How about at home? Are we
slowly learning boundaries and self-esteem, overcoming fear, and dealing
with feelings?

If we search back over our work history, we will probably see that it is a
mirror of our issues, our growth. It most likely is now too.

For today, we can believe that we are right where we need to be -- at home
and at work.

Today, I will accept my present circumstances on the job. I will reflect on
how what I am learning in my life applies to what I'm learning at work. If I
don't know, I will surrender to the experience until that becomes clear.
God, help me accept the work I have been given to do today. Help me be open
to and learn what I need to be learning. Help me trust that it can and will
be good.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Are You Dreaming Big Enough?, by Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/August/0897-14.html

Adversity Is Spiritual?
by Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche
www.innerself.com/Spirituality/gyatrul07313.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's Another Day
by Marie T. Russell

One of my favorite lines in the movie "Gone With The Wind" is when Scarlet
says "Tomorrow is another day". This line has given me hope many times when
the skies of my life were bleak and I couldn't see around the corner of
whatever challenge was facing me at the time. I would remind myself, that
after all, tomorrow was another day. No matter what it looked like at the
moment, I knew that tomorrow would bring perhaps a solution, or maybe simply
another perception of the situation I was in. I would remind myself that
things always get better eventually.
Anything can change tomorrow, or even today, or even this moment. We simply
have to keep the door open to the possibility of change -- keep our mind and
heart open to looking for a next step, a resolution of our dilemma. When we
give up, or when we think it's all hopeless, we stop looking for solutions
and we stop being open to the miracles that the Universe can send our way.

There are many things that we see when we look around us -- whether in our
household, in our work situation, in the world -- that are "far from
perfect". But, everything that exists today can be different tomorrow, or
the day after that. The important thing for us to remember is that there is
hope. I always like to say: As long as you're still breathing, there's still
hope. (And if you are confident in life after death, as I am, then you know
there's still hope after your body is no longer breathing.)

Nothing in our life, no matter how terrible it seems, is hopeless. Whether
later today or tomorrow, we still will have opportunities to "make it
better". Whether we are dealing with relationships, work situations, or
world crises -- it can all change. Nothing is ever always the same -- things
are in a constant process of change, and when we are setting our intentions
properly, the change is towards the betterment of our life situation.

I must say, I am rather enjoying seeing all the "dirt" coming out about the
corporations and CEOs involved. Not that I'm glad it all happened, but
rather I'm happy that it's all coming out in the open. After all, in order
to change or "heal" a situation, we must first realize and acknowledge that
there is something that needs healing. Thus all the shenanigans coming out
about Enron, WorldCom, AOL, Haliburton, and some of the major key players in
the US administration will finally give us a chance to "fix" the problems.
First we must see the problem -- then we go about resolving it. If we deny
that there is injustice, dishonesty, and corruption, then we also are
denying the possibility of "fixing" what is wrong in our world.

It is the same in our personal lives. If someone is in a battered
relationship, first they must acknowledge that the situation exists before
they can do something about it. We cannot decide to leave an abusive
marriage before acknowledging that something is unhealthy about the
relationship -- the same applies to work situations, financial situations,
etc. First we acknowledge that there is a problem, then we start looking to
see how to resolve it.

The important thing to remember when we see a problem -- or something that
needs balancing or a "course correction" -- is that we must simply "see the
problem". Getting into a barrage of blame and anger and guilt will not get
us any closer to a resolution. We must look at ourselves and at the people
around us (yes even politicians and CEOs) as small children who need a
"course correction". When you see a child about to do something that will
harm either themselves or others, you correct them -- yet we all know that
we can attract more bees with honey than vinegar. It is best to correct with
love and compassion and understanding, than to do so with retribution, rage,
and name-calling.

If we want to make changes in our lives and in the world around us, blame,
anger, and venom will not attain positive change. We need to focus on the
solution we want, focus on the outcome we desire, and see what steps we need
to take to attain that goal -- one step at a time, one day at a time.

After all, tomorrow is another day. We simply need to keep living our
today's with an eye on our tomorrows and make course corrections when
needed.

About The Author:
Marie T. Russell is the publisher of InnerSelf Magazine and The Natural
Yellow Pages. She produced a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner
Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal
growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and
reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity. Marie can be
reached at marie@... with personal comments and feedback, or to be
placed on a mailing list to be advised when her book becomes available.
www.innerself.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Explosives

Ever tried to stay away from something
that attracts and repulses you at the same time?
the ensuing inner battle can be unbearable
sometimes you win
often times you don't

You can skirt the issue
sneak around the bush
not seeing the forest for the trees
but digging to the root of the problem
to uncover what's buried there
is the only key of resolution

Where does it all begin?
what is hiding underneath that flat compacted soil of habit
where does it really hurt?

For attractions/addictions have core explosives
that lie in wait, ultrasensitive to the slightest provocation
and live for the sole purpose of destroying lives
built-in, foolproof

For total deactivation the core issues
need exposure, to be examined, handled
and delicately diffused in a bomb-shelter
an environment thick with safety

It's not enough to scratch the surface
or to jump right in the thick of things
gratifying the incessant urge tick-tock
for when you least expect it
the bomb shatters in your face
sometimes you can pick up the pieces again
sometimes you can't

our souls are not equipped to play with bombs

Love
Stella

İ2000 Stella Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A prayer I learned from a friend that was visiting
   the NA groups in Bangalore, India.......
Sarah Na4mejft@...

God.....

Bless all the addicts wherever they may be..

Bless those unfortunates who are in MOST need of recovery,

Look upon them with compassion and mercy and
lead them all to this wonderful fellowship,

That only through you they may help themselves
as you have helped us and thousands of others,
Bless those who are clean today,

Give grace to those who are on the way,

But God, please show compassion and mercy
to those who may never come.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Freedom

Freedom from using is not just from dope.
It's freedom from ego, too
You are no longer better than me.
I am not less than you.

Freedom is defined "to love".
And I can love today.
I am free to make a choice.
So now I choose to stay.

I am free to be myself.
And share myself with you.
I no longer have to wear a mask.
To myself I am finally true.

Freedom to commit to all of life.
Is the greatest gift of all.
No longer to live in a prison of self.
Together we tear down the wall.

Freedom is all of this and more.
Freedom is in the "we".
I free myself once and for all.
Freedom is you and me.

Meg M.
meg4how@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sit in a comfortable, safe place. Allow your attention to
drift inward. Ask yourself, "If I let love lead me in this
situation, where would I go and what would I do next?"

In the midst of a challenging situation, it takes great
strength to even ask yourself the simple question, "How can
I let love lead me now?"

If at first the answers don't come easily, don't be
discouraged. Just getting to the point where you can ask the
question shows that your intention is good and that you're
moving in the right direction. With practice, before long
you'll come to see this as one of your most powerful tools
for listening to your deeper wisdom.

John-Roger with Paul Kaye
From: Momentum, Letting Love Lead - Simple Practices for
Spiritual Living

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Even a thousand-mile journey begins with the first step.
Japanese Proverb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happiness is found in doing, not merely in possessing.
Napoleon Hill

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I don't have to lie to my friends anymore
I can get gut level honest down to the core
I don't have to pretend to be
Today, through NA I am free to be me.
Anne B.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

whomever you meet, remember this Truth:
Each person is a unique expression of God.
Even the person you consider the most vile is God's child too,
and has a core self that is never lost to our Creator.
We can bring to each encounter extraordinary respect,
looking always for that aspect of the Divine.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A resentment is like pissing on your own leg,
you are the only one who feels it
and everyone else can see it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you can't love everybody today,
at least try not to hurt anybody.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I used to shoot up and throw up,
now I suit up and show up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Show up,
Slow up,
Grow up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am doing
better than I am feeling......

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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Tradition 7
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition07.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your favorite recovery quote or slogan
What is your least favorite recovery quote or slogan
Please tell us why?
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 23
Today I can set my goals with the clear and confident knowledge
that I can only do one thing at a time and
take one step at a time towards that goal.
I do not need to wait until I reach
the goal to be happy and satisfied.
I am fulfilled with each step,
knowing that is all I can do in each moment.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Change Begins

As days go by I look within,
It seems the world is filled with sin,
And many times I see my face,
A worried frown is such disgrace.

While all the years I've wondered why,
It starts with just a little lie,
And being blind I cannot see,
The only one I fool is me.

I read of misery, death and woe,
It's in the hearts of some I know.
I get down on my knees and pray,
And ask the Lord for one more day.

For just today is all that's here,
To be so honest and sincere
In everything I say and do,
The change begins with me and you.


Sharlett Hunt
3/24/05İ
Sharlette863@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Tale of Tradition
www.storybin.com/sponsor/sponsor130.shtml

Gentle Soul
www.wisehearts.angelcities.com/TY.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
April 23                          A God of our own understanding 

"Many of us understand God to be simply whatever force keeps us
clean."   Basic Text, p. 25

  Some of us enter recovery with a working understanding of a Higher
Power for a lot of us, however, "God" is a troublesome word. We may
doubt the existence of any sort of Power greater than ourselves Or we
may remember uncomfortable experiences with religion and shy away
from "the God stuff:'"

  Starting over in recovery means we can start over in our spiritual
life, too. If we're not comfortable with what we learned when we were
growing up, we can try a different approach to our spirituality. We don't
have to understand everything all at once or find the answers to all our
questions right away. Sometimes it's enough just to know that other NA
members believe and that their belief helps keep them clean.

Just for today:  All I have to know right now about my Higher Power
is that it is the Power that helps keep me clean.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

SELF-HONESTY

The deception of others is nearly always rooted in the deception of
ourselves.  .  .  .  "When we are honest with another person, it confirms
that we have been honest with ourselves and with God
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  17

When I was drinking, I deceived myself about reality, rewriting it to what
I wanted it to be.  Deceiving others is a character defect -- even if it is
just stretching the truth a bit or cleaning up my motives so others would
think well of me.  My Higher Power can remove this character defect, but
first I have to help myself become willing to receive that help by not
practicing deception.  I need to remember each day that deceiving myself
about myself is setting myself up for failure or disappointment in life and
in Alcoholics Anonymous.  A close, honest relationship with a Higher Power
is the only solid foundation I've found for honesty with self and with
others.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 23rd

A.A. Thought for the Day

Men and women keep coming into A.A., licked by alcohol,
often given up by doctors as hopeless cases, they
themselves admitting they're helpless to stop drinking.
When I see these men and women get sober and stay
sober over a period of months and years, I know that
A.A. works. The change I see in people who come into
A.A. not only convinces me that A.A. works, but it also
convinces me that there must be a Power greater than
ourselves which helps us to make that change. Am I
convinced that a Higher Power can help me to change?

Meditation for the Day

Cooperation with God is the great necessity for our lives.
All else follows naturally. Cooperation with God is the
result of our consciousness of His presence. Guidance is
bound to come to us as we live more and more with God,
as our consciousness becomes more and more attuned to
the great Consciousness of the universe. We must have
many quiet times when we not so much ask to be shown
and led by God, as to feel and realize His presence. New
spiritual growth comes naturally from cooperation with God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that God may supply me with strength and show me
the direction in which He wants me to grow. I pray that
these things may come naturally from my cooperation with Him.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 23

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Opening Ourselves to Love

Allowing ourselves to receive love is one of the greatest challenges we face
in recovery.

Many of us have blocked ourselves from receiving love. We may have lived
with people who used love to control us. They would be there for us, but at
the high price of our freedom. Love was given, or withheld, to control us
and have power over us. It was not safe for us to receive love from these
people. We may have gotten accustomed to not receiving love, not
acknowledging our need for love, because we lived with people who had no
real love to give.

At some point in recovery, we acknowledge that we, too, want and need to be
loved. We may feel awkward with this need. Where do we go with it? What do
we do? Who can give us love? How can we determine who is safe and who isnt?
How can we let others care for us without feeling trapped, abused,
frightened, and unable to care for ourselves?

We will learn. The starting point is surrendering to our desire to be loved,
our need to be nurtured and loved. We will grow confident in our ability to
take care of ourselves with people. We will feel safe enough to let people
care for us; we will grow to trust our ability to choose people who are safe
and who can give us love.

We may need to get angry first -- angry that our needs have not been met.
Later, we can become grateful to those people who have shown us what we
don't want, the ones who have assisted us in the process of believing we
deserve love, and the ones who come into our life to love us.

We are opening up like flowers. Sometimes it hurts as the petals push open.
Be glad. Our heart is opening up to the love that is and will continue to be
there for us.

Surrender to the love that is there for us, to the love that people, the
Universe, and our Higher Power send our way.

Surrender to love, without allowing people to control us or keep us from
caring for ourselves. Start by surrendering to love for yourself.

Today, I will open myself to the love that is here for me. I will let myself
receive love that is safe, knowing I can take care of myself with people. I
will be grateful to all the people from my past who have assisted me in my
process of opening up to love. I claim, accept, and am grateful for the love
that is coming to me.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Guide To Positive Movies On Video
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/August/0897-04.html

Actively  Creating Peace, by Pema  Chödrön
www.innerself.com/Meditation/Actively_Creating_Peace.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Becoming Angelic

by Terry Lynn Taylor

Spiritual creativity is a way of life, a way of wholeness. It is a path of
integrity. Integrity entails not just a few beliefs or specific acts, but an
attitude that we adopt and practice in our everyday lives. Loving yourself,
falling back in love with yourself as a child of God, is the first step in
the process of spiritual integrity. The word "process" is important; this is
not an overnight or a sudden change you make in your life, but rather an
ongoing process that can bring you much joy.

Is there any better feeling than truly expressing your own special brand of
love to the world? This takes spiritual integrity, walking your talk, and
the angels teach you this integrity through creativity.

Become A Co-Creator
Creating character is also a process of becoming more angelic. By angelic, I
don't mean becoming or continuing to be "nice". "Niceness" is a screen we
use to control and to decide whether we like others. "Oh, they are so nice,"
we say. What does this mean? Usually it means that they have done just what
we wanted them to do. Angels aren't always "nice," meaning they don't always
do exactly what we want them to do. No matter what, the angels are always
true to the Creator. Spiritual integrity is creative wholeness. We are
co-creators, and we have the choice to create a beautiful, spiritual
existence for ourselves.

At some point, we experience a revelation and the angels show us that to be
truly happy is to be of service to the Creator out of joy and love. Our
lives then become a creative journey for the glory of God.

I know in my heart that the angels want us to co-create more hope, joy,
beauty, peace, and love for the world. If we took all of these wonderful
qualities out of the picture, we would have a gray, dreary world with few
happy people. Sometimes when I watch the news or pay too close attention to
the negative events in the world, I start to think the beautiful aspects of
life are becoming extinct. It is up to us to keep hope, joy, beauty, peace,
and love alive on the earth, and the best way we can do this is with our own
creativity.

Angels cannot ignore the basic principles that build strength of character.
Even if there were an easy way out, they wouldn't provide it. Angels are
always loving, and they want us to start finding pure love, which is a basic
energy, not a condition of "niceness" and being liked by others. Becoming
angelic doesn't mean pleasing everyone; it means staying true to yourself,
your values, your integrity, your Creator.

If you think you don't have values, integrity, or a Creator, then this may
seem impossible to you; but even so, you can begin to develop integrity and
become aware of your values and your Creator. The angels are here to help
you. Let the angels know that you are willing to help them increase the
light and co-create beauty, love, hope, joy, and peace on earth. The angels
are actively recruiting volunteers now, and they have chosen you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Give it all up and you get it all back.
I believe that this is an immensely potent formula
for finding freedom and joy in living.
Every time I have put this principle in action, it has worked.
Whenever I have let go of something,
God has either given it back to me,
or given me something better,
or shown me that I'm better off without it.
More and more, I have come to see that God
is always giving us exactly what we need for our highest good,
and at no cost to anyone.

Alan Cohen, The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Shapeshifters

While sitting in the garden
walking on the lawn
sauntering down a country road
Beauty may come upon you
springing wings out of nowhere
in splendid colours and shapes and forms
unexpectedly

What it used to be as a wriggly black or brown pupa
is now a gathering of delicate scales that shimmer
in gold sunlight, glow in silver moonlight
unfurling wings trustingly daringly
to a cold dangerous world
changing shape before our eyes
the iridescence a magical gift
alive but for some hours
a butterfly

Somewhat like love, isn't it ~
appears when you least expect it
taking on myriad shapes and forms
a constant change in motion
from one moment to the next
a display of shifting colours never seen before
shimmering in rainbow qualities
flashing its own light
just pay close attention

But unlike butterflies
love can stay and grow for a very long time
Butterfly collection taken one level further
Instead of keeping it captive under glass
its freedom holds your heart
on its wings

Love
Stella
İ2000 Stella Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spirit Sings

Some other time
Some other place
God has granted me grace
Maybe it was another life God knows
I have suffered so much strife
I have always choose
The way I wanted to go
But this time will be different
I will move real slow
I love life today
It's a better way
The other times
I had to have
Someone or something
To make me happy
This time is different
I am in control of how I feel
This time I need no one
I am happy
Content and whole
This is another story
How my life went
I thank God
For each and every day
I pass on His blessing
With kind things I say
This life I will enjoy
Easy and slow
Being
Careful of
Places I go
I will avoid
People places an things
So for today
My spirit
Sings

Daniel M Corkery
11/12/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Drugs!

Can't face reality?
Take drugs
Life becomes a calamity
It's not so bad
Don't be sad
Take that next shot
Pop some pills
Run and Hide
That's what kills
Those feelings inside
Can't stand the pain?
Take a downer
Collapse a vein
Become a loner
Nobody understands!
Nobody cares!
Throw up your hands
In despair
It's gotten worse
Gotta have drugs everyday
Feeling no remorse
Life is a deadly price to pay
In the end there's no hope
You've given up
You can longer cope
Things have gone amuck
There's an easy way out
You have a choice
If you have any doubt
Listen to that inner voice
Someone cares
Someone understands
There are snares
and there are quicksands
Learn responsibility
Get rid of confusion
Get rid of anxiety
It's not an illusion
Life is GREAT
Without the Drugs
Lose the hate
Accept the hugs
Get a glimpse of the good life
On life itself you can get high
Drugs don't care if you die!

Written by Dyanne E. 7/14/90
Cleandate 4/2/93
Dyanne4293@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Each of you must understand that you are a spiritual entity who lives in
relationship with the universe, and that you can obtain everything you need
from the inexhaustible worlds of the soul and spirit.  This will give your
life meaning, and you will no longer feel the need to run after ephemeral
gains.  So beware: even if social and material success appear ever more
convincingly to be the only ways to guarantee your security these days, you
must not give them priority, because sooner or later you will be forced to
admit that this was an illusion.  If your worth and competency have been
recognized and you are offered an important position in one field or
another, accept it if you wish.  But be vigilant, and never abandon what is
essential: the nourishment of your soul and spirit.
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Look at life as an energy economy game.
Each day, ask yourself, "Are my energy expenditures
(actions, reactions, thoughts, and feelings)
productive or nonproductive?
During the course of my day,
have I accumulated more stress or more peace?
The HeartMath Solution, Doc Childre and Howard Martin

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A person is not hurt so much by what happens,
as by his opinion of what happens.
Michel de Montaigne

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To be at one with God is to be at peace...
peace is to be found only within,
and unless one finds it there he will never find it at all.
Peace lies not in the external world.
It lies within one's own soul.
Ralph W. Trine

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is not how much you do, but how much love you put
into the doing and sharing with others that is important.
Try not to judge people.
If you judge others then you are not giving love.
Mother Teresa

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

An expectation is a premeditated resentment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God will heal your broken heart,
if you will give Him all the pieces.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Had the eyes no tears,
the soul would have no rainbow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Praying is asking God for help,
meditating is listening for God's answer.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 6
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition06.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 22
Today I will be aware not to judge myself
when I feel less than perfect.
I am beginning to love myself
just as I am and that feels so nice.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Elevator's Broken, Take the Steps to Set You Free

If you work Step One, you'll know without a doubt
that the disease of addiction really wiped you out
Only Step Two can give you the Hope
that a Higher Power will help you to cope

And Step 3 will help you do God's will
coz there's an empty place inside us all that only God can fill

When you're ready to be honest & look at your past
A Fearless & Moral inventory is all we ask
Then share it with a friend and relieve your hell
coz 1 addict helping another is without parallel

Step 6 is being willing to finally let go
of the security of familiar pain our defects often show
And if you are able to be humble and sincere
Ask God to take those defects & walk you thru the fear

Then, write a list of the people you have hurt
and make amends for treating them like dirt
Then on a daily basis, when you make a mistake
Promptly admit it & give yourself a break!

Then, prayer & meditation to the God you've come to know
and Spread the message of recovery to help other addicts grow
AND no matter what, remember..as you seek recovery..
The Elevator's broken, take the Steps to set you free!!!

Randi7258@...
Miami Beach, Florida

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Denial
www.denialqueen.com/denial.html

Insanity
www.denialqueen.com/insanity.html

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday
www.mrmom.amaonline.com/special/beginningtoday.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today

April 22                              Traveling the open road

"This is our road to spiritual growth." Basic Text, p. 35

When we arrived at our first NA meeting, it looked like the end of the
road to many of us. We weren't going to be able to use anymore. We were
spiritually bankrupt. Most of us were totally isolated and didn't
think we
had much to live for Little did we realize that, as we began our program
of recovery, we were stepping onto a road of unlimited possibilities.

At first, just not using was tough enough. Yet, as we watched other
addicts working the steps and applying those principles in their lives,
we began to see that recovery was more than just not using. The lives
of our NA friends had changed. They had a relationship with the God of
their understanding. They were responsible members of the fellowship
and of society. They had a reason to live. We began to believe these
things were possible for us, too.

As we continue our recovery journey, we can get sidetracked by
complacency, intolerance, or dishonesty. When we do, we need to
recognize the signs quickly and get back on our path—the open
road to freedom and growth.

Just for today:  I am continuing to develop my spiritual, social, and
general living skills by applying the principles of my program. I can
travel as far as I wish on the open road of recovery.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Love And Fear As Opposites

All these failings generate fear, a soul-sickness in its own right.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  49

"Fear knocked at the door; faith answered; no one was there."  I don't
know
to whom this quote should be attributed, but it certainly indicates
clearly
that fear is an illusion.  I create the illusion myself.

I experienced fear early in my life and I mistakenly thought that the
mere
presence of it made me a coward.  I didn't know that one of the
definitions
of "courage" is "the willingness to do the right thing in spite of
fear."  Courage, then, is not necessarily the absence of fear.

During the times I didn't have love in my life I most assuredly had
fear.  To fear God is to be afraid of joy.  In looking back, I realize
that, during the times I feared God most, there was no joy life.  As I
learned not to fear God, I also learned to experience joy.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 22nd

A.A. Thought for the Day

People believe in A.A. when they see it work. An actual
demonstration is what convinces them. What they read
in books, what they hear people say doesn't always
convince them. But when they see a real honest-to-goodness
change take place in a person, a change from a drunkard
to a sober, useful citizen, that's something they can
believe because they can see it. There's really only one
thing that proves to me that A.A. works. Have I seen the
change in people who come into A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

Divine control and unquestioning obedience to God are the
only conditions necessary for a spiritual life. Divine
control means absolute faith and trust in God, a belief
that God is the Divine Principle in the universe and that
He is the intelligence and the Love that controls the universe.
Unquestioning obedience to God means living each day the
way you believe God wants you to live, constantly seeking
the guidance of God in every situation and being willing to
do the right thing at all times.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may always be under Divine Control and
always practice unquestioning obedience to God. I pray
that I may be always ready to serve Him.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 22

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Coping With Stress

Inevitably, there are times of stress in our lives, no matter how long
we've been in recovery.

Sometimes, the stress is outside or around us. We're feeling balanced,
but our circumstances are stressful. Sometimes, the stress is within;
we feel out of balance.

When the stress is external and internal, we experience our most
difficult times.

During stressful times, we can rely more heavily on our support
systems. Our friends and groups can help us feel more balanced and
peaceful in spite of our stressful conditions.

Affirming that the events taking place are a temporarily uncomfortable
part of a good, solid plan can help. We can assure ourselves that we
will get through. We won't be destroyed. We won't crumple or go under.

It helps to go back to the basics to focus on detachment, dealing with
feelings, and taking life one day at a time.

Our most important focus during times of stress is taking care of
ourselves. We are better able to cope with the most irregular
circumstances; we are better able to be there for others, if we're
caring for ourselves. We can ask ourselves regularly: What do we need
to do to take care of ourselves? What might help us feel better or
more comfortable?

Self-care may not come as easily during times of stress. Self-neglect
may feel more comfortable. But taking care of us always works.

Today, I will remember that there is no situation that can't be
benefited by taking care of myself.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What Goes Around
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/August/0897-02.html

Accidents  & Synchronicity:
Messages from the Soul
by  Ashok Bedi, M.D
www.innerself.com/Spirituality/accidents.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Are Relationships Our Mirrors?
by Shakti Gawain

If we learn to see our relationships as the wonderfully accurate mirrors
they are, revealing to us where we need to go with our own inner
process, we
can see much about ourselves that we would otherwise have a great deal of
difficulty learning.

One of the biggest differences between the path of the material world, the
path of transcendence, and the path of transformation is in how we
view our
relationships.

On the material path we see relationships as an end in themselves. We form
relationships of various kinds in order to satisfy our needs for love,
companionship, security, stimulation, sexual fulfillment, financial
stability, and so on. Our focus tends to be on the external form of the
relationship and on what is being exchanged, be it friendship, work,
affection, respect, money, or security. Because we view relationships
primarily in the light of getting needs met, we tend to try to control
them,
to try to make them the way we want them. Consciously or unconsciously, we
try to manipulate other people in order to get what we want from them. The
control we assert limits how we experience our relationships.

On the path of transcendence, relationships are often viewed as
impediments
that keep us from evolving beyond the physical form. Because our
relationships bring out all of our human feelings, needs, and emotional
attachments, they are seen as distractions and thus detrimental to our
spiritual journey. People who are seriously committed to the transcendent
path try to stay as unattached as possible. Since sexuality is such a
strong
force physically and emotionally, involving our animal instincts and human
feelings, it is often looked upon as the opposite of spirituality.
Therefore, many devotees of the transcendent path either take a vow of
celibacy and try to avoid sex altogether, or they try to transmute it
into a
"higher" energy, following sacred disciplines that keep the experience
focused on its spiritual aspects.

Embracing Our Humanness
On the path of transformation we embrace both our humanness and our
spirituality. Instead of attempting to escape or ignore them, we honor our
human needs for relationship, and we learn to be more conscious of how to
communicate those needs and how to take good care of ourselves and each
other in the process. We also recognize that we are spiritual beings, not
limited to our human form and emotions, but connected to the unlimited
oneness of the universe. Rather than denying our sexuality, we embrace
it as
one of the most important expressions of our life force.

On the path of transformation there is a further vital step we must take,
one that allows us to have a different perspective on relationships
than we
would if we followed a material or spiritual path. On the transformational
path we need to recognize that our relationships can be powerful mirrors,
reflecting back to us what we need to learn. When we learn how to use
these
reflections, our relationships can become one of the most powerful avenues
we have for becoming conscious.

Our primary relationship is really with ourselves. Each of us is
involved in
developing all aspects of our being and bringing them into
relationship with
one another -- becoming whole. Our relationships with other people
continually reflect exactly where we are in that process. For example, for
many years I yearned to find the right man to be my life partner. I
created
many relationships with men who were unavailable or inappropriate in
certain
ways. Eventually, I realized they were reflecting my own inner ambivalence
about committed relationship and the ways that I didn't truly love myself.
It was only after I did some deep emotional healing work, learning to
truly
love and be committed to myself, that I met a wonderful man who is now my
husband.

If we learn to see our relationships as the wonderfully accurate mirrors
they are, revealing to us where we need to go with our own inner
process, we
can see much about ourselves that we would otherwise have a great deal of
difficulty learning. Any and every relationship in our lives -- with our
friends, co-workers, neighbors, our children and other family members as
well as our primary partners -- can be a reflection to us in this way.
Even
an encounter with a stranger can sometimes be an important learning
experience.

It's very difficult to look inside ourselves and see what's going on in
there -- particularly to see what we're unaware of. That's why it's
important
to look at our relationships as mirrors of our inner processes. Used
in this
way, relationships become one of the most valuable sources of healing and
teaching in our lives. To understand how this works, we need to remind
ourselves that we each, through our individual consciousness, create and
shape how we experience external reality. This is as true in our
relationships as in every other area of our lives -- the relationships we
create and shape reflect back to us what we are holding within our
consciousness. We draw to us and are drawn to people who match and reflect
some aspect of ourselves.

Generally, we find that the easiest people to get along with are those who
reflect aspects of ourselves that we feel comfortable with and accept --
reflections of our primary selves, or complementary energies that we
appreciate. These are usually people who we consciously seek out or are
drawn to in everyday friendship. If you are primarily a physically active
person who loves sports, you may feel most comfortable with people who are
similarly athletic. On the other hand, you may also enjoy a relationship
with a friend who is somewhat more intellectual and less physical than you
because it stretches your mind in a way that you accept and enjoy -- it
stimulates a less-developed aspect of you in a way that is comfortable and
non-confrontational. Your friend is reflecting your intellectual self, and
you may be reflecting his or her physical or athletic self. In this case,
you are both comfortable with the reflections you are receiving, so the
relationship is a harmonious one.

Do Opposites Repel or Attract?
The people in our lives who make us uncomfortable, who annoy us, who
we feel
judgmental or even combative toward, reflect parts of ourselves that we
reject -- usually aspects of our disowned selves, the shadow side of our
personality. If you are a gentle, soft-spoken person, you may be very
irritated by a person who seems loud and pushy. Or if you are a direct,
outspoken person you may feel uncomfortable with those who hold back and
seem overly timid. The fact is that in both cases you are mirroring each
other's disowned energies. The quiet person is being shown their
undeveloped
assertive side, and the aggressive person is being shown their undeveloped
reflective side.

Oftentimes we find ourselves attracted to our opposites -- people who have
developed opposite qualities from the ones we most identify with. In these
relationships, we are unconsciously seeking to become whole, and drawn to
people who express those energies that are undeveloped in our own
personalities. On some level, we recognize that they have the potential to
help us become more balanced.

People who express our opposite aspects can be our most powerful
teachers if
we allow them to be. But first we must acknowledge that they express
what we
need to develop in ourselves. Early in a relationship, we often sense that
the other person is bringing us exactly what we need. It is, in fact,
their
differentness that is so attractive to us. However, unless we are able to
acknowledge that this person is offering us a reflection of something we
need to see in ourselves, the differentness that drew us to them can
become
a major source of conflict. After a while, we may begin to resent them for
the ways they are different and begin trying to change them to be more
like
us!

Of course, it's important in any relationship to learn constructive
ways to
communicate honestly about our needs, our likes and dislikes, and so
forth.
However, along with letting the other person know our feelings, including
ways we might wish they would change, we need to remind ourselves that we
brought them into our lives to teach and inspire us to develop new aspects
of ourselves. Our challenge, then, is to be open to discovering the
parts of
ourselves that they mirror for us, and to learn how we can express those
parts of ourselves more in our own lives.

Difficulties we are having in our relationships often mirror parts of
ourselves that we need to heal. Such difficulties may involve a family
member, a close friend, a coworker, or even people with whom we have
only a
brief encounter, such as a clerk in a store.

If you are having difficulty with a present relationship, or if you
frequently encounter certain kinds of difficult people -- for example, a
needy person or a person who doesn't respect your boundaries -- take a
moment to look closely at what they are reflecting.

Begin by closing your eyes and relaxing for a few moments. Then bring to
mind a difficult relationship. Think about what, exactly, bothers you
about
this person. What quality or trait does this person have that makes you
uncomfortable or that you judge?

Once you have identified the quality or qualities that bother you, ask
yourself what the positive aspect or essence of that quality might be. For
example, if you see them as lazy, what could be the positive aspect of
laziness? It could be the ability to relax.

Ask yourself how it might benefit you to develop a bit more of that
quality
in yourself. Could it help you find more balance in your life? If you are
judging someone as lazy, for example, chances are you are a very active,
driven type of person who could benefit from developing a greater
ability to
relax. This person is a mirror, reflecting the disowned quality of
relaxation to you, so that you can become more aware of what you need to
develop.

Here are some other examples: If you find someone too needy, they may be
reflecting the disowned part of you that has emotional needs. You may
be too
identified with strength and self-sufficiency and need to get more in
touch
with your vulnerability. If you find someone too domineering, perhaps you
are overly timid and need to develop more assertiveness. If you judge
someone as selfish, it's possible that you are too giving.

Remember that you don't need to become like this person. They may be
too far
to the extreme or expressing themselves in a distorted way. However,
you can
use the discomfort of this relationship to help you discover the essential
qualities you need to develop in order to feel more whole and fulfilled.

Once you have identified what quality this person is reflecting to you,
imagine yourself having integrated more of that quality in yourself.
Imagine
yourself more able to relax, for example, or more able to show your
vulnerability in close relationships, or more assertive, or more able to
receive.

This article is excerpted from the book "The Path of Transformation" by
Shakti Gawain, İ2000. Reprinted with permission from New World Library,
Novato, CA, USA, 94949. www.newworldlibrary.com

About The Author:
SHAKTI GAWAIN is an internationally renowned leader in the human potential
movement. Her many bestselling books, including Creative Visualization,
Living in the Light, and Creating True Prosperity, have sold more than six
million copies in thirty languages world. She leads workshops
internationally and has facilitated thousands of individuals in developing
greater balance and wholeness in their lives. For more info, visit her
website at http://www.shaktigawain.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ritual of the Morn

Poised on the opening edge of the day
Like a little kid sitting on a rock by the river bank
dangling my feet in moist free air
I watch the river rush by
images flash reflections to capture

The first meal is to scoop up a bit of the river
with my pen-line, the flow as bait:
writing is like feeding myself
the ink life-serum for my soul
the page the ever-hungry, always-thirsty
receptacle blotter leafs
that line my pantry shelves

I am always hungry in the early morning
my dreams have tantalized my imagination
with apéritifs that pique a curious appetite
so I nibble, listening to messages the birds bring on their wings
hearing the wind whisper about the night
gazing at what the trees are wearing
never exhausted by the rushing gushing river
never satisfied, never satiated

A ritual to open wide my hours
A spiritual reconnaissance
The best meal of the day

Love
Stella
İ2000 Stella Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Still I Rise
written by : Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Misty

I felt the vision coming for me once again
as if it were a misty tidal wave of revelation
just beyond the layers of gossamer curtains
with the merest hint of subtle illumination
And it's not that it doesn't offer any courtesy
when it resolves to come a call'in unto me
but rather that it simply must manifest itself
whenever its secret clock determines it is time
I know its message is important for my soul
although I have no feeling yet as to the why
because there is something acutely captivating
in its insistent and consistent presence within me
Although I realize that trying to force it into focus
only compels it to grow dimmer and more obscure
sometimes I'm just seduced into trying to define it
even though I know it already has its own meaning
But to stand at the threshold of a critical unveiling
and be denied access to the keys of understanding
is maddening and the frustration feels unbearable
at times while I await for it to reveal itself unto me
So I am trying to learn to embrace that it exists at all
and trust that it will come to me when it's time for me to know

dennis j hopkins
mrseven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When Your

When your down and feeling low
When your confused
Which way to go
Pick up
The phone
Give sponsor a call
When no ones home
To keep you from a fall
Say a prayer maybe two
Turn to God
He will help you
To get through
We all get weary Somedays
Especially when we are trying
To change our old ways
Life sometimes
Is so confusing
It will not get better
If you return to using
Turn to God
When
No ones home
Remember
Your never alone
When you join us today
You are a member
Go to meetings
Get many numbers
You will never
Be alone
So always
Remember
We love you
We will be here
Always ready too
Help you

Daniel M Corkery
4/14/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Pray

I opened my eyes
At the dawn of this day
God sits besides me as I pray
I confess my short comings
My anger and my fear
I feel great all day long
Cause Gods angels are always near
God sends His helpers from heaven above
For He is truly the God of love
Help my brothers and sisters
In their trials and tribulations
Bless the leaders of all the nations
God your humble servant
Prays this prayer
Let me help others
And show that I care
I pray for that brother
Who confided in me
I pray for all in recovery
God I'm grateful for another day
Grant me strength
As I make my way
God give me victory
Over my lust
I'm serving
You God
You have my trust
In and by Gods grace
Let me find only good today
And overlook the bad
Along the way
For today I choose
To be happy
Not sad
Very grateful
And not mad
For these are the best days
I've ever had
God please use me
Keep me aware
I want everyone to know
You are there
To help them and care
I pray God
Remove my fear
I'll will always know
You God are near

Daniel M Corkery
2/9/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

All I have is today, this moment, now.
I can spend this moment making it the best moment yet
with fearlessness, trust, courage, confidence, faith and love
or I can waste it with doubt, anxiety, worry,
regret, anger, fear, distress and hurt.
Knowing that whichever way I choose determines the experiences I will
have,
I choose to use the opportunity of each moment to live my life
to the fullest, always choosing love.
Copyright 2000 Carol A James.  All rights reserved.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Those who enjoy the greatest lives are not extraordinary people,
or even ordinary people with something added.
They are not necessarily the wealthiest or most professionally acclaimed.
Those who sparkle with aliveness are
ordinary people with nothing taken away.
They have not lost their wonder of the moment.
They cherish the presence of a friend;
they marvel when a child takes their hand.
They find a gift in each moment of living.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.
J. Andrews

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

the largest room in the world is the room for improvement
gods little book of promises

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't analyze the program,
utilize the program.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People may fail you,
but the program won't.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is a program of change and spiritual progress.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery is like the mafia,
you can't quit this and live safely.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Clutterer's Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 5
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition05.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 21
It feels terrific letting go of perfection as my goal.
As I let go of my judgments,
all parts of me come together and I feel complete.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I'm Counting My Blessings

I know I've been blessed,
But why, I can't say,
Good things just keep happening
In my life today!
I looked up and asked Him,
Now, how can this be,
That all this is given to someone like me?
The spring of my life,
Overflowing with gladness,
Burst forth from a pit
Full of darkness and sadness.
My eyes, like a lamp,
From my soul you can see,
All the miracles of life,
That are happening to me!
I'm counting my blessings,
And, just for today,
I know that God loves me
And wants it this way!

Sharlett Hunt
Sharlette863@...
4/13/03

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God Within
www.wisehearts.angelcities.com/gw.htm

On The Wagon
www.onthewagon.org/index2.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today

April 21                                          Fear


"We have found that we had no choice except to completely
change our old ways of thinking or go back to using."  Basic Text, p. 21

Many of us find that our old ways of thinking were dominated by fear.
We were afraid that we wouldn't be able to get our drugs or that there
wouldn't be enough. We feared discovery, arrest, and incarceration.
Further down the list were fears of financial problems, homelessness,
overdose, and illness. And our fear controlled our actions.

The early days of recovery weren't a great deal different for many
of us; then, too, fear dominated our thinking. "What if staying clean
hurts too much?" we asked ourselves. "What if I can't make it? What
if the people in NA don't like me? What if NA doesn't work?" The fear
behind these thoughts can still control our behavior, keeping us from
taking the risks necessary to stay clean and grow. It may seem easier
to resign ourselves to certain failure, giving up before we start,
than to
risk everything on a slim hope. But that kind of thinking leads only to
relapse.

To stay clean, we must find the willingness to change our old ways of
thinking. What has worked for other addicts can work for us—but we
must be willing to try it. We must trade in our old cynical doubts for
new affirmations of hope. When we do, we'll find it's worth the risk.

Just for today:  I pray for the willingness to change my old ways of
thinking, and for the ability to overcome my fears.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Anger: A "Dubious Luxury"

If we were to live, we had to be free of anger.  The grouch and the
brainstorm were not for us.  They may be the dubious luxury of the normal
men, but for alcoholics these things are poison.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.  66

"Dubious luxury." How often have I remembered those words.  It's not just
anger that's best left to nonalcoholics; I built a list including
justifiable resentment, self-pity, judgmentalism, self-righteousness,
false
pride and false humility.  I'm always surprised to read the actual
quote.  So well have the principles of the program been drummed into me
that I keep thinking all of these defects are listed too.  Thank God I
can't afford them -- or I surely would indulge in them.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 21st

A.A. Thought for the Day

After we've been in A.A. for a while, we find out that
if we're going to stay sober, we have to be humble people.
The men and women in A.A. who have achieved sobriety
are all humble people.  When I stop to think that but for
the grace of God I might be drunk right now, I can't help
feeling humble.  Gratitude to God for His grace makes me
humble.  When I think of the kind of person I was not so
long ago, when I think of the person I left behind me, I
have nothing to be proud of.  Am I grateful and humble?

Meditation for the Day

I must arise from the death of sin and selfishness and put
on a new life of integrity.  All the old sins and temptations
must be laid in the grave and a new existence rise from
the ashes.  Yesterday is gone.  All my sins are forgiven if
I am honestly trying to do God's will today.  Today is here,
the time of resurrection and renewal.  I must start now,
today, to build a new life of complete faith and trust in God
and a determination to do His will in all things.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may share in making the world a better place
to live in.  I pray that I may do what I can to bring goodness
a little nearer to the earth.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Power of Thoughts

In 1922, Egypt hailed the discovery of King Tut's
tomb by archaeologist Harold Carter.
On the walls of the tomb, the magicians in the king's court
had scrawled that a severe punishment would befall
anyone distrurbing the contents of the burial site.

Over the next ten years, more than twenty people involved
with the excavation died suddenly or mysteriously.

Whether you call it a curse or a hypnotic suggestion
of sorts, what we're talking about is the tremendous
impact that suggestions have on us.
We're talking about the power of belief.

Many of us spend thousands of dollars in therapy
and years of our lifetime disentangling our thoughts
from the belief of our parents, belief that were passed
on to them by their parents, and their grandparents,
and even further on down the ancestral line.

Sometimes, the effects of other people's thoughts
are less blatant, and even more controlling.
We can react instinctively to the silent demands
of a spouse or lover, or a boss.
They smile or frown-or just look at us-and
we know what they mean and expect.
Sometimes a casual comment by a friend
can send us into a tailspin when he or she suggests,
You can't do that; it won't work. Do it this way.
Months later, when the way we're trying
to do it isn't working out and we still keep trying and wonder why,
we look back and say, "Oh. My friend told me
to do it this way.
Maybe he was wrong."

An important part of living in harmony
with others mean we enjoy doing things that please them,
and we don't unnecessarily or maliciously
hurt those with whom we interact.
And important part of being true to ourselves means
checking ourselves from time to time to see if the things we're doing
are really what we want, or if we're just a puppet
and someone else is pulling our strings.

God, help me respect the power of belief.

Melody Beattie İ

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Letters Of Wisdom and Affirmations, Louise Hay
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/September/0997-21.html

Accessing Spiritual Direction
by Wayne W. Dyer
www.innerself.com/Spirituality/direction_8222.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Is Your Personality Making You Sick?
by Carol Ritberger, Ph.D.

Each one of us is born with inherent personality traits, meaning our
biological genetic coding, which determine the way our brain develops and
how our personality expresses itself. That is our core part. Our
personality
traits reveal themselves at a very early age and remain constant
throughout
our entire lives. They direct the way we act and how we think, and they
establish our learned personality characteristics. Traits create our
involuntary habits that determine the course our lives will take. They
decide our preferred way of gathering information and how we draw
conclusions from the information we take in. Personality traits influence
the choice of words we use to communicate with others, as well as how we
learn. Our personality traits are responsible for our brain
functioning and
its normal neurobiological and biochemical reactions. They establish the
electrochemical dialogue that takes place between the brain, the endocrine
system, and the physical body.

The learned parts of personality are called characteristics.
Characteristics
are the behavioral patterns that we develop as a result of what we have
learned. They reflect our biographical history, and they are what makes us
unique. They are the distinguishing qualities that differentiate us from
others, and they establish our identity and how we express that
identity to
the outside world. Characteristics are responsible for the formation of
habits, comfort zones, quirks, and idiosyncratic behavioral patterns.
In the
human energy system, our personality characteristics are reflected within
the emotional layer of energy. They provide the biographical information
that reveals itself through our emotional reactions.

Traits + Characteristics = Personality Type
When you combine personality traits and characteristics, you define
personality type, meaning the consistent, predictable patterns that drive
the way we live and why we act the way we do. Personality type represents
the orderly arrangement through which we form our perceptions, attitudes,
beliefs, and values. Using the premise of personality type as a
categorical
formula makes it easier to understand and identify why people are
different.

Think of your personality type as your automatic pilot. It creates the
involuntary behavioral patterns necessary for you to function and survive.
Its inherent traits create your own personal road map, which guides the
outward direction you take in life. Its characteristics influence what you
become. It affects your self-image, self-esteem, self-confidence, and
self-worth. It motivates you, creates your irritations, and controls
stress
and how that stress affects you. Personality impacts the way you face
life's
challenges and the coping mechanisms you develop. It is the organizing
principle that affects your sense of reality and spirituality. It greatly
impacts your health and overall sense of well-being.

The History of Personality Type
For centuries, psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians have studied
personality. They have provided conclusive evidence that human beings do
have distinct personality traits and characteristics that make them
different from one another, and that personality affects both mental
health
and physical health. The first person to classify personality by type was
Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine. He proposed that there were
four distinct personality types. His theory was that a person's
personality
type determines their vulnerability to mental dysfunction and their
susceptibility to illness. Ever since he declared his findings, there have
been many others who have formed their own theories around personality and
illness.

In the 19th century, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud developed his own
detailed
theory of personality. His underlying assumption was that the body is the
sole source of mental energy. He approached personality only from the
mental
perspective. Soon after Freud's theory was made public, psychiatrist Carl
Jung proposed his own comprehensive theory to explain how personality type
affects every aspect of a person's life.

Like Hippocrates, Jung postulated that there were four personality types
dominated by four distinct modes of psychological functioning: thinking,
feeling, sensing, and intuition. While we do have the capacity to use all
four of these functions, he theorized, we do not develop them equally.

Jung also believed that people are multisensory in their psychological
functioning and do not rely on just the five senses (sight, hearing,
touch,
taste, smell) for the gathering of information. Jung was of the
opinion that
the differences in people were the result of inherited core psychological
functions associated with how a person gathers information and makes
decisions. Through his work, he became aware of basic attractions and
aversions that people have toward other people, and he noticed that those
same attractions and aversions also related to tasks and life events. The
more Jung worked with his theory, the better he understood what drives
behavior, and the easier it was for him to see personality patterns that
make people different.

According to most of the personality theories, we each have within our own
personality type both strengths and weaknesses that are primarily
determined
by the genetic neurological hard-wiring found within our personality
traits.
The more we function within our inherent traits (strengths), the stronger
and more confident we become, the stronger our sense of reality, the more
control we have over our lives, and the better equipped we are to make the
choices that create the life and health we want. We are in a stronger
position to take advantage of and maximize the opportunities that life
sets
before us.

If we function outside our core traits and work from our underdeveloped
psychological functions (weaknesses), then life loses its
synchronicity. We
become energetically drained, mentally confused, and experience physical
discomfort. Our lives feel as if they are out of control, and we have a
strong sense of being detached from life. We feel emotionally numb,
and our
thinking becomes fuzzy. We become mentally immobilized and chemically
out of
balance. These chemical imbalances create a fight-or-flight stress
reaction
in the physical body, and that stress response hinders our ability to
think
clearly to an even greater extent. As a result, we find ourselves
caught up
in a vicious cycle of psychological and emotional behavioral patterns that
prevent us from getting where we want to go. In the end, we leave
ourselves
vulnerable to the creation of illness.

The Mind-Body Connection
Edgar Cayce stated, "The spirit is life. Mind is the builder. Physical is
the result." Cayce, like many others, believed that what we think is what
our body generally becomes.

What we have learned is that the mind is the controller of all behavioral
and physical functioning, and that the power of the mind can intentionally
or unintentionally affect both the energy body and the physical body. In
other words, we can make ourselves healthy or sick through our
thoughts and
our emotional reactions to those thoughts.

Since those early research studies, more comprehensive studies have taken
place to further the understanding of how the mind influences our physical
well-being. These studies are validating the premise that there is a
direct
correlation between personality, thoughts, emotions, and illness. What has
been discovered is that our thoughts and emotions are intertwined, and
both
play a significant role in the development of disease. If our thoughts are
charged with positive energy, then we are emotionally optimistic about
life,
and we experience an overall sense of wellbeing. If our thoughts are
negatively charged, then we rob the physical body of the energy it
needs to
maintain balance.

Negative thoughts provoke negative emotions: fear, anger, frustration,
worry, resentment, and guilt -- all of which have an undesirable and
potent
effect on our ability to fight off disease and infection. Negative
thoughts
wear down both the energy system and the immune system, leaving a person
more susceptible to illness. Those same studies show that prolonged stress
also wears down both the energy body and physical body and consequently
impacts why people become ill and why they do not heal.

To better understand the mind-body connection, it helps to remember
that the
human brain is electrical in nature. It communicates its messages to
specific sites in the body by sending electrochemical impulses via the
central nervous system. These electrochemical impulses and the information
they contain activate cellular memory and tell the cellular structure
within
that specific area of the body how to reorganize itself according to the
information being received. If a person is thinking a negative
thought, that
consequently creates a negative emotional reaction. Then, the brain
responds
by changing the chemistry in the electrical impulses it sends to the
body's
systems. These changes in chemistry are what alert the physical body that
there is a problem.

Let's say that people's thoughts continually dwell on being sick and tired
of their lives. The electrochemical message sent from the brain to the
body
is that they are sick and tired. If the thought is emotional and is
strongly
supported, then the body intensifies its reaction by feeling sick and
tired.
The stronger the thought, the stronger the chemical reaction, and the
greater the chances for severe illness to occur. Understanding how the
mind
electrochemically dialogues with the body makes it easier to see the
direct
correlation between state of mind and physical health.

It is important to note that not all thoughts -- even those that have a
slightly negative undertone -- cause illness in the body. If our thoughts
are positive and produce positive emotional reactions, then our physical
body will continue to function as a healthy, vital unit. It is only the
thoughts with strongly negative charges that affect the body and make it
susceptible to disease.

To show what I mean, let's use cancer as an example.
Psychoneuroimmunology,
the study of how emotions affect the immune system, indicates that people
who are consumed with negative thoughts or who have a negative outlook on
life are more susceptible to the formation of cancer. The same holds true
for people who are consumed with negative emotions such as fear, anger, or
frustration. Negativity wears down the immune system and leaves the body
more susceptible to the creation of disease.

On the other hand, people who are optimistic and view life from a positive
perspective have stronger immune systems and are able to resist infection
and the formation of diseases such as cancer. What has been discovered is
that when it comes to good health, positive thoughts play an important
role.
It also appears that a happy-go-lucky attitude can go a long way in
fighting
off disease and keeping us healthy.

My own research confirms many of the same findings. It has continually
demonstrated that there is a direct connection between personality, the
human energy system, and wellness. It not only substantiates what research
has revealed about how a person's mental state influences their
susceptibility toward illness, it has also identified that each
personality
type has its own specific "weak site" within the physical body. In fact,
there are relatively specific personality traits that predispose a
person to
the creation of specific diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart
disease, cancer, asthma, tuberculosis, autoimmune disorders and
neurological
diseases, as well as chronic related illnesses.

By understanding personality type and its associated psychological
functioning, we can begin to understand the patterns of behavior that
create
illness.

Excerpted from the book "What Color is Your Personality" by Carol
Ritberger,
Ph.D., İ2000. Reprinted with permission from Hay House Inc.
www.hayhouse.com

About The Author:
Carol Ritberger, Ph.D., is a medical intuitive, bioenergetic
diagnostician,
and nationally renowned lecturer who holds a doctorate in theology. She
helps people understand how emotional, psychological, and spiritual energy
can lie at the root cause of illness, disease, and life crises. Carol can
literally "see" the human energy system to identify where there are
blockages that affect the wellness of the physical body. She may be
contacted by email at carol@...  and through her website at
www.ritberger.com.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Magic Pebbles

   "Why do we have to learn all of this dumb stuff?"
   Of all the complaints and questions I have heard from
my students during my years in the classroom, this was the
one most frequently uttered. I would answer it by recounting
the following legend.

   One night a group of nomads were preparing to retire
for the evening when suddenly they were surrounded by a
great light. They knew they were in the presence of a
celestial being. With great anticipation, they awaited a
heavenly message of great importance that they knew must be
especially for them.

   Finally, the voice spoke, "Gather as many pebbles as
you can. Put them in your saddle bags. Travel a day's
journey and tomorrow night will find you glad and it will
find you sad."

   After having departed, the nomads shared their
disappointment and anger with each other. They had expected
the revelation of a great universal truth that would enable
them to create wealth, health and purpose for the world. But
instead they were given a menial task that made no sense to
them at all. However, the memory of the brilliance of their
visitor caused each one to pick up a few pebbles and deposit
them in their saddle bags while voicing their displeasure.

   They traveled a day's journey and that night while
making camp, they reached into their saddle bags and
discovered every pebble they had gathered had become a
diamond. They were glad they had diamonds. They were sad
they had not gathered more pebbles.

   It was an experience I had with a student, I shall call
Alan, early in my teaching career that illustrated the truth
of that legend to me.

   When Alan was in the eighth grade, he majored in
"trouble" with a minor in "suspensions." He had studied how
to be a bully and was getting his master's in "thievery."

   Every day I had my students memorize a quotation from a
great thinker. As I called roll, I would begin a quotation.
To be counted present, the student would be expected to
finish the thought.

   "Alice Adams - 'There is no failure except ...'"
   "'In no longer trying.' I'm present, Mr. Schlatter."
   So, by the end of the year, my young charges would have
memorized 150 great thoughts.

   "Think you can, think you can't - either way you're
right!"

   "If you can see the obstacles, you've taken your eyes
off the goal."

   "A cynic is someone who knows the price of everything
and the value of nothing."

   And, of course, Napoleon Hill's "If you can conceive
it, and believe it, you can achieve it."

   No one complained about this daily routine more than
Alan - right up to the day he was expelled and I lost touch
with him for five years. Then one day, he called. He was in
a special program at one of the neighboring colleges and had
just finished parole.

   He told me that after being sent to juvenile hall and
finally being shipped off to the California Youth Authority
for his antics, he had become so disgusted with himself that
he had taken a razor blade and cut his wrists.

   He said, "You know what, Mr. Schlatter, as I lay there
with my life running out of my body, I suddenly remembered
that dumb quote you made me write 20 times one day. `There
is no failure except in no longer trying.' Then it suddenly
made sense to me. As long as I was alive, I wasn't a
failure, but if I allowed myself to die, I would most
certainly die a failure. So with my remaining strength, I
called for help and started a new life."

   At the time he had heard the quotation, it was a
pebble. When he needed guidance in a moment of crisis, it
had become a diamond. And so it is to you I say, gather all
the pebbles you can, and you can count on a future filled
with diamonds.

By John Wayne Schlatter  from A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup
for the Soul Copyright 1995 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Chance Meeting

Have you ever chanced to meet
and talk with someone
who loves the same things you do
who knows exactly how you feel
for they feel the same way
who shares a passion for places and people
just as you do
who studies the same subjects
who sees with the same eyes
is awed by the same wonders
and you've both only scratched the surface
of life

you recognize yourself there
in their words
in shared experiences
and shared laughter
that is pure joy
just for the knowing

As the connecting energy reaches you
it forms a nourishment somehow
a nutritious spiritual validation for being alive

that is how meeting a kindred spirit
in a public place
feels like

Love
Stella

İStella Savoie
stellaraymonde@...
{Printed with Permission}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Monster of Addiction

The monster reared its ugly head
And tried to take control
I saw it reach for me with dread
Destruction was its goal

It carefully hid its sharpened claws
To lure me to its trap
But its masks contained so many flaws
I saw through all the crap

I called upon my Higher Power
For help to do His will
His strength made the monster cower
His strength is with me still

The monster of addiction ran
From my Higher Powers light
It's gone for good as long as I
Hold to God with all my might

Karen S
sngnrnbwwmn@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

detox

Lying utterly alone in fear of betrayal from my stomach.
Porcelain relief so far away that i'll never make it.
Attempts to count the holes in the ceiling tiles
become a mind-numbing, self-occupying game.

With every hour comes a conversation the length of one cigarette.
I must be accompanied, especially with a metal object.
How much harm can a lighter do anyway?
Too tired to loathe their unhappiness, but i normally would.
back to counting the holes.

Every four hours is an intrusive reminder of fatality.
A check of the vitals maintains sleep deprivation.
Smoke and talk and quickly its back to counting
and thinking and empty attempts to avoid
the realization of  how many times i walked away.

Withdrawal is sickness of the soul.
the body clings to it as it attempts to exit every orifice.
mind escaped long ago, replaced by this racing, twisted machine.
My body wretches and convulses and
reminds me that life is really taking place.

This is a form of death.
A close friend's death creating a hole in my soul.
My companion and confidant that worked every time.
my mortal enemy that still wants to kill me.  no longer numb,
now seemingly a spectator in MY life,
decisions are based on ideas that are not mine.

neal h
neal_hubbard@...
5/2000

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you do not know how to take care of yourself,
and if you are not willing to do so,
nobody else will take care of you.
Your lack of love and commitment to yourself
attracts people with similar lessons into your vibrational field.
Then you will simply mirror back to each other
that lack of self-understanding and self-commitment.
  Paul Ferrini

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"A good love relationship can reinforce self-esteem,
but it cannot create it.
Many people carry a lot of unfinished business
from childhood into relationships,
and look to their partners to fulfill their unmet needs.
So you get immature, dependency-type relationships that tend not to
work. The more you can complete unfinished business from childhood,
the better your chance in relationships as an adult."
  Nathaniel Branden, The Art of Living Consciously

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

......pouring perfume on a pig wont make it a lady.
why change your image unless you first change your life.
gods little book of promises

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

....the formula is simple:
you cannot do gods work,
and he will not do yours
gods little book of promises

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is a "We Program"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The program is based in unconditional love and service.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is a one size fits all program,
The 12 Steps and The 12 Traditions
are like 24 wrenches that will fit
any size nut that walks into our meetings.
Mark Kostew

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How does it work?
It works just fine.
If it works, don't fix it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Love Is The Answer!!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Clutterer's Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 4
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition04.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 20
I can handle anything that comes up today...
even if it is only for a moment at a time.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spiritual NOT Religious

Coming to believe is a wonderful process, that unfolds it self day by day.
Our program states in the literature that "Unity is a must."
We increase our Unity by participating in each others recovery.
The diversity of our fellowship is enhanced by our Unity.
We have people of many beliefs and faiths
and we have people who don't believe.
We also have newcomers, who don't believe that they can even get clean.
I am a BELIEVER who thinks in this ANONYMOUS program
we need to allow the "God of our understanding to remain anonymous as
well."
We don't have the right to make anybody feel uncomfortable in our rooms.
We need to learn to be considerate of those who have different
religious beliefs, atheists, agnostics, as well as the Newcomer.
The Newcomer is THE MOST IMPORTANT Person
because we can only keep what we have by giving it away.
We need to be mindful of the newcomers when we share.
When I got clean the word God was intimidating enough.
If people were talking about Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Jehovah and Jah
when I was trying to get clean, it would have scared me out of the rooms.
Thank God for the traditions.
Thank God that Our common welfare comes first
personal recovery depends on our Unity.
It is in practicing this principle that I get to learn
about putting the groups best interest ahead of my own.
Thank God we learn not to endorse any outside enterprises
and having no opinion on outside issues.
This allows us to better carry the message and not the mess.
There is a place for religion,
but it's not in the rooms of our 12 step program.
Coming to believe is a process not an event.
If you believe, some UNBELIEVABLE things will happen for you.
If you don't believe, than believe that we believe.
If no one told you that they love you today I do !!!

Scott
YOUnMEnHP@...

"I sought my soul and it escaped me.
I sought my God and he eluded me,
I sought my brother and I found all three"
Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

On The Wagon
www.onthewagon.org

Guided 5 Minute Relaxation Journey
www.roomforhealing.com/servlet/constructor.includeHTTP?iwebsiteID=2321&isectionT\
ypeID=1&isectionID=33407

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
April 20                                             Detachment

"Addiction is a family disease, but we could only change ourselves."
IP No. 13 Youth and Recovery

Many of us come from severely damaged families. At times, the insanity
that reigns among our relatives feels overwhelming. Sometimes we feel
like
packing our bags and moving far, far away.

We pray that or family members will join us in recovery but,
to our great sadness, this does not always happen. Sometimes, despite
our best efforts to carry the message, we find that we cannot help those
we hold most dear. Our group experience has taught us that, frequently,
we are too close to our relatives to help them. We learn it is better to
leave them in our Higher Power's care.

We have found that when we stop trying to settle the problems of family
members, we give them the room they need to work things out in their
own lives. By reminding them that we are not able to solve their problems
for them, we give ourselves the freedom to live our own lives.   We have
faith that God will help our relatives. Often, the best thing we can give
our loved ones is the example of our own ongoing recovery. For the sake
of our family's sanity and our own, we must let our relatives find their
own ways to recover.

Just for today: I will seek to work my own program and leave my
family in the care of a Higher Power.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Bondage of Resentments

. . .  harboring resentment is infinitely grave.  For then we shut
ourselves off from the sunlight of the spirit.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  5

It has been said, "Anger is a luxury I cannot afford."  Does this suggest
I ignore this human emotion?  I believe not.  Before I learned of the
A.A. program, I was a slave to the behavior patterns of alcoholism.  I
was chained to negativity, with no hope of cutting loose.

The Steps offered me an alternative.  Step Four was the beginning of
the end of my bondage.  The process of "letting go" started with an
inventory.  I needed not be frightened, for the previous Steps assured
me I was not alone.  My Higher Power led me to this door and gave me the
gift of choice.  Today I can choose to open the door to freedom and
rejoice
in the sunlight of the Steps, as they cleanse the spirit within me.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 20th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The satisfaction you get out of living a sober life is made
up of a lot of little things, but they add up to a satisfactory
and happy life.  You take out of life what you put into it.  So
I'd say to people coming into A.A.:  "Don't worry about what
life will be like without liquor.  Just hang in there and a lot of
good things will happen to you.  And you'll have that feeling
of quiet satisfaction and peace and serenity and gratitude for
the grace of God."  Is my life becoming really worth living?

Meditation for the Day

There are two paths, one up and one down.  We have been
given free will to choose either path.  We are captains of
our souls to this extent only.  We can choose the good or
the bad.  Once we have chosen the wrong path, we go down
and down, eventually to death.  But if we choose the right
path, we go up and UP, until we come to the resurrection
day.  On the wrong path, we have no power for good because
we do not choose to ask for it.  But on the right path, we are
on the side of good and we have all the power of God's spirit
behind us.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be in the stream of goodness.  I pray that
I may be on the right side, on the side of all good in the universe.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Stop Trapping Yourself

"I found myself staying at home on weekends,
not wandering too far from my home," a woman said.
"I was expecting myself to be there for my daughter
whenever she wanted me, just like when she was a child.
The problem was, she was in her mid-twenties and didn't
even live in the same city anymore."

It's easy to paint ourselves into a corner with what we've
grown accustomed to expecting from ourselves.
Sometimes we can work so hard to build that career,
get that relationship, or become a certain way
that we start living up to an image of ourselves that has become
outdated.
Stop trapping yourself.

Those goals might have been what we wanted then,
but they don't work anymore.
And just because we achieved them doesn't mean
we can't go on and do something else.
What do you expect from yourself?
Have you taken a a look?
Do your expectations reflect the genuine desires of your heart,
or do they reflect something else?

Are you grumbling and complaining about some aspect of your life-
something you're expected to do but resent?
Maybe the only person expecting
you to do that is yourself.
Expectations can be subtle little things.
Take them out and examine them.
If some of them are outdated or useless,
maybe it's time to throw them away.

Can you feel the rush? Listen quietly. It's there.
It's the sound of life and spirit being set free.

God help me set myself free from ridiculous and
unnecessary expectations.

Activity: If this were the last ten years of your life, what would you
be doing?
Where would you be living?
What would you be doing for fun, work, friendship, and love?
If the answer is different from where you currently are,
maybe you should be someplace else.

MELODY BEATTIE İ

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Creating Safety in your Relationship
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/September/0997-19.html

Acceptance of Death
by Margaret Coberly
<http://www.innerself.com/Spirituality/acceptance.htm>

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How To Say No: The Basics
by Patti Brietman and Connie Hatch

  "I really don't want to spend Saturday night baby-sitting my neighbor's
three kids. But when she asked me, I didn't know what to say. So I
just said
yes. I wish I'd had time to think of an excuse."

  "Damn! I should have known Mike would hit me up for a loan. Why did I
ever
tell him about getting that bonus check?"

  "In my family, there's some kind of event going on nearly every weekend.
Sometimes I just want to stay home and do nothing. But that doesn't seem
like a good enough reason. Unless I have something else on the calendar, I
feel obligated to say yes."

We'll show you a few basic techniques that can help you say no more easily
and avoid regrets like these.

To build up your courage for those really difficult "no's," start small.
Practice saying no in non-threatening encounters where there isn't much at
stake. Tell your best friend you don't want to go to her choice of
restaurant, and suggest another. Tell your husband you don't want to go to
the hardware store with him. Tell your son he can't have more dessert. The
object is to hear yourself saying no successfully. Little by little,
stretch
yourself by saying no in more challenging circumstances.

As you begin to develop the healthy habit of saying no, you'll find the
process gets easier all the time. Most likely, you will settle on a few
different phrases that work for you and that can be applied to the
situations you face most often. The more you use them, the more
comfortable
you'll become with them. Over time, you will utter them with
confidence and
ease.

Basic Principles
First, saying no without guilt is much easier for all concerned when it's
done in the context of generosity. This means being helpful and
available to
family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors whenever you possibly can -- in
other words, when it won't cause significant stress or inconvenience and
when you can say yes without resentment. Just as important, give
yourself a
little credit for being a generous person. Recognizing the many things you
do for others with a willing spirit, you'll feel more confident and less
guilty at times when you really do want to say no to them.

The second basic principle of saying no: Less is more. The most
powerful and
effective "no's" are the least complicated, but most of us have a
great deal
of difficulty saying no politely and leaving it at that. Whether we're
telling the boss we can't work late or telling a neighbor we can't
walk his
dog, we feel obliged to justify our "no" with a detailed explanation --
often a fictitious one. Yet elaborating is seldom necessary, and it leaves
you on shaky ground. The more specific information you supply, the more
likely the other person will be to:

  a) try to figure out a way to "solve the problem" so that you can
actually
do the thing he wants you to do (which, of course, you don't want to do),

  b) decide that your reason for saying no isn't good enough and be miffed
about it, or

  c) catch you in a lie (if you're lying).

On the other hand, when you make a statement like "I'm sorry, I won't be
able to" or "I'm afraid I'm busy that day," you sound clear and
decisive. If
the other person insists on knowing why, the burden of prying will be on
him. When that happens, don't fall into the trap of trying to come up with
new, more creative excuses to satisfy someone who can't take no for an
answer. Instead, repeat yourself as often as necessary. You can emphasize
different words, change the language around a bit, or offer some other
vague
comment. "I'm busy that day" can also be expressed as "I've got plans," "I
have a previous engagement," "I've got an appointment I can't break," or
"I've had something on my calendar for weeks." Hold your ground in the
face
of a rude, nosy, or aggressive person. No one has the right to force
you to
violate your own privacy.

This doesn't mean it's a mistake to tell people the reason you're
saying no.
Especially when the relationship is a close one, it doesn't feel
natural to
be too cryptic. But remember that by keeping explanations to a minimum and
repeating yourself as often as necessary, you'll be in a stronger
position.

Basic Techniques
Now let's look at the basic techniques every good naysayer should have in
her repertoire.

1. Buying Time
Acquire the habit of buying time before responding to requests. It
takes the
pressure off when you can't figure out how to say no diplomatically or
simply need more time to decide. A few stock "time-buying" responses will
cover you in just about every situation. For example:

  * I need to check my calendar; I'll get back to you.
  * Let me check with my husband (wife, partner) to see if we're free that
day.
  * I've got to think about that; I'll let you know.
  * I've got to take a look at my cash flow.
  * I need to find out if I have to work first.

2. "The Policy"
We love to say no with the phrase "I have a policy". For example,
suppose a
friend asks for a loan you don't want to extend. Utter the phrase
"Sorry, I
have a policy about not lending money", and your refusal immediately
sounds
less personal.

In all kinds of situations, invoking a policy adds weight and seriousness
when you need to say no. It implies that you've given the matter
considerable thought on a previous occasion and learned from
experience that
what the person is requesting is unwise. It can also convey that
you've got
a prior commitment you can't break. When you turn down an invitation by
saying, "Sorry, I can't come -- it's our policy to have dinner
together as a
family every Friday night", it lets the other person know that your family
ritual is carved in stone.

Of course, when searching for your response, it helps to have a policy.
Which brings us to an important point: Saying no comfortably and without
guilt requires you to really think about what you stand for. Why are you
saying no? As you learn to eliminate unwanted obligations from your life,
what are you making room for? When you can identify and embrace your
priorities and focus on what you want more of -- for example, time
with the
family, money for an important project or cause -- you feel more justified
saying no in order to pursue those goals.

Excerpted from "How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty", Copyright İ 2000 by
Patti Brietman and Connie Hatch. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a
division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
excerpt
may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the
publisher. www.randomhouse.com

About The Authors:
Patti Breitman is a literary agent and expert public speaker who has
appeared on numerous radio and television shows. She also teaches classes
throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, where she lives.
Connie Hatch is a professional writer and president of Words to Market, a
creative services company. She lives in New York City.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

EAGLES IN A STORM

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long
before it
breaks?  The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to
come.  When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will
pick it
up and lift it above the storm.  While the storm rages below, the eagle is
soaring above it.  The eagle does not escape the storm.  It simply
uses the
storm to lift it higher.  It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience
them -
we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God.
  The
storms do not have to overcome us.  We can allow God's power to lift us
above them.  God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring
sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives.  We can soar
above the storm.

Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we
handle them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

     "When you come FROM 'happiness', you do certain things
because you ARE happy -- as opposed to the old paradigm
in which you did things that you hoped would MAKE you
happy.

When you come FROM 'wisdom', you do certain things
because you ARE wise, not because you are trying to get
to wisdom.

When you come FROM 'love', you do certain things
because you ARE love, not because you want to have love.

"Everything changes; everything turns around, when you come
FROM 'being', rather that seeking to 'be'... Here is the divine
dichotomy.  The way to 'get there' is to 'be there'. Just BE
where you choose to GET!

There's nothing you have to do. You want to be happy? Be
happy. You want to be wise? Be wise. You want to be love?
Be love."

by Neale Donald Walsch, "Conversations with God, Book 3"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Embers


There's a special space in the human soul
a fireproof place
an energy reserve that never grows cold

It contains the sparks
the infinite flames
The creative desires and dreams all our own
They drive us ~ these embers of life
we follow
we taste/sense
we experience
we know
we intuit
we are real

Drenched in our fire
This space in the soul needs our true nurture
derived of pure sustenance
A loving visit now and then
As regular daily fare

To feed its hot needs
and loosen some care
to comfort the deep
to split wide open some dormant tree root
to water and coax up some wild seeds
the wilder the better
to stir up the fire

love,
Stella
İ 2005 Stella Raymonde Savoie Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Beauty Lives

Even if flowers
Are cut and dried
Their beauty lives
It has not died
Even though a star
Is out of sight
Somewhere it shines
In another night
And even when
The ground is dry
Again it will rain………..

From forgiveness comes an inner peace
Smashing pride and guilt we release
…..We find freedom from the pain

Mark Thomas Spitler
April 13th 1997İ
{Printed with Permission}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.
Chinese Proverb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives
mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who,
instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures,
have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our
wounds with a warm and tender hand.
The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion,
who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement,
who can tolerate not knowing, not curing,
not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness,
that is a friend who cares.
Henri Nouwen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happiness is like a butterfly.
The more you chase it, the more it will elude you.
But if you turn your attention to other things,
it comes softly and sits on your shoulder.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you want to dance with another, root your self first.
Learn to hear you own guidance.
Dialogue with the hurt child and divine host within.
Practice forgiveness and compassion for yourself.
Be with your experience and learn from it.
Stay in the rhythm of life.
Be open to others, but do not go out of your way to find them.
Those who know how to dance will meet you half way.
It will not be a struggle.
You will feel companionship without effort.
Paul Ferrini

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If opportunity doesn't knock,
build a door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Be a winner
not a wino.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

An addict must give,
so N.A. can live

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

N.A. is not my whole life,
but N.A. makes my life whole.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you stand on the outside,
you will feel like you don't belong.
Get involved.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Clutterer's Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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Tradition 3
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition03.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
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A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 19
If negative feelings are triggered in me today,
I will not act on my first impulse or desire.
I will stop and get in touch with my breathing
and my connections with the universe.
I will take time to remember the other person's point of view.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Twelve Steps Downward

1.  I decided I could handle drugs if other people would just quit trying
   to run my life.

2.  I firmly believed that there was no Power greater than myself, and
   anyone who said so was insane.

3.  I made a decision to remove my will and my life from the care of God,
   who didn't understand me anyhow.

4.  I made a searching and thorough moral inventory of everyone I knew and
   determined I was not half as bad as them.

5.  I admitted to everyone that I didn't have problems in the past that I
   could take credit for.

6.  I became willing to help other people get rid of their defects of
   character.

7.  I was even humble enough to ask these people to remove their
   short-comings.

8.  I kept a list of all the people who had harmed me and waited
   patiently for a chance to get even with them all.

9.  I got even with these people whenever possible, except when to do so
   would get me into trouble.

10.  I continued to take everyone's inventory, and when they were wrong,
   which was most of the time, I promptly blamed them.

11.  I sought through concentration of my willpower to get God, who didn't
   understand me anyway, to see that my ideas were best and that he
   ought to give me the power to carry them out.

12.  Having maintained my behavior with these steps, I can thoroughly
   recommend them to other addicts who don't want to do anything
   different, but want to be left alone to practice insanity in everything
   they do for the rest of their lives....

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Miracle of God in Abel
www.anonymityone.com/story19.htm

Celebrate your Worth
wisehearts.angelcities.com/CYW.htm

Alcoholics Anonymous

An Interpretation of the Twelve Steps THE DETROIT PAMPHLET
www.hindsfoot.org/detr0.html

Discussion No. 1    The Admission
www.hindsfoot.org/Detr1.html

Discussion No. 2    The Spiritual Phase
www.hindsfoot.org/Detr2.html

Discussion No. 3    The Inventory and Restitution
www.hindsfoot.org/Detr3.html

Discussion No. 4    The Active Work
www.hindsfoot.org/Detr4.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
April 19                                         Footwork

"So many times, addicts have sought the rewards of hard work
without the labor." Basic Text, p. 33

When we first came to NA, some of us wanted everything, and right
away. We wanted the serenity, the cars, the happy relationships, the
friends, the closeness with our sponsor—all the things other people
had gotten after months and years of working the steps and living life
on life's terms.

We learned the hard way that serenity comes only from working the
steps. A new car comes from showing up on the job every day and trying
to "practice these principles in all our affairs;' including our
employment.
Healthy relationships come as a result of lots of hard work and a new
willingness to communicate. Friendship with our sponsor comes as a result
of reaching out during the good times as well as the bad.

In Narcotics Anonymous, we have found the path to a better way of life.
To reach our destination, however, we must do the footwork.

Just for today:  I want a better life. I will make an inventory of what
I want, find out how to get it, talk with my sponsor about it, and do
the necessary footwork.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The "Number One Offender"

Resentment is the "number one" offender.  It destroys more alcoholics
than
anything else.  From it stem all forms of spiritual disease, for we have
been not only mentally and physically ill, we have been spiritually sick.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS,  p.  64

As I look at myself practicing the Fourth Step, it is easy to gloss over
the wrong that I have done, because I can easily see it as a question of
"getting even" for a wrong done to me.  If I continue to relive my old
hurt, it is a resentment and resentment bars the sunlight from my
soul.  If
I continue to relive hurts and hates, I will hurt and hate myself.  After
years in the dark of resentments, I have found the sunlight.  I must
let go
of resentments; I cannot afford them.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 19th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Since I've been putting sobriety into my life, I've been
taking out a lot of good things.  I can describe it best as
a kind of quiet satisfaction.  I feel good.  I feel right with
the world, on the right side of the fence.  As long as I put
sobriety into my life, almost everything I take out is good.
The satisfaction you get out of living a sober life is made
up of a lot of little things.  You have the ambition to do
things you didn't feel like doing when you were drinking.
Am I getting satisfaction out of living a sober life?

Meditation for the Day

It is a glorious way---the upward way. There are wonderful
discoveries in the realm of the spirit.  There are tender
intimacies in the quiet times of communion with God.  There
is an amazing, almost incomprehensible understanding of the
other person.  On the upward way, you can have all the
strength you need from that Higher Power.  You cannot make
too many demands on Him for strength.  He gives you all the
power you need, as long as you are moving along the upward
way.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may see the beautiful horizons ahead on the
upward way.  I pray that I may keep going forward to the
more abundant life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 19

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Accepting Change

The winds of change blow through our life, sometimes gently,
sometimes like a tropical storm. Yes, we have resting places -
time to adjust to another level of living, time to get our balance,
time to enjoy the rewards. We have time to catch our breath.

But change is inevitable, and desirable.

Sometimes, when the winds of change begin to rustle, we're
not certain the change is for the better. We may call it stress or
a temporary condition, certain we'll be restored to normal. Sometimes,
we resist. We tuck our head down and buck the wind, hoping that
things will quickly calm down, get back to the way things were.
Is it possible we're being prepared for a new normal?

Change will sweep through our life, as needed, to take us where
we're going. We can trust that our Higher Power has a plan in mind,
even when we don't know where the changes are leading.

We can trust that the change taking place is good. The wind will
take us where we need to go.

Today, help me, God, to let go of my resistance to change. Help me
be open to the process. Help me believe that the place I'll be dropped
off will be better than the place where I was picked up. Help me
surrender, trust, and accept, even if I don't understand.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Walk Of Personal Power
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/September/0997-18.html

A Spiritual Life Game
by Sarano Kelley
www.innerself.com/Spirituality/game.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connecting with Love
by Michael Sky

Why must we have a passion for reality? Why must we love and desire and be
filled with metaphysical ardor? Because these passions set up in us the
momentum for bringing new forms into being.

-- JEAN HOUSTON, THE POSSIBLE HUMAN

We live in the age of connection. Through the wizardry of personal
computers
and the Internet we can come into instant, even intimate contact with
others
throughout the world, as well as with a huge and growing body of
information. Satellites send pictures of distant planets back to Earth
through light years of empty space, while cellular communication
devices now
allow us to link up at all times, in most places. From an early age we
take
for granted the invisible connections used by such wireless gadgets as
portable radios, telephones, and remote controls.

This technology-based experience of connectedness finds confirmation
in many
of the life sciences. Holistic medicine asserts that all parts of the body
interconnect and function as a single system; a change in any one part
affects all other parts. Quantum physicists have demonstrated that
invisible
links exist between any two particles of matter, however great their
seeming
separation. Similar insights echo in the disciplines of environmental
science, systems theory, computer programming, and global economics.

Everything connects. We live in a worldwide web, truly, as every living
thing connects to every living thing.

Yet when it comes to a typical relationship between two or more people, or
two or more groups of people, disconnection seems the prevailing truth. We
live as if the body forms an impermeable boundary, dividing each of us
from
the rest of the world. We experience the self as inside the body and
everything and everybody else as outside. At times, we open up and reach
through the body-boundary to genuinely connect with some other. Mostly we
remain separate and apart from others and, through various forms of
intolerant thought, we justify, enforce, and even celebrate our
disconnection.

Part of the problem stems from an inability to explain or even imagine a
medium of connection between people. Our technological connectors all
depend
on one form or another of energy. Pull the plug, take out the battery,
sever
the wiring, or shut down the power plant and our computers, phones,
satellites, televisions, radios, and remote control devices
immediately stop
working, their connections broken. Energy functions as the one essential
force of technological connection.

Any such medium of connection between people, however, has proven
difficult
to scientifically verify. For many the very notion of invisible forces
constitutes an insurmountable problem. Despite the model that our
technologies provide - vast quantities of data flashing instantly and
invisibly around the globe - the suggestion that similar connections exist
between humans - enabling similar transfers of information - smacks of
quackery and long-discredited vitalism.

For others, God presents just such an invisible, omniscient, and
omnipresent
(if ultimately unfathomable and scientifically unverifiable) force that
connects all people. Yet God obviously means different things to different
people and, for too many, God remains abstract, distant and apart from
humanity. Defined and experienced as such, God not only fails to serve
as a
medium of connection, He, She, or It actually becomes a justification for
decidedly disconnected behavior, as our long history of religion-based
wars
and intolerance demonstrates.

Still, many cultures have long had experience with an invisible force that
connects humans. They have given it many names - including num, chi,
prana,
mana, animal magnetism, life-energy, and the soul's substance - and
they all
describe a similar vibratory force that moves through the body in regular
currents and emanates beyond the body in radiant fields. Allowing this
energy to flow more freely through the body brings great benefits to our
physical health and general wellbeing.

Just as energy moves within us as the motive force and raw material for
effective response to life's constant changing, so energy extends
beyond the
body in radiant fields (called auras) that connect us to the world, or to
specific others, and that vary in size, intensity, and feeling
according to
our ever-changing perceptions and intentions. For a strong and healthy
individual and for most babies, the energy fields extend vigorously
from the
body, filling entire rooms and beyond, while providing vital links to the
living world. The energy "boils over" and flows out into meaningful
connection with our world. The larger and more vital our energy
fields, the
more energy-connected we feel, and the more empowered we become to meet
life's challenges.

These fields all grow out of and expand from in-flowing energy-in-motion.
Thus, the more vigorously we flow within, the larger and more vital our
radiant fields. Yet while we may experience our internal
energy-in-motion as
positive one moment and negative the next, we mostly feel our out flowing
energy as a positive (though not always easy) force. As a rule, the
expansion of our vital energy occurs as a positive, life-affirming, and
uplifting event.

Exceptions to this rule do exist. Powerful and out of control desires,
such
as lust and greed, will send waves of clutching energy toward the
object of
desire. Extreme hatred and anger can explode outward in malevolent waves.
Disciplined practitioners of the "black arts" can learn to extend their
energy fields with purely evil intent. Certain political and religious
leaders, such as Adolf Hitler or Jim Jones, have used their charisma -
their
"personal magnetism" - to manipulate large numbers of followers with
energy-based mass influence.

Yet such negative expansions of life force tend toward self-depletion and
self-destruction. Like plants growing from poisoned soil, vital energy
radiating from a toxic, chronically suppressed being will poison all
that it
touches, beginning with the mind and body of the offending individual.
Clearly, such people can inflict great suffering in the world with their
psychoenergetic powers. But they practice a form of self-immolation as
they
must ever dwell within and eventually choke on their own toxic radiation.

While any negative expansions of vital energy invariably bring us to
self-deplete and self-destruct, positive expansions of energy bring
the very
opposite results: they make us stronger, healthier, more energized and
alive. Curiosity, for instance, sends energy tendrils out to ask and
inquire
of things, to touch and taste the world; the more curious we feel, the
more
we learn, and the greater our curiosity becomes. The protective
concern that
parents feel for their children extends like strong energy arms that -
despite the countless worries children inspire - never grow tired of
reaching to surround and protect. Deeply heartfelt dreams start waves of
energy pulsing through manifest reality; the more committed our dream, the
more our dream-energy expands, and the more likely our chances of
successful
creation.

Any positive expansion of vital energy has the potential to sustain itself
indefinitely, while sustaining the self at the most basic levels. When we
expand our energy with positive intent we step into an infinite river of
living spirit. The more we give outward, the more energy arises within and
the more empowered we become to go on giving. No experience demonstrates
this better than love.

Love emanates from within as moving and outward expanding energy. When we
love any other - person, animal, plant, place, or thing - we extend our
self, as fields of living energy, to touch, to envelop, to enter into, to
couple with the other. We feel the outward-connecting movement of our
energy
as love.

Love enhances flow, so when we love we reap precious blessings for
ourselves. Our bodies function better on all levels. Our natural healing
processes can accelerate, causing the spontaneous remission of the most
difficult of diseases. Love-inspired minds become clearer, lighter, and
positively directed. Because love enhances flow, when we love all of our
emotions come easier and we use our energy-in-motion well.

Love begins in the center of the chest - the psycho-emotional "heart"
- and
radiates outward, sending beams of love-energy in all directions, as
from an
inner star. When we love we glow with a sparkling light, sometimes visible
to others, and we move and act within this halo or aura of
love-energy. For
this reason we can accurately speak of being in love. Love permeates and
surrounds us like a luminous womb or cocoon, protecting and nurturing and
encouraging life.

For all of its benefits to the lover, love always seeks a beloved.
Love must
extend outward into meaningful connection with others, must reach to bring
others "in love." Love must touch, must caress, must feed and nurture,
must
uplift and inspire. True love flows without discrimination or conditions.
Love-energy radiates through all of the self-made boundaries - the body's
armor, the mind's prejudices - and causes, however temporarily, the
blessed
experience of true oneness. For those who sustain such love the boundaries
forever dissolve, allowing the continuing experience of love to grow ever
stronger, to spread to others, to become the common currency of all
relationships.

Love makes things whole. Love flows as masculine energy: extending
vigorously, entering into others, filling and inspiring. Love flows as
feminine energy: reaching to caress, surrounding and enfolding others,
protecting and nurturing. Love takes our divided and disparate selves,
victims of incessant human conflict, and makes us whole people, wholly
alive.

Two or more people flowing in love experience the very best aspects of
being
human. Connected via love-energy they may move as one, may breathe as one,
may dream and create as one. When lovers touch, their hands and
fingers fill
with the most healing energy in the universe. Lovers' thoughts and
feelings
flow easily from one to the other through love-energy threads, enabling
compassion, empathy, and telepathy. And when true lovers make love, their
union evokes the most exquisite of pleasures, effects the most profound of
healings, and may even create a brand-new, love-inspired human being.

Love ever subsists as the primary matrix out of which all living
relationship happens. Any relationship succeeds or fails to the degree
that
love flows or fails to flow. Without love energy - extending and
connecting - we live as solitary individuals, profoundly alone in the
universe and essentially unrelated to all people, including family and
friends.

Yet such lack of love describes the daily lives of most men and women.
"Why?" we must ask. Why fail to love when its absence hurts so much?
Why not
love when loving gives so much? How do we take something so fundamental to
human existence and make it so difficult, so scary, so utterly impossible?
Love is the most sublime of human experiences: think of young lovers
dancing
on air; think of any parent gazing upon a sleeping child; think of one's
feelings upon the death of an old family pet. How does something so great
get twisted into the all-too-common feelings of betrayal, intolerance,
avoidance, hatred, and fear?

For all its power, love cannot flow through an individual riddled with and
crippled by chronic suppression. Every act of emotional suppression
contracts our inflowing emotional energy and thus diminishes our
experience
of energy-expanding love. The more we condition our children to emotional
suppression, the less love-able they become. The more we, as adults,
sustain
our personal patterns of suppression, the less we can feel love, the
less we
can teach love to our children, and the less likely they will be to teach
love to their children. And so it happens that most people come to
experience love as rare and difficult, rather than omnipresent and easy.

It helps to think of your emotional energy as a flowing river, circulating
through all parts of your body and then gushing out beyond the body - as
love - and drenching others. Your whole emotional experience arises
from the
one flowing river of energy. Suppress any part of the river and all of
your
emotions - inward flowing and outward expanding - must suffer.
Suppress any
feelings of sadness and your capacity for love diminishes. Suppress any
feelings of anger and your capacity for love diminishes. Suppress any
emotion - positive or negative, easy or difficult - and your whole
emotional
experience, including and especially your capacity for love, diminishes.

Yet while damming up any part of your emotional river has a suppressing
effect on the whole river, freeing up any part of the river has the
opposite
effect. Any time you move from suppression to flow it increases the
circulation of emotional energy throughout all parts of yourself.
Moreover,
as philosophers and poets have been telling us for ages, outward expansion
of your emotional energy - as through the feelings of compassion, empathy,
curiosity, and love - causes the most direct and efficacious movement to
system wide emotional flow.

Further good news: We can learn to purposefully and intentionally practice
love. Love must become more than something that just happens to us, if we
get lucky, or that we fall into and out of according to some unfathomable
whimsy. We can and must learn to actively make love: to cause
love-energy to
stir and swell and flow out into meaningful connection with others; to
gratefully open to and receive love whenever it comes our way; and to
create
with others a world in which such conscious loving is the sole abiding
reality.

This article was excerpted from The Power of Emotion, İ2002, by
Michael Sky.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Bear & Co.(Inner Trad.).
www.innertraditions.com

About the Author:
MICHAEL SKY, breath work teacher, certified polarity therapist, and fire
walking instructor, is also the author of Dancing with Fire, Sexual Peace,
and Breathing: Expanding Your Power and Energy. Michael has been leading
human potential seminars for twenty-five years, including more than
200 fire
walks. He lives in the Pacific Northwest. Visit his website at
www.thinkingpeace.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If people only knew the healing power of laughter and joy, many of our
fine
doctors would be out of business. Joy is one of nature's greatest
medicines.
Joy is always healthy. A pleasant state of mind tends to bring abnormal
conditions back to normal.   -- Catherine Ponder

Feeling joy may not come naturally to us most of the time. We may, in
fact,
have to act "as if" with great effort. We may not even recognize
genuine joy
in the beginning. A technique for finding it is living fully in the
present
and with gratitude for all we can see, touch, and feel.

The open and honest expression of gratitude for the presence of the ones
closest to us now creates a rush within our breasts, a rush that will be
shared by our friends, too. Joy is contagious. Joy is freeing. Joy brings
into focus our distorted perceptions. Greeting life with joy alters every
experience for us and for those we share it with.

I will bring joy wherever I go today. I will give the gift of joy to
everyone I meet.

from the book: Each Day a New Beginning by Karen Casey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Colours of Passion

We all grow our passion deep inside
whether silent or wide open
acknowledged or denied
it's blossoming there
flaunting its colours
have a look-see

What colours embody your passion
What makes your heart race
your vision sharpen to a fine clear edge
when every nuance, every detail
has meaning?
What sends a shiver up your back,
goosebumps down your arms?

purple hues of a sunset falling into the sea
fierce blue of lagoons palm trees hot sun
soft tender shades hidden in a poem's folds
crystal life rain in the tears behind "i'm sorry"
velvet peach in the palm of your hand
emerald grasses, verdure of the wild forest
rainbows cascading from the prism of a heart
that only love can clothe

Which colours paint your world?
May they be vivid
passionately

Love
Stella

İStella Savoie
stellaraymonde@...
Printed with Permission

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Waves of Time

The sun set slowly over the horizon
As I watched the love letter
I etched in the sand
Being washed ashore
By the waves
Of today's timely tides

Today is all that is granted me
Tomorrow the feelings I had today
Will be lost amongst the distant past
And still I dream on
Of the new love stories
That await my travels

There is never an escape
Behind the shadow of fear
This ghost sometimes
Haunts the path
Of our enlightenment

We find Serenity
Amidst the storm
When we are enveloped
in the hands of God

Jennifer L
Jennodell@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

DEep SEcret

Every night I drank my booze
Every day another  unknown bruise
I drank hard to obliterate
All my feelings I saturate

Professional Drunk master boozer
Certified Two time loser
To hell with drinking socially
Drink for blindness so I can't see

Hard and fast to the curb
Me alcoholic? that's absurd
Laugh in their face I know what I'm doing
So drunk off my ass I cant see who I'm screwing

Don't look at me and disapprove
Further from the truth  I am removed
Falling down, getting back up
Tongue twisted talking hiccup

Saving my bottles mounted trophies
Paying dues to the disease
Walking like I was on a  trapeze
Head in a vice tighten the squeeze

Everyone around asked what was wrong
Crying in my drink singing swan song
In my eyes I seen the haunt
Played it off non chalant

World is full of crap blah blah blah
It don't bother me que' sera' sera'
But the truth is it all stuck in my craw

If things would change life would be better
Clenching my Bottle the silent beheader
Toxic level of bad breath
Another drink kiss of death

Half a man incomplete
Stop and start insane repeat
I was a legend in my own mind I was an M.V.P.
When its dark I'm safe cuz I can't see
Floating in the wreckage fragmented debris
Don't tell me your opinion cuz I disagree

Black out lost days and nights
Waking up at crash sites
Longing to hear my last rites
Throbbing head dynamites
100 proof solo blitz
Rational mind on the fritz
Every day I call it quits
Do it all on self will
Slowly I shot to kill
Led my spirit to exile
Careless my body I did defile
Secretly wanting out all the while

Mark Thomas Spitler
10-31-96 İ
Printed with Permission

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Everyone thinks of changing the world,
but no one thinks about changing themselves.
John Randolph

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We often hear people talking about acts of kindness towards others.
How about acts of kindness towards oneself?
Let's begin this life-long romance by doing loving things for yourself
-watch your favorite movie,
have your favorite meal,
go for a walk on the beach,
indulge in a bubble bath-things that nourish and nurture!
Hey, you're worth it!
HeartMath Discovery Program, Doc Childre and Sara Paddison

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You were born an original.
Don't die a copy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your faith is what you believe, not what you know.
John Lancaster Spalding

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped
for, the conviction of things not seen.
[Hebrews 11:1] ~ Bible

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thank you for saying a prayer and a moment of silence
for the sick and suffering inside and outside of the rooms.
Your prayers and the Grace of God brought me in here.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God, Help me find a way
through the changes in my life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God never changed his address,
I did.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you wait to get faith to pray,
you will never have faith.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
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"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Clutterer's Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 2
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition02.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 18
Today I need to do nothing more than pray and meditate.
I trust that all the energies of the universe
are working in my behalf.
I can sleep comfortably in the knowledge
that God is working when I am not.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Creation

Take the pain deep in your heart
Lift it out and give it voice.
Let the tears flow. Seas will part.
Fears dissolve without a choice.

Spirits rise as you rejoice.
Newness fills the holes once black.
A heady feeling as you hoist
Shimmering light whose rays you track.

With wings that spread to heaven and back.
You see the shape of truth unfold.
Add fairy smiles or a thundercrack.
Hark! A story has been told.

Bitter roots now wrenched and torn
Allowed a poem to be born.

Iris F.
ifox@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

An Easier, Softer Way
www.anonymityone.com/Story17.htm

Clean time Calculator
www.recoverygreetings.com/calculator.html

Find Gratitude Topics, Word for the Day, and Free E-Cards:
www.gratefulness.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 18                                   "I understand"

  "We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings." Step seven

Once we are entirely ready to have our character defects removed, many
of us are entirely ready! Ironically, that's when the trouble really starts.
The more we struggle to rid ourselves of a particular defect, the
stronger that shortcoming seems to become. It is truly humbling to
realize that not only are we powerless over our addiction, but even over
our own defects of character

Finally, it clicks. The Seventh Step doesn't suggest that we rid
ourselves of our shortcomings, but that we ask our Higher Power to rid
us of them. The focus of our daily prayers begins to shift. Admitting our
inability to perfect ourselves, we plead with our Higher Power to do for
us what we cannot do for ourselves. And we wait.

For many days, our program may stay on Step Seven. We may experience
no sudden, total relief from defects - but we often do experience a
subtle shift in our perceptions of ourselves and others. Through the
eyes of the Seventh Step, we begin to see those around us in a less
critical way. We know that, just like us, many of them are struggling with
shortcomings they would dearly love to be rid of. We know that, just like
us, they are powerless over their own defects. We wonder if they, too,
humbly pray to have their defects removed.

We begin evaluating others as we have learned to evaluate ourselves,
with an empathy born of humility. As we watch others, and as we keep
watch on ourselves, we can finally say, "I understand:"

Just for today: God, help me see through the eyes of Step Seven.
Help me understand.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The False Comfort of Self-Pity

Self-pity is one of the most unhappy and consuming defects that we
know.  It is a bar to all spiritual progress and can cut off all effective
communication with our fellows because of its inordinate demands for
attention and sympathy.  It is a maudlin form of martyrdom, which we can
ill afford.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  238

The false comfort of self-pity screens me from reality only momentarily and
then demands, like a drug, that I take an ever bigger dose.  If I succumb
to this it could lead to a relapse into drinking.  What can I do?  One
certain antidote is to turn my attention, however slightly at first, toward
others who are genuinely less fortunate than I, preferably other
alcoholics.  In the same degree that I actively demonstrate my empathy with
them, I will lessen my own exaggerated suffering.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 18th

A.A. Thought for the Day

As I look back over my drinking career, have I learned that
you take out of life what you put into it? When I put drinking
into my life, did I take out a lot of bad things? Hospitals with
the D.T.'s? Jails for drunken driving? Loss of job? Loss of
home and family? When I put drinking into my life, was almost
everything I took out bad?

Meditation for the Day

I should strive for a friendliness and helpfulness that will
affect all who come near to me. I should try to see something
to love in them. I should welcome them, bestow little
courtesies and understandings on them, and help them if they
ask for help. I must send no one away without a word of cheer,
a feeling that I really care about them. God may have put the
impulse in some despairing one's mind to come to me. I must
not fail God by repulsing that person. They may not want to
communicate with me unless they are sure of a warm welcome.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may warmly welcome all who come to me for help.
I pray that I may make them feel that I really care.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 18

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Freedom

Many of us were oppressed and victimized as children. As adults, we may
continue to keep ourselves oppressed.

Some of us don't recognize that caretaking and not setting boundaries will
leave us feeling victimized.

Some of us don't understand that thinking of ourselves as victims will leave
us feeling oppressed.

Some of us don't know that we hold the key to our own freedom. That key is
honoring ourselves, and taking care of ourselves.

We can say what we mean, and mean what we say.

We can stop waiting for others to give us what we need and take
responsibility for ourselves. When we do, the gates to freedom will swing
wide.

Walk through.

Today, I will understand that I hold the key to my freedom. I will stop
participating in my oppression and victimization. I will take responsibility
for myself, and let others do as they may.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Truth or Etiquette?, by Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/September/0997-17.html

A God Beyond Words
by Larissa Kaye Batten
www.innerself.com/Spirituality/a_god_beyond_words.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Gratitude Is....

       Gratitude is owned by everyone and no
  one. Gratitude is in cities, in the country, in houses
  of worship, in darkened allies, in caves, in homes
  and in tiny apartments.  Gratitude grows the more
  you tap into it through acknowledgment, sharing
  and awareness.  Gratitude is available to each of
  us at anytime.

       Gratitude is a positive virus.  Gratitude
  energy can be passed simply, effortlessly and
  freely from one person to another to another to
  another.

      Gratitude is a choice. We choose whether we
  want to embrace its transformative energy. Gratitude
  has no opinion, it simply blesses those who are
  open. Choose Gratitude.

      Gratitude changes lives and is the doorway to the
  manifestation of miracles.  Through consciousness
  and acknowledgment, it allows more wonder, more
  glory, more celebration to flow.

      Gratitude awakens the soul to an exponential
  increase in every area: spiritual, physical, relational,
  emotional. This awakening moves beyond the
  intellect, it moves beyond the usual and into the
  spaces we sometimes forget to treasure.

      Gratitude is fuel for the creative fire and reminds
  artists of all sorts that anything is truly possible.
  Gratitude sings, it paints, it sculpts, it flies.  It
  speaks through us to others and lays the foundation
  for a more empowered future.

     Gratitude bridges areas of weakness because
  it is through acknowledging our weaknesses we
  are able to partner with others - including divine
  forces -  and transmute what we previously saw
  as weaknesses into strengths.  Perhaps these
  weaknesses are turned into strengths of an
  entirely different kind.

       Gratitude always finds a way if and when we
  are open to it.  It flows like an river, following an
  ancient, pre-determined path.  The moment we
  join that flow, magic begins to happen - perhaps
  in small, insignificant ways at first - and we quickly
  learn that there are no small, insignificant ways.
  They are all magnificent beyond measure.

      Gratitude is visible on people's faces - it brings
  an instant face lift, a needle free form of the wrinkle
  eliminating Botox.  Gratitude replenishes and
  refreshes us when we are weary, it quenches
  our energetic thirst like a perfect spring of water.

       Gratitude is in nature, it is in people.  Gratitude
  gives us more courage, it grants wishes, it is
  supremely engaging and fulfilling.  Gratitude
  purely and simply is.

  İ 2004 by Julie Jordan Scott

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Art of the Circle

Fluidity is a continuous stream
the one in the beginning gets back what was given
to the one at the end
but there is no end
and no middle
just the circle
for we all share the same
yet different
point of view
from where we stand
from where we receive, from where we send
the circle of friendship and sharing
has this parallax condition

There is no admission price
You can stay as long as you like
Or be free to leave at any time
That's the freedom of the circle
Of open love
honest sharing
and easy giving

Love
Stella

İStella Savoie
stellaraymonde@...
{Printed with Permission}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our Mirror

The good you find in others, is in you too.
The faults you find in others, are your faults as well.
After all, to recognize something you must know it.
The possibilities you see in others, are possible for you as well.
The beauty you see around you, is your beauty.
The world around you is a reflection,
a mirror showing you the person you are.

To change your world, you must change yourself.
To blame and complain will only make matters worse.
Whatever you care about, is your responsibility.
What you see in others, shows you yourself.
See the best in others, and you will be your best.
Give to others, and you give to yourself.
Appreciate beauty, and you will be beautiful.
Admire creativity, and you will be creative.
Love, and you will be loved.
Seek to understand, and you will be understood.
Listen, and your voice will be heard.
Teach, and you will learn.
Show your best face to the mirror,
and you'll be happy with the face
looking back at you.

Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This Could Be The Day

This could be the day
When God sends
Someone this way
Someone who is about to die
Someone who can only cry
I never know when it will be
So I just go to meetings to see
I am responsible to stick out my hand
Lend an ear to understand
To some troubled soul
Someone who is not whole
I never know when God will use me
I will just show up and see
I just love recovery

Daniel M Corkery
1/20/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

TODAY

You gave me hope
and helped me cope
My life had gone sour
You helped me find a Higher Power
And in my despair
I always found you there
I bared my soul
In return became whole
I humbly bowed down
forgiveness I found
Now I can trust the love
that comes from above
So today I am here
without any a fear
To share my joys and sorrows
no regrets of the yesterdays or tomorrows
Thank you for showing me this way
for now I live just for today

İ1999 By: Angie F Moore. WHFL
Amoore530@...     
Permission Granted
Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner,
without prior written consent is prohibited.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

...if your life is a flight from self,
how can you expect any relationship to be grounded?
It just is not possible.
All you have is a clash of wings in the crowded sky.
Paul Ferrini

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How can we possibly describe feeling the Presence of God?
It is the difference between being a child left alone in an empty house
at night and a child who knows that her mother is in the next room.
Even though she can't see or hear her mother,
she feels comforted by her warm, loving, protective presence.
And while a human parent can't always be with us,
our spiritual parent will never abandon us.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Forgiveness does not change the past,
but it does enlarge the future."
Paul Boese

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Talking about bulls is not the same as facing them in the ring.
Mexican Proverb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just like a sunbeam can't separate itself from the sun,
and a wave can't separate itself from the ocean,
we can't separate ourselves from one another.
We are all part of a vast sea of love, one indivisible divine mind.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Courage is fear that has said it's prayer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Instead of throwing a chair,
Throw a prayer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I pray and sometimes I plead.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When things get tough,
I pray hard.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 12
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2003/tradition01.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 17
I will open myself up to all the possibilities around me today,
leaving my fear of change behind.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What is Our Primary Purpose?

I keep hearing some people saying, that it is important to come
to our meetings and dump.

I am a believer that it is important to talk about where you are
and what you are going through, for that is the only way that we
can help you.

But our primary purpose is not to dump, our primary purpose is to
carry the message to the still sick and suffering.

You see meetings are only 1 hour and a half where I come from,
and if you look at it like this.

If I come into a meeting a dump a glass filled with dirty water,
when I come out of the meeting and live the other 22 and a half hours
outside of the meeting, it is only going to fill back up with dirty water
unless if I do things differently.

Yes, I am a believer in the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts,
but there are many more than 36 Spiritual Principles, let's not sell
OUR God short here :)

If I look at these spiritual principles as solid rocks and I start to
practice them in my life and putting them into this empty glass.
Then I am filling the glass with solid rocks like:

Acceptance, Hope, Faith, Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness,
Courage, Trust, Humility, Forgiveness, Unconditional Love, Perseverance,
Integrity, Spirituality, Service, Loyalty, Respect, Admiration,
Compassion, Tenderness, Unity, Sharing, Simplicity, Independence,
Selflessness, Survival, Self- Reliance, Responsibility, Participation,
Balance, Consistency, Clarity, Vision, Communication, Harmony,
Gratitude, Joy, Surrender, Purpose, Freedom, Spontaneity, Abundance,
Brotherhood, Humor, Patience, Beauty, Healing, Flexibility, Truth,
Delight, Peace and Serenity are just a few that come to mind , LOL :)

The more that we fill up this empty glass with these solid rock
spiritual principles, the less room there is for dirty water.

It's not about "Dumping" it is about sharing what you are going through.
But its not until you stop sharing about the problem and start to
live in the solution, that you will get to reap the benefits of working
"The Program"

Scott H.
YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Never Give Up Hope
www.anonymityone.com/Story11.htm

Thoughts
www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/5818/thoughts3.html

Inner Peace
www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/5818/inner_peace.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 17                                 Priority: meetings

"I initially felt that it would be impossible to attend more than one or
two meetings a week. It just wouldn't fit in with my busy schedule. I
later learned that my priorities were [180] degrees reversed. It was
them everything else that would have to fit into my meeting schedule."
Basic Text p. 204

Some of us attended meetings infrequently when we first came to
Narcotics Anonymous, then wondered why we couldn't stay clean. What
we soon learned was that if we wanted to stay clean, we had to make
meeting attendance our priority.

So we began again. Following our sponsor's suggestion, we made a
commitment to attend ninety meetings in ninety days. We identified
ourselves as newcomers for our first thirty days so that others could
get to know us. At our sponsor's direction, we stopped talking long enough
to learn to listen. We soon began to look forward to meetings. And we
began to stay clean.

Today, we attend meetings for a variety of reasons. Sometimes we go
to meetings to share our experience, strength, and hope with newer
members. Sometimes we go to see our friends. And sometimes we go just
because we need a hug. Occasionally we leave a meeting and realize that
we haven't really heard a word that's been said-but we still feel better
The atmosphere of love and joy that fills our meetings has kept us clean
another day. No matter how hectic our schedule, we make meeting
attendance our priority.

Just for today: In my heart, I know that meetings benefit me in all kinds
of ways. Today, I want what's good for me. I will attend a meeting.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giving Up Insanity

. . . where alcohol has been involved, we have b strangely insane.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.  38

Alcoholism required me to drink, whether I wanted to or not.  Insanity
dominated my life and was the essence of my disease.  It robbed me of the
freedom of choice over drinking and, therefore, robbed me of all other
choices.  When I drank, I was unable to make effective choices in any part
of my life and life became unmanageable.
I ask God to help me understand and accept the full meaning of the disease
of alcoholism.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 17th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Every time we go to an A.A. meeting, every time we say
the Lord's Prayer, every time we have a quiet time before
breakfast, we're paying a premium on our insurance against
taking that first drink.  And every time we help another
alcoholic, we're making a large payment on our drink
insurance.  We're making sure that our policy doesn't
lapse.  Am I building up an endowment in serenity, peace,
and happiness that will put me on easy street for the rest
of my life?

Meditation for the Day

I gain faith by my own experience of God's power in my
life.  The constant, persistent recognition of God's spirit
in all my personal relationships, the ever accumulating
weight of evidence in support of God's guidance, the
numberless instances in which seeming chance or wonderful
coincidence can be traced to God's purpose in my life.  All
these things gradually engender a feeling of wonder, humility,
and gratitude to God.  These in turn are followed by a more
sure and abiding faith in God and His purposes.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my faith may be strengthened every day.  I pray
that I may find confirmation of my life in the good things that
have come into my life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 17

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Taking Care of Ourselves

We often refer to recovery from codependency and adult child issues as
self-care. Self-care is not, as some may think, a spin off of the me
generation. It isn't self-indulgence. It isn't selfishness - in the negative
interpretation of that word.

We're learning to take care of ourselves, instead of obsessively focusing on
another person. We're learning self-responsibility, instead of feeling
excessively responsible for others. Self-care also means tending to our true
responsibilities to others; we do this better when were not feeling overly
responsible.

Self-care sometimes means, me first, but usually, me too. It means we are
responsible for ourselves and can choose to no longer be victims.

Self-care means learning to love the person we're responsible for taking
care of - ourselves. We do not do this to hibernate in a cocoon of isolation
and self indulgence; we do it so we can better love others, and learn to let
them love us.

Self-care isn't selfish; it's self-esteem.

Today, God, help me love myself. Help me let go of feeling excessively
responsible for those around me. Show me what I need to do to take care of
myself and be appropriately responsible to others.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Letters of wisdom and affirmation
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/October/1097-21.html

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
Alan Cohen
³Are You As Happy As Your Dog"
www.intouchmag.com/dog.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

DON'T TRY HARDER

By Lloyd J.  Thomas, Ph.D.

Someone once said, "If first you don't succeed, get a bigger hammer."  I
don't know about you, but over the years I've noticed that inanimate objects
often seem to fight me (especially my computer).  They just don't do what I
want them to.  Many times, I get a bigger hammer to invite them to
cooperate.  Of course it is always easier to blame the object than to
address my own inadequate awkwardness.

When faced with a problem, we often attempt to solve it in a particular way.
Perhaps it is the only way with which we are familiar.  When that way
doesn't work, we "try harder."  We may have heard, "If first you don't
succeed, try, try again."  So we continue trying to solve the problem in the
same old way, only with additional effort or force.  "If first you don't
succeed, get a bigger hammer," might also characterize your behavior.

When we try AGAIN to solve the same problem and in the same way that didn't
work before, we become frustrated, try harder, get more frustrated in our
attempt to force the same solution we chose previously, which we already
tried and that didn't work.  Is that insanity or what?

Sometimes we use this same approach in our interpersonal relationships.  We
initiate something new, or try to address a difficulty between ourselves and
someone else.  And it doesn't work to get us what we want.  It doesn't work
to get the other person to change.  So we push harder.  We argue louder.  We
fight more intensively.  And our chosen solution is still not working.

Such an approach to solving interpersonal problems can drive us crazy.  We
get stuck in the same old habit.  We may feel trapped, helpless,
incompetent, ignorant, self--critical and angry.  All the emotional
difficulties of which "driving ourselves crazy" are made.

In our personal relationships, when what we try doesn't work, and when
increased energy doesn't work, we often just give up and wait for the other
person to change.  Also not a very effective approach.  Waiting for another
to change is usually as unsuccessful as waiting for Santa Claus to visit
your home.  Such an approach may prove to be as useless an "trying harder."

Sometimes it is much more appropriate to become curious and inquisitive
about what we might learn from unsuccessfully trying so hard.  It may be
better to step back, let go, and emotionally detach from that same old habit
of trying hard to solve a problem.  It may be the time to let go of the old
patterns of behaving and begin acquiring new ones.

"If first you don't succeed, try something else," might become a more
workable proverb to follow.  Sure sometimes it is appropriate to persist in
your pattern of behaving and, with "a little more effort," you may create
the desired outcome.  But more often than not, it pays to try something
else.

The only person you can change is yourself.  When you invite yourself to
change, using a bigger hammer is rather painful.  So work on acquisition of
new habits.  Work on making new choices.  Work on loving yourself more.
Work on your manner of communication.  Work on your appearance.  Work on
developing your talents and skills.  Work on self-acceptance.  Work on
self-approval.  Work on inner stress reduction.  Work on balancing your
life.  Work on your feelings, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors.  Don't try
harder with the same old habits.  Work on acquiring new habits and new ways
of functioning.

All of this work may seem disconnected from, even irrelevant to the current
problem.  But like practicing a piano piece one note or phrase at a time,
eventually you become ready to put the notes and phrases together, with both
hands, and play an entire musical piece in harmony and with ease.  What you
have been working toward, phrase by phrase, becomes a song.  That song is a
whole new way of being in the world.

So when you are unsuccessful at repeated attempts and increased efforts to
resolve a problem, let go of the urgency and frustration of trying harder.
Back off and practice some new skill.  Put a bunch of new skills together
and perhaps you will create a new and harmonious life.  A life where you are
always practicing and learning new ways of addressing old problems.  New
ways of relating to others.  New ways of living in balance and harmony
within yourself.

And those inanimate objects that fight me?  They might just become the tools
for building a complete, new life.

About the Author:
Lloyd J.  Thomas, Ph.D.  has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and
Licensed Psychologist.  He is available for coaching in any area presented
in "Practical Psychology."  As your Coach, his only agenda is to assist you
in creating the lifestyle you genuinely desire.  The initial coaching
session is free.  Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or E-mail:
DrLloyd@... or LJTDAT@....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BEAUTY OF A TOUCH

I love all things bright and beautiful...
and constantly seek to help improve on God's handiwork..
but the bottom line is the fact that
I do not worship material outer "things"......body or possessions.

I have allowed  myself to enjoy  what God has freely given,
and to take care of and enhance his gifts to me.

THAT is not "wrong" for me.
It took so very long to come to my own understanding
and knowing that it is OKAY for me to do this...
OKAY for me to feel this joy of living.
I MUST NOT let anyone else's views affect my own sense
of values and belief that
God gave "beauty" to this world to be appreciated
and talents to us to use creatively.

My God smiles when I plant a tree,
when I manicure the yard by pulling weeds
and planting flowers ...flowers that would NOT be in my
immediate environment without my "efforts".
HE smiles when I put on a pretty dress
and dance and sing when I look in a mirror!
He smiles.....because he KNOWS that
those "things" are not necessary for my happiness.
They are luxuries.....bonus items.....which add icing
to an already content spirit of love for  myself
and for my fellow man.
The greatest beauty God has given me is
the gift of being able to reach out and touch.
 
And to bask in the equally pleasing gift of
allowing another human spirit to touch me.
Touch me with your eyes.
Touch me with your thoughts.
Touch me with your hugs.
Touch me with your words.
Hold tight my hand
And let me hold yours.

God lives inside us. THAT is where He dwells.

I touch God when I touch another human being.
Therefore...with that belief in mind...

I TOUCH AS MUCH AS I DARE  TOUCH.

Lindy Jo Jones

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JUST ONE VOICE

A single note becomes a song
A single tree becomes a forest
A single voice that's clear and strong
Can turn into a worldwide chorus

Just one voice
One single voice
If you say you can
Then you can

A single moon turns the tide
A single seed becomes the harvest
A single sun within the sky
Keeps the whole world spinning for us

Just one voice
One single voice
If you say you can
Well then you can, you can

A single drop becomes the rain
A single step becomes the journey
A single heart that tries again
Can change the course of history's turning

Just one voice
One single voice
If you say you can
Well then you can, you can

Excerpted from the song lyric of:
By Ann Mortifee/Valley Hennell/Doug Edwards
(Mabela Music/Edsel Music/Inaudible Music 1984 PROC)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life's Seasons
by Marie T. Russell

Someone I was speaking with one day said to me, "I wanted to call you as
soon as I saw the latest issue of the magazine to tell you how wonderful it
was, and then I thought you must get tired of hearing that..." This comment
raised a question in me... Is there such a thing as too much appreciation?
My response to that is that when the feelings being shared are sincere,
appreciation is always a boon and comfort.

Appreciation is defined in the dictionary as "grateful recognition". Studies
show that plants and animals respond to praise and appreciation... they grow
faster, healthier, etc. Human beings also respond to expressions of
gratitude. They also blossom in the aura of appreciation.

We all need appreciation, and we especially need to give ourselves that
appreciation, that self-love. If you don't love yourself and think highly of
yourself, it doesn't matter how many other people tell you that you are
wonderful, etc. You won't believe a word of it until you truly love and
appreciate yourself.

After participating in a workshop where much of the talk and processes dealt
with self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love, I mailed myself a thank-you
note. It was wonderful to receive this card where I told myself how much I
was appreciated, loved, etc. Every once in a while when I feel I need a
boost, I pull out the card, read it, and remember who I truly am...

It's essential to take the time to appreciate the beauty within us, as well
as around us. What beauty in such a daily occurrence... a sunset! Though in
a sense sunsets are repetitive (there is one each day), I have never seen
one that was exactly like another.

Just as we see each sunrise and sunset as completely different (which they
are), we can see each moment of our life experience as completely different
(which they are).

Something as commonplace as driving to work, or having breakfast, or turning
on the computer, can attain a level of peace and love when done mindfully -
as if for the first time. When we do things out of habit, we take away the
joy and wonder of newness.

We can instead choose to see each experience as brand-new and each person we
encounter through the day as brand-new... letting go of past hurts,
resentments, etc.

We are like trees. Our beauty lies not so much in our exterior, but in our
interior beauty and love. We need to take time to reconnect with the source
of our energy in order to spring forth with renewed vitality.

The bare autumn trees convey the message that whatever the appearance,
whatever the exterior, what really is essential is the inside, the
interior... From the outside the trees appear dead, yet we know that on the
inside they are still alive, and preparing for a resurgence of beauty and
aliveness.

Autumn leaves in their splendor of orange and the trees with their bare
branches speak of rebirth... of cleansing by shedding the old leaves... It
speaks of resting, of taking time to be silent and peaceful and to go
within.

Such is the beauty of life...When we listen to our intuition (inner
guidance), our lives can also be magically different every day and we can be
"reborn" daily as well.

Summer has gone... and Winter is arriving... yet Spring will return. The
seasons pass in nature, as in our own lives. The winter of doubt and fear
does pass away as we become aware that there is no one to blame for the dark
times we went through -- not even ourselves. These are simply the processes
of life, the changing seasons as it were.

If you have gone through some hardships, and been taking it personally, it
is time to move on. As you keep in contact with your Higher Self, at last
you can have fun being you! For too long we have tried to conform and fit
in...We can have a much more pleasant experience by LOVING our differences
in this "new day", this new season. As we appreciate the uniqueness in
everyone, we can also see the oneness of duality.

We are not limited to being who we have been. The secret to creating the
life we wish, right here and now, is within us. We can heal our emotions and
thus attract to ourselves similar energies as those we are sending out. We
can choose which frequency we wish to emit by working with the energies. As
we use the tools which surround us, such as dreams and self-knowledge, it
becomes easier and easier to enjoy and celebrate life.

About The Author:
Marie T. Russell is the publisher of InnerSelf Magazine (first published in
1985 originally as Mighty Natural Magazine) and The Natural Yellow Pages
(1987-2002). She produced a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner
Power, from 1991-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal
growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and
reconnecting with our inner source of joy and creativity. Marie can be
reached at marie@... with personal comments and feedback, or to be
placed on a mailing list to be advised when her book becomes available.
www.innerself.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

New Opportunity

Everyday is a new opportunity
How to live your life entirely free
Should you be down and feeling blue
Call on your Higher Power He will help you
With each sunrise God grants us a new day
So be sure to love your neighbor and do not stray
It's said it is better to give then to receive
Tell your Higher Power that you believe
Trust in God all throughout your day
Pray that He blesses you
All along your way
Everyday
Is a new opportunity
To carry this message
To help others break free
When you retire at night pray
God grant that I may get my rest
For I have given you my very best
In the morning pray
God grant me a new day
I promise God to help others
All along this way
God I truly wish to help others
To be free and understand
Love unconditionally
For all fellow man
This is Gods purpose
For me today
I love to
Help
Others
All along the way
Everyday is surely
New opportunity
To help others
To break free
I count my blessings
For this new opportunity

Daniel M Corkery
8/1/2002
DMCDREAMER1@@aol.com
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
<http://www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/>

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

See with your heart
not with your eyes
for beauty lies
everywhere.
The mind reasons,
The heart knows.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*It Begins and Ends With You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The mind cannot possibly understand God
because the heart already knows,
Minds were designed for carrying out the orders of the heart.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When we harbor negative emotions toward others or toward ourselves,
or when we intentionally create pain for others,
we poison our own physical and spiritual systems.
By far the strongest poison to the human spirit
is the inability to forgive oneself or another person.
It disables a person's emotional resources.
The challenge...is to refine our capacity to love others
as well as ourselves and to develop the power of forgiveness.
Caroline Myss, PH.D., Anatomy of the Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Take the first step in faith.  You don't have to
see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King Jr.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Generosity is giving more than you can,
and pride is taking less than you need.
Kahlil Gibran

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Memory is a child walking along the seashore.
You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up
and store away among its treasured things.
Pierce Harris

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you think putting down the first one is tough,
try putting down the second one.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's about not picking up,
"NO MATTER WHAT"
everything else will take care of itself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't pick it up,
you don't have to put it down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't pick it up
you can't get high.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

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Tradition 12
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad12.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 16
Today I picture myself flooded with
the glow of a powerful bright light that is
guiding me on my positive path of success and happiness.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Higher Power

When the fog had finally lifted
I was amazed what I could see
Iıd never felt like this before
It feels wonderful to be free

I never realized how blind I was
Living the way I had
Recklessly I ran my life
Itıs true.......life was bad

Then I found my Higher Power
As he opened up my eyes
He showed me how my life could be
I was totally mesmerized

Heıs always been there for me
I just wouldnıt have believed
My troubles could all be turned over to him
So that I could be relieved

We all have our different problems
Mine were drugs and alcohol
Unless we turn it over to a Higher Power
Itıs almost certain we will fall

Iım grateful I got a second chance
And want to pass the message along
So you can read it if youıd like
Or sing it in a song

There is no pain greater than God
Heıll help to get you through
Just donıt give up five minutes before
God sends a miracle to you.

Copyright İ 1997
by Bill MacFeat

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Thank My Higher Power Every Day for His Love and Guidance.
www.anonymityone.com/story9.htm

A Time To Believe. . .
www.geocities.com/ddaaffee/LoriFlower/believe.html

Hope
www.geocities.com/ddaaffee/LoriFlower/hope.html

Forgiveness
www.journeywithspirit.com/forgiveness.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 16                                     "Acting as if"

"Today, we seek solutions, not problems. We try what we have learned
on an experimental basis."  Basic text,Page-55

The first time we heard hat we should "act as if," many of us
exclaimed, "but that's not honest! I thought we were always supposed to
be honest about our feelings in Narcotics Anonymous."

Perhaps we can reflect on when we first came into the program. We
may not have believed in God, but we prayed anyway. Or maybe we weren't
sure the program would work for us, but we kept coming to meetings
regardless of what we thought. The same applies as we progress in
recovery. We may be terrified of crowds, but if we act confidently and
extend our hand, we'll not only feel better about ourselves, we'll find
that we are no longer so frightened of large gathering.

Each action we take in this vein brings us closer to becoming the people
we were meant to be. Each positive change we make builds our
self-esteem. Through acting differently, we will realize that we are
beginning to think differently. We are living ourselves into right
thinking by "acting as if."

Just for today:  I will take the opportunity to act as if I can accept
a situation I used to run from.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Word to Drop: "Blame"

To see how erratic emotions victimized us often took a long time.  We could
perceive them quickly in others, but only slowly in ourselves.  First of
all, we had to admit that we had many of these defects, even though such
disclosures were painful and humiliating.  Where other people were
concerned, we had to drop the word "blame" from our speech and thought.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  47

When I did my Fourth Step, following the Big Book guidelines, I noticed
that my grudge list was filled with my prejudices and my blaming others for
my not being able to succeed and to live up to my potential.  I also
discovered I felt different because I was black.  As I continued to work on
the Step, I learned that I always had drunk to rid myself of those
feelings.  It was only when I sobered up and worked on my inventory, that I
could no longer blame anyone.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 16th

A.A. Thought for the Day

In A.A. we have insurance.  Our faith in God is a kind of
insurance against the terrible things that might happen
to us if we ever drink again.  By putting our drink problem
in the hands of God, we've taken out a sort of insurance
policy, which insures us against the ravages of drink, as
our homes are insured against destruction by fire.  Am I
paying my A.A. insurance premiums regularly?

Meditation for the Day

I must try to love all humanity.  Love comes from thinking
of every man or woman as your brother or sister, because
they are children of God.  This way of thinking makes me
care enough about them to really want to help them.  I must
put this kind of love into action by serving others.  Love means
no severe judging, no resentments, no malicious gossip, and
no destructive criticism.  It means patience, understanding,
compassion, and helpfulness.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may realize that God loves me, since He is the
Father of us all.  I pray that I in turn may have love for all
of His children.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 16

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Letting Things Happen

We do not have to work so hard at gaining our insights. Yes, we're learning
that painful and disappointing things happen, often for a reason and a
higher purpose. Yes, these things often work out for good. But we don't have
to spend so much time and energy figuring out the purpose and plan for each
detail of our life. That's hypervigilence!

Sometimes, the car doesn't start. Sometimes, the dishwasher breaks.
Sometimes, we catch a cold. Sometimes, we run out of hot water. Sometimes,
we have a bad day. While it helps to achieve acceptance and gratitude for
these irritating annoyances, we don't have to process everything and figure
out if it's in the scheme of things.

Solve the problem. Get the car repaired. Fix the dishwasher. Nurse yourself
through the cold. Wait to take the shower until there's hot water. Nurture
yourself through your bad day. Tend to your responsibilities, and don't take
everything so personally!

If we need to recognize a particular insight or awareness, we will be guided
in that direction. Certainly, we want to watch for patterns. But often, the
big insights and the significant processing happen naturally.

We don't have to question every occurrence to see how it fits into the Plan.
The Plan - the awareness, the insight, and the potential for personal growth
- will reveal itself to us. Perhaps the lesson is to learn to solve our
problems without always knowing their significance. Perhaps the lesson is to
trust ourselves to live, and experience, life.

Today, I will let things happen without worrying about the significance of
each event. I will trust that this will bring about my growth faster than
running around with a microscope. I will trust my lessons to reveal
themselves in their own time.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Risking For Deeper Relationship
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/October/1097-19.html

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
A Promise Is A Promise
www.intouchmag.com/promise.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Missing Tube
by Alan Cohen

My friend Kane's father was a television repairman in the 1950's. One day
Herman went out on a house call to service the TV of an old man named Jake,
who lived alone. Herman found that Jake's television was missing a tube,
which he replaced in a few moments. Then Herman spent about 20 minutes
chatting amiably with Jake.

Three days later Jake called Herman to fix the same television. This time a
different tube was missing. Herman replaced the tube and hung out with Jake
for another little while.

Several days later Jake again reported that his TV was on the blink. This
time a different tube was missing. It did not take Herman long to figure out
that the Jake himself was removing the tubes. He just wanted some company.

A Course in Miracles asks us to keep our priorities in order. Spirit first,
matter second. People before stuff. Love before fear. Leo Buscaglia noted,
"We were born to love people and use things, but we learn to love things and
use people."

Imagine the following situation: You wake up one morning and feel like
having some French Toast for breakfast. When you look in the pantry you find
no bread, so you go to the local grocery store, pick up a loaf of bread, and
chat with the clerk a bit on your way out. What was your purpose in going to
the store? For the bread, you might answer hastily. But on a deeper level
you went to connect with the clerk. Sure, you wanted some food. But more
significantly you were feeding your soul and that of the clerk by engaging
with him in a loving way.

In a recent newspaper column I read a series of angry letters from
supermarket clerks complaining about how rudely they are treated by
customers talking on their cell phones in the checkout line. One clerk
counted that out of over 200 people she served on her shift, 47 were talking
on their cell phones. Most of them, she reported, were discourteous, acting
as if she was interrupting them from something more important, while she was
simply trying to help them. These clerks' frustration was due not only to
their customers' rudeness, but their energetic absence.

As spiritual beings, we are fed by our connection with each other. When we
seek to connect with another person and they are not there, we are left
feeling hungry. These clerks, already frustrated by the banality of their
work, were reaching out for human contact, and when their customers treated
them like an intrusion, they grew hurt and angry. They were working there
not just for money, but for love.

You don't need to keep taking the tubes out of your television to get the
nurturing you want. You can ask for it directly. You can take the initiative
to create the intimacy you crave. (The word "intimacy" is built of three
smaller words, "into me see.")

During one period in my life I was feeling quite lonely, and I picked up a
book by Emmanuel, through Pat Rodegast. Emmanuel suggested that there is no
such thing as a bad feeling; every feeling you have is guiding you toward
greater self-knowledge and fulfillment. (An emotion is e-motion -- energy in
motion, moving you to your next step in life.) So I decided to embrace my
loneliness rather than resist it or distract myself from it.

I asked my loneliness what was its message to me. It was telling me, I
realized, that I had cut myself off from people. My feeling of emptiness was
moving me to reach out and connect in a more meaningful way. So I called a
few friends and made some appointments to get together and share what was
happening in our lives. Soon my loneliness dissipated, and I was grateful
for the message it had delivered to me.

I once did a retreat on a small nearly-deserted island near Vancouver B.C.,
at a rustic Y.M.C.A. camp. The caretaker, Dave, kept walking into the
meeting room during our seminars; he was always seeking to fix something or
on his way to the next room. At first I felt annoyed by Dave's persistent
presence. Then I realized that he wanted to be a part of our group. So we
invited Dave to join us, and he eagerly participated in our processes.

Dave revealed that several years earlier his wife and young daughter were
killed in a car crash. Dave took the job as camp caretaker so he could hide
from life. But he found that he could not hide from himself or the call of
his heart. He craved human contact and encouragement to give life another
chance. Our group took Dave in and gave him a lot of love, which he received
gratefully.

I'll never forget the day we left the island. As our boat launched out from
the pier, Dave stood at the edge of the dock waving vigorously to us. He was
smiling and weeping at the same time. As our vessel made its way back to the
mainland, Dave just kept waving until he appeared as but a pinprick on the
horizon. (I think he might still be waving.) It was an important weekend for
him. And us. Dave got some of his tubes back that weekend. So did we. Funny,
I don't remember anything else about that whole seminar. We went there not
just for the bread. We went there for Dave. And he for us.

This article is excerpted from Alan Cohen's new book, Why Your Life Sucks
and What You Can Do About It, by Jodere Group, Inc.

About The Author
Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books, including the
award-winning A Deep Breath of Life. For information about Alan's seminars
or to request a free catalog of Alan's books and tapes, call 1-800-568-3079
or visit www.SpiritFirst.com. . Phone the above 800 number, email
admin@..., or write PO Box 835, Haiku, HI 96708.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Once there was a group of tiny frogs who arranged a climbing competition.
The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.  A big crowd gathered
around the tower to see the race and cheer the contestants on.  The race
began.  No one in the crowd really believed the frogs would reach the top of
the tower.  Statements such as, "Oh, way too difficult!", "They will never
make it to the top.", "Not a chance they will succeed, and "The tower is too
high!", were heard throughout the race.  One by one, the frogs began
collapsing.  Only those who gained a fresh purpose continued to climb
higher.  The crowd yelled louder, "It is too difficult!!!  No one will make
it!" More frogs became tired and gave up.

But one continued to climb higher and higher.  This one refused to give up!
At the end of the race, everyone else had given up climbing the tower.
Except for one tiny frog who put out a huge effort to reach the top!  Then
everyone wanted to know how he managed to do it.  How had he found the
strength to reach his goal?  It turned out the winning frog was deaf!  The
wisdom of this story is this.  Never listen to other people's negative
comments or pessimism because they will steal your dreams.  Always be aware
of the power words have, because everything you hear and read will affect
your actions!  Therefore, always stay positive and focused.  Above all, be
deaf when people try to steal your dreams!  Continually remind yourself, "I
can do this!" The choice is yours!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happiness consists of a solid faith, good health, and a bad memory.
Clare Boothe Luce

Resentments are guaranteed to hinder our growth. We can never know full
happiness when resentment clouds our vision. Why is it so hard for us to
"forget" the small injuries of life? We have never been promised freedom
from pain. Many of the lessons we are destined to learn will scuff our egos.
But we will know happiness, completely, if we free our minds of resentments.

The formula for happiness is simple. We don't need material wealth, a
perfect job, or an exceptional relationship. In fact, it's possible to know
happiness with no job, very little money, and no significant other.
Happiness is a by-product of a healthy attitude. And a healthy attitude is
one that takes the normal turmoil of life and mixes it with a belief in
God's presence. The result is an acceptance of God's will and a certainty
that, in spite of appearances, all is well.

I am in charge of my attitude today. Happiness is a choice I can make
regardless of what the people around me are doing.

from the book: A Woman's Spirit by Karen Casey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RELIEF

In their eyes I see sadness and anger
And I know of the constant danger
Of hurting themselves or even a stranger
Around alcohol and drugs their lives rotate
Not realizing, it's what causes their hate
And that end the end it will seal their fate
I have seen the anguish and I know the pain
For at one time, I too was brought out of the rain
I know there is nothing I can do
Until they know, they are through
And with this thought I am blue

Hey you! Yeah You!
What do I have to do
Just to get through to you
You think that's what it's all about
It's just a way of checking out
What you think is a safe little shell
Will soon turn your life into living Hell
Thinking that your life is screwed
Let me tell you what to do

Just stop and listen
We can help find what your missin
Come on, get up and let's get tough
It looks to me like you've had enough
Stop worring what others' think
That alone will help you not to drink
I'll give you love and lots of hugs
Then maybe you won't pick up those drugs
If you could only see what I see
Then I know you would be pleased

Open your eyes
Don't believe the lies
Follow me
And you will see
You will once again become alive
Instead of struggling just to survive
Don't give up on hope
I'll help you cope
So take my hand
We will make a stand
And on this day
We'll begin to pray
All you need is a little belief
Then you will have your freedom and relief

İ1999 By: Angie F Moore. WHFL
Amoore530@...
All rights reserved.
Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner, without prior written consent is
prohibited.
{Permission Granted}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

THE DISGUISE

Why do you drink
Can you please tell me why
Do you not see the tears
and the pain in my eyes?

I have so much to share
and lots of secrets to tell
But I can't openly share them
when it's of liquor you smell.

You say that you're happy
But how can that be
When I see those blue eyes
staring blankly at me.

What I'm longing to see
when I look in to your eyes
is your true inner self
not a drunken disguise!

I love you so dearly
and by you I'll stand.
Even with distance between us
I'm still holding your hand!

Bonnie Wong

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Maturity is achieved when a person postpones immediate pleasures
for long-term values.
Joshua L. Liebman

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our past is neither an accident nor a mistake.
We have been where we needed to be, with the necessary people.
We can embrace our history, with its pain,
its imperfections, its mistakes, even its tragedies.
It is uniquely ours; it was intended just for us.
Today, we are right where we need to be.
Our present circumstances are exactly
as they need to be, for now.
Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The principle we are working with today is FAITH.
It is the magnetic pull of the heart's desire.
An inner knowing that brings spiritual/emotional assurance.
The substance/foundation of that which one believes."
Iyanla Vanzant

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What we give, whether it's love, time, talent or dollars,
circulates back to us.
As scripture says, "As you sow, so shall you reap."
When we sow seeds of gratitude and joy,
we take a percentage of all the good that comes to us
and bestow it on the universe and we harvest a life of
abundance, touching and transforming every aspect of our lives.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There is only one way that you will find genuine fulfillment
in your life and that is to learn to love and accept yourself.
With that as a foundation, relationships cease to be traumatic.
Perhaps that is because one does not bring
such intense expectations to them.
When you know how to "be with" yourself,
it is not so difficult to "be with"another.
  Paul Ferrini

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Accepting that I am powerless,
gives me power.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's the first on that gets me every time.
(drugs, alcohol, women, secrets and lies)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Powerless and acceptance go hand in hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am powerless but not helpless.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

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www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 11
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad11.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 15
I will put aside all judgments and accept each
and every situation with openness and trust today.
Only then will I discover the joy that lies beyond my fear.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This Is My Story

all this hype about substance abuse
drugs and alcohol, a likely excuse
some people say i planned it that way
so life could be one big game to be played

lookin for love in all the wrong places
searchin out the most despirate faces
the pig at the bar stool next to mine at last call
to pick me up when i fall

waking up or coming to
to a whole new nightmare i have to get through
the car, where is it? did i even drive?
and who the hell is this smelly, fat guy???

my head is banging, my mouth is dry
i don't know how i don't just die
i welcome the idea as the only solution
for the nightmare i'm trapped in, this hopeless delusion

voices are ringing in my head
telling me i'm already dead
but my heart is still beating and my body wants drink
and i know i can still choose to swim or to sink

so i go to the faucet and quench my undying thirst
let me just spill some onto my fat, smelly friend first...
"whoooops, i'm sorry did i do that?
my hands are so shaky and you're just so fat"
so he leaves, must have been something i said
and i'm left to wonder if i'm better off dead
i can't stop this torture inside my head.

then one day i meet a guy, you see
who i think means something special to me
he's looking for a fun, a little honey
he's right up my alley; he's cute and has money.

we fall in love, head over heals,
and down the road he says how he feels
"you drink too much, it's got to stop"
it rings like an echo, in the words of my pop.

hadn't thought of my poppi in years
almost brought my heart to tears
to know i disappointed him
and now this man, whose hopes were dim

that was the start of a journey, you see
our dysfunctional love served a purpose for me
i stopped drinking and then somewhere along the way,
couldn't tell you the day,
i discovered a moment of sanity.
now on to step three...

realizing you can't change what you are
or your past for what it represents
but you must learn to let go and allow yourself
to open yourself to a new life experience
if you will drop your ego and pride
to admit you aren't your own hero
that everyone needs help sometimes
you might be surprised by what you find
there's a solution to every problem,
and a problem to every solution if you look at it that way
or you could just say....
there are no problems but only solutions
to circumstantial life events
so maybe it's not even in the event anymore
but what it represents
old tapes will play through my head
till the day i lay down with the dead
i have learned only to arrest them, detest them, molest them
just as they have done me
i treat them as poison and replace them, deface them;
i let my father set me free.....
Step Three.

i have told you my darkest secrets above
for which i'm no longer deeply ashamed
you're only as sick as your secrets
and you can be weller than the people you blamed
the parents, the system, the in-laws as well
because of them, your life was hell
forgive them you must, or you'll surely succomb
it's an inside job and it starts with the bum
take a real hard look at what you've become
is this what you want for yourself, for your daughter, your son?
now steps four and five are done.

now to step six and this one's a winner
you recognize that you're a sinner
with flaws in your make-up you can't use anymore
they try to keep you stuck in your past
rebellion, thinking you control what's in store
life has a way of proving it's force
so the pride has to be completely removed
total control in the hands of god
the devil will try to confuse you, of course
pulling you in like a fish on a rod
if you don't drop the pride and let go
commit to a way besides your own
then you're still running the show
holding the cards and keeping control
this is where i am today
still struggling to let go of the obstacles that stand in the way
recovered today
from alcohol
they say it's not was'm , but ism...
the "isms" for me are the character flaws
from the ghosts of ancient history
that keep me stuck in yesterday
and won't let me be free

that is where i'm at today
and so this poem has to end
i can only share what i know
i hope it spoke to you, my friend
it's worth the journey, look at me
10 years without a drink, I finally see
the solution lives with the problem
and the problem is centered in me.

Jodi S.
jes1239@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Page 56* - Kevin's Story
www.anonymityone.com/story5.htm

Insanity
www.anonymityone.com/story62.htm

The Stone Cutter
www.storybin.com/sponsor/sponsor137.shtml

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 15                                   Keep coming back

"We have come to enjoy living clean and want more of the good things
that the NA Fellowship holds for us."   Basic Text p. 26

Can you remember a time when you looked at the addicts recovering in NA
and wondered, "If they aren't using drugs, what on earth do they have
to laugh about?" Did you believe that the fun stopped when the using
stopped? So many of us did; we were certain that we were leaving the
"good life" behind. Today, many of us can laugh at that misconception
because we know how full our life in recovery can be.

Many of the things we enjoy so much in recovery are gained by actively
participating in the Fellowship of NA. We begin to find true
companionship, friends who understand and care about us just for
ourselves. We find a place where we can be useful to others. There are
recovery meetings, service activities, and fellowship gatherings to fill
our time and occupy our interests. The fellowship can be a mirror to
reflect back to us a more accurate image of who we are. We find
teachers, helpers, friends, love, care, and support. The fellowship always
has more to offer us, as long as we keep coming back.

Just for today: Just for today: I know where the "good life" is. I'll
keep coming back.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Growing Up

The essence of all growth is a willingness to change for the better and
then an unremitting willingness to shoulder whatever responsibility this
entails.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  115

Sometimes when I've become willing to do what I should have been doing all
along, I want praise and recognition.  I don't realize that the more I'm
willing to act differently, the more exciting my life is.  The more I am
willing to help others, the more rewards I receive.  That's what practicing
the principles means to me.  Fun and benefits for me are in the willingness
to do the actions, not to get immediate results.  Being a little kinder, a
little slower to anger, a little more loving makes my life better day by
day.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 15th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Terrible things could have happened to any one of us.  We
never will know what might have happened to us when we
were drunk.  We usually thought: "That couldn't happen to
me."  But any one of us could have killed somebody or have
been killed ourselves, if we were drunk enough.  But fear of
these things never kept us from drinking.  Do I believe that
in A.A. we have something more effective than fear?

Meditation for the Day

I must keep calm and unmoved in the vicissitudes of life.  I
must go back into the silence of communion with God to recover
this calm when it is lost even for one moment.  I will accomplish
more by this calmness than by all the activities of a long day.
At all cost I will keep calm.  I can solve nothing when I am
agitated.  I should keep away from things that are upsetting
emotionally.  I should run on an even keel and not get tipped over
by emotional upsets.  I should seek for things that are calm and
good and true and stick to those things.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not argue nor contend, but merely state calmly
what I believe to be true.  I pray that I may keep myself in that
state of calmness that comes from faith in God's purpose for
the world.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 15

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Communication

Part of owning our power is learning to communicate clearly, directly, and
assertively. We don't have to beat around the bush in our conversations to
control the reactions of others. Guilt-producing comments only produce
guilt. We don't have to fix or take care of people with our words; we can't
expect others to take care of us with words either. We can settle for being
heard and accepted. And we can respectfully listen to what others have to
say.

Hinting at what we need doesn't work. Others can't read our mind, and
they're likely to resent our indirectness. The best way to take
responsibility for what we want is to ask for it directly. And, we can
insist on directness from others. If we need to say no to a particular
request, we can. If someone is trying to control us through a conversation,
we can refuse to participate.

Acknowledging feelings such as disappointment or anger directly, instead of
making others guess at our feelings or having our feelings come out in other
ways, is part of responsible communication. If we don't know what we want to
say, we can say that too.

We can ask for information and use words to forge a closer connection, but
we don't have to take people around the block with our conversations. We
don't have to listen to, or participate in, nonsense. We can say what we
want and stop when we're done.

Today, I will communicate clearly and directly in my conversations with
others. I will strive to avoid manipulative, indirect, or guilt producing
statements. I can be tactful and gentle whenever possible. And I can be
assertive if necessary.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Wisdomgifting & Power Objects
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/October/1097-16.html

Mindfullness and the Discovery of the Self
www.intouchmag.com/joanb3.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

HANDLING ANGER ASSERTIVELY

By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

The emotion we call "anger" is a natural response to frustration,
pain, loss or neediness.  It may also occur out of "old habit" or
imitation of an angry parent.  Anger is what we label the
biochemical/physiological response we experience when our wants and
needs are not met, when we are blocked from pursuing our goals, when
we are hurting either physically or emotionally, or when we have
experienced a loss of some kind.  Anger is a natural emotion and a
powerful energizer.

Many, many people have problems expressing their anger.  You may have
been given lots of messages as a child that you were supposed to be
nice, kind, and sweet all the time.  Or perhaps any anger expression
was not tolerated and punished in some way.  Messages like, "Don't you
talk back to me!" accompanied by a swat, is not only telling the child
his or her angry feelings are "bad", it is punitive of the child's
attempt to express the anger.  It is also very confusing, because the
child is being shown how the parent handles anger and at the same time
told not to handle his or her anger in the same manner.  So the child
often learns to bottle up his or her anger in an effort to be a "good
child" and avoid punishment.

Bottling up your anger, allowing it to build until you explode, or
becoming your own angry critic of yourself and others, are not the
most beneficial methods for handling anger.  Learning how to be
self-supportive and assertive with your anger are the most healthful
ways to deal with your naturally-occurring emotion.

It is unnatural for everyone to remain smooth, calm, and unaffected
by the frustrations, hurts and losses experienced in life.  But
expressing anger in a rage or "dumping" your anger on yourself or
others is highly destructive to your psychological well-being.
Instead of venting your angry feelings in thermonuclear outbursts, or
blocking them, thereby creating enormous internal stress, you can
learn to turn your anger into a motivational tool which will give you
the charge of energy you can use to take control of your own life,
pursue your wants and goals more vigorously, and clarify where you
stand in relation to others in your life.  Using your anger for
powerful assertiveness is the natural purpose for having it in the
first place.  Here are six suggestions for handling your anger
assertively.

1.  Allow yourself to acknowledge your feelings of anger.  Take a
deep breath and listen to yourself for a minute.  Become aware of the
bodily sensations your anger creates.  Ask yourself, "Do I feel angry
enough to let others know what I am feeling?" or "How can I use my
angry energy to address the problem to which I responded with anger?"
Then decide either to let the problem go...along with your anger, or
use the energy to address the precipitating issue.

2.  Pick an appropriate discussion time.  If possible, arrange with
another a suitable time to raise the issue to which you responded with
anger.  A sudden outburst of anger may just put others on the
defensive and may be even more frustrating for you.

3.  Avoid blaming, judging, and accusing others.  Your blaming
offensive will only breed a defensive counter attack.  It also makes
you feel more helpless, because blaming becomes an obstacle to
problem-solving. After you cool down, the problem remains with perhaps
the addition of guilt or anxiety over your own outburst.

4.  Always express your anger using "I" statements about how you are
feeling.  Say "I am feeling really frustrated and angry right now"
rather than "You and your stupidity make me feel sick (tired, angry,
ticked off, or any other adjective describing your anger)."

5.  Say what it is you are wanting or needing which would address the
problem or your anger.  Make your needs clear and very specific.
Don't ask the other person to change his or her feelings.  They have a
right to their feelings just as much as you have to yours.  Ask
directly and specifically for something that will help you feel
satisfied or less angry.

6.  Listen to the other's response.  Allow the person you're talking
to enough time to hear and respond to what you've said.  Look at them
when they talk.  Don't interrupt or rehearse your reply while they are
talking.  Slow down, and take in what they are saying.  Then choose
how you want to respond to them.  Before you respond, acknowledge that
you heard what they said, even though you may not agree with what they
said.

The practice of using your anger to assert yourself can result in a
much more fulfilled way of functioning.  It can even bring others
closer to you through caring and respect.  Learn to use your anger for
self-support and you regain control of your feelings and your life.

About the Author:
Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and
Licensed Psychologist.  He is available for coaching in any area
presented in "Practical Psychology."  As your Coach, his only agenda
is to assist you in creating the lifestyle you genuinely desire. The
initial coaching session is free.  Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or
E-mail: DrLloyd@... or LJTDAT@....

Dr. Thomas also serves on the faculty of the Institute For Life Coach
Training.  In that capacity, he teaches advanced coaching teleclasses:
*Coaching Successful Life*s Lessons,* and *Intentional Creation:
Re-Shaping Your Life.*  To contact the Institute, call 970-224-9830 or
E-mail: doccoach@....  Check out the website:
www.lifecoachtraining.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Story of Creation
by William Mistele

And seven mighty cosmic angels, Lords of Creation, stood
before the throne of God.

And God spoke and said: "What part will each of you play in
fulfilling my Will to create the universe?"

And the first angel spoke and said: "I shall create the sky
and the stars that Light might shine forth. Thereby a trace
of Your Glory and Joy shall echo throughout the universe till
the end of time."

And the second angel said: "I shall create the worlds and
planets separating liquid from earth so that Order might
prevail out of chaos. Mountains and seas, hills and streams,
volcanoes and trees, clouds flowing, lightning striking - these
shall I call into being that the firmament might bear witness
to the notes with which Your Voice sings."

And the third angel said: "I shall bring forth Life upon these
worlds and planets. All manner of creatures I shall design that
Life might come to know itself as each gazes into the other's
eyes."

And the fourth angel said: "I shall grant these creature
Intelligence so that thought and choice might arise. There by
living creatures shall guide and refine Nature itself into its
quintessence."

And the fifth angel said: "I shall place dreams of what can be
within both matter and living beings. Thereby ideals shall take
root and be born even in the darkest place so that planets,
stars, and creatures shall walk on paths which lead to Ecstasy."

And the sixth angel said: "I shall place within the minds of living
beings a mirror so clear the stars, planets, and galaxies shall be
reflected therein to perfection. In this way, they shall attain the
enlightened mind."

The seventh angel waited a moment, meditating quietly to herself
on what within God's Will was still left undone. She then came forth
and stood before all the others. She said, speaking both to the
other angels and to God: "I shall create Love and hearts deep
enough to hold the entire universe within themselves. Thereby, in
the fullness of time, living beings shall unite all creatures, planets,
stars, and angelic powers into One Song - Love and Beauty joined.
Then and only then will Your Will to create the universe be done."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and
fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.  Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so
that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone,
and as we let our own light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON

Our Deepest fear
www.goodworksonearth.org/nelsonmandela2.html

Our deepest fear, Marianne Williamson, (Nelson Š
www.skdesigns.com/internet/articles/quotes/williamson.html

Marianne Williamson's prayer used in Nelson Mandela's speechŠ
www.the-reflectory.com/mw_fear.html

Deepest Fear
www.geocities.com/Heartland/9290/DeepestFear.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

We come into these rooms admitting defeat
thru the pain of addiction, we truly earned our seat
we really found a home when we found N.A.
and we were told we could live life, "Just For Today"

Addicts in Recovery told us where they'd been
they told us we never have to use again
and just when we found it difficult to cope
they shared with us their "Experience, Strength and Hope"

They said to fill the emptiness deep within our soul
we must learn to surrender & give up control
And honor a God that only we need comprehend
to be honest & willing to trust in a friend

They introduced the "12 Steps" they hold so dear
they said that if we worked them we'd have "nothing to fear"
that they'd help us learn to live life clean
and help us clear the wreckage, make amends & feel serene

They they taught us "12 Traditions" to live them everyday
which showed us to treat others in a kind & loving way
they suggested doing service, so we'd finally know
that carrying the message can only help us grow

There's still so many addicts out there in the rain
Stuck in their addiction, stuck in their pain
Only we can help them when they're ready to see
That Narcotics Anonymous can truly set them free

Randi7258@...
Miami Beach, Florida

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Process

Complete chaos
Confusion blankets my brain
Ideas
Half-formed
Bombard my being
Unasked questions
Remain unanswerable
Truth is deceitful
Deception, truth
Delusions of grandeur
Short-lived
Feelings of failure
Constant
Loneliness above all else

You reach in
Handing me hope
Answer my questions
Without a word
Give me steps
Lead the way
Brighter tomorrow
Feeling new
In recovery
Friends emerge

Karen S
sngnrnbwwmn@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  One SONG can spark a moment
  One FLOWER can wake the dream
  One TREE can start a forest
  One BIRD can herald spring
  One SMILE begins a friendship
  One HANDCLASP lifts a soul
  One STAR can guide a ship at sea
  One WORD can frame the goal
  One VOTE can change a nation
  One SUNBEAM lights a room
  One CANDLE wipes out darkness
  One LAUGH will conquer gloom
  One STEP must start each journey
  One WORD must start a prayer
  One HOPE will raise our spirits
  One TOUCH can show you care
  One VOICE can speak with wisdom
  One HEART can know what is true
  One LIFE can make a difference
  You see, it is up to YOU.

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't ask God to send you a brilliant career,
but rather ask Him to show you the brilliance within you,
It is the recognition of our brilliance that releases it into expression.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People shop for a bathing suit with more care
than they do a husband or wife.
The rules are the same.
Look for something you'll feel comfortable wearing.
Allow for room to grow.
Erma Bombeck

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I recently read this line:
"If you ever think you are too small to be effective,
then you have never been in bed with a mosquito."
There are times we forget who we are, what we're made of,
or we struggle to know the purpose for which we've been born.
That's why it's so important to build support into our lives,
with prayer groups or Master Mind partners.
We are not too small to make a difference in the world.
By infusing each day with practices that help us remember this truth,
we can begin and continue to do the work we have been sent here to do.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The wise man in the storm prays to God,
not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear.
It is the storm within that endangers him,
not the storm without.
  Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Many are called
and few choose to listen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Move a muscle,
change a thought.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The answers don't come before the question.
Ask the question.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We can disagree without being disagreeable.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
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Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
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Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 10
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad10.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 14
Today I am growing in my awareness that
my mind, body and spirit need exercise and nourishment.
Through prayer and meditation, exercise and reading,
I am developing a personal program for
physical, mental and spiritual growth.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Her Tears

 Years of tears rolled down her cheek
And her knees had grown quite weak
Through all this she couldn't speak
Watching in sorrow
She dreaded her tomorrow
And as they took him away
Her soul melded to gray
All she felt was fear and despair
And the pain was much to bare
She was so lost and alone
For she knew he could never come home

 She was oh so young
Just had turned twenty-one
With yet another failure in life
She wondered why she had this strife
She wished to God she would just die
But until then she'd just get high
For when she was stoned
She could stand to be alone
So around drugs and alcohol her life did rotate
And she realized the habit, she could not brake
And that was why she swam in hate
Searching for her great escape

Then one day she started to pray
She could no longer live this way
She knew, she had not a friend
And prayed to God, to just let it end
Life to her was a mystery
And she didn't know of honesty
She lied, cheated and she stole
Her heart had turned, rigid and cold
And she wouldn't let anyone brake that mold

 Then one day she got busted
With the wrong person, she had trusted
She screamed to them "it's not my stuff"
As they lead her off in the cuffs
She felt God was getting her for her sin
In truth, this is where that life would end

 This I know, it's for sure
On that day God had smiled on her
It made her go and seek help
And now she has learned to love herself
She is in pretty good health
And has found a greater wealth
She has a God from up above
That has filled her up with love
Now she stands upon solid ground
Because of this love she has found
So if you think your life is dead
Just start praying and look ahead
She has learned how to cope
Even though she gave up hope
She no longer lives with fears
And only joy is in her tears

İby: Angie F Moore. whfl
Amoore530@...
(Permission granted)
All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner,
without prior written consent is prohibited

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Al's Story
www.anonymityone.com/story1.htm

Insanity
www.anonymityone.com/story62.htm

N.A. Grey Cover Book
www.bosewell.com/greybook/fifthcomp.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 14                                      A new vision

"Do we really want to be rid of our resentments, our anger, our fear?"
   Basic Text p. 33

Why do we call them "shortcomings"? Perhaps they should be called
"long-goings:' because that's often what it takes for them to fade from
our lives. Some of us feel that our shortcomings are the very
characteristics that saved our lives when we used. If this is true, then
it is little wonder that we sometimes cling to them like old, dear
friends.

If we are having trouble with resentment, anger, or fear, we may want
to envision what our lives could be like without these troubling defects.
Asking ourselves why we react in a certain manner can sometimes root
out the fear at the core of our conduct. "Why am I afraid to step beyond
these aspects of my personality?" we ask ourselves. 'Am I afraid of who
I will be without these attributes?"

Once we have uncovered our fear, we are able to move beyond it. We try
to imagine what our lives could be like without some of our more glaring
shortcomings. This gives us a feeling for what lies past our fear,
providing the motivation we need to push through it. Our Higher Power
offers us a new vision for our lives, free of our defects. That vision is
the essence of our own best, brightest dreams for ourselves. We need
not fear that vision.

Just for today: I will imagine what my life would be like without my
character defects. I will ask for the willingness to have God remove
my shortcomings.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Accepting Our Humanness

We finally saw that the inventory should be ours, not the other man's.  So
we admitted our wrongs honestly and became willing to set these matters
straight.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  222

Why is it that the alcoholic is so unwilling to accept responsibility?  I
used to drink because of the things that other people did to me.  Once I
came to A.A. I was told to look at where I had been wrong.  What did I have
to do with all these different matters?  When I simply accepted that I had
a part in them, I was able to put it on paper and see it for what it was --
humanness.  I am not expected to be perfect!  I have made errors before and
I will make them again.  To be honest about them allows me to accept them
-- and myself -- and those with whom I had the differences; from there,
recovery is just a short distance ahead.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 14th

A.A. Thought for the Day

A police captain once told about certain cases he had come
across in his police work. The cause of the tragedy in each
case was drunkenness. He told his audience about a man who
got into an argument with his wife while he was drunk and
beat her to death. Then he went out and drank some more.
The police captain also told about a woman who got too near
the edge of an old quarry hole when she was drunk and fell
one hundred and fifty feet to her death. When I read or
hear these stories, do I think about our motto: "But for the
grace of God"?

Meditation for the Day

I must keep balance by keeping spiritual things at the center
of my life. God will give me this poise and balance if I pray for
it. This poise will give me power in dealing with the lives of
others. This balance will manifest itself more and more in my
own life. I should keep material things in their proper place
and keep spiritual things at the center of my life. Then I will
be at peace amid the distractions of everyday living.

Prayer for the Day

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.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 14

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Perfectionism

Recovery from codependency is an individual process that necessitates making
mistakes, struggling through problems, and facing tough issues.

Expecting ourselves to be perfect slows this process; it puts us in a guilty
and anxious state. Expecting others to be perfect is equally destructive; it
makes others feel ashamed and may interfere with their growth.

People are human and vulnerable, and that is wonderful. We can accept and
cherish that idea. Expecting others to be perfect puts us in that
codependent state of moral superiority. Expecting ourselves to be perfect
makes us feel rigid and inferior.

We can let go of both ideas.

We do not need to go to the other extreme; tolerating anything people throw
our way. We can still expect appropriate, responsible behavior from
ourselves. But most of us can afford to loosen up a bit. And when we stop
expecting others to be perfect, we may discover that theyre doing much
better than we thought. When we stop expecting ourselves to be perfect, well
discover the beauty in ourselves.

Today, I will practice tolerance, acceptance, and love of others as they
are, and myself as I am. I will strive for that balance between expecting
too much and expecting too little from others and myself.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

End of the Trail - or the Beginning?, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/October/1097-15.html

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
  Dr. Wayne Dyer
A Promise Is A Promise
www.intouchmag.com/promise.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Finding Reasons to Feel Good
by Lynn A. Robinson

The Universe totally supports every thought I choose to think and believe.
I have unlimited choices about what I think.
I choose balance, harmony, and peace, and I express it in my life.
  - Louise Hay

Last month I was teaching a class called Creating a Life You Love. I was
going over the lesson about affirmations. I stated something I thought was
self-evident - that each of us has an internal dialogue going on at all
times, and in essence we're constantly talking to ourselves. A man sitting
to my right let out an audible gasp and exclaimed, "Oh! I'm so glad you said
that. I thought I was the only one who talked to myself!"

Have you ever suddenly and inexplicably felt depressed or irritable when
just moments before you'd felt fine? That happens to all of us from time to
time. The next time it happens, take a moment to remember what occurred just
prior to your shift in emotions. You'll likely come up with something
someone said or did that hurt your feelings, or a situation that arose that
made you feel bad in some way.

The important thing is to observe your thoughts. What did you tell yourself
about the comment or situation that made you feel bad? Learning to ask this
question whenever you experience a sudden mood shift is vitally important.
You'll have some instant insight into some core thoughts and beliefs.

I'll give you an example to illustrate this point. Recently I was coaching
Roy, a middle manager at a corporation near Boston. We were speaking about
his recent successes and an award that he had received the week before. He
was upbeat and positive as we spoke.

Moving on to a different subject, I asked him something about his boss,
Neil. Roy immediately began shifting in his seat. His energy and posture
changed, and he looked crestfallen. I was startled by the abrupt shift and
asked, "What did you just tell yourself about the topic of Neil?" He quickly
replied, "I'll never be as smart as Neil. I won't get ahead because I'm not
as good as him." I remarked that it was interesting to me that we could be
talking about his successes one moment, then make such a rapid shift in
focus based on his self-defeating internal dialogue.

Clearly it didn't help Roy to perceive himself as unintelligent and
incapable of getting ahead. Neither was it true! The rest of the session was
spent in reframing how he saw himself in relation to others. The next time
he experienced the beginning of a negative thought pattern, he learned to
question it and ask, "What's a more productive way of thinking about this?"
The answer he came up with in connection to his boss was to say to himself,
"I have many abilities that enable me to do my job well. They are just a
different set of skills than Neil's."

The book A Course in Miracles has an affirmation that says, "I could choose
peace instead of this." You have a choice about the thoughts you pay
attention to. You can choose the ones that make you feel good, hopeful, and
positive or the ones that make you feel rotten, hopeless, and miserable.
Take a look at how this model works in the Intuition Exercise.

Intuition Exercise: Find Reasons to Feel Good

Begin to look for reasons to feel good, and consciously change the direction
of your thoughts. Practice asking your inner guidance, "Is there another way
to view this situation?" and listen for the answers. Here's a practice
exercise:

Write a few sentences about a recent event that you felt bad about.

What did you say to yourself about this situation? How did you interpret
what took place?

What is another way of viewing or interpreting the situation that makes you
feel better?

Here's an example from my journal:

The situation: I had a miscommunication with a local landscaper about the
cost of planting some bushes in our backyard. I realized that this was my
misinterpretation of the work involved. It was not his fault.

My interpretation/what I told myself: I spent the day feeling bad because I
felt I had spent too much money. I was chastising myself for not keeping to
our budget. I began generalizing that I was not good at saving money. I told
myself that I should be investing that money in our retirement fund.

An alternate way of viewing the situation: I began to stop beating myself up
when I asked the question, "How can I look at this differently?" The answers
came flooding into my mind. I feel expansive when I look into my "new"
backyard. I feel good that I could afford to have this work done. I trust
that more money will come from some other source to more than make up for
this money I spent.

Epilogue: The next day my husband received a contract for his freelance work
that more than covered the check I'd just written to the landscaper. I find
over and over again that when I can shift my thinking to feeling good about
something and placing my focus on what I want rather than what I don't want,
I create positive results. Ask your intuition to direct your thinking. Your
inner wisdom will always guide you to well being.

Your Intuition Journal

Do you have a chronic situation in your life that takes a lot of your
energy? This might be an area in which you are disappointed, sad, or
discouraged.

Write one or two sentences about this situation in your journal.

What do you tell yourself about this situation?

For example: "This will never change." "I'm just not good at this."

What could you tell yourself that would make you feel better and more
optimistic?

For example: "This situation is only temporary." "I'm taking steps to change
and this will get better." "I've been in difficult situations before and
things have worked out."

What are you willing to do to change your internal dialogue to be more
positive?

Sometimes you may not feel that you have options, or you may believe that
the other person or the situation has power and you have none. This is
rarely true, and continuing to think that way may shut you off from your
wise inner guidance attempting to offer you solutions. Answers and options
will come to your mind and heart. Allow yourself to be open to the potential
for change.

Transforming Your Fear

We cannot escape fear. We can transform it into a companion
that accompanies us on all our exciting adventures. . . .
Take a risk a day - one small or bold stroke
that will make you feel great once you have done it.
Susan Jeffers

Divine intuition speaks to you most strongly through your hopes and dreams.
God communicates your next steps through what you feel excited and
passionate about. In talking to thousands of clients, I've discovered that
many of us suppress and restrain our enthusiasm. Have you ever done that?
You might have been excited about a work project, a potential move, a new
business venture, but you talked yourself out of it. You let your initial
enthusiasm fade away.

Many of us do that because the task seems insurmountable. How do I get from
Point A (where I am) to Point B (where I want to be)? The Roman philosopher
Seneca stated, "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare;
it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." We give up when our
fear gets in our way. Intuition can provide you with the appropriate steps
to take to bring your dream to fruition.

Intuition Exercise: Small Steps, Big Gains

1. Think of a goal or dream you've had. Write it in your journal. Examples:

I'd like to lose twenty pounds.

I want to be self-employed in my own graphic-design business.

I want to be a well-known poet.

I'd love to be a great watercolorist.

2. Each morning when you arise and each evening before going to bed,
visualize yourself having achieved your goal. Just spend a few minutes each
time.

3. Think of a small step you could take that would move you toward your
goal. Think of something you feel excited about that doesn't feel like too
much of a stretch to achieve.

Examples:

I'd like to lose four pounds this month.

I'd like to find out more about starting a business.

I'd like to discover where I could read my poetry in public.

I'd like to find a great watercolor class.

4. Begin to take the small steps you listed above. Each day, pay attention
to what you feel enthusiastic about in relation to your goal. This is your
intuition communicating with you and encouraging you toward your goal. Take
action on your enthusiasms!

Your Intuition Journal

Creating major change in your life can feel overwhelming. Many people don't
change, if given an option. They prefer to stay stuck and wait until they're
assured that the change they contemplate will be successful. Those
assurances are rarely forthcoming, and then it's often too late. Think of
the excitement and enthusiasm you feel as your intuition indicating the
direction of some small steps to take.

What do you feel excited about today?

What small steps can you take toward your goal?

Your action plan:

Success breeds success. As you start to take small steps, you'll feel more
self-confident and you'll develop trust that your intuition will lead you in
the right direction. Slowly but surely you'll find that you'll experience a
greater sense of self-achievement and satisfaction.

This article was excerpted from Compass Of The Soul, İ2003, by Lynn A.
Robinson. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Andrew McMeel
Publishing.
www.andrewsmcmeel.com

About the Author:
Lynn Robinson, M.Ed., is one of the nation's leading experts on intuition.
She's a popular and widely recognized author and motivational speaker. She
is the author of four books, including Divine Intuition: Your Guide to
Creating a Life You Love. She is also the co-author of The Complete Idiot's
Guide to Being Psychic.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Golden Buddha

  In the fall of 1988 my wife Georgia and I were invited
to give a presentation of self-esteem and peak performance
at a conference in Hong Kong. Since we had never been to the
Far East before, we decided to extend our trip and visit
Thailand.

  When we arrived in Bangkok, we decided to take a tour
of the city's most famous Buddhist temples. Along with our
interpreter and driver, Georgia and I visited numerous
Buddhist temples that day, but after a while they all began
to blur in our memories.

  However, there was one temple that left an indelible
impression in our hearts and minds. It is called the Temple
of the Golden Buddha. The temple itself is very small,
probably no larger than thirty feet by thirty feet. But as
we entered, we were stunned by the presence of a ten-and-a-
half-foot tall, solid-gold Buddha. It weighs over two-and-a-
half tons and is valued at approximately one hundred and
ninety-six million dollars! It was quite an awesome sight -
the kindly gentle, yet imposing solid-gold Buddha smiling
down at us.

  As we immersed ourselves in the normal sightseeing
tasks (taking pictures while oohing and ahhing over the
statue), I walked over to a glass case that contained a
large piece of clay about eight inches thick and twelve
inches wide. Next to the glass case was a typewritten page
describing the history of this magnificent piece of art.

  Back in 1957 a group of monks from a monastery had to
relocate a clay Buddha from their temple to a new location.
The monastery was to be relocated to make room for the
development of a highway through Bangkok. When the crane
began to lift the giant idol, the weight of it was so
tremendous that it began to crack. What's more, rain began
to fall. The head monk, who was concerned about damage to
the sacred Buddha, decided to lower the statue back to the
ground and cover it with a large canvas tarp to protect it
from the rain.

  Later that evening the head monk went to check on the
Buddha. He shined his flashlight under the tarp to see if
the Buddha was staying dry. As the light reached the crack,
he noticed a little gleam shining back and thought it
strange. As he took a closer look at this gleam of light, he
wondered if there might be something underneath the clay. He
went to fetch a chisel and hammer from the monastery and
began to chip away at the clay. As he knocked off shards of
clay, the little gleam grew brighter and bigger. Many hours
of labor went by before the monk stood face to face with the
extraordinary solid-gold Buddha.

  Historians believe that several hundred years before
the head monk's discovery, the Burmese army was about to
invade Thailand (then called Siam). The Siamese monks
realizing that their country would soon be attacked, covered
their precious golden Buddha with an outer covering of clay
in order to keep their treasure from being looted by the
Burmese. Unfortunately, it appears that the Burmese
slaughtered all the Siamese monks, and the well-kept secret
of the golden Buddha remained intact until that fateful day
in 1957.

  As we flew home on Cathay Pacific Airlines I began to
think to myself, "We are all like the clay Buddha covered
with a shell of hardness created out of fear, and yet
underneath each of us is a 'golden Buddha,' a 'golden
Christ' or a 'golden essence,' which is our real self.
Somewhere along the way, between the ages of two and nine,
we begin to cover up our 'golden essence,' our natural self.
Much like the monk with the hammer and the chisel, our task
now is to discover our true essence once again."

By Jack Canfield  from Chicken Soup for the Soul
Copyright 1993 by Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There's a story about a rabbi who takes a group of people into a
basement and tells them to get rid of the darkness.
He hands them a broom, saying "Beat the darkness away."
But the darkness remains.
He says, "Shout it away," and they scream and shout and the darkness won't
go away.  Then he hands each of them a candle and says,
"Light one candle and then light the others," and before long,
the whole room is filled with light.
Darkness is dispelled when we replace it with something better.
We can all find the light within us and spread it to everyone that we meet.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Loyal to the Foil

We're so sick of being tired all we want is to get wired
We just want to tweak and stay up for a whole week
The lights are always on cause we are constantly awake
We go to people's houses just to see what we can take
We vacuum carpets with a brush & clean the floors with a rag
After cleaning the house for hours we chase down another bag
We're paranoid as shit but not afraid of death
Scandalous and dishonest but loyal to our meth
At times we are confused we can't seem to understand
What happen to our lives-why we're the outcast of the land
At times we act so crazy people think we are insane
Irritating thoughts are always running through our brain
What a high it is for those of us who deal
Slinging out the cut so we can do the real
We come up fast and make money by the score
Everyone's our friend we're surrounded by crank whores
We all end up in prison wondering how the hole was dug
We blame it on society cause we're loyal to our drug
When in prison we build our bodies and our stature
Then get out on parole and go and manufacture
We don't care about our health or worry about going back
We don't care about our lives cause we're loyal to the sack
So here I sit in prison unable to get high
I take it the best I can it's no time for me to cry
Soon I'll be back out and tempted by the meth
I'll have to be much stronger or face my certain death

QoiLady@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With this relapse I've taken some time to review some of the
things I learned, or thought I learned during my short sober time.
I'm clean again today, and that's what's important, I believe mistakes
are ok as long as you learn from them. And believe me I learned a lot
from this one.  When my pink cloud of sobriety faded away and reality
smacked me in the face and knocked me on my ass, well I turned back
to my old ways of coping. It didn't take me long at all to be back where
I was. I had 45 days of clean time, those days are still mine, and are
the catalyst for me wanting more days of clean time. I also heard that
sharing was good, so I'm going to share a bit now with the little poem
thing below that I wrote. Thanks everyone for being here for me.

The Things I Learned

I believed I was in recovery by myself,
I learned that I was never truly alone,
Unless I chose to be.

I believed recovery was a breeze,
I learned that my disease didn't agree,
I have to recover one day at a time, in small degrees.

I believed I could solely heal myself,
I learned that I had to completely surrender,
And let my God be the one to show me sobriety's splendor.

I believed I was in total control,
I learned from my relapse that my disease held the lead role,
And the lack of drugs left a hole that needed to be filled in my soul.

I believed that 12 Steps were not a necessity,
I learned that to stay clean I had to make them be,
With the 12 Steps I could actually be free.

I believed there was no such thing as unconditional love,
I learned that when I stumbled and fell it was still there,
And all I had to do was accept it.

I believed if I ever relapsed I would not be able to come back,
I learned that with my Higher Power this is just a learning experience,
And just a small obstacle and a minor setback.

I believed faith in itself was enough,
I learned that faith by itself is useless,
And there's a lot of work to be done and it's going to be rough.

I believed in my mind that I tried,
I learned that my mind was a dangerous place to be,
And I needed to listen to my heart because my mind had again lied.

I believed I knew everything I had to know,
I learned I didn't know much of anything,
And I had to listen to grow.

I believed to surrender was to lose,
I learned that surrendering gave me the ability to choose,
And the strength to continue.

I believed by knowing and simply sharing I was recovering,
I learned that I also ran my mouth and knew alot when I was stoned as well,
And there is truth to actions speak louder then words.

I believed that by using yesterday my disease had won,
I learned that yesterday is over and done,
And today I start over with Day One.

written by:
Michael Arthur, recovering addict
RisngSmoke@...
April 9, 2000

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities have crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day;
you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit
to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I have found that the deepest, most meaningful
aspects to my life are often the ones that first appear
to be so ordinary and inconsequential.  The source
of the blessings in my life is deep within, past
whatever abilities or attainments I have or don't
have, past any circumstances or fortune, past
whatever can be seen as a cause or an effect.  That
source is still invisible and unknown and yet the
most real aspect of my life.

Praise be to God.

John Morton
From: The Blessings Already Are

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.
Luke 6.45

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Law of mind, the giant within and around us,
is always creating for us.
But what specific direction are we giving it?
Our every thought is a direction.
Ernest Holmes

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People, Places and Things
If you think you have willpower,
eat a box of Ex-Lax
and try not to go to the bathroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't go into the Garden of Eden,
because the snake will be calling your name

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you jump in the water,
your gonna get wet.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You don't go into the lion's den
with pork-chop underwear
and tell the lion to chill out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Stay away from people places and things.
I am the people, that take me to those places, to do those things.....

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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Tradition 9
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad09.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 13
Today I have faith and perseverance to stay on my path
and to do what is necessary whether or not
it gives me immediate results and gratification.
I am letting go of my impatience, procrastination, fear and doubt.
I trust that God knows the right time for the right results.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Dawning

Peaceful thoughts tossed in turmoil.
Riches reached, riches lost.
The enriching, the deepening is the growing to the light.
It is the dawning
It's human right.
The ahas move us forward.
Can set us apart.
Can bring us together.
Inner acknowledgment glows.
Don't extinguish one's light
Be bright-not dim.
Life is really not just a spectacle or whim.
Cherish the gift
Do your best.
Looking back is the Dawning.
AhaaŠ
You get it now.
Keep growing your light

Nemo011@...
Heather T

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whilst Drunk
www.anonymityone.com/story13.htm

A Chance to Start Anew
www.geocities.com/loriflower/1/sunshine.html

Choose a meeting type (AA, NA, CA, OA etc.)
www.meetingfinder.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 13                                     People - pleasing

"Šapproval-seeking behavior carried us further into our addiction..."
    Basic Text p. 14

When others approve of what we do or say, we feel good; when they
disapprove, we feel bad. Their opinions of us, and how those opinions make
us feel, can have positive value. By making us feel good about steering a
straight course, they encourage us to continue doing so. "People-pleasing"
is something else entirely. We "people-please" when we do things, right
or wrong, solely to gain another person's approval.

Low self-esteem can make us think we need someone else's approval to
feel okay about ourselves. We do whatever we think it will take to make
them tell us we're okay We feel good for awhile. Then we start hurting.
In trying to please another person, we've diminished ourselves and our
values. We realize that the approval of others will not fill the emptiness
inside us.

The inner satisfaction we seek can be found in doing the right things for
the right reasons. We break the people-pleasing cycle when we stop
acting merely to gain others' approval and start acting on our Higher
Power's will for us. When we do, we may be pleasantly surprised to find
that the people who really count in our lives will approve all the more of
our behavior. Most importantly, though, we will approve of ourselves.

Just for today: Higher Power, help me live in accordance with spiritual
principles. Only then can I approve of myself.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Character Building

Demands made upon other people for too much attention, protection, and love
can only invite domination or revulsion.  .  .  .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  44

When I uncovered my need for approval in the Fourth Step, I didn't think it
should rank as a character defect.  I wanted to think of it more as an
asset (that is, the desire to please people).  It was quickly pointed out
to me that this "need" can be very crippling.  Today I still enjoy getting
the approval of others, but I am not willing to pay the price I used to pay
to get it.  I will not bend myself into a pretzel to get others to like
me.  If I get your approval, that's fine; but if I don't, I will survive
without it.  I am responsible for speaking what I perceive to be the truth,
not what I think others may want to hear.

Similarly, my false pride always kept me overly concerned about my
reputation.  Since being enlightened in the A.A. program, my aim is to
improve my character.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 13th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Having found my way into this new world by the grace of God
and the help of A.A., am I going to take that first drink, when
I know that just one drink will change my whole world?  Am I
deliberately going back to the suffering of that alcoholic
world?  Or am I going to hang onto the happiness of this sober
world?  Is there any doubt about the answer?  With God's help,
am I going to hang onto AA. with both hands?

Meditation for the Day

I will try to make the world better and happier by my presence
in it.  I will try to help other people find the way God wants them
to live.  I will try to be on the side of good, in the stream of
righteousness, where all things work for good.  I will do my duty
persistently and faithfully, not sparing myself.  I will be gentle
with all people.  I will try to see other people's difficulty and help
them to correct it.  I will always pray to God to act as interpreter
between me and the other person.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may live in the spirit of prayer.  I pray that I may
depend on God for the strength I need to help me to do my part
in making the world a better place.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 13

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Enjoyment

One of the prohibitions many of us learned in childhood is the unspoken
rule; don't have fun and enjoy life. This rule creates martyrs - people who
will not let themselves embrace the pleasures of day-to-day living.

Many of us associated suffering with some sort of sainthood. . Now, we
associate it with codependency. We can go through the day making ourselves
feel anxious, guilty, miserable, and deprived. Or we can allow ourselves to
go through that same day feeling good. In recovery, we eventually learn the
choice is ours.

There is much to be enjoyed each day, and it is okay to feel good. We can
let ourselves enjoy our tasks. We can learn to relax without guilt. We can
even learn to have fun.

Work at learning to have fun. Apply yourself with dedication to learning
enjoyment. Work as hard at learning to have fun as you did at feeling
miserable.

Our work will pay off. Fun will become fun. Life will become worth living.
And each day, well find many pleasures to be enjoyed.

Today, I will let myself enjoy life as I go through my day.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The True Purpose of Numbers
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/October/1097-13.html

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
Louise L. Hay
Dear Louise
Mindfullness and the Discovery of the Self
www.intouchmag.com/hay.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's Now or Never
by Ric Giardina

Living is a thing you do now or never - which do you?
-- PIEI HEIN

It is probable that this book, "Become A Life Balance Master", actually is
the set of directions you have been looking for that will allow you to
design the life you want to live; indeed, it is intended to be that. It is
also possible that this program may not be ideal for you, although I am a
firm believer in kismet - if you have this book in your hands, it's there
for a reason.

But be forewarned: If you intend to get any value from this book, it is not
to be taken lightly - nor is it for the fainthearted. What you do with this
book and, hence, whether it helps you to change your life for the better or
whether it does nothing at all is entirely up to you.

In any event, before you start on this journey, you need to know the
following: To get any benefit from this book will require you to embrace and
to commit and continuously recommit to exhibiting a combination of certain
personal characteristics. These characteristics include attention,
intention, intuition, creativity, articulation, action, discipline,
integrity, and patience.

Attention,
because if you have any hope of making changes to the way you are living
your life - some people like to say "doing life" - then you will have to
start taking a close look at what you are actually doing at the present
time. This will require a new level of mindfulness about your thought
processes, your choices and decisions, and your actions and activities.
Frankly, maintaining that level of awareness can seem forced in the best of
circumstances and is likely to make you uncomfortable at times.

Intention,
because at every stage of this journey it will be necessary for you to be
clear about the direction into which you want to move next. If you don't
know where you are going, how will you know when or if you have gotten
there? Intention is like keeping your eye on the ball. It is also like a
welcome fire in your soul that you can stoke from time to time to get you
over the rough spots.

Intuition,
because there will be times when things will look like they are moving in
the right direction, but something inside you may be trying to tell you that
something is off. You will need to learn to listen to those little
messages - those suggestions, inklings, pictures, and nudges from your
subconscious. Frequently, your subconscious mind knows more about what is
going on in your "real" world than your conscious mind does. If you fail to
heed your intuition, you will end up traveling down too many dark alleys and
dead ends in your quest to make your life one of balance.

Creativity,
because this journey will require you to look at your life in different ways
and to come up with alternative solutions to the issues and problems you
have been attempting to solve by making the same choices over and over and
expecting different results. Those choices haven't worked to give you what
you truly want in the past, and they will not work to provide you with your
heart's desire for the future. The path to your balanced future begins with
you reaching deep into your creative self for new approaches and ways of
being that will surprise you in terms of their depth, their appropriateness,
and the results that they bring.

Articulation,
because as you begin to change the world around you beginning with your
views of your self, your life activities, and your responsibilities, it will
become necessary for you to explain to those who are in your circle of
family, friends, and business associates - and most of all those who rely on
you - that you are undertaking to change the way you are living your life.
You need to do this for two reasons: First, because it is unfair to surprise
people with unexpected behaviors. If you have been living life a particular
way and then suddenly change your behavior without giving notice of your
intentions to the people in your life, they may respond badly. Second,
because you will want to garner support for your new way of living, and you
can only get that by explaining what you are doing and why.

Action,
because planning to do something is not the same thing as doing it. Our
dreams become realities only to the extent that we actually start doing
something about making then happen. For you to succeed on this journey, you
will need to be action-oriented in a very deliberate and mindful way.

Discipline,
because taking mindful action one or two times is not enough any more than
running a mile or two would prepare you for a marathon. To change what you
are doing consistently for the long haul, the new actions that you do only
deliberately and mindfully at first will need to become your unconscious
default actions - your new habits. To accomplish this, it will be necessary
for you to be disciplined in both constancy and repetition.

Integrity,
because you will undermine your entire program if you fudge your
self-assessment and your progress and if you are anything other than
ruthlessly honest with yourself. For many people, this is the hardest
characteristic to embrace. After all, most people get off balance because
they either haven't been paying attention to the consequences of their
behaviors, choices, and actions or because, even if they do begin to
recognize subliminal stirrings that things aren't right, they fool
themselves into thinking that everything will work itself out without the
need to make any changes. This is yet one more example of our human tendency
to do the same thing over and over with the ridiculous expectation that at
some point we will get a different result.

Patience,
finally, because whatever the state of your life and your Life Balance
equation at this point, you have arrived here through the making of choices
and the taking of actions over a lengthy period of time - perhaps your
entire life. You will not be able to suddenly shift direction in the blink
of an eye and start down a direct course to your heart's desire. As noted
above, it will take disciplined repetition of mindful choices as well as
actions taken in full awareness of their consequences over a period of time
to change what have effectively become your habits. There will be times that
you succeed and times that you do not. You will need to practice patience in
good measure - with the process, with other people in your life, and most
importantly, with yourself - as day by day you make different choices, try
alternative approaches, monitor your progress, and then reclaim your chosen
path when you have discovered you have somehow strayed from it.

This article was excerpted from Become A Life Balance Master, İ2003, by Ric
Giardina. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Beyond Words
Publishing, Inc. www.beyondword.com

About the Author:
RIC GIARDINA is the founder and president of The Spirit Employed Company, a
management consulting and training firm that offers keynote addresses and
other programs on authenticity, balance, community, and discipline. Ric is
the author of "Your Authentic Self: Be Yourself at Work" and a book of
Poetry called "Threads of Gold." He lives in Los Gatos, California, with his
wife and daughter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Guidance

When I meditated on the word guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember  reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything
is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person relaxes and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness
from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word guidance.
When I saw "G," I thought of God,
followed by "u" and "i."
God, "u" and "I" dance.
God, you, and I dance.
This statement is what guidance means to me.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Just Don't Want to be Disposable Anymore

"I just don't want to be disposable anymore."
Those were her exact words.
They still are hovering in the air like words from a comic book character
that are displayed in bubbles above their heads.
She is my friend, and I am sad to hear her say these words.
Her pain hovers around me as I remember the words.

Disposable - designed to be used once and then thrown away

We live in a disposable society.
There are disposable diapers, disposable food containers, disposable
clothing.
There are those who throw away food with no thought of other countries who
would scavenge the trash cans of America for a few crumbs.
There are those who throw away their money
on meaningless things.
There are those who throw away their dreams because they simply
can't deal with this disposable world we live in.

My friend has joined the ranks of the walking wounded.
The individuals that have been disposed of.
Sometimes as children with parents who
just don't know what to do or how to love.
Sometimes by peers who don't know how
much it hurts to isolate others.
Sometimes by boyfriends or girlfriends
who reject them for someone "better."
Sometimes by friends who simply
cannot tolerate their sadness.
Sometimes by husbands or wives who simply walk away,
leaving behind critical comments that add to feelings of rejection and hurt.

She had been rejected.  Not in one marriage, but two.
Not in one relationship, but many.
I understood her pain.
I understood the comment she was making.
I understood her sadness in trying to find someone, anyone,
who would walk beside her in a permanent relationship
without leaving her when it wasn't what they desired.

And I thought back to my own experience.
I, too, had been in two marriages.
I, too, had been rejected.
And I, too, had given up my dreams.

She began to weep as she told me how she felt.
She sadly began the self-fulfilling prophecy of what we are often told -
that there is nothing permanent, nothing we can depend on,
no one worthy of trust, that we are truly alone in our
own little isolated world.
And I was speechless.
I had no words of comfort to give her because she is in the throes of still
yet another failed relationship that appeared to be the beginning of the
answer to her prayers and dreams.

I stood outside looking at the moon
and wondered just how this happens.
How does something beautiful just melt into
the sand like it never was?
And I began to despair about my own hopes and dreams.

But then I remembered those who defy the odds.
My high school sweetheart, married 21 years, whose wife is
suffering through breast cancer,
who stands by her no matter what the cost.
A friend, married for 20+ years, to a woman suffering from depression
that paralyzes her inside the walls of their home, who loves her anyway.
A friend, married for many years, whose husband is confined to a
wheelchair and can no longer work,
so she has to support the family.
A friend who has a child with Down's Syndrome and sits with her
every day because she is getting old and can no longer function
independently.
My grandfather, who spent many years taking care of my grandmother,
who had Alzheimer's.
These people are salt of the earth.
They defy the world of disposability.
They define the words "love and commitment."
Love that cannot give back.
Love that is not self-seeking.  Love that does not go away.

I told my friend how much I loved her, that I would be her friend no matter
what, that I would not throw her away.  But, after some thought, I want to
tell her more. I want to tell her to hold to her hopes and dreams because if
you can't dream it and believe it, you can never see it.

"Where there is no vision, the people perish."
God knew, and we should know.
We are never alone in this cosmos called Earth.
We just need to grab onto life, dream our dreams,
and believe that somewhere out there, we will find that
special relationship that is not disposable.
And, when we do, we will know that anything is possible,
if we can just remember to hold onto hope.
Because hope is what keeps our dreams alive.
And our dreams are significant.
They are never disposable unless we ourselves let them go.

Debbie Harrell
timaostrouthos@...
Email Debbie and let her know what you thought of her story!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Listen with your Heart

Have you ever wished to be normal,
As some people seem to be ?
To have no bad reputation,
No black-marks for others to see.
Did you ever try to control things,
And they got more out of control ?
These wicked thoughts should get smaller,
They just continue to grow.
I'm glad they can't read my mind.
It's not moral to think thing's like that.
Remember the old lady they locked in the ward,
They said "she was crazy as a bat."
Today, I believe in miracles,
Cause my ideas and attitudes have changed.
It doesn't really matter what you think of me,
And it's okay if I take the blame.
It says on page 30 of my favorite book,
That I've lost the power to choose.
But I seem to remember something about Steps,
As I search under my bed for my shoes.
We don't like rules, being told what to do,
And you told me to stop listening to my head.
Then they said I loved attention and pats on the back,
And that would get me nowhere but dead.
You don't claim to be normal, but I want what you have,
And I'm willing to make a new start.
I will do what you say, and trust the unknown,
And try to Listen with my Heart.

Barry Lane, 4-3-03
barryL81001@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

THE GIRL

Where is the girl
The one with the smile
The one with the blue, sparkling eyes?

She's lost in the haze
Trapped in life's maze
Filled with shame, guilt, confusion and lies.

Where is the girl
The one who walked tall
Her world seemed secure, safe and sound?

She walks alone in Denial
Struggling mile after mile
Praying that one day soon she'll be found.

Ellen Campbell  May 1993 @BFC
ellen@...

I thank God for my life, for the way it was.....
and for the fact that is is no longer..........
Love ellen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buried deep within each of us is a spark of greatness,
a spark than can be fanned into flames of passion and achievement.
That spark is not outside of you it is born deep within you.
James A. Ray

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To the luckiest of people,
a time comes when they join or launch a cause
that forever changes their lives and the lives of others.
Guy Kawasaki (Apple Computer Co-founder)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When human beings stand by one another,
testify to their faith,
and witness each other's pain, miracles happen.
If we are loved enough,
we are emotionally healed and spiritually made whole.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Never see anything that you do
as a failure but see it as an accomplishment.
Then you have never failed; you have always learned.
Ramtha

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There R other people
There R other places
There R other things
R stands for remember

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you lay down with the dogs
you will wake up with fleas

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you show me who your hanging out with,
I will tell you how you are living.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People that are using will
piss on your head and tell you that it's raining.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You don't go into a whorehouse,
to listen to the piano player!!!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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Tradition 8
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad08.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
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This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
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Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 12
Today I know that every time I inhale,
I am breathing in powerful healing energy.
And every time I exhale I am letting go.
I am letting go of all anxiety and stress,
all negativity that is standing in the way
of my feeling good about myself.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For Better or For Worse


So much time spent wasted

so many values I sold short

wrestling each day with the demons I played with

daring disease, overdose and the courts.

I hurt everyone that loved me

I lied, robbed and cheated my friends.

The disease had me thinking that I had control

but found it controlled me til the end.

It told me that this was pure happiness

had me believing the next one would work

I ended up broken, lost and alone

a failure, a freak and a jerk.

Gosh, it started out such a fun thing

weıd party and play all day long

I donıt even remember when it turned on me,

and made everything I tried come out wrong.

But now, thereıs a new happy ending

a new life they promise Iıll find.

One that brings peace to this battle scarred heart;

teach me not to cause harm all the time.

This is what I was searching for

in all of those bottles and bags

a coat of blessed serenity

woven from surrender flags.

john h.
johnh94@...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Special Forces
www.anonymityone.com/story77.htm

Abundant Spirituality + codependency recovery + inner child healing + Love =
Joy2MeU
www.joy2meu.com/Siteindex.htm

In My Prayers
www.wisehearts2.com/IMP.htm

Hold On
www.geocities.com/loriflower/2/Hold.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 12                                       The big picture

"All spiritual awakenings have some things in common. Common elements
include an end to loneliness and a sense of direction in our lives."
   Basic Text p. 48

Some kinds of spiritual experiences take place when we confront
something larger than we are. We suspect that forces beyond our
understanding are operating. We see a fleeting glimpse of the big
picture and find humility in that moment.

Our journey through the Twelve Steps will bring about a spiritual
experience of the same nature, only more profound and lasting. We
undergo a continual process of ego-deflation, while at the same time
we become more conscious of the larger perspective. Our view of the
world expands to the point where we no longer possess an exaggerated
sense of our own importance.

Through our new awareness, we no longer feel isolated from the rest
of the human race. We may not understand why the world is the way it
is or why people sometimes treat one another so savagely. But we do
understand suffering and, in recovery, we can do our best to alleviate it.
When our individual contribution is combined with others, we become an
essential part of a grand design. We are connected at last.

Just for today: I am but one person in the entire scheme of things. I
humbly accept my place in the big picture.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Looking Within

Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  42

  Step Four is the vigorous and painstaking effort to discover what the
liabilities in each of us have been, and are.  I want to find exactly how,
when, and where my natural desires have warped me.  I wish to look
squarely at the unhappiness this has caused others and myself.  By
discovering what my emotional deformities are, I can move toward their
correction.  Without a willing and persistent effort to do this, there can
be little sobriety or contentment for me.

  To resolve ambivalent feelings, I need to feel a strong and helpful sense
of myself.  Such an awareness doesn't happen overnight, and no one's
self-awareness is permanent.  Everyone has the capacity for growth, and
for self-awareness, through an honest encounter with reality.  When I
don't avoid issues but meet them directly, always trying to resolve them,
they become fewer and fewer.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 12th

A.A. Thought for the Day

This sober world is a pleasant place for an alcoholic to
live in.  Once you've gotten out of your alcoholic fog, you
find that the world looks good.  You find real friends in
A.A.  You get a job.  You feel good in the morning.  You
eat a good breakfast and you do a good day's work at
home or outside.  And your family loves you and welcomes
you because you're sober.  Am I convinced that this sober
world is a pleasant place for an alcoholic to live in?

Meditation for the Day

Our need is God's opportunity.  First we must recognize our
need.  Often this means helplessness before some weakness
or sickness and an admission of our need for help.  Next
comes faith in the power of God's spirit, available to us to
meet that need.  Before any need can be met, our faith must
find expression.  That expression of faith is all God needs to
manifest His power in our lives.  Faith is the key that unlocks
the storehouse of God's resources.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may first admit my needs.  I pray that then I may
have faith that God will meet those needs, in the way which is
best for me.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 12

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Letting Go of Fear

Picture yourself swimming floating - peacefully down a gentle stream. All
you need to do is breathe, relax, and go with the flow.

Suddenly, you become conscious of your situation. Frightened, overwhelmed
with what ifs? your body tenses. You begin to thrash around, frantically
looking for something to grab on to.

You panic so hard you start to go under. Then you remember - youre working
too hard at this. You dont need to panic. All you need to do is breathe,
relax, and go with the flow. You wont drown.

Panic is our great enemy.

We dont need to become desperate. If overwhelming problems appear in our
life, we need to stop struggling. We can tread water for a bit, until our
equilibrium returns. Then we can go back to floating peacefully down the
gentle stream. It is our stream. It is a safe stream. Our course has been
charted. All is well.

Today, I will relax, breathe, and go with the flow.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Preparing to Connect with Your Spiritual Guides
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/October/1097-10.html

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
Joan Borysenko
Mindfullness and the Discovery of the Self
www.intouchmag.com/joanb3.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Power of Forgiveness
by Brian Sheen

   "Forgiveness is the demonstration that you are the light of the world.
Through your forgiveness does the truth about your self return to your
memory."
                              .....Course in Miracles

It is a reality of life that you will occasionally experience pain,
disappointment, upset, loss, and injury. Whether physical, emotional,
spiritual, familial, or economic - someone, somewhere at some time will
contribute to a negative experience that will affect you. Even angels have
their traumas. The question then becomes, HOW LONG DO YOU PROLONG THIS
NEGATIVITY BEFORE MOVING FORWARD? Each moment you cling to this trauma after
it occurs, you cause the past trauma to generate an entirely new sequence of
thoughts, emotions, and actions. Until you can give up your attachment to
the past incident, you are cursed to maintain and magnify the pain. This
brings us to the heart of the saying, "To forget is human, to 'for give' is
divine." I separate "forgive" into two words intentionally, because the
divine gift you receive is "for giving" it - get it?

Why is this and how does it work? Is forgiveness in some way "giving in" to
the forces of evil that have hurt you? Should you follow the eye-for-an-eye
philosophy to even the score?

Let's consider the following: Many great works of religion and philosophy
teach, "How can you expect God to forgive you if you refuse to forgive
someone else?" Ouch! This seems to insinuate you have done something wrong
in the eyes of God or whatever higher source or power you subscribe to. Have
you ever done something wrong? Have you ever intentionally or
unintentionally done something to another person that hurt or hindered them?
Maybe you just neglected to do something you felt or others felt you should
have. Recall a few of these now, particularly the ones that gnaw at you with
guilt. Let's turn these guilty feelings into a growth awareness.

Consider an easier side of the equation. Recall a few times you felt you
were wronged by others. Maybe you were victimized or taken advantage of,
maybe you were lied to, injured, or had something dear to you damaged or
stolen. Can you visualize a few of these?

Okay, now here's the hard part. As I mentioned earlier, we are all subject
to the indisputable law of physics: for every action there is an equal and
opposite reaction. The reactions may occur through other parties, in
different places, and may be observed at much later times, but the
equalizing reaction will occur. Therefore, you should first realize that any
negative reaction that you experienced was precipitated by actions you
previously took. Your karma just caught up with you, that's all.

You may have a hard time accepting this, so I'll approach it from another
viewpoint. You were damaged last week, last month or last year. The pain or
loss occurred sometime BEFORE. It was the PAST. The event is over now, even
though the consequence may continue. The effect this event had on you was
painful and detrimental in some way. The question now is, "do you keep
reliving this memory over and over again as if it just happened, so you can
keep experiencing this negativity? Or do you find a way to release this
negativity from having any further effect on your life (for giving it)? The
sooner you release this negative incident, the sooner you begin the healing
process, recover and build as needed. And there it is - forgiveness.

Forgiveness is completely letting go of the past, its pain, anger, and
grief. Forgiveness is operating in the here and now - where this event is no
longer occurring.

Forgiveness focuses you on the reality of what happens and asks you to
accept it as karma to engender your evolution to a higher level. You need to
learn from your bad karma and begin to understand how your actions helped
bring this change to your world. If you hold onto it, seek revenge, or
refuse to let go, you are ADDING your current strength and power to this
negative memory. The negative memory then:

   1.. adds more power to the already negative occurrence;

   2.. continues its negative influence on you and everyone else connected to
you;

   3.. prevents new ideas and prosperity from emanating because your full
attention is blocked; and

   4.. brings on new conflicts and bad karma from these unforgiving ways.
This is probably why many divorcees take so many years to regain their
footing or establish productive new relationships. They don't accept their
responsibility in the breakup and refuse to forgive their former spouse or
themselves.

This gives the wronged party an excuse to transmit their misery to those in
their circle of friends and associates. The pain is now multiplied and the
hardships litter their lives and cause more grief.

I recently met with a friend who had gone through an upsetting divorce. She
was devastated because he had been her "true love" - and he left her. Like a
car spinning out of control on the highway, she began smashing into every
vehicle in her path. One by one, her friends and family became innocent
bystanders caught in her emotional tornado. Her anger was transferred to the
people she loved and cared for - people who had played no part in her
marital breakup. This brought her more grief and eventually illness. It
wasn't long before she was in the hospital with pneumonia, followed by her
father, and then her mother, with a similar illness. She cast aside the new
man in her life who offered her love, understanding, and the fulfillment of
her lifelong dreams. Any time someone encouraged her to go back to using the
meditation and therapy techniques she was well-versed in, she shrugged off
their suggestions and kept her arms firmly crossed to keep the pain in -
like a vacuum, to suck in more.

Perhaps you recognize yourself in the above scenario, or maybe it reminds
you of some friends of yours. The more people internalize their pain and
hold on to the misery, the more they create this enormous inflow of energy
from everyone around them and suck in more and more misery. What was
incredible was that when I finally was able to reach my friend and persuaded
her to uncross her arms, to imagine herself sending thoughts of love and
forgiveness, and to stop using excuses for not having the time to meditate,
her entire life turned around.

I remember when I felt destroyed by the defamatory article about me in
"MONEY" magazine. I lashed out not only at the publication but at everyone
around me. I created a dozen or more new conflicts to deal with. My anger
and refusal to forgive kept making matters worse. Every time I lashed back
at someone, I gave them justification to come back at me. It wasn't until I
took responsibility for these effects on my life and practiced forgiveness -
not forgetfulness - that I began to heal. As long as you hold on to the
anger, victimization, and pain, you will have this negative energy locked
inside you making you ill - mentally, spiritually, and physically.

What is forgiveness?
It starts in your heart with understanding, a heaping measure of love,
acceptance of the truth, the truth of the light of consciousness, God's
grace - or whatever you wish to call it - and is followed by healing
actions. Any ongoing conflicts, such as lawsuits, arguments, or refusals to
communicate must be resolved. Words of resolution should be communicated
either in person (preferably), by phone, or with a nice letter. It must be
heart-felt, not mechanical, not just an act of going through the motions.
Fake it until you make it - that's a start. It can lead to a
transformational experience if repeated often enough, but the results will
be slow until it is truly from your heart. The more you focus your attention
on this healing, the faster your pain and the chaos you cause in everything
around you, will dissipate.

How perceptions can fool you...
If you were holding a baby and it unexpectedly threw up on your new silk
outfit, would you consider this an intentional act and forever be upset at
the infant? Or should you take responsibility for playing too rowdily with
the baby after a meal, or not being proactive by protecting your garment
with a cloth. Imagine forever blaming the baby for ruining your suit and
refusing it love for the rest of its life because of your anger. Pretty
silly, huh? Imagine the baby hating you for the rest of your life and
calling you a child abuser because you got upset and yelled at him because
of this typical incident. Imagine someone being that mean to you. There you
go, stupid and ridiculous, right? After all, it's just a baby.

Give everyone else that latitude and you'll go a long way to better health
and success. Failing to forgive someone places a roadblock in your path. You
turn their potential future support into inevitable opposition. Not a good
thing. This is why we often hear the cliché, "Don't burn your bridges". The
baby who throws up on you today could be the future spouse of your
grandchild, the future governor, or a potential employer 25 years from now.
Your failure to forgive causes you to lock horns and project your negative
attachment into the future. It is certain that problems will come back to
haunt you.

In such cases, you've locked yourself into a conflict that will work like a
hidden magnet in the future to mysteriously attract you again to this person
or conflict together. The moment you forgive, not only do you break the
negative chain that blinds you, you convert this negative energy into
positive energy. This energy will enhance the future lives of yourself and
everyone around you.

I'll never forget receiving a lovely letter of support and caring from an
attorney I had tried to get disbarred because of actions I considered
unethical. I had been involved in an ugly 7-year-old court battle against
her client who caused me great turmoil. I had to be right at any cost. All
it took was a letter written by me forgiving her and requesting her
forgiveness. The knot in my stomach of suspended life energy was released.
It was a great feeling for both of us that allowed this conflict to be
resolved.

Calling someone, or writing them to forgive and ask for forgiveness, is
something that can be beneficial to all parties involved. Feel what it's
like to be divine.

This article was excerpted from "When Life Becomes Overwhelming; How It
Happened, Why It Continues and What You Can Do to Overcome It" by Brian
Sheen

About The Author:
Brian Sheen is the Executive Director of the Self Discovery and Meditation
Center in Delray Beach, Florida. He is the author of five books and various
audio and videotape series, including the best-selling book, Nest Egg
Investing, a guide to personal, career and financial independence. For more
info, check out his website at: http://spiritgrowth.com. Brian Sheen can be
reached by e-mail at BrianSheen@.... To order copies of the audiotapes:
"When Life Becomes Overwhelming" lecture or Brian guiding you through the
Self Discovery process and Empowerment Meditations as contained in this
book.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Lord in the Tree

  "Two men were walking in a field when a bull charged them.  One man
scampered up a tree while the other stood defiantly in the bull's path.
'Get up here, you idiot!' called the man in the branches.

  'The Lord will protect me!' retorted the other man.
  The bull butted the man vehemently and went on his way triumphantly,
leaving the obstinate fellow dazed and confused.  The first man came down
from the tree to help his bruised friend.

  'I thought for sure the Lord would help me!' complained the injured man.
  'He tried,' answered his friend.  'Didn't you hear Him calling you from
the tree?'

  A request for help from an unseen power often manifests itself through
earthly channels.  God's wonders are not restricted to supernatural
miracles. Often miracles occur through people and tangible messages here on
earth.

  If you are looking for an answer to a question or problem, you may
receive it through physical means.  Someone may hand you a book, invite you
to a lecture, or speak a phrase that resonates within you.  You may feel a
tingling in your spine, get goosebumps, or simply feel a sense of clarity or
fulfillment.  Be sensitive to your feelings and energies when such a sign is
presented.  The word 'angel' means 'messenger,' and your message may come
anytime through any means.  Stay awake to listen!

Help me stay open to hear Your voice.
Let me receive Your answer and act upon it.
I act upon the messages Spirit sends me."

Alan Cohen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Good Judgment

Don't judge me by who I was or by who I will be,
But by who I am right now.

Don't judge me by the clothes I wear upon by body,
But by the expressions I wear upon my face.

Don't judge me by how many friends I have,
But by the friends I choose.

Don't judge me by the color of my skin,
But by the color of my personality.

Don't judge me by how I speak,
But by what I listen to and what I hear.

Don't judge me by my eyes,
But by how my eyes look upon the world.

In fact, don't judge me at all,
Because if you judge me,
Then you are only comparing me to you,
And I am not you.
I reflect you,
But I am not you.
And if you stop judging me,
And take the time to see me for who I am,
Then you may find,
That you love me for who I am.

Jen Barnes

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thirty encore ! , encore ! !

I must say Iım proud
Of your thirty days
Stick with it and watch
How recovery pays
Youıll be paid back
A hundred fold return
Of things of the spirit
The disease tried to burn
Give the glory to God
And thank him each day
I am really more proud
Than words could say
Seek first God
And reap the rewards
It is no destination
That youıre moving towards
Its progress and growth
Of renewing your mind
Itıs freedom of spirit
For which you were designed
Iım proud of your thirty
Now get thirty more
Then try ninety
For an encore

Mark Thomas Spitler
   June 23rd 1997 İ
{Printed with Permission}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Gods Grace is Sufficient

Something new that I have learned
that grace is a gift, that can not be earned
A priceless ruby, a Jewel so rare
a comfort to us, relieving all care
Just to accept is the only need
and know that it covers our every deed
Still we must grow along the way
please remove our defects, is how we must pray
Pride and anger, gluttony and lust
greed, sloth and envy, to remove is a must
Not for perfection, just progress today
This we must strive for, in each and every way
Gods grace is sufficient, on it we rely
Just keep on with progress and don't question why
Seeking Gods wisdom, that will help us to see
That there is a purpose in all that shall be
Good, bad or indifferent, God help us to know
In all that takes place, it's to help us to grow.

Written By: Rebecca B.
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The forgiveness that is required is from ourselves.
God already knows everything we think and do,
and understands and loves us.

There is an experience of forgiveness that is transforming,
that lets us recognize that we are the beloved,
the sons and daughters of the living God.

We find that experience of God's
unconditional and transforming love
as we learn to forgive others and ourselves.

Ask God, "Who would you have me forgive today?"
Whoever comes to mind, start there.

Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There is a soul force in the universe, which, if we permit it,
will flow through us and produce miraculous results.
Mahatma Gandhi

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die,
life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
Langston Hughes

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We are what we repeatedly do.
Aristotle

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't go through life, GROW through life.
  Eric Butterworth

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People, Places, Things
Playmates, Playgrounds, Playthings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you hang out in a barber shop long enough,
you are going to get a haircut.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't go into the lion's den with pork chop underwear
and tell the lion to chill out.
He will eat your ass.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't go around people, places and things
to show them how good you are looking.
They will get you high,
before you ca get them clean.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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Tradition 7
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad07.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 11
The more I let go of my own suffering and self-pity,
I can see those around me with the eyes of love and compassion.
I am becoming more aware of other people's pain and
unhappiness today and I will reach out to them in loving ways
that heal me while helping them to heal.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Pray

I prayed for life,
You gave me hope.
I prayed for strength,
You taught me to cope.

I prayed for courage,
You took away my fear.
I prayed for your will,
You taught me not to interfere.

I prayed to be thankful,
You gave me gratitude
I prayed to be unselfish,
You gave me a new attitude.

I prayed to understand,
You taught me to accept.
I prayed for guidance,
You gave me 12 steps.

I prayed for serenity
You gave me release.
I prayed for comfort,
You gave me peace.

I never believed, my soul was bare.
Now I've found my Higher Power,
You've answered my prayer.

RiaSC
RiaSC1@...
İMarch 2000

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sober Rider
www.anonymityone.com/story18.htm

The Window
www.storybin.com/sponsor/sponsor147.shtml

A Tale for all Seasons
www.storybin.com/sponsor/sponsor141.shtml

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 11                     A closed mind

"A new idea cannot be grafted onto a closed mindŠ Open-mindedness
leads us to the very insights that have eluded us during our lives."
Basic Text p. 93

  We arrived in NA at the lowest point in our lives. We'd just about run
out of ideas. What we needed most when we got here were new ideas,
new ways of living, shared from the experience of people who'd seen
those ideas work. Yet our closed minds prevented us from taking in the
very ideas we needed to live.

  Denial keeps us from appreciating just how badly we really need new
ideas and new direction. By admitting our powerlessness and recognizing
how truly unmanageable our lives have become, we allow ourselves to see
how much we need what NA has to offer.

  Self-dependence and self-will can keep us from admitting even the
possibility of the existence of a Power greater than ourselves. However,
when we admit the sorry state self-will has gotten us into, we open our
eyes and our minds to new possibilities. When others tell us of a Power
that has brought sanity to their lives, we begin to believe that such a
Power may do the same for us.

  A tree stripped of its branches will die unless new branches can be
grafted onto its trunk. In the same way, addiction stripped us' of
whatever direction we had. To grow or even to survive, we must open our
minds and allow new ideas to be grafted onto our lives.

Just for today: I will ask my Higher Power to open my mind to the
new ideas of recovery.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

No One Denied Me Love

On the A.A.  calendar it was Year Two .  .  .  .  A newcomer appeared at
one of these groups .  .  .  .  He soon proved that his was a desperate
case, and that above all he wanted to get well.  .  .  .  [He said], "Since
I am the victim of another addiction even worse stigmatized than
alcoholism, you may not want me among you."
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 141-42

  I came to you -- a wife, mother, woman who had walked out on her husband,
children, family.  I was a drunk, a pill-head, a nothing.  Yet no one
denied me love, caring, a sense of belonging.  Today, by God's grace and
the love of a good sponsor and a home group, I can say that -- through you
in Alcoholics Anonymous -- I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a
woman.  Sober.  Free of pills.  Responsible.

  Without a Higher Power I found in the Fellowship, my life would be
meaningless.  I am full of gratitude to be a member of good standing in
Alcoholics Anonymous.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 11th

A.A. Thought for the Day

In that alcoholic world, one drink always leads to another
and you can't stop till you're paralyzed.  And the next
morning it begins all over again.  You eventually land in a
hospital or jail.  You lose your job.  Your home is broken up.
You're always in a mess.  You're on the merry-go-round
and you can't get off.  You're in a squirrel cage and you
can't get out.  Am I convinced that the alcoholic world is
not a pleasant place for me to live in?

Meditation for the Day

I must learn to accept self-discipline.  I must try never to
yield one point that I have already won.  I must not let
myself go in resentments, hates, fears, pride, lust, or gossip.
Even if the discipline keeps me separated from some people
who are without discipline, nevertheless I will carry on.  I
may have different ways and a different standard of living
than some others.  I may be actuated by different motives
than some people.  But I will try to live the way I believe God
wants me to live, no matter what others say.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be an example to others of a better way of
living.  I pray that I may carry on in spite of hindrances.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 11

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Financial Goals

Taking responsibility for our financial affairs will improve our self-esteem
and lessen anxiety.

Each of us, today, has a present set of financial circumstances. We have a
certain amount of money in hand, and money due to us. We have a pile of
bills that we owe. We have taxes to pay. Those are our present financial
circumstances. No matter what the details are, acceptance, gratitude, and
self-responsibility will lessen the stress.

Each of us, today, has a financial future. There are few future aspects of
our life we can control, but one part we can play to assist our future is
setting goals.

We dont have to obsess about our goals. We dont have to constantly watch and
mark our progress toward them. But it is beneficial to think about our goals
and write them down. What do we want to happen in our financial future? What
financial problems would we like to solve? What bills would we like to be
rid of? What would we like to be earning at the end of this year? The end of
next year? Five years from now?

Are we willing to work for our goals and trust our Higher Power to guide us?

Pay bills on time. Contact creditors. Make arrangements. Do your best,
today, to take responsibility for your finances. Set goals for the future.
Then, let go of money and concentrate on loving. Taking responsibility for
our financial affairs does not mean making money our focus. Taking
responsibility for our finances enables us to take our focus off money. It
frees us to do our work and live the life we want.

We deserve to have the self-esteem and peace that accompanies financial
responsibility.

Today, I will take the time necessary to be responsible for myself
financially. If it is time to pay bills or talk to creditors, I will do
that. If it is time to set goals, I will do that. Once I have done my part,
I will let the rest go.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Celestine Vision: Living the New Spiritual Awareness, James Redfield
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/October/1097-09.html

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
Barbara De Angelis
www.intouchmag.com/barbara.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Blaming "The Other Guy"
by Marie T. Russell

It's so easy for us to look to others to shoulder our guilt for occurrences
in the past. We accuse our parents for our lack of self-esteem. We blame our
siblings for our lack of motivation. We blame teachers for our unwillingness
to express ourselves. And then later on, we place on our mate's shoulders
the weight of our inability to sustain a loving relationship. Yet, who's to
blame? No one is to be blamed, yet there is a responsibility to be taken and
it is ours and ours alone.

Who is responsible for the grief and sadness in our life? Who is responsible
for the hurdles that we find ourselves facing? Who is responsible for the
anger and resentments that we carry within? Who is responsible for the
bubbling laughter and joy that arises also from within?

The word responsibility consists of two words "response" and "ability". It
is the ability that we have to respond in any way we choose to any given
situation. You can respond with anger, or you can respond with acceptance
and peace.

Let's suppose that a co-worker says something and you feel you were
criticized. You may choose to feel hurt or you may choose to look at that
person's comments simply as their perception of you. You have the ability to
respond in any way you choose. You can respond defensively (or offensively),
or you can choose to see that this co-worker is simply bringing you a
message. You can then look at that message and see what truth there is in it
for you and what you can learn from it.

Yet, on so many occasions in our lives, we have been quick to respond with
anger, and claim that "he/she made me angry". An important thing to realize
which is very empowering is that no one can "make you" angry except
yourself. Someone could consciously try to make you angry, yet if you do not
choose to respond with anger, that person's efforts would be unfulfilled.

Many times, I have seen in myself and in others a tendency to avoid taking
responsibility for our own "stuff" by placing the blame on someone else. "If
they hadn't done that, I wouldn't be angry..." "If my mother had loved me
more, I wouldn't be so withdrawn within myself..." "If my brother hadn't
pushed me around, I would be more willing to express myself..." Yet, in all
situations, we, as the powerful beings that we really are, always have the
choice of how we respond. It is always up to us, whether to be sad or
joyful, angry or understanding, fearful or trusting.

Even the occurrence of death presents us with a choice. Do we react with
feelings of loss or do we instead focus on the liberation of that soul from
the chains of earth? In confronting situations, do we only see one side of
any situation or do we open ourselves up to understand and relate to the
point of view of others? In an uncertain moment, do we give in to our
feelings of doubt and fear, or do we surrender to the moment knowing that
everything that comes to us is there for us to experience in whatever way we
choose?

Yes, each one of us is 100% responsible -- able to respond in any way we
choose. Why do some of us choose misery and pain? Do we feel the need to
punish ourselves or others for events that have taken place in the past? We
have the choice to respond to the past with forgiveness and through the
light of understanding that we, and others, were indeed doing the best we
could at that time. Any time someone acts in a way that you would judge
negatively, remember that they are only doing what they feel they have to do
at that moment. You have the choice of responding with an expression of
compassion and forgiveness.

Any feelings of negativity that you carry around are only hurting yourself.
These feelings are stored in your body and become like a rotting core of
energy that poisons your every moment. Why encumber yourself with feelings
of anger, hatred, and thirst for revenge? Any negative feelings you harbor
do not hurt the person they are directed to; these feelings only hurt the
person who is carrying them - you.

It is much better to empty ourselves of stored emotional hurts and fill
ourselves instead with light, love, and compassion. We will feel much better
when we are living in a clean, light-filled body. It's our choice... Let the
light of love shine and make the darkness of unforgiveness and old
resentments disappear. See the pain dissolve into well-being.

About The Author:
Marie T. Russell is the publisher of InnerSelf Magazine (first published in
1985 originally as Mighty Natural Magazine) and The Natural Yellow Pages
(1987-2002). She produced a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner
Power, from 1991-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal
growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and
reconnecting with our inner source of joy and creativity. Marie can be
reached at marie@... with personal comments and feedback, or to be
placed on a mailing list to be advised when her book becomes available.
http://www.innerself.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Positive Thought:
Healing comes through forgiveness and love.

Today's Positive Affirmation:
I open to my healing by loving and forgiving
others and myself.

Today's Positive Visualization:
As I take a slow and even breath, I call forth
the power of love and forgiveness to heal my life.
I feel the power of love and forgiveness warming
my heart with a beautiful light. In my mind's eye
I gently recall a time when I was upset with another
person or myself. As I think about that situation now,
I easily surround it with the warm light of love and
forgiveness. In my imagination I watch as the power
of love and forgiveness erases the negativity and
hurt from my memories. I give thanks for this healing.
I combine these images with the feelings of joy and
let them go, knowing that they will create the good
things I am visualizing and thinking.

İ Sample Life, LLC
All rights reserved.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Create

As I stretch myself out to my job,
my family, my community,
sometimes I stretch myself out too thin,
and I must return back inside to where
the stretching began
and come back home to myself;

to my heart, to my home
where my own creativity resides
to settle into its flow, to lose time there

this needs attention
direction
permission

we all create in order to accomplish
our destiny, what has meaning for us.
The process is our path to Joy.

Today, give yourself permission
to create.
For Joy

Love
Stella
İ 2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lost and Found

Look at what I have become
And where did it all come from
Living in a world of hate and illusions
Suffering from my own delusions
Trapped in the memories of my past
Where lies were many and pain came fast
I had become a professional escapist
And my own spirit's rapist
I found that I was lost
Willing to find happiness at any cost
Just looking for a real quick fix
Not knowing that I was just sick
Never looked at my own behavior
And alcohol and drugs had become my savior
The more I struggled to survive
The more I just wanted to die
But without a doubt
I had to find a way out
Here is how I had to begin
I take a long deep look within
Slowly I found a spiritual love
It lifted me and rose me above
All the my mess
And unseen injustice
Here I found a God of my own understanding
That isn't even close to be called commanding
I now do my best to practice forgiveness
And let go of my own hardened prejudice
So if you want you too can be
Happy, Joyous, and Free
Just follow me
Come to where love abounds
Get out of the lost and come be found

 İ2000 by: Angie F. Moore whfl
Amoore530@...
  permission granted

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your task is not to seek for love,
but merely to seek and find
all the barriers within yourself
that you have built against it.
Rumi

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Man's heart away from nature, becomes hard.
Standing Bear

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Learning to live in love is life's greatest lesson,
and our daily life is the curriculum.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Humility leads to strength and not to weakness.
It is the highest form of self-respect to admit mistakes
and to make amends for them.
John (Jay) Mccloy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Learning is an upward, ever-evolving process.
We will never reach the point where we've learned all we need to know.
Every aspect of life contains lessons.
We can choose to discard them or to embrace them.
Lessons embraced lead to wisdom.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the
soil, and let us see what we are made of.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today I am living in the moment,
instead of living for a moment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If I don't take this program one day at a time.
I won't have one day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you keep making meetings and don't use.
The program will give you a gift.
And that gift is called a choice.
And that choice is that Just for today,
you never have to use again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today was made for you.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 6
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad06.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Does no relationships in the first year,
mean no sex for the first year? "
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 10
I am attracted to positive people
and I attract positive people to me.
Today I continue to seek and find people who are
positive, healthy and nurturing.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hi Scott .... just sharing a reality from here ...
a 12 midnight call from distraught parents ...
and out came this words .....
Joyce
joydave@...

Hell is Awake

Mom and dad woke up that one fateful morning,
and found their only teenage son smoking pot
their lives changed forever in that one instant
little did they know, hell was descending

Mom and Dad tried talking and negotiating
finding ways and words to help their only son
their attention given fully to their son
but they did not know, darkness was not leaving

Soon Mom and Dad found their son graduating to heroin
they found this only when their son overdosed in the bathroom
the battle of addiction began to be too much to bear for them
again, with little they know, they did everything they can

Mom and Dad finally took their son to a doctor to fix
nothing changed, as their son relapsed minutes after detox
and after a few months to their horror they found
HIV and HCV has became a reality in their household

Mom and Dad went to yet another doctor,
who said that they mut keep their son's behavior  safe
only to find a few months afterwards
their only son had made three girls pregnant

Mom and Dad, began living in a private hell
none of their kin would help, none understood
the shame and the deep pain their son had caused
all fingers blamed only Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad sought those who'd listen,
through the doors of 12 Steps they have gone
finally although their son was still addicted,
their pain has slowly easing and diminishing

Yet, tonight as Mom and Dad were at the meeting
the junkie son came home to rip off their home
Mom and Dad, were left with nothing
The reality of Addiction is nothing but hell

Addiction is an awakening hell, they know that by now
dragging not only the addict, but also their families
if families are not enough, they drag their friends
deep into the abyss, the thick darkness of hell
and still the darkness clamour for more and more .....

  People continue to ask,
  why do you continue to go back
  why do you continue to live in hell,
  reduced, ultimately to animalistic level

Yet addicts continue to chase the dragon,
until the dragon stops dead, red fiery eyed, on its track
to the addict, the dragon would finally look back
and roaring vicious fire, the dragon chases the addict

  You can't tell the dragon to stop
  until the dragon has finally destroyed the addict
  and until what remains of the addict
  is ashes to ashes, dust to dust ....

For those of you who have found recovery
please stop relapsing once and for all
the cost is too great, for love, there's no survival
all are lost, until all is regained, through true recovery

  God, however you may call God
  patiently, and lovingly awaits you ....
  to reach out your hand and finally .....
  take 12 steps into a life with God ....

  Leaving without turning  ....
  honestly and willingly ...
  once and for all your life in hell
  retreating from your deadly dance with the devil

Bogor, March 28, 2002

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We Agnostics
www.anonymityone.com/Story14.htm

Recovery Tee-Shirts
www.sobrietees.com

Twelve Gifts
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TwelveGifts.html

Peace Found
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/PeaceFound.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 10                                      Too busy

"We must use what we learn or we will lose it, no matter how long
we have been clean."  Basic Text, p. 82

  After putting some clean time together, some of us have a tendency to
forget what our most important priority is. Once a week or less we say,
"I've gotta get to a meeting tonight. It's been.. " We've been caught up
in other things, important for sure, but no more so than our continued
participation in Narcotics Anonymous.

  It happens gradually. We get jobs. We reunite with our families. We're
raising children, the dog is sick, or we're going to school at night. The
house needs to be cleaned. The lawn needs to be mowed. We have to work
late. We're tired. There's a good show at the theater tonight. And all of
a sudden, we notice that we haven't called our sponsor, been to a meeting,
spoken to a newcomer, or even talked to God in quite a while.

  What do we do at this point? Well, we either renew our commitment to
our recovery, or we continue being too busy to recover until something
happens and our lives become unmanageable. Quite a choice! Our best bet
is to put more of our energy into maintaining the foundation of recovery
on which our lives are built. That foundation makes everything else
possible, and it will surely crumble if we get too busy with everything
else.

Just for today: I can't afford to be too busy to recover I will do
something today that sustains my recovery.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our Group Conscience

". . . sometimes the good is the enemy of the best."
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGE, p. 101

  I think these words apply to every area of A.A.'s Three Legacies:
Recovery, Unity and Service!  I want them etched in my mind and life as
I "trudge the  Road of Happy Destiny" (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 164).
These words, often spoken by co-founder Bill W., were appropriately said
to him as the result of the group's conscience.  It brought home to Bill
W. the essence of our Second Tradition: "Our leaders are but trusted
servants; they do not govern."

  Just as Bill W. was originally urged to remember, I think that in our
group  discussions we should never settle for the "good," but always
strive to attain the "best."  These common strivings are yet another
example of a loving God, as we understand Him, expressing Himself
through the group conscience.  Experiences such as these help me to
stay on the proper path of recovery.  I learn to combine initiative with
humility, responsibility with thankfulness, and thus relish the joys of
living my twenty-four hour program.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 10th

A.A. Thought for the Day

When I came into A.A., I came into a new world.
A sober world.  A world of sobriety, peace, serenity,
and happiness.  But I know that if I take just one drink,
I'll go right back into that old world.  That alcoholic world.
That world of drunkenness, conflict, and misery.  That
alcoholic world is not a pleasant place for an alcoholic
to live in.  Looking at the world through the bottom of
a whiskey glass is no fun after you've become an
alcoholic.  Do I want to go back to that alcoholic world?

Meditation for the Day

Pride stands sentinel at the door of the heart and shuts
out the love of God.  God can only dwell with the humble
and the obedient.  Obedience to God's will is the key
unlocking the door to God's kingdom.  You cannot obey
God to the best of your ability without in time realizing
God's love and responding to that love.  The rough stone
steps of obedience lead up to where the mosaic floor of
love and joy is laid.  Where God's spirit is, there is your
home. There is heaven for you.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that God may make His home in my humble and
obedient heart.  I pray that I may obey His guidance to
the best of my ability.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 10

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Using Others to Stop Our Pain

Our happiness is not a present someone else holds in his or her hands. Our
well being is not held by another to be given or withheld at whim. If we
reach out and try to force someone to give us what we believe he or she
holds, we will be disappointed. We will discover that it is an illusion. The
person didnt hold it. He or she never shall. That beautifully wrapped box
with the ribbon on it that we believed contained our happiness that someone
was holding - its an illusion!

In those moments when we are trying to reach out and force someone to stop
our pain and create our joy, if we can find the courage to stop flailing
about and instead stand still and deal with our issues, we will find our
happiness.

Yes, it is true that if someone steps on our foot, he or she is hurting us
and therefore holds the power to stop our pain by removing his or her foot.
But the pain is still ours. And so is the responsibility to tell someone to
stop stepping on our feet.

Healing will come when were aware of how we attempt to use others to stop
our pain and create our happiness. We will heal from the past. We will
receive insights that can change the course of our relationships.

We will see that, all along, our happiness and our well being have been in
our hands. We have held that box. The contents are ours for the opening.

God, help me remember that I hold the key to my own happiness. Give me the
courage to stand still and deal with my own feelings. Give me the insights I
need to improve my relationships. Help me stop doing the codependent dance
and start doing the dance of recovery.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Show Me the Consciousness!, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/December/1297-22.htm

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with Susan Jeffers
www.intouchmag.com/SusanJeffers.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

No Problems, Only Opportunities
by John Kehoe

Who can tell what is good or bad luck?
                                       -- Zen saying

Most of us dream of the day when we won't have any more problems, when
everything will be resolved, and our lives will be "complete". But problems
are an important and valuable part of our lives, and instead of trying to
eliminate them, we should strive to understand exactly what they are.

Nothing happens by chance. We are a part of a universe that is forever
giving us definite messages and signals, often in the form of problems. It
is not an accident or coincidence that a particular problem is happening to
you at any given point in your life; our difficulties are signposts waiting
to be read. Ask yourself: What is the problem I'm experiencing telling me
about myself? What is it telling me about my thoughts? Beliefs? Actions?
Choices? Lifestyle? What is this problem trying to tell me? Look closely,
and see if you can find the real cause. If you always feel sorry for
yourself or helpless when a problem comes your way, you'll miss the
important messages it brings you.

BECOME AN ALCHEMIST
The medieval alchemist spent his lifetime trying to learn the secrets of
turning ordinary base metals into gold. Much time and great fortunes were
spent in this pursuit, to no avail. Medieval alchemy failed because its
practitioners were looking in the wrong direction. The real alchemist is one
who learns the secret of turning everyday situations into gold, who learns
how to make every situation serve him. Problems and difficulties can be used
as a springboard to deeper insight, and the real alchemist understands that
there are no such things as problems, only opportunities.

NO SUCH THINGS AS PROBLEMS, ONLY OPPORTUNITIES
Once a person takes on this belief and works at finding the opportunities
that are contained within each situation, the experiences that follow this
simple change of attitude are quite startling.

Margaret Kelly, a woman who had attended my "Thought Dynamics" seminars,
found an opportunity to practice this principle one day at work. She was the
director of a huge nursing home and, together with her two assistants,
managed the day-to-day affairs of over a thousand patients. If even one of
her assistants was off sick, it created havoc, so you can imagine the
"problem" she faced one day when both called in sick. She panicked, until
she remembered that "there are no such things as problems, there are only
opportunities". Where is the opportunity here? Margaret wondered.

Then Margaret realized that she was always working through just her two
assistants, and that she didn't really know some of the staff they worked
with. She told herself, "I'm going to use this as an opportunity to get to
know these other people." She spent the day talking and working with
employees with whom she normally had little contact. She listened to their
concerns, and to the difficulties they were having which, in turn, led to a
whole new and more effective way of administering certain duties. As
Margaret Kelly later told me, "The day turned out to be a wonderful
opportunity, and I accomplished so much."

I doubt Margaret Kelly would have been able to turn such a tense situation
to her advantage had she dwelt upon her so-called problem. It was changing
her attitude from, "I've got a huge problem" to "There are no such things as
problems, only opportunities," which had enabled her to try the new course
of action, producing such rich results.

Nancy Spencer was facing the biggest problem of her life when I first met
her. She had been deserted by her common-law husband and left with three
small children. She had no money, no marketable skills, and no immediate
prospects. It seemed like an insurmountable problem until Nancy began
reminding herself that there are no such things as problems, there are only
opportunities. But where? She searched for over a week before she finally
found the opportunity she was looking for.

She realized, upon examining herself, that she had always been dependent
upon someone -- first her parents, and then her common-law husband. She had
always allowed other people to tell her what to do because she had very low
self-esteem. Now, in the depths of despair, in a seemingly hopeless
situation, she made a promise to herself. Nancy resolved to rise up and
become a confident and successful person, for herself and for her children.
She would use this crisis as a springboard to become a strong and
independent adult.

I was pleased I had the opportunity of teaching Nancy the concepts covered
in my book "Mind Power into the 21st Century", for she was an avid student
and worked regularly and persistently on her self-image, her beliefs, and
her goals. I watched her change before my very eyes, and saw her progress
from taking her first menial jobs, to opening her own wholesale flower
business. Today she is a happy, successful, self-confident woman married to
a warm and sincere man. They share a wonderful life together - all because
Nancy believed that there are no such things as problems, there are only
opportunities.

Become an alchemist in life and make every situation serve you. Remember
that many times we complain about events which, in retrospect, were
necessary for our growth and development.

One of the great examples of turning happenstance to an advantage came about
when researcher Don Stookey accidentally left some treated glass in the
furnace so long it turned white. Undaunted, Stookey creatively turned that
accident into a benefit by continuing to experiment with the new substance
and, when he found it could withstand searing heat, further refined and
marketed his mistake as Corning Ware, a product now found in almost every
home in North America.

Learn to see your stresses and struggles as challenges and opportunities,
not liabilities or handicaps. Consider the story of entrepreneur Kathy Kolbe
who was born dyslexic, unable to tell left from right, or read the time on a
clock without great difficulty. "My disability is one of the greatest
advantages I have," she says, "it helped me become a student of the thinking
process."

One day Kolbe took the plunge. With $500 of her savings, she launched a firm
called Resources for the Gifted. She compiled a catalogue of available
resources for intellectually gifted children and sent it out to 3,500
teachers. At first, orders only trickled in, and even when they began to
flow, the first years were hard. She bought a warehouse, and the building
caught fire. An employee embezzled money. Kolbe divorced her husband. In
spite of everything, she never lost sight of her belief that there are no
such things as problems, there are only opportunities. Today she grosses
$3.5 million a year, and Resources for the Gifted continues to grow.

American President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a paraplegic who had to be
helped in and out of his wheelchair, yet he brought America out of the Great
Depression, and went down in history as one of the world's most respected
and revered leaders.

Bob Hawke rose from the depths of alcoholism to become an important labor
leader, and eventually Australia's Prime Minister for four successful terms.

Wilma Rudolph was born poor and black in Depression stricken Tennessee. When
she developed polio at the age of ten, life didn't seem very promising to Wi
lma, yet she surmounted all these problems and went on to win three gold
medals in track and field at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Thirty years later, another potential Olympian was facing the crisis of her
life. Gail Devers was training to compete at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics
when she suddenly broke out in sores all over her body. No one seemed to
know what it was. Finally, she was diagnosed with Graves Disease, a
condition that had doctors threatening to amputate her feet. She was within
two days of losing her feet when she finally began improving. Overcoming
this adversity, she went on to win the 100-metre race in Barcelona, and
then, with a home crowd of 85,000 cheering her on, she repeated this amazing
feat in Atlanta in 1996. "I wouldn't change a thing," said Gail looking back
on her ordeal. "It was a blessing. It made me the person I am today. It made
me a stronger, better person."

The founding director of a highly successful investment firm shared with me
his secret for hiring top performers. "We don't hire any senior people here
unless they've had at least one major failure in their life. We find that
people become more committed and determined as a result. It makes for a
better person."

What opportunities are waiting for you right now in your life? You will
never know until you look for them. Very seldom do opportunities stand up
and wave a flag at you; they more likely come disguised as problems or
failures. But opportunities do exist in abundance for all of us and, if you
are willing to open up and explore your "problems" with this new attitude,
some exciting surprises await you. Your struggles and stresses are
challenges and opportunities. As Arnold Schwarzenegger says, "I believe very
much in the struggle."

About The Author:
John Kehoe, author, lecturer and philanthropist, has been teaching people
the astounding powers of the mind for over twenty years. He has spoken to
hundreds of thousands of people around the globe, and served as a Mind Power
consultant to numerous corporate giants, including DeBeers, Mobil Oil, and
Dominion Life. Kehoe's books have become international publishing triumphs,
topping bestseller lists around the world. This article is excerpted from
his book "Mind Power  Into the 21st Century", İ1997, published by Zoetic
Inc., Vancouver BC, Canada.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Emotions Island

Once upon a time there was an island where
all the feelings lived; Happiness, Sadness,
Knowledge, and all the others, including Love.

One day it was announced to all of the feelings
that the island was going to sink to the bottom
of the ocean. So all the feelings prepared their
boats to leave.

Love was the only one that stayed. She wanted
to preserve the island paradise until the last
possible moment.

When the island was almost totally under love
decided it was time to leave. She began looking
for someone to ask for help. Just then Richness
was passing by in a grand boat.  Love asked,
"Richness, Can I come with you on your boat?"
Richness answered, "I'm sorry, but there is a lot
of silver and gold on my boat and there would be
no room for you anywhere."

Then Love decided to ask Vanity for help who was
passing in a beautiful vessel. Love cried out, "Vanity,
help me please." "I can't help you," Vanity said, "You
are all wet and will damage my beautiful boat."

Next, Love saw Sadness passing by. Love said,
"Sadness, please let me go with you." Sadness
answered, "Love, I'm sorry, but, I just need to be
alone now."

Then, Love saw Happiness. Love cried out,
"Happiness, please take me with you." But Happiness
was so overjoyed that he didn't hear Love calling to
him.

Love began to cry. Then, she heard a voice say,
"Come Love, I will take you with me." It was an elder.
Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that she forgot to
ask the elder his name. When they arrived on land,
the elder went on his way. Love realized how much
she owed the elder.

Love then found Knowledge and asked, "Who was
it that helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"But why did Time help me when no one else would?"
Love asked. Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom
and sincerity, answered, "Because only Time is capable
of understanding how great Love is."

Unknown Author

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To Rely Upon God

How I wish I could fill my voids with God, feel fulfilled and at ease
It's always been a guy, booze or drugs....take my brain please!
I have it within me but the fear is intense
To be alone and deal with ME...the fear is immense!
Building of character...making a change
Learning who I am and what I want...it would feel so new and strange
I am sure in time I will be ready
When once again I stumble over the same stone, but next time bringing more
pain
I will turn to God, be ready to free myself
Look at it ,not as a loss, but as a gain
Until then I stay in comfort, but feeling the pain...still
When will I set myself free? Turn over my will?

Filling my soul
I have filled my soul with God and AA
To help me get through another day
When I was lost and could not get by
I realized I needed help or I could possibly die
The arms of AA were welcoming me
I just had to convince myself..."this is where I need to be"
I am LIVING, not EXISTING today
And, I am happy to say, THIS IS THE ONLY WAY!!!

By Cheryl W.
Sweetnsober518@...
celebrated 18 mos on 3/19/03

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If We Live

If we live just for today
Being grateful along the way
We can do anything
For 24 hours
God has given us
Many powers
If we just ask
God for strength
And we're ready to go
To any length
If we're grateful
Our actions will show
We will not have to brag
All will know
This trip through sobriety
Will never end
This is a life style
We will
Have many a friend
The sobriety we earn
Is the sobriety we keep
For our good deeds
We all shall reap
Many blessings
Will come our way
If we walk in sobriety
Day to day
Go to many meetings
Along the way
You have to work
The program
Through
And
Through
Make a change
That's up to you
Working a program
Removes the strife
As you go through your new life
It's serenity we yearn for most
God gives us a double dose
If we live just for today
Being grateful
Going out
And
Giving it away
We will not regret
The past
Or wish
To shut
The door on it
In this program
We are blessed
God helps
Us to
Get
A grip
On this
New found way
Being blessed along
From day
To day

Daniel M Corkery
1/12/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In Loving Memory of Sydney R.
Sayings on the wall at Sydney R.'s 30th N.A. birthday celebration

³ACCEPTANCE IS OUR WAY OF SHOWING GRATITUDE
TO THE LOVING GOD WHO HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING.²

³GET ON YOUR KNEES AND STAY THERE UNTIL THE FEELING  PASSES.²

³THIS IS THE DISEASE: OBSESSION, COMPULSION, DENIAL,  AND SELF-CENTEREDNESS
-- LEAVING A PATH OF DESTRUCTION.²

³NOBODY  EVER DIED FROM BEING TIRED.²

³THE SOLUTION TO EVERYTHING IS IN  THE STEPS.²

³WHATEVER HAPPENS, A LOVING GOD WILL HELP ME GO  THROUGH IT.²

³BOY, ARE YOU BEING GOOD TO THE  DISEASE!²

³I KNOW YOU HATE IT WHEN I SAY THIS,
BUT I WANT YOU  TO PRACTICE BEING A VERY SIMPLE, HUMBLE PERSON.²

³IF YOU WANT  TO HEAR INSANITY,
JUST ASK ADDICTS WHY THEY ARE OR ARENıT DOING  SOMETHING!²

³IT WORKS -- IF YOU LIVE IT!²

³WHAT  WOULD A LOVING GOD WANT ME TO DO?²

³IıLL WORRY ABOUT THAT IF  AND WHEN IT HAPPENS -- AND NOT BEFORE.²

³WHAT YOU DONıT  UNDERSTAND IS
THAT YOU ALREADY ARE PERFECT. YOU JUST FUCK IT UP!²

³JUST START OVER AGAIN. DONıT GIVE UP, NO MATTER  WHAT!²

³DONıT BE SUCH A VICTIM!²

³YOU DESERVE TO  HAVE DISCIPLINE IN YOUR LIFE.²

³JUST DONıT USE, NO MATTER  FUCKING WHAT!²

³THE SOLUTION TO EVERYTHING IS IN THE  STEPS.²

"BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!"

³I KNOW YOUıRE RIGHT.  JUST KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!²

³JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE IS BEING AN  ASSHOLE --
DOESNıT MEAN YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT ON!²

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just as a blade of grass will push through a crack in the cement, growing
toward
the light, we too are being pulled toward a fuller expression of ourselves.
That pull, or calling, comes in many forms: in a dream, through a yearning,
or from a desire to be released from an experience that has hemmed us in.
How are you being called to greater aliveness?
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When special feelings come your way,
let them flow into your heart.
When miracles try to find you, don't hide.
When special people come along,
let them know what a blessing they are.
Let your smiles begin way down, deep inside.
Collin McCarthy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't be afraid to try something new.
An amateur built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whether I know it or not,
I'm always attacking myself...
I cannot attack you.
I can only attack myself.
Everything I project onto you comes home to me.
Paul Ferrini

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The most effective way to rid yourself of toxic addictive behavior
is to go directly to your higher self
and turn the problem over to God...
Surrender, knowing that the highest force in the universe is within you.
Wayne Dyer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Yesterday is a cancelled check,
tomorrow is a promissory note,
today is cash in the bank.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Yesterday is history,
Tomorrows a mystery,
Live just for today.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you have one foot in yesterday,
and one foot in tomorrow,
you are pissing all over today.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today is a gift
that is why they call it the present.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
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"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
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who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
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with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
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Tradition 5
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad05.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is April the 4th month, PLEASE share on the 4th step
If you havenıt done the 4th step with your sponsor
Please share on honesty and courage...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

(((Family))) a BIG hug to you ALL
Thanks for the great shares on the 4th step
The collective experience of the twelvestepsoulfoodforthespirit
group is a God send and VERY powerful.
I am blessed to have this as a supplement to my face to face meetings
as well as to have a handful of people that I have met through
this group that I can honestly say that I love.
The way I got to the 4th step was by doing the 1st 3 steps with my sponsor.
There is a great analogy for why the 4th step is so important.
My friend and home group Gina S. once said,
"If you call me and ask me for directions to Brooklyn,
You have to tell me where you are,
before I can give you any directions"
That is why I shared my 4th steps with my sponsor,
since he is guiding me in my recovery and I am seeking
Good Orderly Direction from him.
I have heard many people share about the 4th step
saying I have been on this step for 18 months or 4 years.
It is my understanding that you are working the 4th step
when you have a pen in your hand.
It doesn't take 18 months to write a 4th step.
It was told to me , if I was having any problem with the step that I was on,
to go to the step before it and go over it.
By the time I got to my first 4th step, I truly believed that anyone
could share on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd step in meetings
and I wanted to be able to share on the other steps too.
I thought back then, that this step separated the men from the boys.
The way I did this step was to say a prayer before I put pen to paper.
"Dear God, Please give me the courage to honest and thorough as I can,
so I can receive the healing that I so deserve"
My first 4th step was written in the course of 6 weeks,
my second was written over 3 months, my third written over 3 months
and my fourth written in 6 days. Although if you counted up the
actual writing time it was considerably less.
The reason for  four 4th steps was because of changing sponsors.
Although I do believe that we should write more that one inventory
in this recovery process. (The more you recover, the more you uncover ,
the more you discover)
Whenever I started to write again, I started with a prayer.
If things got difficult because some feelings kicked up,
my sponsor suggested that I write about my character assets.
(Move a muscle change a thought)
It was very important to write down my fears, anger and resentments,
As well as my deepest darkest secrets.
When I completed my 4th step, it was the first thing that I ever wrote
that I completed without cheating.
I do have a suggestion, when you are writing your 4th step,
do it close to home and not on a trip,
In the NA Basic Text Book it says " It is our experience that no matter how
searching and thorough, no inventory is of any lasting effect unless it is
promptly followed by an equally thorough Fifth Step."
My first 4th step I wrote on a plane going to Florida for 2 weeks
and I was stuck with it for 2 weeks.
I remember I was asked to share at a 4th step meeting at the
prison Sing-Sing, and the person that was chairing the meeting asked me,
"Can you share on the 4th step, without getting into the 5th step?"
I learned a lot from that question :)
Thanks for letting me share.
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ cleandate 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 9
My heart is open to all that happens in my life today.
There is such joy in being alive
and feeling everything with a full and open heart.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Realization-The Dawning Part One

Just a thought,
A moment,
A flicker.
Funny how how the twists and turns
Bind us to decision.
The lefts and the rights of it all.
Indecision is the pristine of wrong.
The truth of right.
Just doing isŠ.
Still searching for enlightenment.
Glimmer-
Hope, once again.
Acceptance is so clear looking back.
Sometimes- 'Gee how about that?'
'I was right after all.'
'I was wrong, but I learned.'
It is. It was, It shall always be.
Just as it should.
Ah-ah- it just dawned on me.

Nemo011@...
Heather T

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Man In The Gold Shoes
www.anonymityone.com/Story12.htm

John Bradshaw A Teacher Of Our Times
www.creativegrowth.com/opexart.htm

The Key To Serenity
<http://www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TheKeyToSerenity.html>

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 9                                      Acting out

"We learn to experience feelings and realize they can do us no
harm unless we act on them."    IP No. 16, "For the Newcomer"

  Many of us came to Narcotics Anonymous with something less than an
overwhelming desire to stop using. Sure, the drugs were causing us
problems, and we wanted to be rid of the problems, but we didn't want to
stop getting high. Eventually, though, we saw that we couldn't have one
without the other Even though we really wanted to get loaded, we didn't
use; we weren't willing to pay the price anymore. The longer we stayed
clean and worked the program, the more freedom we experienced.
Sooner or later, the compulsion to use was lifted from us completely, and
we stayed clean because we wanted to live clean.

  The same principles apply to other negative impulses that may plague us.
We may feel like doing something destructive, just because we want to.
We've done it before, and sometimes we think we've gotten away with it,
but sometimes we haven't. If we're not willing to pay the price for acting
on such feelings, we don't have to act on them.

  It may be hard, maybe even as hard as it was to stay clean in the
beginning. But others have felt the same way and have found the freedom
not to act on their negative impulses. By sharing about it and seeking the
help of other recovering people and a Power greater than ourselves, we
can find the direction, the support, and the strength we need to abstain
from any destructive compulsion.

Just for today: It's okay to feel my feelings. With the help of my
sponsor, my NA friends, and my Higher Power, I am free not to act
out my negative feelings.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trusted Servants

They are servants.  Theirs is the sometimes thankless privilege of doing
the group's chores.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 134

  In Zorba the Greek, Nikos Kazantzakis describes an encounter between
his  principal character and an old man busily at work planting a tree.
"What is it you are doing?" Zorba asks.  The old man replies: "You can see
very  well what I'm doing, my son, I'm planting a tree." "But why plant a
tree,"  Zorba asks, "if you won't be able to see it bear fruit?" And the old
man answers: "I, my son, live as though I were never going to die." The
response brings a faint smile to Zorba's lips and, as he walks away, he
exclaims with a note of irony: "How strange -- I live as though I were
going to die tomorrow!"

  As a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have found that the Third Legacy
is a fertile soil in which to plant the tree of my sobriety.  The fruits I
harvest are wonderful: peace, security, understanding and twenty-four hours
of eternal fulfillment; and with the soundness of mind to listen to the
voice of my conscience when, in silence, it gently speaks to me, saying:
You must let go in service.  There are others who must plant and harvest.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 9th
A.A. Thought for the Day

Third, alcoholics recover their proper relationship
with other people. They think less about themselves
and more about others. They try to help other alcoholics.
They make new friends so that they're no longer lonely.
They try to live a life of service instead of selfishness.
All their relationships with other people are improved.
They solve their personality problems by recovering
their personal integrity, their faith in a Higher Power,
and their way of fellowship and service to others. is my
drink problem solved as long as my personality problem
is solved?

Meditation for the Day

All that depresses you, all that you fear, is really
powerless to harm you. These things are but phantoms.
So arise from earth's bonds, from depression, distrust,
fear, and all that hinders your new life. Arise to beauty,
joy, peace, and work inspired by love. Rise from death
to life. You do not even need to fear death. All past sins
are forgiven if you live and love and work with God. Let
nothing hinder your new life. Seek to know more and more
of that new way of living.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may let God live in me as I work for Him.
I pray that I may go out into the sunlight and work with God.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 09

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Giving

Learning to be a healthy giver can be a challenge. Many of us got caught up
in compulsive giving - charitable acts motivated by uncharitable feelings of
guilt, shame, obligations, pity, and moral superiority.

We now understand that catering and compulsive giving dont work. They
backfire.

Caretaking keeps us feeling victimized.

Many of us gave too much, thinking we were doing things right; then we
became confused because our life and relationships werent working. Many of
us gave so much for so long, thinking we were doing Gods will; then in
recovery, we refused to give, care, or love for a time.

Thats okay. Perhaps we needed a rest. But healthy giving is part of healthy
living. The goal in recovery is balance - caring that is motivated by a true
desire to give, with an underlying attitude of respect for others and
ourselves.

The goal in recovery is to choose what we want to give, to whom, when, and
how much. The goal in recovery is to give, and not feel victimized by our
giving.

Are we giving because we want to, because its our responsibility? Or are we
giving because we feel obligated, guilty, ashamed, or superior? Are we
giving because we feel afraid to say no?

Are the ways we try to assist people helpful, or do they prevent others from
facing their true responsibilities?

Are we giving so that people will like us or feel obligated to us? Are we
giving to prove were worthy? Or are we giving because we want to give and it
feels right?

Recovery includes a cycle of giving and receiving. It keeps healthy energy
flowing among our Higher Power, others, and us. It takes time to learn how
to give in healthy ways. It takes time to learn to receive. Be patient.
Balance will come.

God, please guide my giving and my motives today.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Words of Wisdom and Affirmations, Louise Hay
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/December/1297-20.htm

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
Stuart Wilde
www.intouchmag.com/wilde.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living in the Moment
by Richard C. Michael, Ph.D.

Undoubtedly, one of the most difficult and rewarding things you will ever
learn is how to live in the moment. Quite simply, if you are to have power
to create the reality you want you must learn how to live in the moment.
But what does it mean to live in the moment? It means to experience a peace
that surpasses all understanding, where love overshadows fear and fear steps
aside for love. When you live in the moment you dwell in the presence of
peace and experience the absence of guilt and anxiety. In the moment, you
dwell with fear, love, and truth working as one on your behalf to guide you
through your challenges.

You may wonder how does fear dwell in the place of love and truth? Fear and
love have always worked and lived together, just as yin works and lives with
yang. Wherever you find fear you will find love and vice versa. Just look
around you and observe your world. It is a direct result of the intimate
interaction regarding the checks and balances that go on between love and
fear as they work together in order to assist you in your creations.

In the myriad of individual moments you can choose either fear or love as
your reality. When you choose love your world expands, opening up to
countless probabilities and endless possibilities. When you choose fear your
world contracts causing you to live in the past or future where you
experience hopelessness through guilt and anxiety. In the moment, love
predominates and a beautiful transformation occurs. Problems yield to
solutions, guilt yields to joy, anxiety yields to peace, and fear submits to
love.

Learning to live in the moment is a process that comes from managing your
mind, body, and spirit. First you must learn to manage them, then you will
eventually progress to mastering them. Managing your mind, body, and spirit
is a great accomplishment that brings forth your power. Once your power
returns to you in consciousness it will never leave you unless you choose
not to manage them.

The return and resonation with your power will lead you to reconcile with
fear. This is where you begin to experience a new freedom and develop a
joyous relationship with love and fear. When love becomes your reality, fear
merges with love and they both work together on your behalf.

As love becomes your reality, so does the power of truth. This is when you
know that you are not only the manager but also the master of your mind,
body, and spirit. These are just a few of the benefits you will derive from
learning how to manage them and living in the moment.

YOUR POWER BELONGS TO YOU
For you to create the reality you want, you must recognize your power and
how it is acquired. This power is your life force. The Chinese call it Chi,
the Japanese call it Ki, and the Americans call it energy. Whatever the
terminology or culture, it is still power. You require power to create. The
more power you have to create with, the more powerful your reality. Power
comes from managing, not controlling. To manage your life, you must take
back your power from the people, places, things, and situations you gave
power to.

When you continuously give away your power, the life force that supposedly
should govern your body begins to leave your body -- soon symptoms of
fatigue and aging arise. These symptoms, expressed by the body, are an
indication that it is time to make changes. And they will persist, or
possibly get worse, until you do. You can cover them up by taking a drug, or
something else to alter your reality. However, sooner or later the cold
reality will surface.

You have to change because you have accomplished nothing -- only delayed the
inevitable. Once you do, the life force or power will subtly begin to return
to your body, renewing and regenerating what was degenerating. As soon as
you come to the awareness that it is time to make changes, you begin to
heal. You are now beginning to access life from a new and different
perspective, causing you to evaluate and sequentially reprioritize your
life.

This is where the realization regarding the importance of managing begins.
Learning how to manage your mind, body, and spirit gives you power. To learn
how to manage them efficiently you must define and clarify what they are and
what they are not. Once you learn what they are, you begin to realize that
what you have bought into was not truth. This will lead you to an awareness
that you do not have power. The things and people you thought were truth,
are not and cannot be truth. Because if love is not present, neither is
truth.

WHERE HAS ALL MY POWER GONE?
You look up to, identify with, and model yourself after certain individuals
who you think have made it in life. In your eyes, they have done miraculous
things, sacrificed themselves and their happiness for others, they have won
the big games and climbed the highest mountains. They have made money you
can only dream of, and are held in high regard.

But what is the result of all this admiration on your part? The result is
you give away your power through adulation, respect, or worship. You think
you are the lesser and they are the greater. When in truth there is no
greater nor lesser.

It does not matter if you gave power to those who meditate, levitate, or
commune with their god. It doesn't matter if you gave power to those whose
palms drip with blood, drink blood, or walk on water, nails, or hot coals.
It doesn't matter if you gave power to a master who taught you or didn't
teach you, or to a school where you attained the degrees after your name. It
doesn't matter if you gave power to those who want to save the whales,
dolphins, trees, environment, themselves, or others, or to those who have a
cause, live by laws, or make the laws. It doesn't matter if you gave power
to the homeless, helpless, speechless, or to missionaries working with those
the world considers to be the poor and unfortunate. It doesn't matter how
you gave your power away.

What matters, is you can take back your power right now, at this very
moment. You can live the life you intend to live, instead of living your
life through other people and what they have or haven't done with their
lives. You have become dependent on others to lead you through the darkness,
instead of accessing light for yourself.

Living your life through other people will not bear fruit. It will not bring
forth the joy, peace, happiness, love, productivity, prosperity, and health
that you are searching for. You find yourself giving power away to people,
things, and situations that glitter, only to realize that once the glitter
fades, you are still in darkness and those whom you followed, idolized, and
worshiped have left your life and gone on with theirs.

When you do not access your own power, you become dependent upon the power,
or the illusion of power, you receive or take from others. This is because
you have not come to the place within yourself where you are able to access
power from life and its processes. You have not yet learned how to manage
your life. This keeps you from living and enjoying the moment.

Are you aware that once you learn how to live in the moment, your past and
future no longer exist? It may exist in the worlds of those that you have
had a past with, but it will not exist in yours.

Think of the peace and joy you will experience once you learn how to live in
the moment rather than the past or future. To live in the moment you would
have had to heal those unresolved issues that took your power and you have
held onto from your past. Try this simple exercise. Close your eyes and
imagine this is your last moment on earth, before the moment is finished you
will die. Are you now thinking about the past or future and the worries and
problems you may be presently facing? I seriously doubt that you are. This
is what it means to live in the moment.

AFFIRMATION
This is my true reality. I, at this moment, will no longer live my life
through other people and their accomplishments. I have my own life to live
and they have theirs.

"Attempting to get your power back without learning why you gave it away is
as futile as trying to put a forest fire out with a garden hose"

This article is excerpted from I Am That I Am, İ1998, by Richard C. Michael,
Ph.D. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, New Earth Press.

About the Author:
Dr. Richard C. Michael has a Ph.D. in nutritional science and has been
practicing holistic medicine for over sixteen years. He is also a writer,
author, teacher, lecturer, poet, and professional speaker. He is founder and
director of Professional Holistic Healthcare in Central Florida. He is the
creator of The Barrier Breakthru Technique. For more information, visit his
website www.barrierbreakthru.com or call 407-671-8553.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A SIMPLE RECIPE FOR LOVE
(from the angels)

"We have a simple recipe to help you bring all of your most fearful life
situations into a state of love.  Remember the two states of being - love
and fear.  We now wish to look at love in its conditioned [limited] form.
Love in it's limited form can and is a very beautiful aspect of self.  You
cannot have true unconditional love without first mastering conditioned
love."

"Conditioned love can be broken down into three very important parts.
They are loved, loving and lovable.  Loved is the state of receiving love.
Loving is the state of expressing and giving love.  Lovable is the state of
love to self.  When all three of these limited states of conditioned love
are happening simultaneously in any condition of your life, the cycle is
complete and conditioned love will automatically transmute itself into
unconditional love.  All three of these states of conditioned love must
happen together for this transmutation to occur."

LOVABLE

"This is the first and most important state.  Love must be known from
self to self first.  All love begins inside each and every one of you first.
This state is acknowledging your connectedness to God/Goddess/All That
Is, in your individualized being.  We find you all ever so lovable.  You
must
find that lovableness within yourself."

"Sit everyday and focus upon your connectedness with All That Is.  Do not
try to escape your individuality.  Learn to love your individuality knowing
your oneness."

LOVING

"Loving is expressing or giving love.  If you hate something it is very
difficult to express love towards it.  Remember that if you hate
something, you hate it because you have not learned to love it and that
is the only reason.  It is not always easy to love something you hate.
It can be most difficult.  Remember to love yourself first in every
situation.  No matter how unpleasant, focus on that oneness.  Then try
to let some of that self  love escape from you towards what ever it is
that you hate.  Then you will learn how to realize the art of loving deeper
and deeper."

LOVED

"Even though you will all say that you need to be loved, do you fully allow
yourself to be loved by another?  No!  You may find all kinds of reasons
not to accept being loved fully.  You say you feel controlled, you feel
smothered.  You may not like the way someone else loves, therefore not
accept their love.  All of you are still learning how to love, so the love
you are experiencing is not perfect love, so you reject it.  Learn to
receive love.  Let yourself be loved."

By working with these three aspects of conditioned love - lovable, loving
and loved, you will come to know unconditional love.  Only when these three
aspects of conditioned love are happening simultaneously can conditioned
love be transmuted into unconditional love."

Odra

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Decisions

Sometimes we make up our minds
sometimes our mind makes itself up
as it comes to some sort of understanding
with itself
Itıs a quirk of the human brain
to reconcile its beliefs and values
with whatıs fermenting on the outside

The day brings choices laid out before us
which the night introduced
The day is wide open to all we can be
A prelude to living out our dreams
In the real-time of the rest of our life

Use one day as template
Calm the inner rumblings
Make the choice to follow your Spirit

Make those dreams
come true
and live with integrity of the heart
Forever

With love,
Stella
İ 2005 Stella Raymonde Savoie Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Addict's Song

From the pits of hell I came
It was you, I was to blame
For all the wrong that came my way
And there was nothing you could say

I was the victim of your pain
Hopelessness was what I gained
It was me, I started to shun
I had to find a place to run

Drugs and alcohol were my retreat
And from there I hit the street
Living in a life of pity
Jumping on from city to city

Looking for love all around
Only to come crashing down
What I thought was love, was only lust
Why is this world so unjust

My life is founded on rejection
This I feel with conviction
And with all of it's affliction
I hate my life of addiction
I need the drink
So I won't think

Of all the things I've done
My life is no longer fun
Love it seems like a must
But is there anyone I can trust
You came to me
Saying you could set me free

You say I need not live these depths
All's I have to do is take the steps
That I don't have to live in misery
To me it sounds like a fantasy
I have my doubt
But I want out

So I will try
I pray this is not a lie
The years have gone by
No longer, is the need to die
Now I look back with a smile
At a life that was full of denial
They pulled me from that living hell
Expelling me from my self-imposed jail
No more drugs or alcohol
No more curling up in a ball

From the hex
Of craving a fix
And as far as the abuse
For it I've found a use
I now too can help others
Might even be your sister or mother

I can help to share their pain
So they too can live again

And I know life can't go wrong
As long as I don't sing my addict's song

by Angie F. Moore
Amoore530@...
(Printed with Permission)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pink Cloud

I have to stay on the positive side
In Gods grace is where I abide
I take no credit for the things I do
I pray daily for God to help me through
Pink Cloud all around me
Blessing from God is all I see
If not for the grace of God
I would be dead
I see pink
I see no red
Full of love I give it away
I've been blessed from day to day
Walking on a pink cloud my head in the sky
I feel blessed I never question why
Many get jealous
Try to cut you down
I do not need people
Like that around
I've been blessed
I hear a new sound
Work the steps the best I can
In love and patience I try to understand
My God is with me He's at my side
On a pink cloud I like to ride
I give my hand everywhere I go
Thanks to my God that I finally know
To bad they do not stay for long
Yet we just carry on
As we try to pass it on
My spirit sings when I am on a pink cloud
Give credit to God I'm mighty proud
When I'm riding on a pink cloud

Daniel M Corkery
1/15/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
<http://www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/>

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We can stop waiting for others to give us
what we need and take responsibility for ourselves.
When we do, the gates to freedom will swing wide.
Walk through.
Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Do just once what others say you can't do, and you
will never pay attention to their limitations again.
James R. Cook

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We are enrolled in a full time, informal school called, "Life."
Each day of this school, we have the opportunity to learn lessons.
We may like the lessons or hate them,
but they are part of the curriculum.
The greatest lessons we learn are about love and fear,
that every action is either an expression of love, or a call for love.
And the great blessing is that every lesson
repeats itself until we learn it.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot
do what they want to,
when all they need is one reason why they can."
Willis Whitney

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"The best way to say, "I love you, God,"
is to live your life doing your best.
The best way to say, "Thank you, God," is by letting go of the past
and living in the present moment, right here and now."
Don Miguel Ruiz
from The Four Agreements

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't believe what you hear,
believe what you see,
an addict that doesn't use for one day is a miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Miracles are not against the law of nature,
they are the law of nature.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Miracles are not against the law of nature,
they are the law of nature.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There are miracles in the choices we make.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 4
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad04.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is March the 4th month, PLEASE share on the 4th step
If you havenıt done the 4th step with your sponsor
Please share on honesty and courage...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 8
Today I can make peace within myself
without needing the approval and agreement of others.
Today I can love and respect people
who do not always share my view of the world.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our Last Chance

As the past is dealt with it's damage and toll,
By working the steps, an awakened Spiritual goal

Nothing to fear as we move forward, ahead,
Our addiction in check, lays down it's ugly head

God guided us here to find solace at last,
Knowing no other way for us to change, finally escaping our past

The future awaits as we take our last chance,
12 steps on the floor of recovery's delivery dance

It doesn't matter from hence you came,
The question is now, will you change or remain the same?

If you want to live more than merely survive,
Why not check us out and give it a try

You have nothing to lose except a slow lonely death,
Step up as you catch your first new found breath

Getting better each day as we search, reveal and delve,
Coming to learn that we can truly love ourselves

We help each other on our paths with hope,
Sharing our experiences no longer living with dope

If its working for me, maybe you too my friend,
"When at the end of your road" can choose your life to amend.

God and N.A. Grateful ~ AJ
aj4how@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Bring The Big Book Alive
www.recoverytimes.com/janc.html

Sayings I have heard in Meetings
www.home.earthlink.net/%7Einsure

Positively Sober
www.anonymityone.com/story94.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 8                      Happiness

"We come to know happiness, joy and freedom."   Basic Text p. 88

If someone stopped you on the street today and asked if you were happy,
what would you say? "Well, gee, let's see... I have a place to live, food
in the refrigerator, a job, my car is running... Well, yes, I guess I'm
happy;' you might respond. These are outward examples of things that
many of us have traditionally associated with happiness. We often forget,
however, that happiness is a choice; no one can make us happy.

Happiness is what we find in our involvement with Narcotics Anonymous.
The happiness we derive from a life focused on service to the addict who
still suffers is great indeed. When we place service to others ahead of
our own desires, we find that we take the focus off ourselves. As a
result, we live a more contented, harmonious life. In being of service to
others, we find our own needs more than fulfilled.

Happiness. What is it, really? We can think of happiness as contentment
and satisfaction. Both of these states of mind seem to come to us when
we least strive for them. As we live just for today, carrying the message
to the addict who still suffers, we find contentment, happiness, and a
deeply meaningful life.

Just for today: I am going to be happy. I will find my happiness by
being of service to others.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Equality

      Our membership ought to include all who suffer from
alcoholism.  Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover.  Nor ought A.A.
membership ever depend upon money or conformity.  Any two or three
alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A.
group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 565

Prior to A.A., I often felt that I didn't "fit in" with the people around
me.  Usually "they" had more/less money than I did, and my points of view
didn't jibe with "theirs."  The amount of prejudice I had experienced in
society only proved to me just how phony some self-righteous people
were.  After joining A.A., I found the way of life I had been searching
for.  In A.A. no member is better than any other member; we're just
alcoholics trying to recover from alcoholism.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 8th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Second, alcoholics recover their faith in a Power greater
than themselves. They admit that they're helpless by
themselves and they call on that Higher Power for help.
They surrender their lives to God, as they understand Him.
They put their drink problem in God's hands and leave it
there. They recover their faith in a Higher Power that can
help them. Have I recovered my faith?

Meditation for the Day

You must make a stand for God. Believers in God are
considered by some as peculiar people. You must even be
willing to be deemed a fool for the sake of your faith. You
must be ready to stand aside and let the fashions and
customs of the world go by, when God's purposes are
thereby forwarded. Be known by the marks that distinguish
a believer in God. These are honesty, purity, unselfishness,
love, gratitude, and humility.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be ready to profess my belief in God
before others. I pray that I may not be turned aside by
the skepticism and cynicism of unbelievers.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 08

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Self Care

     I dont precisely know what you need to do to take care of yourself. But
I know you can figure it out.
     --Beyond Codependency

Rest when youre tired.

Take a drink of cold water when youre thirsty.

Call a friend when youre lonely.

Ask God to help when you feel overwhelmed.

Many of us have learned how to deprive and neglect ourselves. Many of us
have learned to push ourselves hard, when the problem is that were already
pushed too hard.

Many of us are afraid the work wont get done if we rest when were tired. The
work will get done; it will be done better than work that emerges from
tiredness of soul and spirit. Nurtured, nourished people, who love
themselves and care for themselves, are the delight of the Universe.

They are well timed, efficient, and Divinely led.

Today, I will practice loving self-care.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Forgiveness as a Gift to Yourself
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/December/1297-18.htm

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
DR. LEO BUSCAGLIA
www.intouchmag.com/interview.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Afraid of My Own Thoughts
by Jim Brickman

Face it - the one person you never spend time with is yourself. It's almost
too mind-boggling when you think of the questions that would immediately
come up if you did: What would I mull over with myself? Would I find myself
amusing? Would I have anything to talk about with me? Oh, no, I'm not making
myself laugh. Am I a bore? And here's the big one: Would I even like myself?
Or would I think, Gosh, I wish I could dump this guy and find someone else's
self who's a lot more fun.

Okay, I'll stop. But you get the idea.

It's easy to ignore yourself. It's especially easy when we're always racing,
talking, doing, and going, which leaves little time for just being. But
often people say to me, "I get lost in my head listening to your music."
What I take that to mean is: (1) Hey, they like the music; and (2) I'm
reconnecting people to themselves in a weird way.

Let me explain. I find it really hard to sit in a room by myself. I'd go
crazy - certifiably nuts. I mean, have you ever tried to just sit in a chair
and . . . drum roll, please . . . think? But the simple act of thinking is
so helpful, because you might actually find yourself in those thoughts. And
we're so busy doing a million things that we don't really have time to find
ourselves.

Think about this: What do you really want from this life? Do you ever have a
moment to just sit down and really focus on what you want to achieve during
your time on the planet? Forcing yourself to answer such questions is rough,
but necessary. For me, of course, it has to do with music. And now back to
that very thing.

When people say, "Your music gets me through the day," I feel like I've been
their invisible companion. Many people put on the music and it feels like
somebody is there with them. And with that "invisible support system," they
can let their mind go free and wander to otherwise unexplored places. Call
it a mental Club Med vacation. You're the tour guide. Airfare doesn't even
have to be included, because you can just close your eyes and go any place
in your head.

It's not a bad thing to do some really deep meditation. It doesn't have to
be as formal as sitting in your brown La-Z-Boy on the third recline notch
and staring at the paint-chipped ceiling. Maybe, for instance, you're
driving in your car, and the music playing starts to make you daydream - but
not to the point where you don't notice that Mack truck in the distance.
Please be careful. Anyway, let's say you're obeying the rules of the road,
but "drifting" just a little bit, when suddenly, you're sent to a place deep
inside where you're thinking, Huh, I never thought about that stuff. The
music isn't dredging up these feelings. It's more like a catalyst that takes
you on a mental voyage.

I like to walk around my neighborhood in the canyons of Los Angeles, and I
wish I could tell you that it's because I'm a nature freak. Nah, I go on
these walks because the gym in Hollywood drives me crazy, and I live in a
hilly neighborhood, so it's good "interval training," which is basically a
fancy way of saying that you sweat a ton by running up the hill. It's really
good for your heart, not to mention helpful for the hips.

I could never walk outside without headphones and two or three CDs.
Honestly, I'm afraid of what I would think. I'm almost afraid to have that
time with myself because: (1) What would I really think about; and (2) Do I
really want to think those things?

No, no, no! Let me repeat: No! Keep me away from myself.

You know what it's like when your brain gets a little bit too pushy. You
start thinking, Why am I with this person and not this other person? Why am
I doing this with my work? When I'm 90, will I have all my hair and teeth?
(Insert a loud scream here.)

We live in a time of overstimulation. There's not a moment when we're not
"on something" - such as the TV, radio, CD player, or cordless whatever. I'
ve gotten to the point where I can't take a bath for more than ten minutes -
just me and some bubbles - I also have to be on the phone, watching TV, or
flipping through the pages of Newsweek. Suddenly, I'm not thinking about
myself.

Maybe we're all a little afraid of our own thoughts. Maybe afraid is too big
a word - we're just leery of them. So now I force myself to be alone with
the one person I should know better than anyone - me. Try forcing yourself:
Get on a stationary bike, or take a walk, without any other stimulation than
your own thoughts. You'll be surprised at what comes to mind - and usually
those are the important things.

I'll confess that I figured out this trick one day while I was way, way up
in the canyons walking, and the most horrible thing on earth happened to
me - the batteries in my Walkman died. And even a little battery prayer -
"Please spirit of Duracell, let them work" - didn't help. I was in a panic,
wondering, Oh my God, what am I going to think about for the next 20
minutes? It was the beginning of self-discovery.

Simple Thought:

"My greatest strength is common sense.
I'm a standard brand,
like Campbell's soup or Baker's chocolate."
Katharine Hepburn

This article was excerpted from the book Simple Things, by Jim Brickman,
with Cindy Pearlman. It is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Hay
House, and is available at all bookstores, by phone 800-654-5126, or via the
Internet. www.hayhouse.com

About The Author:
Jim Brickman's dazzling piano artistry and clever songwriting skills have
led to sales of more than three million albums. Hits such as "Valentine" and
"The Gift" have helped build his reputation as America's most romantic
songwriter. Jim's Website is: www.JimBrickman.com

Cindy Pearlman is a nationally syndicated entertainment writer for the New
York Times Syndicate and the Chicago Sun Times. Over the past 15 years, she
has interviewed Hollywood's biggest stars, who appear in her column "The Big
Picture."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A FAREWELL LETTER

If for an instant God were to forget that I am rag doll and gifted me
with a piece of life, possibly I wouldn't say all that I think, but
rather I would think of all that I say. I would value things, not for
their worth but for what they mean. I would sleep little, dream more,
understanding that for each minute we close our eyes we lose sixty
seconds of light.

I would walk when others hold back. I would wake when others sleep. I
would listen when others talk, and how I would enjoy a good chocolate
ice cream! If God were to give me a piece of life, I would dress simply,
throw myself face first into the sun, baring not only my body but also
my soul. My God, if I had a heart, I would write my hate on ice, and
wait for the sun to show. Over the stars I would paint with a Van Gogh
dream a Benedetti poem, and a Serrat song would be the serenade I'd
offer to the moon. With my tears I would water roses, to feel the pain
of their thorns, and the red kiss of their petals.

My God, if I had a piece of life...I wouldn't let a single day pass
without telling the people I love that I love them. I would convince
each woman and each man that they are my favorites, and I would live in
love with love. I would show men how very wrong they are to think that
they cease to be in love when they grow old, not knowing that they grow
old when they cease to love! To a child I shall give wings, but I shall
let him learn to fly on this own. I would teach the old that death does
not come with old age, but with forgetting. So much have I learned from
you, oh men...

I have learned that everyone wants to live on the peak of the mountain,
without knowing that real happiness is in how it is scaled. I have
learned that when a newborn child squeezes for the first time with his
tiny fist his father's finger, he has him trapped forever. I have
learned that a man has the right to look down on another only when he
has to help the other get to his feet. From you I have learned so many
things, but in truth they won't be of much use, for when I keep them
within this suitcase, unhappily shall I be dying.

GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I came to this program to save my ass and found out it was
attached to my soul.--Anonymous

             God gets our attention in a lot of different ways.  For
a great many of us, it was through accident or illness, coming close to
death.  All of us come to this program frightened for our life or our
sanity or both.  God has our attention.
             And now we are learning about the spiritual aspect of
our life, the one we had so long neglected.  Now we are partaking of
God's love---soul food---and discovering that the spiritual life is
fuller and more rewarding than anything we thought possible.  Nothing
we do to please our body can compare to the joy of unconditional love.
When we elnd a lvoing hand to anyone, we realize once again that the
pain we suffered was worth it to bring us to this awareness.

Today I will look for ways to help others----and bless my soul!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Getting Rid of Disappointment

A great many people are disappointed because of unrealistic
expectations.

Walking up to a department store's fabric counter, an attractive
young woman said, "I want to buy this material for a new dress.
How much does it cost?"
"Only one kiss per yard," replied the smirking male clerk.

Not to be taken back by the harassment, the woman said, "That's
fine! I'll take ten yards."

With expectation and anticipation written all over his face, the
clerk hurriedly measured out and wrapped the cloth, then held it
out teasingly, leaning forward to receive his "payment."

The woman snapped up the package and pointed to a little old man
standing beside her. "Grandpa will pay the bill," she smiled.

He was no doubt disappointed. But in the course of living, many
people are disappointed when others do not live up (or down, in
this case!) to their expectations. In order to be happy, some
expectations must be dropped. These unrealistic and unhealthy
expectations are three of the main culprits.

1. Do not EXPECT appreciation. When others say, "Thank you," or
in any way show their gratitude, be happy. It is a gift!

2. Do not EXPECT others to make you happy. They simply cannot do
that. Make yourself happy and share your joy with others.

3. Do not expect NOT to be let down. At times, people will simply
not come through for you in the way you need. Forgive them and
move on.
Get rid of these three expectations and you will be getting rid
of daily disappointment!

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Looked For Years

I looked for years
But could not see
That all my mistakes
Were caused by me
I looked for years
But could not see
All the love that surrounded me
Traveled so many different ways
Trying to justify those evil days
I looked for years
But could not see
I was an addict
Drowning in me
I used everything I could find
I was way out of my mind
I looked for years
But could not see
Farther than my nose
I was near sighted
and
God knows
Self centered
and
Selfish
As can be
Just another addict
Who was not free
Chains bound my spirit
Back in those days
Held prisoner
By
Lust
Greed
Alcohol
Drugs
Held tight
Did not know
To get free
I had to let go
Looked for years
But could not see
My biggest problem was me
Altered reality kept me blind
I look for years but could not find
Any peace or serenity
Guilt and shame
Was all I could see
Sick and tired
Of
Being sick and tired
I turned to the fellowship
The place where love abides
No one there needs to hide
Honest
Open
Willing
I started to see
Opened my eyes
To reality
No longer bound
I was now free
I thank my God
For helping me to see
Peace
Serenity
Humility
Now dwells
Inside of me
Thanks to my
Sponsor
And God
I can now see

Daniel M Corkery
12/18/2000
DMCDREAMER@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
<http://www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/>

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the game called life, everybody's on the playing field.
If we don't understand the rules, life can feel happenstance,
leaving us uncertain of the direction we're headed.
By knowing the "rules," practicing these principles,
and making conscious choices to interact lovingly with other players,
our lives become filled with meaning and purpose.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.
Raymond Lindquist

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People who truly love themselves do not become
destructively self-centered.
They do not abuse others.
They do not stop growing and changing.
People who love themselves well, learn to love others well too.
They continually grow into healthier people,
learning that their love was appropriately placed.
Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Baruch Bashan" is a statement that means "the blessings already are" --
that blessings are present,
and all we have to do is to partake of them,
enjoy them, and appreciate them.

That is what a genuine relationship with God and Spirit is really all about:
The blessings of God are present and available.
John Morton
From: The Blessings Already Are

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Having a resentment is like drinking poison
and waiting for someone else to die.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Had the eyes no tears,
the soul would have no rainbow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God will heal your broken heart,
if you will give Him all the pieces.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Seven days without a meeting makes one weak.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't keep coming,
Your going to keep going....

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 3
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad03.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is March the 4th month, PLEASE share on the 4th step
If you havenıt done the 4th step with your sponsor
Please share on honesty and courage...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 7
I am moving towards my goals today
with just the right energy that I need.
My progress will be perfect and I have the faith and
trust that all the steps I take along the way
will become clear when it is necessary.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Energy for Your Self Growth

Better I feel
Though I did not fall.
Search I do
Wonder where for all?
Hope
I care.
Making marks
Parallel lives will join.
Knowledge I find-knowing of Intuition discovered.
Expansion of soul and minding exploding across all space and time.
Splashing into the mass consciousness of life.
Healing ourselves is healing each other.
This is the struggle of life, the self discovery.
The beauty of existence.

Heather T
Nemo011@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mars & Mars in Sobriety
www.anonymityone.com/story44.htm

Musician's Assistance Program
MAP makes it possible for members of the music industry to
receive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction,
regardless of their financial condition
www.grammy.com/MusiCares

Weıre a non-profit organization comprised of music industry professionals
whose lives have been touched by drug and alcohol addiction
www.roadrecovery.com

A.A. 1st Edition Big Book
www.silkworth.net/bb/contents.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 7                               The value of the past

"This firsthand experience in all phases of illness and recovery is of
unparalleled therapeutic value. We are here to share it freely with
any addict who wants to recover."     Basic Text p. 10

Most of us came into the program with some serious regrets. We had
never finished high school, or we had missed going to college. We had
destroyed friendships and marriages. We had lost jobs. And we knew
that we couldn't change any of it. We may have thought that we'd always
be regretful and simply have to find a way to live with our regrets.

On the contrary, we find that our past represents an untapped gold mine
the first time we are called on to share it with a struggling newcomer.
As we listen to someone share their Fifth Step with us, we can give a
special form of comfort that no one else could provide - our own
experience. We've done the same things. We've had the same feelings
of shame and remorse. We've suffered in the ways only an addict can
suffer. We can relate - and so can they.

Our past is valuable - in fact, priceless - because we can use all of it
to help the addict who still suffers. Our Higher Power can work through
us when we share our past. That possibility is why we are here, and its
fulfillment is the most important goal we have to accomplish.

Just for today: I no longer regret my past because, with it, I can
share with other addicts, perhaps averting the pain or even death of
another.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A.A.'s Freedoms

We trust that we already know what our several freedoms truly are; that no
future generation of AA's will ever feel compelled to limit them.  Our AA
freedoms create the soil in which genuine love can grow.  .  .  .
LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 303

I craved freedom.  First, freedom to drink; later, freedom from drink.  The
A.A. program of recovery rests on a foundation of free choice.  There are
no mandates, laws or commandments.  A.A.'s spiritual program, as outlined
in the Twelve Steps, and by which I am offered even greater freedoms, is
only suggested.  I can take it or leave it.  Sponsorship is offered, not
forced, and I come and go as I will.  It is these and other freedoms that
allow me to recapture the dignity that was crushed by the burden of drink,
and which is so dearly needed to support an enduring sobriety.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 7th

A.A. Thought for the Day

In A.A. alcoholics find a way to solve their personality
problems.  They do this by recovering three things.
First, they recover their personal integrity.  They pull
themselves together.  They get honest with themselves
and with other people.  They face themselves and their
problems honestly, instead of running away.  They take
a personal inventory of themselves to see where they
really stand.  Then they face the facts instead of making
excuses for themselves.  Have I recovered my integrity?

Meditation for the Day

When trouble comes, do not say:  "Why should this happen
to me?"  Leave yourself out of the picture.  Think of other
people and their troubles and you will forget about your
own.  Gradually get away from yourself and you will know
the consolation of unselfish service to others.  After a while,
it will not matter so much what happens to you.  It is not so
important any more, except as your experience can be used
to help others who are in the same kind of trouble.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may become more unselfish.  I pray that I
may not be thrown off the track by letting the old
selfishness creep back into my life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 07

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Those Old Time Feelings

I still have bad days. But thats okay. I used to have bad years.
Anonymous

Sometimes, the old feelings creep back in. We may feel fearful, ashamed, and
hopeless. We may feel not good enough, unlovable, victimized, helpless, and
resentful about it all. This is codependency, a condition some describe as
soul sickness.

Many of us felt this way when we began recovery. Sometimes, we slip back
into these feelings after weve begun recovery. Sometimes theres a reason. An
event may trigger these reactions, such as ending a relationship, stress,
problems on the job, at home, or in friendships. Times of change can trigger
these reactions. So can physical illness.

Sometimes, these feelings return for no reason.

A return to the old feelings doesnt mean were back to square one in our
recovery. They do not mean weve failed at recovery. They do not mean were in
for a long, painful session of feeling badly. They just are there.

The solution is the same: practicing the basics. Some of the basics are
loving and trusting our self, detachment, dealing with feelings, giving and
receiving support in the recovery community, using our affirmations, and
having fun.

Another basic is working the Steps. Often, working the Steps is how we
become enabled and empowered to practice the other basics, such as
detachment and self-love.

If the old feelings come back, know for certain there is a way out that will
work.

Today, if I find myself in the dark pit of codependency, I will work a Step
to help myself climb out.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Small Victories
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1999/January/0199-11.htm

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
DEEPAK CHOPRA, MD
www.intouchmag.com/chopra.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Signs When You Need Them
by Alan Cohen

While driving home one day, I noticed that someone had posted some cardboard
signs along the roadside, leading guests to a party on my street. I live out
in the country where there are no city blocks, with many curving roads and
irregular intersections.

I saw that the person who had posted the signs, placed them at the crucial
intersections. At every important choice point, there was a sign. I drove
for long stretches past numerous smaller intersections, where there were no
posters. Then, when I again reached a crucial intersection, there was
another clear marker.

It occurred to me that this is how Spirit gives us guidance -- we get signs
when we need them. Whenever you arrive at a critical choice point,
information shows up to help you decide. If you are not getting a sign, you
are probably not at a crucial intersection. That's the time to just keep
going and enjoy the ride. When you are ready to know, you will. If you don't
know, it is not time yet. In the meantime, just breathe, trust, and find the
blessing where you are.

If you are seeking direction, pray for guidance. Then let the universe
deliver your answer in the right way, place, and time. If, upon completing
your prayer, you do not hear a voice boom from heaven, shout your name, and
bellow, "This is what you must do!" don't freak out. Give the Great Spirit a
chance to deliver your message when you most need it. It will come.

Guidance often arrives in uncanny and synchronistic ways. I met a fellow who
prayed for a sign to help him decide whether or not to accept a promotion
that would require him to relocate his home and family to a distant city.
Then one night he came home late and saw a "For Sale" sign on his lawn.
Since his wife was already sleeping, he did not want to wake her. The next
morning he asked her about the sign. "What sign?" she asked him. "The one on
the lawn," he told her. The two walked outside, and no sign was to be found.
The fellow deduced that he had indeed been given a sign. He took the job,
and the move ultimately turned out to be a success for everyone.

A man at a seminar told me he prayed for direction one morning, and then
that afternoon as he walked out of a restaurant, the wind blew a piece of
paper against his knees. He picked it up and discovered it was a flyer for
my seminar that evening. He attended, and subsequently his life changed.

Another friend decided he wanted to become independently wealthy and retire
at a young age. He prayed for help with this project. The next morning when
he went out to jog, as he turned a corner he saw a book someone had left on
top of a trashcan: Your Money or Your Life. He took the book, read it, and
found the wisdom he needed. Now he is well on his way to riches and early
retirement.

If you act anxiously to hasten your answer, you inhibit your ability to
receive guidance, and delay its arrival. In such a situation your wisest
move is to step back from frenetic activity and return to peace. I once
needed to find a particular document to resolve a financial snafu. I
searched for it nervously, and only grew more confused and frustrated.
Finally I realized I was getting nowhere and decided to sit down and
meditate to clear my mind. I let go of trying to locate the paper, and
relaxed. Toward the end of my meditation, an image popped into my mind,
showing me a certain folder toward the rear of a file cabinet. I looked in
the folder and there was the document.

I use a very successful method to receive guidance. I call it "The Truth
Smoke-Out." Whenever I am not sure what to do, I say to the universe, "Just
show me what I am to do here. I am willing to do whatever is in the best
interest of everyone involved. Give me a clue, and I will follow." Then I
release the situation. I give up any preconceived notion about how this is
supposed to turn out, and when I am supposed to know. Sometimes the answer
comes instantly, and sometimes it takes a while. But it always comes.

In the Greek version of the Bible, the first translation from the original
Aramaic, two different words are used for our word "time." One is chronos,
which is equivalent to our understanding of time in seconds, minutes, and
hours. The other word is kairos, which can best be translated as "in God's
time" or "at the right time" or "when the time is ripe." In our culture we
are used to living in chronos. But there is an entirely more important
element of time, which is timing. That's kairos. Practice living in kairos,
and answers arrive at the perfect time. God is at least as smart as the
person who put the signs up for the party.

About The Author:
Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books, including the
award-winning A Deep Breath of Life. For information about Alan's seminars
or to request a free catalog of Alan's books and tapes, call 1-800-462-3013
or visit Alan's web site at www.alancohen.com. Enrich your abundance by
joining Alan for the innovative online Year of Living Prosperously. Contact
Alan's office at P.O. Box 835, Haiku, HI 96708, (800) 568-3079 or email:
admin@....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"There is an abundance of value hidden inside of you, more than you could
possibly imagine. Yet as long as you continue to follow the same old
routine, seeing the same people every day, sitting in front of the TV, never
venturing out of your comfort zone, that value will remain hidden and
unreachable. The way to uncover your hidden value is to put yourself on the
line, to get involved in life. Attempt something challenging, meet new
people, stretch your limits, see new places, and subject yourself to new
experiences. Challenge and intensity will uncover in you skills, talents,
abilities and interests you never knew you had. You are full of wonderful
possibilities. Do something with them. The most painful regrets, those which
never go away, are regrets for things not done, things never attempted.

"There is a strength in you that has never been used. There are ideas you've
formed which have never been articulated. There is a passion in you which
has never been allowed to burn. There are possibilities in you which have
never been considered. There is wisdom in you which you've never touched. No
matter what your age or experience, there are aspects of your life which lie
hidden because you have not yet learned to value them. The more you value
something, the more you get out of it. That is particularly true when it
comes to your own life. What value do you place on your time, your learning,
your commitments, your skills? Your values are evidenced not by wishful
thinking, but by the actions you take day after day. And your values are
evidenced by the results you get. Value your wonderful, creative self. You
have more abundance than you could ever want or need, if only you'll value
it enough to make the most of it.

"Every day is an opportunity to live, to really live and experience. Grab
that opportunity today, and make the most of it. Live the abundance that you
already have. Claim the richness of life that is yours even now. Be the
passionate, fully alive person you were born to be. Live your unique value
and delight in the wonder and beauty of it all."

Ralph Marsten of http://GreatDay.com:
Words of wisdom from motivational author and publisher, Ralph Marsten.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Sandpiper
by Robert Peterson

She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live.
I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world
begins to close in on me.  She was building a sandcastle or something and
looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.
"Hello," she said.
I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.
"I'm building," she said.
"I see that.  What is it?" I asked, not really caring.
"Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."
That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes.
A sandpiper glided by.
"That's a joy," the child said.
"It's a what?"
"It's a joy.  My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."
The bird went gliding down the beach.  Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself,
hello pain, and turned to walk on.  I was depressed, my life seemed
completely out of balance.
"What's your name?" She wouldn't give up.
"Robert," I answered.  "I'm Robert Peterson."
"Mine's Wendy...  I'm six." "Hi, Wendy." She giggled.
"You're funny," she said.
In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on.  Her musical giggle
followed me.  "Come again, Mr.  P," she called.  "We'll have another happy
day."
After a few days of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an
ailing mother.  The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of
the dishwater.  I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat.

The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me.  The breeze was chilly
but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.
"Hello, Mr.  P," she said.  "Do you want to play?"
"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
"I don't know, you say."
"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically.
The tinkling laughter burst forth again.  "I don't know what that is."
"Then let's just walk."
Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face.  "Where do you
live?" I asked.
"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.
Strange, I thought, in winter.
"Where do you go to school?" "I don't go to school.  Mommy says we're on
vacation."

She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was
on other things.  When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day.
Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.

Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic.  I was in
no mood to even greet Wendy..  I thought I saw her mother on the porch and
felt like demanding she keep her child at home.
"Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd
rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.
"Why?" she asked.
I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God,
why was I saying this to a little child?
"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."
"Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and--oh, go away!"
"Did it hurt?" she inquired.
"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.
"When she died?"
"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself.  I
strode off.

A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there..
Feeling guilty, ashamed and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to
the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door.  A drawn looking young
woman with honey-colored hair opened the door.
"Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson.  I missed your little girl today and
wondered where she was."
"Oh yes, Mr.  Peterson, please come in.  Wendy spoke of you so much.
I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you.  If she was a nuisance, please,
accept my apologies."
"Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I
meant what I had just said.

"Wendy died last week, Mr.  Peterson.  She had leukemia.  Maybe she didn't
tell you."
Struck dumb, I groped for a chair.  I had to catch my breath "She loved this
beach so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no.
She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days.
But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice faltered, "She
left something for you ...  if only I can find it.
Could you wait a moment while I look?"
I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young
woman.  She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR.  P" printed in bold
childish letters.  Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow
beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird.

Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY.
Tears welled up in my eyes and a heart that had almost forgotten to love
opened wide.  I took Wendy's mother in my arms.  "I'm so sorry, I'm so
sorry, I'm so sorry," I muttered over and over, and we wept together.  The
precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study.  Six
words --one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony,
courage, and undemanding love.  A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and
hair the color of sand -- who taught me the gift of love.


NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened
over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves
as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy
living and life and each other. The price of hating other human
beings is loving oneself less. Life is so complicated, the hustle
and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what
is truly important or what is only a momentary setback or crisis.
This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by
all means, take a moment...even if it is only ten seconds, to stop
and smell the roses. This comes from someone's heart,
and is shared with many and now I share it with you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LOOKING FOR DIAMONDS

Albert Einstein said "In the middle of every difficulty lies
opportunity." Once discovered, such opportunities are like
valuable diamonds hidden in the sand.

When I was a church pastor, a man stopped by my office to see me.
He held out his hand and in it was a small, plastic gem stone. "I
stepped on this gem stone when I was leaving church last Sunday,"
he explained. "It became lodged in the soul of my shoe. You had
spoken about how we are surrounded by diamonds -- we only need
to recognize them. I put the plastic stone in my pocket to remind
me to recognize the "diamonds" that I need.

"I have been trying to sell my business. On Monday morning, a man
stopped by who seemed interested in purchasing my stock. I
thought, 'Here's my diamond - don't let it get away!' I sold the
entire stock to him by noon.

"Now," he said through a broad smile, "my next diamond is to find
a new job!"

Not long afterward, he did find his new job. And he resolved to
keep his gem stone with him from then on as a reminder to look
for diamonds in every situation.

Richard DeVos is accurate when he points out, "This is an
exciting world. It is cram-packed with opportunity. Great moments
wait around every corner." Those moments are diamonds that, if
left unrecognized, will be forever lost.

Are you looking for diamonds every day? If not, you may easily
pass them by!

Perhaps there is a diamond of opportunity hidden in that
difficulty you're experiencing now.

İ 2001 Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A kindergarten teacher was observing
her classroom of children while they drew.
She would occasionally walk around to see each child's artwork.
As she got to one little girl who was working diligently,
she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."

The teacher paused and said, "but no one knows what God looks like."
Without missing a beat or looking up from her drawing
the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery

I came to detox without a wink of sleep,
looking only at you, and not at me.
Thinking you were the problem, it wasn't me.
You belong here, I don't! You kidding me?
A junkie! A drunk! I just couldn't be.
But when I heard your story, I thought of me.
In a few more days, without any sleep,
my eyes were open, now I could see
that there wasn't a price, or even a fee
to sit here with you, and look at me.
God, Give me the strength to wonder,
to wonder if I'm free.
Give me a sense of wonder
to know that I can be me.
I'll take off my mask and let you see
all these defects, that make up me.
Each and every day, I see
I can't, but can WE?
And they say that it's God,
through you, he's helping me.

anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just beyond the night,
another day is breaking,
bringing hope to all.
D. Hockaday (haiku)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Raindrops fall down hard
Cooling off the hot pavement
Rainbows shine for me
J. Williams (haiku)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You are the only
flower of meditation
in the wilderness.
Bobbylips (haiku)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Newness opens eyes
Be in love at peace with all
Travel to know joy
Tara (haiku)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery is not for the people who need it,
it's not even for the people who want it,
it's for the people who DO it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If faith without works is dead;
Willingness without action is fantasy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Give it up,
Clean it up,
Make it up,
Keep it up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trace it,
Face it,
Erase it,
Replace it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 2
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad02.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is March the 4th month, PLEASE share on the 4th step
If you havenıt done the 4th step with your sponsor
Please share on honesty and courage...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 6
Today I am breaking out of old patterns,
rewriting old tapes and letting my life flow with joy and love.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Walking In The Light

Today only by Gods grace
I am walking in the light
Today by Gods grace
I live my life right
Each day
That God grants me
I try give to Him my best
Then as the sun goes down
I say a prayer and get my rest
I try to give Him honor
In all of my ways
Walking in the light
I give to Him my praise
These are truly better times you see
I learned how to live like this in recovery
It is by Gods love
Inside His mercy and grace
That I am able today to live free
It takes time for us to see
We are truly blessed
Inside of recovery
Walking in the light
We carry this message
Of love strength and hope
Teaching others how we cope
Walking in the light

Daniel M Corkery
4/3/2004
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Who Invented A.A. ?
gsowatch.aamo.info/1938/index.htm

The Circle & Triangle
www.anonymityone.com/story60.htm

John Roger
www.john-roger.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 6                                   Growing Honestly

"On a practical level, changes occur because what's appropriate to one
phase of recovery may not be for another."   Basic Text p. 101

  When we first came to Narcotics Anonymous, many of us had no legitimate
occupation. Not all of us suddenly decide we're going to become honest and
productive model citizens the moment we arrive in NA. But we soon find, in
recovery, that we are not so comfortable doing many of the things we once
did without a second thought when we were using.

  As we grow in our recovery, we begin to be honest in matters that probably
hadn't bothered us when we used. We start returning extra change a cashier
may have given us by mistake, or admitting when we hit a parked car We
find that if we can begin to be honest in these small ways the bigger
tests of our honesty become much easier to handle.

  Many of us came here with very little capacity to be honest. But we find
that as we work the Twelve Steps, our lives begin to change. We are no
longer comfortable when we benefit at the expense of others. And we can
feel good about our newfound honesty.

Just for today: I will examine the level of honesty in my life and see if
I'm comfortable with it.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Teaching Is Never Ever

Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.  Admit your faults to Him
and to your fellows.  Clear away the wreckage of your past.  Give freely of
what you find and join us.  We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the
Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy
Destiny.  May God bless you and keep you-until then.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 164

These words put a lump in my throat each time I read them.  In the
beginning it was because I felt, "Oh no! The teaching is over.  Now I'm on
my own.  It will never be this new again." Today I feel deep affection for
our A.A. pioneers when I read this passage, realizing that it sums up all
of what I believe in, and strive for, and that -- with God's blessing --
the teaching is never over, I'm never on my own, and every day is brand new.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 6th

A.A. Thought for the Day

All alcoholics have personality problems.  They drink to
escape from life, to counteract feelings of loneliness or
inferiority, or because of some emotional conflict within
them, so that they cannot adjust themselves to life.
Alcoholics cannot stop drinking unless they find a way to
solve their personality problems.  That's why going on
the wagon doesn't solve anything.  That's why taking the
pledge usually doesn't work.  Was my personality problem
ever solved by going on the wagon or taking the pledge?

Meditation for the Day

God irradiates your life with the warmth of His spirit.  You
must open up like a flower to this divine irradiation.  Loosen
your hold on earth, its cares, and its worries.  Unclasp your
hold on material things, relax your grip, and the tide of
peace and serenity will flow in.  Relinquish every material
thing and receive it back again from God.  Do not hold on
to earth's treasures so firmly that your hands are too
occupied to clasp God's hands as He holds them out to you
in love.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be open to receive God's blessing.  I pray
that I may be willing to relinquish my hold on material things
and receive them back from God.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 06

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie İ

Patience

How sick and tired we may become of people telling us to be patient or to
learn patience. How frustrating it can be to want to finally have something,
or to move forward, and then not have that happen. How irritating to have
someone tell us to wait while our needs have not been met and were in the
midst of anxiety, frustration, and inaction.

Do not confuse the suggestion to be patient with the old rule about not
having feelings.

Being patient does not mean we go through the sometimes-grueling process of
life and recovery without having feelings! Feel the frustration. Feel the
impatience. Get as angry as you need to about not having your needs met.
Feel your fear.

Controlling our feelings will not control the process!

We find patience by surrendering to our feelings. Patience cannot be forced.
It is a gift, one that closely follows acceptance and gratitude. When we
work through our feelings to fully accept who we are and what we have, we
will be ready to be and have more.

Today, I will let myself have my feelings while I practice patience.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nothing Short of Passion, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1999/January/0199-10.htm

An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay with
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
www.intouchmag.com/marianne.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whom Are You Becoming?
by Marie T. Russell

I had a strange dream last night. Many people from my childhood were present
in this dream - people I haven't seen in over 20 or 30 years. One of the
things I recall about the dream, is my telling them that they were not at
all like they used to be. One of them was a cousin - he used to be my
favorite cousin - he was so sweet and lovable. But now I did not recognize
him - he was no longer sweet and lovable.

Another visitor in my dream was my grandmother (who died almost twenty years
ago). She also was very different than she used to be. The grandmother in
this dream had become hard, unwilling to love, vindictive even. We had an
angry confrontation (in " real life", I never saw her get angry at anyone).
When I accused her of being unloving and unkind, in her defense, she said
that it hurt too much to be loving.

Upon awakening this morning, this dream remained in my consciousness. What
was its message? Was I being told that I was becoming hard, unloving,
vindictive? At first glance, I wanted to say "Of course not". After all, who
wants to admit to those traits? Don't we all want to see ourselves in a
positive light, even though there is also a side of us which is constantly
putting us down?

Upon reflection, I believe I "got the message". The question to ask
ourselves is "Who are we becoming?" Are we living up to the child we were,
or could have been? Loving, playful, wanting nothing more than to love and
be loved. (I'm talking about very early childhood. Before we were tainted
and "corrupted" by mind games, by competitiveness, jealousy, revenge, etc.
etc.)

Some of us have good memories of our childhood, others have only bad. I used
to think I had a terrible childhood, until I started talking with people
about their childhood. Then I realized I actually had a very good childhood.
Sure I was sent away to boarding school, but at least I was never beaten or
molested. Sure my brother and sister picked on me, but none of us ever
maimed or killed or raped the other. When I realized that I actually had a
pretty good childhood, I started to remember different things. Up to that
point, I had chosen to remember just the "poor me" stories. Then I started
to dig into my memory and remember happy events too.

Regardless of how we remember our childhood, we have a choice of how we'll
remember our adulthood. Better yet, since we are creating our adulthood as
we go, we can make it so that we will not be ashamed of anything we've said
or done. In every situation, there is a loving choice and a vindictive or
unloving one. Many people think that the loving choice means demeaning
yourself, or making yourself into a doormat. On the contrary! Sometimes the
loving choice is walking out of a destructive relationship. Sometimes the
loving choice is taking yourself to a detox center, or quitting your job, or
working harder, or working less, or telling someone the truth. It is
different for everyone, but each of one knows deep down what is the right
action in each situation.

You can always ask yourself when in a bind - what is the loving choice
here - remembering that you must make sure that the choice is loving toward
yourself as well as others. Jesus said "Love thy neighbor as thyself". What
many people fail to notice is the "as thyself" part. Actually, that may be
the greatest problem with "the world as we see it today". People are loving
their neighbors "as themselves". And since they don't love themselves, and
they treat themselves without love and respect, they treat their neighbor in
the same vein. "Love begins at home". Cliché? Not at all.

Whom are you becoming? Do you like the person you are becoming? It matters
not so much if "others" like the person you are becoming... What is
important is: do you? Do you respect, admire, and have great hopes for this
person you are becoming? Or have you given up on yourself, and let yourself
become cold, arrogant, unloving, vindictive, spiteful... Are you living a
life of make-believe? Pretending to be nice to someone, and then cutting
them down behind their back? Would you be proud of yourself if your thoughts
and actions were to be displayed "on parade"?

I'm not suggesting we try to be perfect. Perfection is elusive, if not
downright impossible. Plus, what is perfection anyway? A perfect day for me,
is probably not so perfect for you. If beauty lies in the eye of the
beholder, so does perfection. If you are proud of your goals, of your
intents, of your desires... that's perfection enough. Doesn't mean you'll
always attain those goals, that you won't miss the mark (the original
definition of sin), that you won't have "unpure" (read 'unloving') thoughts
and desires. But in what direction are you heading? Is your goal peace and
harmony? Is your desire love and understanding? That's what counts.

If you truly want to become the "best you", then eventually you will get
there. Yes you'll fall off the path many times, yes you'll feel pain,
rejection, disappointment, self-criticism, and fear. But those are all
fleeting illusions. They are simply judgments on your actions or those of
your fellow man (woman too). Choose. Which path do you want to be on? Which
reality would you prefer living in? Who would you rather be? It's a choice
that we have to keep on making every day, and at times every moment of every
day.

Contrary to what some might want to believe, once you become "enlightened"
(or in some circles, born again), it doesn't mean that you have it all
made... that you no longer have work to do. What it does mean is that you've
chosen a path. But in these times (as I'm sure in olden times), once the
path is chosen, there are many choices - many opportunities or temptations -
to take another path. Every decision every day is a reaffirmation of who we
want to be: loving or vindictive, happy or miserable, honest or pretentious.
Sometimes we'll choose according to our highest vision of ourselves, at
other times according to the lowest (or lower). That's ok. Things happen.
Mistakes are made.

The wonderful thing about life is that the next moment (and the next, and
the next) bring yet again other opportunities to choose who we are becoming.
What's it gonna be this time? and in two hours? and tomorrow? and next week?

One thing we can learn from Alcoholics Anonymous is that we have to take one
day at a time, one decision at a time. This moment I choose not to take a
drink (or take a cheap shot at someone, or another serving of chocolate
cake...) This moment! I do not agonize about how hard it will be to keep
making that choice tomorrow, or even in 15 minutes. I choose now! And when I
get to the other crossroads, I'll make that choice then.

Keeping our vision in mind of who we are becoming will help us make our
daily choices. Remember not to be hard on yourself when you "fail". This
life is not over until your last breath, and if you believe in
life-after-death or reincarnation, or even heaven, then life is not even
over with your last breath. So when you "fail" or "fall off from your chosen
path", forgive yourself for being human (to err is human), and keep on
trucking to the next crossroads. One step at a time. One breath at a time!

About The Author:
Marie T. Russell is the publisher of InnerSelf Magazine (first published in
1985 originally as Mighty Natural Magazine) and The Natural Yellow Pages
(1987-2002). She produced a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner
Power, from 1991-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal
growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and
reconnecting with our inner source of joy and creativity. Marie can be
reached at marie@... with personal comments and feedback, or to be
placed on a mailing list to be advised when her book becomes available.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Help for the Helper

    At age eighteen, I left my home in Brooklyn, New York, and
went off to study history at Leeds University in Yorkshire,
England.  It was an exciting but stressful time in my life, for
while trying to adjust to the novelty of unfamiliar
surroundings, I was still learning to cope with the all-too-
familiar pain of my father's recent death -- an event with which
I had not yet come to terms.

    While at the market one day, trying to decide which bunch
of flowers would best brighten up my comfortable but colorless
student digs, I spied an elderly gentleman having difficulty
holding onto his walking stick and his bag of apples.    I rushed
over and relieved him of the apples, giving him time to regain
his balance.

    "Thanks, luv," he said in that distinctive Yorkshire lilt I
never tire of hearing.  "I'm quite all right now, not to worry,"
he said, smiling at me not only with his mouth but with a pair
of dancing bright blue eyes.

    "May I walk with you?" I inquired.  "Just to make sure
those apples don't become sauce prematurely."

    He laughed and said, "Now, you are a long way from home,
lass.    From the States, are you?"

    "Only from one of them.  New York.  I'll tell you all about
it as we walk."

    So began my friendship with Mr. Burns, a man whose smile
and warmth would very soon come to mean a great deal to me.

    As we walked, Mr. Burns (whom I always addressed as such
and never by his first name) leaned heavily on his stick, a
stout, gnarled affair that resembled my notion of a biblical
staff.  When we arrived at his house, I helped him set his
parcels on the table and insisted on lending a hand with the
preparations for his "tea" -- that is, his meal.  I interpreted
his weak protest as gratitude for the assistance.

    After making his tea, I asked if it would be all right if I
came back and visited with him again.    I thought I'd look in on
him from time to time, to see if he needed anything.  With a
wink and a smile he replied, "I've never been one to turn down
an offer from a good-hearted lass."

    I came back the next day, at about the same time, so I
could help out once more with his evening meal.  The great
walking stick was a silent reminder of his infirmity, and,
though he never asked for help, he didn't protest when it was
given.  That very evening we had our first "heart to heart."
Mr. Burns asked about my studies, my plans, and, mostly, about
my family.  I told him that my father had recently died, but I
didn't offer much else about the relationship I'd had with him.
In response, he gestured toward the two framed photographs on
the end table next to his chair.  They were pictures of two
different women, one notably older than the other.  But the
resemblance between the two was striking.

    "That's Mary," he said, indicating the photograph of the
older woman.  "She's been gone for six years.    And that's our
Alice.  She was a very fine nurse.  Losing her was too much for
my Mary."

    I responded with the tears I hadn't been able to shed for
my own pain.  I cried for Mary.  I cried for Alice.  I cried for
Mr. Burns.  And I cried for my father to whom I never had the
chance to say good-bye.

    I visited with Mr. Burns twice a week, always on the same
days and at the same time.  Whenever I came, he was seated in
his chair, his walking stick propped up against the wall.  Mr.
Burns owned a small black-and-white television set, but he
evidently preferred his books and phonograph records for
entertainment.  He always seemed especially glad to see me.
Although I told myself I was delighted to be useful, I was
happier still to have met someone to whom I could reveal those
thoughts and feelings that, until then, I'd hardly acknowledged
to myself.

    While fixing the tea, our chats would begin.  I told Mr.
Burns how terribly guilty I felt about not having been on
speaking terms with my father the two weeks prior to his death.
I'd never had the chance to ask my father's forgiveness.  And he
had never had the chance to ask for mine.

    Although Mr. Burns talked, he allowed me the lion's share.
Mostly I recall him listening.  But how he listened!  It wasn't
just that he was attentive to what I said.  It was as if he were
reading me, absorbing all the information I provided, and adding
details from his own experience and imagination to create a
truer understanding of my words.

    After about a month, I decided to pay my friend a visit on
an "off day."    I didn't bother to telephone as that type of
formality did not seem requisite in our relationship.    Coming up
to the house, I saw him working in his garden, bending with ease
and getting up with equal facility.  I was dumbfounded.  Could
this be the same man who used that massive walking stick?

    He suddenly looked in my direction.  Evidently sensing my
puzzlement over his mobility, he waved me over, looking more
than a bit sheepish.  I said nothing, but accepted his
invitation to come inside.

    "Well, luv.  Allow me to make you a 'cuppa' this time.  You
look all done in."
    "How?"  I began.    "I thought..."

    "I know what you thought, luv.  When you first saw me at
the market...well, I'd twisted my ankle a bit earlier in the
day.  Tripped on a stone while doing a bit of gardening.  Always
been a clumsy fool."

    "But...when were you able to...walk normally again?"
    Somehow, his eyes managed to look merry and contrite at the
same time.  "Ah, well, I guess that'll be the very next day
after our first meeting."

    "But why?"  I asked, truly perplexed.  Surely he couldn't
have been feigning helplessness to get me to make him his tea
every now and then.

    "That second time you came 'round, luv, it was then I saw
how unhappy you were.    Feeling lonely and sad about your dad and
all.  I thought, well, the lass could use a bit of an old
shoulder to lean on.  But I knew you were telling yourself you
were visiting me for my sake and not your own.  Didn't think
you'd come back if you knew I was fit.  And I knew you were in
sore need of someone to talk to.  Someone older, older than your
dad, even.  And someone who knew how to listen."

    "And the stick?"
    "Ah. A fine stick, that.    I use it when I walk the moors.
We must do that together soon."

    So we did.  And Mr. Burns, the man I'd set out to help,
helped me.  He'd made a gift of his time, bestowing attention
and kindness to a young girl who needed both.

  By Marlena Thompson from Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul
   Copyright 2000 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

TODAY'S POSITIVE THOUGHT:

Think kind thoughts and you will receive kindness from others.

TODAY'S POSITIVE AFFIRMATION:

Today I AM thinking kind thoughts about others.

TODAY'S POSITIVE VISUALIZATION:

As I close my eyes, I open my heart and mind in kindness to others.
As I connect to the kindness that is inherent in me,
I realize it is a magnetic force that attracts goodness back to me.
I go through my day easily allowing kindness to infuse all my interactions.
In my mind's eye, I see the kindness I share with others
returning to me and filling up my well of goodwill.
I give thanks that I have an endless capacity
for kindness to all others in my world.
I combine these thoughts and images with a feeling of joy and let them go.

Marty Dow and Tricia Sample

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  Meditate

  It becomes a hard life when we pray to God for all
sorts of help but we won't be quiet, sit back, and
listen for the answers God provides.

Don't dominate the conversation: Be silent and
listen a little.  In other words, meditate.

Quiet down and observe your life.

John-Roger
From: Spiritual Warrior, The Art of Spiritual Living

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today I Live in Sorrow  4/6/03

Today I live in sorrow, that awakens me, to see all that I alone
can be, the goodness I possess is only there to find as I seek my
peace of mind. You see my baby brother Stephen Mark Rockwell,
known as "Rocky" did as I have done all my life due to an abusive
childhood, he hid inside his computor, hid behind a drink,hid in
short lived relationships. While I sought AA, counciling and the
like, he hid away, never knowing self, nor ever knew  the love he
searched for was deep within himself. Like me he couldn't face
the every day strife because he shut himself off to the learning
in God's plan. He helplessly sought a love he could not find. I
miss the twinkle in his eyes, the warmth of his hug and the love
in his heart, while I'm left behind, to cry, to pound walls in anger
at what he's done, to hold his clothes and smell his scent, to feel
I should have done more.Someone stold his truck and all his tools,
he walked out into an orchard and tied a rope to a tree and the
other end to his neck, got on his knees and simply leaned forward
while death quickly took him from the lives of those who loved him.
He could not admit he needed help, he knew more then any councilor,
no one could tell him, what he thought he already knew. God give me
the strength to endure, to go on without him and bless me with my
serenity and peace of mind. I am one sick puppy too, please guide
and help me in my deepest sorrow.

Cheri Flores
c.leeinsc@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The principle we are working with today is FORGIVENESS.
It is release. Letting go.
The process of removing errors from the mind in pursuit of harmony.
The release of what is false for what is true.
Giving up of a thought or emotion in order to
facilitate change of the thought or emotion.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is my birthright to live fully and freely.
I give to Life exactly what I want Life to give to me.
I am glad to be alive.
I love Life.
Louise Hay

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Positive mental energy, positive thinking,
does not mean we think unrealistically or revert to denial.
If we don't like something, we respect our own opinion.
If we spot a problem, we're honest about it.
If something isn't working out, we accept reality.
But we don't dwell on the negative parts of our experience.
Whatever we give energy to, we empower.
Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting go

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Notice the acts of kindness other people do rather that
their wrongdoing. This is how the loving presence views you. We are all
good, decent, loving souls who occasionally get lost.
Wayne Dyer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The elevator to recovery is broken,
take the steps.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery is not for people who need it,
it's for people who want it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Religion is for people who are afraid they'll go to hell.
Spirituality is for people who have been there
and don't want to go back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I'm not going to let anybody
rent space in my head for free.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The 12 Steps are not the only way to get clean and stay clean,
BUT they are the only way that has worked for me :)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

THE AA WISH

Two old-timers and a newcomer were stranded on an island. After
several months, one of them found a lantern on the beach, polished
it clean, and out popped a genie. "In return for my freedom, I will
grant each of you one wish", announced the genie.

The first old timer said, "I have a loving wife at home, my
relationships with my children have been healed, and I have
four beautiful grandchildren. I surely do miss them. I wish I
were back home again." Poof. His wish was granted.

The second old timer said, "I miss my family too. And before
we were stranded, I had a wonderful career and a beautiful
home. I wish to go home too". Poof. His wish was granted.

The newcomer said, "My wife left me, my children hate me, I
lost my house and job. I have nothing to go back home to. The
only friends I had in the whole world were my two buddies here
on the island, and they're gone. I sure do wish they here now."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is March the 4th month, PLEASE share on the 4th step
If you havenıt done the 4th step with your sponsor
Please share on honesty and courage...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 5
Today I am open to all of who I am.
As I bring my attention to all of me, without judgment,
I grow in wisdom and freedom.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For the Newcomer

Why, do you ask , did this happen to me?
Please donıt ask, just accept, your truth shall set you free.
Why did my journey take me to Hell and back, time and time again?
To give you experience, now the real journey begins.
I speak of my truth, for me there is no doubt
If you donıt go within to find yourself, you will surly go without.
The game is over, put away your drugs and your fears
Come, sit down, hang out for awhile,
If you need I will wipe away your tears.
I know it may not seem like much to offer
For all I have is what was freely given to me
Acceptance and Love is a gift from a Higher Power
I will share my truth with you so your truth shall set you Free!

Dennis T.
Dennis9817@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Always Felt Empty
www.anonymityone.com/story90.htm

Recovery Dictionary Definitions
www.thereisasolution.org.uk/dictionary.htm

My Higher Power The Light Bulb
www.thereisasolution.org.uk/light_bulb.htm

Keep It Simple
www.thereisasolution.org.uk/complicated.htm

N.A. Police
www.personal.nbnet.nb.ca/spirit/police.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 5                                          Identification

"Someone finally knew the crazy thoughts that I had and the crazy
things I'd done."  Basic Text p. 175

Addicts often feel terminally unique. We're sure that no one used
drugs like we did or had to do the things that we did to get them.
Feeling that no one really understands us can keep us from recovery
for many years.

But once we come to the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous, we begin to
lose that feeling of being "the worst" or "the craziest:' We listen as
members share their experiences. We discover that others have
walked the same twisted path that we've walked and still have been able
to find recovery. We begin to believe that recovery is available to us, too.

As we progress in our own recovery, sometimes our thinking is still
insane. However, we find that when we share the hard time we may be
having, others identify, sharing how they have dealt with such
difficulties. No matter how troubled our thinking seems, we find hope
when others relate to us, passing along the solutions they've found. We
begin to believe that we can survive whatever we're going through to
continue on in our recovery.

The gift of Narcotics Anonymous is that we learn we are not alone. We
can get clean and stay clean by sharing our experience, our strength, and
even our crazy thinking with other members. When we do, we open
ourselves to the solutions others have found to the challenges we face.

Just for today: I am grateful that I can identify with others. Today,
I will listen as they share their experience, and I'll share mine with
them.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Teaching Is Never Over

Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.  Admit your faults to Him
and to your fellows.  Clear away the wreckage of your past.  Give freely of
what you find and join us.  We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the
Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy
Destiny.  May God bless you and keep you-until then.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 164

These words put a lump in my throat each time I read them.  In the
beginning it was because I felt, "Oh no! The teaching is over.  Now I'm on
my own.  It will never be this new again." Today I feel deep affection for
our A.A. pioneers when I read this passage, realizing that it sums up all
of what I believe in, and strive for, and that -- with God's blessing --
the teaching is never over, I'm never on my own, and every day is brand new.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden / April 5th

A.A. Thought for the Day

People often ask what makes the A.A. program work.
One of the answers is that A.A. works because it
gets people away from themselves as the center of
the universe.  And it teaches them to rely more on
the fellowship of others and on strength from God.
Forgetting ourselves in fellowship, prayer, and
working with others is what makes the A.A. program
work.  Are these things keeping me sober?

Meditation for the Day

God is the great interpreter of one human personality
to another.  Even personalities who are the nearest
together have much in their natures that remains a
seated book to each other.  And only as God enters
and controls their lives are the mysteries of each
revealed to the other.  Each personality is so different.
God alone understands perfectly the language of each
and can interpret between the two.  Here we find the
miracles of change and the true interpretation of life.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be in the right relationship to God.
I pray that God will interpret to me the personalities
of other people, so that I can understand them and
help them.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
APRIL 05

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.

Detaching in Love

Detachment is a key to recovery from codependency. It strengthens our
healthy relationships - the ones that we want to grow and flourish. It
benefits our difficult relationships - the ones that are teaching us to
cope. It helps us!

Detachment is not something we do once. Its a daily behavior in recovery. We
learn it when were beginning our recovery from codependency and adult
children issues. And we continue to practice it along the way as we grow and
change, and as our relationships grow and change.

We learn to let go of people we love, people we like, and those we dont
particularly care for. We separate ourselves, and our process, from others
and their process.

We relinquish our tight hold and our need to control in our relationships.
We take responsibility for ourselves; we allow others to do the same. We
detach with the understanding that life is unfolding exactly as it needs to,
for others and ourselves. The way life unfolds is good, even when it hurts.
And ultimately, we can benefit from even the most difficult situations. We
do this with the understanding that a Power greater than ourselves is in
charge, and all is well.

Today, I will apply the concept of detachment, to the best of my ability, in
my relationships. If I cant let go completely, Ill try to hang on loose.

İ1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Butterflies and Dreams
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1999/January/0199-07.htm

Interview with the Author of ³Conversation with God² , Neale Donald Walsch
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part5.shtml

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He Talks With Me

by Del Kyger

God truly loves to talk. The rarity is not finding someone that God would
communicate with, but rather in finding a person who cares enough to listen
and is bold enough to share their experiences with others.

Since childhood, Mildred "Billie" Steves has felt the loving presence of
God. As early as high school, Billie began receiving solutions to complex
math and geometry problems in her dreams and in visions.

So when Billie began to receive communications from God following her
morning meditations, she was quite at ease and did not see these events as
out of the ordinary, In fact, she thought that everyone received God's words
as she did.

"It all began one morning when I felt compelled to kneel at the side of my
bed. With paper and pen in hand, I wrote down my words of communication with
The Father. And then the response began to flow, filling me with
bewilderment, gratitude, and peace.

"From that day on, I knew I was not alone in this life. God was at my side
all the time... guiding, directing, answering my prayers, and meeting my
needs. I began to make these communications a daily practice. Whatever was
in my heart or needed illumination was the focal point for that day's
communication."

Fifty years have passed since Billie first began to receive God's daily
communications and it is only now, after all this time, that Billie has been
willing to share these remarkable writings with the world.

" 'This Diary of Answered Prayers' was so sacred, precious, and personal
that I kept them hidden, even from my husband. Then one day, Richard,
discovered my notebook behind a kitchen cabinet and asked if he could read
it. I reluctantly gave him permission. To my amazement he became very
excited and encouraged me to "come out of the closet" and share God's words
with the world. I consented although I felt like I was baring my soul to
everyone who read these very private words.

"It was soon revealed to me that these writings were no more mine than the
multiplication tables are mine. These words were meant to be shared with all
who are seeking peace and Truth. I have no idea why God chose me to receive
His messages, but I am eternally grateful for this honor."

Billie approached several publishers in the mid 1970's but they all declined
to publish her writings. She patiently, and lovingly, continued to receive
God's daily communications for another twenty years before she again
received the urging to share them with the world.

"Having to wait all this time before sharing my writings proved to me that
God always answers our prayers. Perhaps not on our timetable, or in the form
we desire, but God always answers our prayers. We always receive what we ask
for."

Many see Billie's ability to communicate with God as a special gift;
however, Billie sees it differently.

"I am convinced that all of us have the ability to communicate with God. I
have learned that some of the keys to effective communication with God are
to be relaxed (peaceful), to breathe deeply, and feel our oneness with The
Father.

"The answers to our prayers come to us in many different ways. They may come
through inspired dictation, as they do with me, through our intuition,
"coincidental happenings", a comment from a friend, or through dreams or
visions. Regardless of how we receive our answers, the key to effective
communication with God is to remain open and honor the urgings and messages
we are sent."

When reading Mildred's book, "He Talks With Me," the reader gets the feeling
of having their own, personal chat with God. One can't help but be aware of
how simple God makes the solutions to our problems. In fact, all our
problems seem to have a similar solution.

"The underlying message in God's words all these years is for us to take
responsibility for the world we have created. I have learned that if I am
not happy with the way things are going in my life, then I have the ability
and the responsibility to change my life. God has taught me that all we need
do is keep love in our hearts and express our desire to change.

"All that remains is to get out of the way and let God do the rest. It
works! I speak from personal experience. All we have to do is turn our
challenges and problems over to God knowing that they will be solved in a
manner that results in the highest good for all concerned."

I think Billie's comment best describes how God's messages affected her
life.

"God's answers to my prayers have helped me to realize that we must believe
we are worthy of His gifts, and that we are always safely cradled in His
arms as He carries us through and around all the obstacles. Perhaps one of
the most important lessons I learned is to love myself with the same
devotion and passion with which I love God. I also have learned to live in
the NOW, and not in the past or in the future. I am content to "just be" and
allow God to do the rest."

About The Author:
Mildred "Billie" Steves has been receiving these extraordinary
communications from God for over 50 years and has written numerous articles
and short stories for Unity Magazine. Billie and her 93 year young husband,
Richard, are in excellent health and have recently moved to Fort Myers,
Florida to be closer to their children. Her book "He Talks With Me" is
available at local bookstores. Order from your favorite bookstore or
directly from Dream Street by calling 800-795-1513. Or send $13.95 (Arizona
addresses add 7% sales tax) plus $2.00 shipping and handling for the first
book and $.50 for each additional book.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

WHAT  IF GOD SHOULD GO ON STRIKE THIS POEM APPEARED IN DEAR ABBY
OF A LOCAL NEWSPAPER. IT WAS COPYRIGHTED IN 1972 AND DEAR ABBY
WAS GIVEN PERMISSION TO RUN IT IN HER COLUMN. THOUGHT YOU ALL
MAY LIKE READING IT AS MUCH AS I DID

HOW GOOD IT IS THAT GOD ABOVE HAS NEVER GONE ON STRIKE,
BECAUSE HE WAS NOT TREATED FAIR IN THINGS HE DIDN'T LIKE,
IF ONLY ONCE HE'D GIVEN UP AND SAID, "THAT'S IT, I'M
THROUGH!" I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THOSE ON EARTH SO THIS IS
WHAT I'LL DO. I'LL GIVE MY ORDERS TO THE SUN CUT OFF THE
HEAT SUPPLY! AND TO THE MOON--GIVE NO MORE LIGHT AND RUN
THE OCEANS DRY. THEN JUST TO MAKE THINGS REALLY TOUGH
AND PUT THE PRESSURE ON,  TURN OFF THE VITAL OXYGEN TILL
EVERY BREATH IS GONE, YOU KNOW HE WOULD BE JUSTIFIED
IF FAIRNESS WAS THE GAME, FOR NO ONE HAS BEEN MORE
ABUSED OR MET WITH MORE DISDAIN THAN GOD, AND YET HE
CARRIES ON SUPPLYING YOU AND ME, WITH ALL THE FAVORS OF
HIS GRACE, AND EVERYTHING FOR FREE. MEN SAY THEY WANT
A BETTER DEAL AND SO ON STRIKE THEY GO, BUT WHAT A DEAL
WE'VE GIVEN GOD TO WHOM ALL THINGS WE OWE. WE DON'T
CARE WHOM WE HURT TO GAIN THE THING WE LIKE BUT WHAT
A MESS WE'D ALL BE IN.

AUTHOR: WALT HUNTLEY, ONTARIO,CANADA

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A true story of love and courage.

Walking down a path through some woods in Georgia in 1977,
I saw a water puddle ahead on the path. I angled my direction
to go around it on the part of the path that wasn't covered by
water and mud. As I reached the puddle, I was suddenly attacked!

Yet, I did nothing, for the attack was so unpredictable and
from a source so totally unexpected. I was startled as well as unhurt,
despite having been struck four or five times already. I backed up
a foot and my attacker stopped attacking me. Instead of attacking
more, he hovered in the air on graceful butterfly wings in front of me.
Had I been hurt I wouldn't have found it amusing, but I was unhurt,
it was funny, and I was laughing. After all, I was being attacked by a
butterfly!

Having stopped laughing, I took a step forward. My attacker
rushed me again. He rammed me in the chest with his head and body,
striking me over and over again with all his might, still to no avail.
For a second time, I retreated a step while my attacker relented in his
attack. Yet again, I tried moving forward. My attacker charged me
again. I was rammed in the chest over and over again. I wasn't sure
what to do, other than to retreat a third time. After all, it's just
not everyday that one is attacked by a butterfly. This time, though,
I stepped back several paces to look the situation over. My attacker
moved back as well to land on the ground. That's when I discovered
why my attacker was charging me only moments earlier.

He had a mate and she was dying. She was beside the puddle
where he landed. Sitting close beside her, he opened and closed his
wings as if to fan her. I could only admire the love and courage of
that butterfly in his concern for his mate. He had taken it upon
himself to attack me for his mate's sake, even though she was clearly
dying and I was so large. He did so just to give her those extra few
precious moments of life, should I have been careless enough to step
on her.

Now I knew why and what he was fighting for. There was really
only one option left for me. I carefully made my way around the puddle
to the other side of the path, though it was only inches wide and
extremely muddy. His courage in attacking something thousands of
times larger and heavier than himself just for his mate's safety
justified it. I couldn't do anything other than reward him by
walking on the more difficult side of the puddle. He had truly earned
those moments to be with her, undisturbed. I left them in peace for
those last few moments, cleaning the mud from my boots when I later
reached my car.

Since then, I've always tried to remember the courage of that
butterfly whenever I see huge obstacles facing me. I use that
butterfly's courage as an inspiration and to remind myself that good
things are worth fighting for.

Graeme Cooper (submitted by Jane Gaid)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

TODAY'S POSITIVE THOUGHT:

You can choose to think higher thoughts.

TODAY'S POSITIVE AFFIRMATION:

I choose higher thoughts therefore creating a
better world for myself and others.

TODAY'S POSITIVE VISUALIZATION:

As I close my eyes I am thankful for my right
to choose my thoughts. Acknowledging the power
of my thoughts in creating the reality I experience,
I consciously choose to think higher thoughts. I
imagine myself remembering to be aware of my thoughts
and easily choosing high thoughts. I see myself
experiencing the benefit of my new higher thoughts.
In my mind's eye I see myself enjoying love and
harmony in my relationships; health and energy
in my physical body; success and prosperity in
my financial and business affairs; safety and
protection everywhere I go; and a deep sense of
peace as I stay consciously connected to
the Divine within me.  I combine these thoughts
and images with a feeling of joy and let them go.

Copyright İ 2001 Institute For Creative Living
All rights reserved.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Freely Give

Freely give as you receive
Trust in the God you believe
Nothing happens by mere chance
Study the picture do not just glance
No one is beyond hope
We were like you
We learned to cope
In here no one is alone
Practice recovery in your home
Freely give all you can
All along the way
In recovery
We do it
Just for today
Freely give to one and all
Do it when you hear the call
God will freely give all you need
In recovery you can succeed
Freely give as you get
Most of all do not forget
Freely give your strength
Most important all of your hope
God will freely give you
All you need to cope

Daniel M Corkery
5/25/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Creator of the universe, who has ordered the stars and
the heavens and the earth, has a plan for your life.
You are not a random act.
You are not here by chance, but by design.
You are destined for greatness
that begins with your believing in your own destiny.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tell me and I'll forget.
Show me, and I may not remember.
Involve me, and I'll understand.
Native American Proverb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Change is simply a combination of growing up and gaining knowledge.
  Jill Thomas

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life has no other discipline to impose, if we
would but realize it, everything we run away
from, everything we deny, denigrate or
despise, serves to defeat us in the end.
What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become
a source of beauty, joy and strength, if
faced with an open mind...Every moment
is a golden one for him who has the
vision to recognize it as such..
Henry Miller

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Isn't addiction a grace when it causes us to hit bottom,
undergo an ego death,
and learn to trust that  power greater than ourselves
can return us to sanity?
Joan Borysenko

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Bring the body and the mind will follow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is a selfless program .

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Minds are like parachutes,
they won't work unless they're open.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It isn't the load that weighs us down,
It's the way we carry it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Tradition 1
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/trads2002/trad01.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is March the 4th month, PLEASE share on the 4th step
If you havenıt done the 4th step with your sponsor
Please share on honesty and courage...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 4
Today I am hanging in no matter what.
Even when my conscious mind wants to give up,
I will reach for that healthy loving part deep within me
and with the help of prayer and meditation
and the good people in my life, I will find a rainbow.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Are you being seduced by the lure of the comfort zone?

Comfort zones, are like
the warmth of the your house, as a blizzard rages outside.
And yet, a comfort zone is also like:
resisting the new, in the face of change,
and not doing, because you do not know how.

The average person, when he feels the storm
swirling outside his comfort zone,
rushes back inside where it's nice and warm.

One who is on the spiritual path knows that,
they have the courage and guidance to step away
from the familiar and comfortable,
and to face the unknown with no guarantees of success.

It is this ability to "boldly go where no person has gone before"
that distinguishes the spiritually aware person,
the person who trusts God,
from the average person.

Are you cold today?
Leave the warmth anyway!

Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alcoholics and God
From the Liberty Magazine İ September 1939
www.a-1associates.com/AA/liberty_magazine.htm

Thoughts
www.home.att.net/~scorh5/Thoughts.html

The State of Being - Part I & II
www.anonymityone.com/faq15.htm
www.anonymityone.com/faq39.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 4                              Guarding our recovery

"Remember that we... are ultimately responsible for our recovery
and our decisions."  Basic Text p. 99

Most of us will face choices that challenge our recovery. If we find
ourselves in extreme physical pain, for example, we will have to decide
whether or not we will take medication. We will have to be very honest
with ourselves about the severity of our pain, honest with our doctor
about our addiction and our recovery, and honest with our sponsor In the
end, however, the decision is ours, for we are the ones who must live
with the consequences.

Another common challenge is the choice of attending a party where
alcohol will be served. Again, we should consider our own spiritual state.
If someone who supports our recovery can attend the event with us, so
much the better. However, if we don't feel up to such a challenge, we
should probably decline the invitation. Today, we know that preserving
our recovery is more important than saving face.

All such decisions are tough ones, requiring not only our careful
consideration but the guidance of our sponsor and complete surrender to
a Higher Power Using all of these resources, we make the best decision
we can. Ultimately, however, the decision is ours. Today, we are
responsible for our own recovery.

Just for today: When faced with a decision that may challenge my recovery
I will consult all the resources at my disposal before I make my choice.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Full and Thankful Heart

I try hard to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot
entertain great conceits.  When brimming with gratitude, one's heartbeat
must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion that we can ever
know.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 37

I believe that we in Alcoholics Anonymous are fortunate in that we are
constantly reminded of the need to be grateful and of how important
gratitude is to our sobriety.  I am truly grateful for the sobriety God has
given me through the A.A. program and am glad I can give back what was
given to me freely.  I am grateful not only for sobriety, but for the
quality of life my sobriety has brought.  God has been gracious enough to
give me sober days and a life blessed with peace and contentment, as well
as the ability to give and receive love, and the opportunity to serve
others-in our Fellowship, my family and my community.  For all of this, I
have "a full and thankful heart."

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden / April 4th

A.A. Thought for the Day

When I came into A.A., I found men and women who
had been through the same things I had been through.
But now they were thinking more about how they could
help others than they were about themselves.  They
were a lot more unselfish than I ever was.  By coming
to meetings and associating with them, I began to
think a little less about myself and a little more about
other people.  I also learned that I didn't have to
depend on myself alone to get out of the mess I was
in.  I could get a greater strength than my own.  Am
I now depending less on myself and more on God?

Meditation for the Day

You cannot help others unless you understand the person
you are trying to help.  To understand the problems and
temptations of others, you must have been through them
yourself.  You must do all you can to understand others.
You must study their backgrounds, their likes and dislikes,
their reactions and their prejudices.  When you see their
weaknesses, do not confront the person with them.  Share
your own weaknesses, sins, and temptations and let other
people find their own convictions.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may serve as a channel for God's power to
come into the lives of others.  I pray that I may try to
understand them.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Learn Something New About Yourself

Wildfires scorch large chunks of
western United States every summer.
It's part of the natural cycle of things.
After a while, nature decides that it's time to start over
and a patch of the woods goes up in smoke.

This year, one fire burned near Mesa Vere National Park
in southwestern Colorado.
I read the news wires with interest,
hoping that the archeological sites there wouldn't be destroyed.
The crews worked on the fires, and though there was damage
in the area, the main ruins were left unharmed.
While the fires had burned thousand of acres around the park,
they had also done something else-they had burned away
the undergrowth that had sprung up around
twelve previously undiscovered sites.

Sometimes life sends fires raging through our lives, too.
Those fires are also part of the natural cycle of things.
Life, nature, or our Higher Power
says it's time to start over, again.

Use misfortune as an opportunity.
Who knows?
That fire rampaging through your life just might clear away
the brush of the past.
Keep your heart open and stay aware.
You might learn something new and
previously undiscovered about yourself.

God, help me stay alert to the lessons of today.

Melody Beattie İ

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Wisdom From The Couch
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1999/April/499-12.htm

Friendship with God , Neale Donald Walsch
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part6.shtml
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part7.shtml
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part8.shtml
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part9.shtml

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

HOW TO CHANGE
by Louise L. Hay

"I cross bridges with joy and with ease."

I love "how to's." All the theory in the world is useless unless we know how
to apply it and make a change. I have always been a very pragmatic,
practical person with a great need to know how to do things.

The principles we will be working with at this time are:

a.. Nurturing the willingness to let go

b.. Controlling the mind, and

c.. Learning how forgiveness of self and others releases us.

Releasing the Need
Sometimes when we try to release a pattern, the whole situation seems to get
worse for a while. This is not a bad thing. It is a sign that the situation
is beginning to move. Our affirmations are working, and we need to keep
going.

Examples:

a.. We are working on increasing prosperity, and we lose our wallet.

b.. We are working on improving our relationships, and we have a fight.

c.. We are working on becoming healthy, and we catch a cold.

d.. We are working on expressing our creative talents and abilities, and
we get fired.

Sometimes the problem moves in a different direction, and we begin to see
and understand more. For example, let's assume you are trying to give up
smoking and you are saying,  "I am willing to release the need for
cigarettes."

As you continue to do this, you notice your relationships becoming more
uncomfortable. Don't despair, this is a sign of the process working.

You might ask yourself a series of questions like: Am I willing to give up
uncomfortable relationships? Were my cigarettes creating a smoke screen so I
wouldn't see how uncomfortable these relationships are? Why am I creating
these relationships?

You notice the cigarettes are only a symptom and not a cause. Now you are
developing insight and understanding that will set you free.

You begin to say, "I am willing to release the need for uncomfortable
relationships."

Then you notice the reason you're so uncomfortable is that other people
always seem to be criticizing you.

Being aware that we always create all of our experiences, you now begin to
say, "I am willing to release the need to be criticized."

You then think about criticism, and you realize that as a child you received
a lot of criticism. That little kid inside of you only feels at home when it
is being criticized. Your way of hiding from this had been to create a
"smoke screen".

Perhaps you see the next step as affirming, "I am willing to forgive..."

As you continue to do your affirmations, you may find that cigarettes no
longer attract you, and the people in your life no longer criticize you.
Then you know you have released your need.

This usually takes a little while to work out. If you are gently persistent
and are willing to give yourself a few quiet moments each day to reflect on
your process of change, you will get the answers. The Intelligence within
you is the same Intelligence that created this entire planet. Trust your
Inner Guidance to reveal to you whatever it is you need to know.

Exercise: Releasing the Need
In a workshop situation, I would have you do this exercise with a partner.
However, you can do it equally as well using a mirror, a big one, if
possible.

Think for a moment about something in your life you want to change. Go to
the mirror and look into your eyes and say out loud, "I now realize that I
have created this condition, and I am now willing to release the pattern in
my consciousness that is responsible for this condition." Say it several
times, with feeling.

If you were with a partner, I would have your partner tell you if he
really thought you meant it. I would want you to convince your partner. Ask
yourself if you really mean it. Convince yourself in the mirror that this
time you are ready to step out of the bondage of the past.

At this point many people get scared because they don't know HOW to do
this releasing. They are afraid to commit themselves until they know all the
answers. It's only more resistance. Just pass through it. One of the great
things is that we do not have to know how. All we need is to be willing. The
Universal Intelligence or your subconscious mind will figure out the hows.
Every thought you think and every word you speak is being responded to, and
the point of power is in this moment. The thoughts you are thinking and the
words you are declaring at this moment are creating your future.

Your Mind Is a Tool
You are much more than your mind. You may think that your mind is running
the show, but that is only because you have trained your mind to think in
this way. You can also untrain and retrain this tool of yours.

Your mind is a tool for you to use in any way you wish. The way you now use
your mind is only a habit, and habits, any habits, can be changed if we want
to do so, or even if we only know it is possible to do so.

Quiet the chatter of your mind for a moment, and really think about this
concept: YOUR MIND IS A TOOL YOU CAN CHOOSE TO USE ANY WAY YOU WISH.

The thoughts you "choose" to think create the experiences you have. If you
believe that it is hard or difficult to change a habit or a thought, then
your choice of this thought will make it true for you. If you would choose
to think, "It is becoming easier for me to make changes", then your choice
of this thought will make that true for you.

Controlling the Mind
There is an incredible power and intelligence within you that is constantly
responding to your thoughts and words. As you learn to control your mind by
the conscious choice of thoughts, you align yourself with this power.

Do not think that your mind is in control. You are in control of your mind.
You use your mind. You can stop thinking those old thoughts.

When your old thinking tries to come back and say, "It's so hard to change,"
take mental control. Say to your mind, "I now choose to believe it is
becoming easier for me to make changes." You may have to have this
conversation with your mind several times for it to acknowledge that you are
in control and that what you say goes.

The Only Thing You Ever Have Any Control of Is Your Current Thought
Your old thoughts are gone; there is nothing you can do about them except
live out the experiences they caused. Your current thought, the one you are
thinking right now, is totally under your control.

Example:
If you have a little child who has been allowed to stay up as late as she
wishes for a long time, and then you make a decision that you now want this
child to go to bed at 8:00 every night, what do you think the first night
will be like?

The child will rebel against this new rule and may kick and scream and do
her best to stay out of bed. If you relent at this time, the child wins and
will try to control you forever.

However, if you calmly stick to your decision and firmly insist that this is
the new bedtime, the rebellion will lessen. In two or three nights, the new
routine will be established.

It is the same thing with your mind. Of course it will rebel at first. It
does not want to be retrained. But you are in control, and if you stay
focused and firm, in a very short time the new way of thinking will be
established. And you will feel so good to realize that you are not a
helpless victim of your own thoughts, but rather a master of your own mind.

Exercise: Letting Go
As you read this, take a deep breath, and as you exhale, allow all the
tension to leave your body. Let your scalp and your forehead and your face
relax. Your head does not need to be tense in order for you to read. Let
your tongue and your throat and your shoulders relax. You can hold a book
with relaxed arms and hands. Do that now. Let your back and your abdomen and
your pelvis relax. Let your breathing be at peace as you relax your legs and
feet.

Is there a big change in your body since you began the previous paragraph?
Notice how much you hold on. If you are doing it with your body, then you
are doing it with your mind.

In this relaxed, comfortable position, say to yourself, "I am willing to
let go. I release. I let go. I release all tension. I release all fear. I
release all anger. I release all guilt. I release all sadness. I let go of
all old limitations. I let go, and I am at peace. I am at peace with myself.
I am at peace with the process of life. I am safe."

Go over this exercise two or three times. Feel the ease of letting go.
Repeat it whenever you feel thoughts of difficulty coming up. It takes a
little practice for the routine to become a part of you.

When you put yourself into this peaceful state first, it becomes easy for
your affirmations to take hold. You become open and receptive to them. There
is no need to struggle or stress or strain. Just relax and think the
appropriate thoughts. Yes, it is this easy.

Physical Releasing
Sometimes we need to experience a physical letting go. Experiences and
emotions can get locked in the body. Screaming in the car with all the
windows rolled up can be very releasing if we have been stifling our verbal
expression. Beating the bed or kicking pillows is a harmless way to release
pent-up anger, as is playing tennis or running.

Awhile ago, I had a pain in my shoulder for a day or two. I tried to ignore
it, but it wouldn't go away. Finally, I sat down and asked myself, "What is
happening here? What am I feeling?"

I realized, "It feels like burning. Burning... burning... that means anger.
What are you angry about?"

I couldn't think of what I was angry about, so I said, "Well, let's see if
we can find out." I put two large pillows on the bed and began to hit them
with a lot of energy.

After about twelve hits, I realized exactly what I was angry about. It was
so clear. So I beat the pillows even harder and made some noise and released
the emotions from my body. When I got through, I felt much better, and the
next day my shoulder was fine.

About The Author:
Excerpted with permission from You Can Heal Your Life, İ1999 by Louise L.
Hay, metaphysical teacher and bestselling author of over 20 books including
"Heal Your Body" and "Empowering Women". Her works have been translated into
25 different languages in 33 countries. Published by Hay House, P.O. Box
5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018. 800-654-5126. Visit their website at
www.hayhouse.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Keep Your Heart Open

Keep your heart open, even when you can't have what you want.

It's easy to keep our heart open to life's magic and all it's
possibilities when we have what we want.  It's more of a challenge,
and more necessary than ever, to keep our hearts open when we
can't have what we want.

Even on the best journey, things happen.  Plans change.  Things close,
relationships to end, blocks and frustrations to appear on our path.
For now, that is what we see.  For now, what we know is disappointment.
We can't have what we want, and it hurts.  When that happens, our
tendency may to be shut down, lose our hearts, forget all we've learned.

Keep your heart open anyway.  Consciously choose to do that.  Yes, you
can go away, you can leave, you can shut down, but you don't need to.  Now
is the turning point.  If you choose to open your heart, even when you can't
have what you want, miracles will unfold.

Dorine
Mending Ourse

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We Need Each Other

Many living things need each other to survive. If you have ever
seen a Colorado aspen tree, you may have noticed that it does not
grow alone. Aspens are found in clusters, or groves. The reason
is that the aspen sends up new shoots from the roots. In a small
grove, all of the trees may actually be connected by their roots!

Giant California redwood trees may tower 300 feet into the sky.
It would seem that they would require extremely deep roots to
anchor them against strong winds. But we're told that their roots
are actually quite shallow -- in order to capture as much surface
water as possible. And they spread in all
directions, intertwining with other redwoods. Locked together in
this way, all the trees support each other in wind and storms.
Like the aspen, they never stand alone. They need one another to
survive.

People, too, are connected by a system of roots. We are born to
family and learn early to make friends. We are not meant to
survive long without others. And like the redwood, we need to
hold one another up. When pounded by the sometimes vicious storms
of life, we need others to support and sustain us.

Have you been going it alone? Maybe it's time to let someone else
help hold you up for awhile. Or perhaps someone needs to hang on
to you.

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We Need To Be There For The Newcomer

In all the days that we have planned
by the gracious God from up above,
we learn to live our life by the granted
terms given and do so quietly like  a dove.

Reach out our hands for those who greatly
suffer and want to find their way back home,
you do not have to feel disgraced of how you
look or behaved in the past, all you need to
do is take that first small step and just come.

For the newcomer who enters those doors
may be so frightened as to what is going on
right now, they aren't able to talk for the very
beginning, as they have found that such in-
capabilities for communications had gone.

To show the newcomer that we do love and care,
and they will know that with the smiles
upon our faces that we share.

The reality of having to face what we don't
want to see of the wreckages of the past,
we only have to remember that feelings are
not facts, and they surely don't have to last.

We need the newcomer to keep our paths
green and telling them our stories to one
another of how our past lives had been.

WE NEED TO BE THERE FOR THE NEWCOMER

Written By: Maryserp
İApril 3,2003
Maryserp@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We All Come Together

We all come together
With one common goal
To carry the message
God let us hold
When your stumbling drunk
With no where to turn
Come to our program
Twelve steps learn
When all worn out
From your wild ways
We'll share out hope
Help you to find
Sober days
The ultimate goal
Is to pass
It on
We
Do our best
Before their gone
Helping others
To get along
First we surrender to win
Then we clean house
Make amends
Where we can
Go to meetings
And then
Go again
This was is simple
But really hard
For we do the battle
In our own yard
When you look in the mirror
Who do you see
Your own worst  enemy
Looking back at thee
Now don't be frightened
Your not alone
When you walked
Through our doors
You have a new home
Get a sponsor
Pray extra hard
I'll always remember
How soon I forgot
I thought I was different
But I was not
Real soon
After
That
I drank again
Real fast I remembered
Why I first came in
God saw fit
To give me
Another
Try
I
Had
To get
Honest
And
Not deny
Together we can
Have victory

Daniel M Corkery
1/12/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.
Lao-Tzu BC 600-?
Chinese Philosopher & Founder of Taoism

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only
through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be
strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost;
this is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Look at everything as though you were seeing it
either for the first or last time.
Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.
Betty Smith

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A bird does not sing because he has an answer.
He sings because he has a song.
Joan Walsh Anglund

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Look for similarities rather than differences .

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When all else fails,
follow directions.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Change is a process, not an event.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Keep what you can use
and leave the rest.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
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Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Step 12
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/steps2004/step12.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is March the 4th month, PLEASE share on the 4th step
If you havenıt done the 4th step with your sponsor
Please share on honesty and courage...
to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by.
Thanks for your participation and support :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

April 3
I am open to positive changes in my life today.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Planted Close To The Stream

My mind is peaceful ... my heart is sure.
My spirit has wings on which I soar,
away from what little minds think and feel.
A coward can't know what to me is so real.

I'm not in the box that most people live in,
Too scared to imagine ... nowhere to begin.
The things that most matter thrive inside my heart.
Expressed through humor, music, writing and art.

I'm proof of the things that most people can't see.

Look at the Oak ... as it used to be.
Climb up the branches and look at the earth,
you'll see where the tree  ...  was a seed.
Now, stand on the ground while the Oak is a seed,
look up at the sky and see the whole tree.
It's really not hard to believe  ... and then see.
In fact, it's quite natural  ... for me.

So with peace and assurance inside ... inside I soar,
Into the future that I am meant for.
Knowing it holds all the things that I need.
Like an Oak with roots so secure;
a tree ... that once was a seed,
un-afraid to be more.

My roots found a way to the stream.
Reaching upward ... continued to dream.

Written by Rita Hurd
nafesah_faith_ali_loves_you@...

( Only through the 12 steps and recovery is this possible.
Each of us without our higher power is nothing.
Yet, with our minds open and our hands reaching up to a God
of our understanding we can be all we are meant to be.
It is my prayer that each of us remain humble ...
keeping our roots near the stream of life.)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Search for Self in Addiction and Recovery
www.anonymityone.com/story2.htm

Building Bridges
www.dobhran.com/greetings/GRinspire192.htm

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm
These are THE BEST greeting cards that
I have EVER seen,
I connected VERY EASILY to most of them,
they are touching and meaningful.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
April 3                                   For you alone

"The idea of a spiritual awakening takes many different forms in the
different personalities that we find in the fellowship." Basic Text p. 48

Though we all work the same steps, each of us experiences the spiritual
awakening resulting from them in our own way. The shape that spiritual
awakening takes in our lives will vary, depending on who we are.

For some of us, the spiritual awakening promised in the Twelfth Step
will result in a renewed interest in religion or mysticism. Others will
awaken to an understanding of the lives of those around them,
experiencing empathy perhaps for the first time. Still others will realize
that the steps have awakened them to their own moral or ethical
principles. Most of us experience our spiritual awakening as a combination
of these things, each combination as unique as the individual who's been
awakened.

If there are so many different varieties of spiritual awakenings, how
do we know if we've truly had one? The Twelfth Step provides us with
two signs: We've found principles capable of guiding us well, the kind of
principles we want to practice in all our affairs. And we've begun to care
enough about other addicts to freely share with them the experience
we've had. No matter what the details of our awakenings are like, we all
are given the guidance and the love we need to live fulfilling, spiritually
oriented lives.

Just for today: Regardless of its particular shape, my spiritual awakening
has helped me fill my place in the world with love and life. For that, I
am grateful.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous İ
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts

Daily Meditation for ALL 12 Steppers
www.open-mind.org/Daily/

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/April.html

NEED HELP Pick a topic Daily Meditation
www.hazelden.org/servlet/hazelden/thoughts/search.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ACTIVE, NOT PASSIVE

Man is supposed to think, and act.  He wasn't made in God's image to be an
automaton.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 55

Before I joined A.A., I often did not think, and reacted to people and
situations.  When not reacting I acted in a mechanical fashion.  After
joining A.A., I started seeking daily guidance from a Power greater than
myself, and learning to listen for that guidance.  Then I began to make
decisions and act on them, rather than react to them.  The results have
been constructive; I no longer allow others to make decisions for me and
then criticize me for it.

Today -- and every day -- with a heart full of gratitude, and a desire for
God's will to be done through me, my life is worth sharing, especially with
my fellow alcoholics! Above all, if I do not make a religion out of
anything, even A.A., then I can be an open channel for God's expression.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ April 3rd

A.A. Thought for the Day

When I was drinking, I was absolutely selfish, I thought
of myself first, last, and always.  The universe revolved
around me at the center.  When I woke up in the morning
with a hangover, my only thought was how terrible I felt
and about what I could do to make myself feel better.
And the only thing I could think of was more liquor.  To
quit was impossible.  I couldn't see beyond myself and my
own need for another drink.  Can I now look out and beyond
my own selfishness?

Meditation for the Day

Remember that the first quality of greatness is service.
In a way, God is the greatest servant of all, because He is
always waiting for us to call on Him to help us in a good
endeavors.  His strength is always available to us, but we
must ask it of Him through our own free will.  It is a free
gift, but we must sincerely seek for it.  A life of service is
the finest life we can live.  We are here on earth to serve
others.  That is the beginning and the end of our real worth.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may cooperate with God in all good things.  I pray
that I may serve God and others and so lead a useful and happy
life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a İ Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Setting Our Own Course

We are powerless over other people's expectations of us.
We cannot control what others want, what they expect,
or what they want us to do and be.
We can control how we respond
to other people's expectations.
During the course of any day, people may make demands
on our time, talents, energy, money, and emotions.
We do not have to say yes to every request.
We do not have to feel guilty if we say no.

And we do not have to allow the barrage of demands
to control the course of our life.

We do not have to spend our life reacting to others
and the course they would prefer we took with our life.
We can set boundaries, firm limits
on how far we shall go with others.
We can trust and listen to ourselves.
We can set goals and direction for our life.
We can place value on ourselves.
We can own our power with people.
Buy some time.
Think about what you want.
Consider how responding to another's needs
will affect  the course of your life.
We live or own life by not letting other people,
their expectations, and their demands control
the course of our life.
We can let them have their demands and expectations;
we can allow them to have their feelings.
We can own our power to choose
the path that is right of us.

Today, help me own my power by detaching,
and peacefully choosing the course of action
that is right for me.
Help me know I can detach from the expectations
and wants of others.
Help me stop pleasing other people
and start pleasing myself.

The Language of Letting Go
Melody Beattie İ

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Y Not 2K
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1999/April/499-11.htm

Conversations with God , Neale Donald Walsch
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part1.shtml
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part2.shtml
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part3.shtml
www.spiritsite.com/writing/neawal/part4.shtml

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Signs When You Need Them
by Alan Cohen

While driving home one day, I noticed that someone had posted some cardboard
signs along the roadside, leading guests to a party on my street. I live out
in the country where there are no city blocks, with many curving roads and
irregular intersections.

I saw that the person who had posted the signs, placed them at the crucial
intersections. At every important choice point, there was a sign. I drove
for long stretches past numerous smaller intersections, where there were no
posters. Then, when I again reached a crucial intersection, there was
another clear marker.

It occurred to me that this is how Spirit gives us guidance -- we get signs
when we need them. Whenever you arrive at a critical choice point,
information shows up to help you decide. If you are not getting a sign, you
are probably not at a crucial intersection. That's the time to just keep
going and enjoy the ride. When you are ready to know, you will. If you don't
know, it is not time yet. In the meantime, just breathe, trust, and find the
blessing where you are.

If you are seeking direction, pray for guidance. Then let the universe
deliver your answer in the right way, place, and time. If, upon completing
your prayer, you do not hear a voice boom from heaven, shout your name, and
bellow, "This is what you must do!" don't freak out. Give the Great Spirit a
chance to deliver your message when you most need it. It will come.

Guidance often arrives in uncanny and synchronistic ways. I met a fellow who
prayed for a sign to help him decide whether or not to accept a promotion
that would require him to relocate his home and family to a distant city.
Then one night he came home late and saw a "For Sale" sign on his lawn.
Since his wife was already sleeping, he did not want to wake her. The next
morning he asked her about the sign. "What sign?" she asked him. "The one on
the lawn," he told her. The two walked outside, and no sign was to be found.
The fellow deduced that he had indeed been given a sign. He took the job,
and the move ultimately turned out to be a success for everyone.

A man at a seminar told me he prayed for direction one morning, and then
that afternoon as he walked out of a restaurant, the wind blew a piece of
paper against his knees. He picked it up and discovered it was a flyer for
my seminar that evening. He attended, and subsequently his life changed.

Another friend decided he wanted to become independently wealthy and retire
at a young age. He prayed for help with this project. The next morning when
he went out to jog, as he turned a corner he saw a book someone had left on
top of a trashcan: Your Money or Your Life. He took the book, read it, and
found the wisdom he needed. Now he is well on his way to riches and early
retirement.

If you act anxiously to hasten your answer, you inhibit your ability to
receive guidance, and delay its arrival. In such a situation your wisest
move is to step back from frenetic activity and return to peace. I once
needed to find a particular document to resolve a financial snafu. I
searched for it nervously, and only grew more confused and frustrated.
Finally I realized I was getting nowhere and decided to sit down and
meditate to clear my mind. I let go of trying to locate the paper, and
relaxed. Toward the end of my meditation, an image popped into my mind,
showing me a certain folder toward the rear of a file cabinet. I looked in
the folder and there was the document.

I use a very successful method to receive guidance. I call it "The Truth
Smoke-Out." Whenever I am not sure what to do, I say to the universe, "Just
show me what I am to do here. I am willing to do whatever is in the best
interest of everyone involved. Give me a clue, and I will follow." Then I
release the situation. I give up any preconceived notion about how this is
supposed to turn out, and when I am supposed to know. Sometimes the answer
comes instantly, and sometimes it takes a while. But it always comes.

In the Greek version of the Bible, the first translation from the original
Aramaic, two different words are used for our word "time." One is chronos,
which is equivalent to our understanding of time in seconds, minutes, and
hours. The other word is kairos, which can best be translated as "in God's
time" or "at the right time" or "when the time is ripe." In our culture we
are used to living in chronos. But there is an entirely more important
element of time, which is timing. That's kairos. Practice living in kairos,
and answers arrive at the perfect time. God is at least as smart as the
person who put the signs up for the party.

About The Author:
Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books, including the
award-winning A Deep Breath of Life. For information about Alan's seminars
or to request a free catalog of Alan's books and tapes, call 1-800-462-3013
or visit Alan's web site at www.alancohen.com. Enrich your abundance by
joining Alan for the innovative online Year of Living Prosperously. Contact
Alan's office at P.O. Box 835, Haiku, HI 96708, (800) 568-3079 or email:
admin@....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Finding Joy

"Joy awakens as we open ourselves to the wonder of the universe both
inside us and around us.  We create room for joy as we move beyond
"shoulds" and "musts" to an expansive state where we accept our capacity
to be bored, wise and confused, passive and assertive, giving and
receptive, generous and withholding, frightened and adventuresome,
angry and loving.  As we become accepting of ourselves we are more able
to reach inside and speak our truths:

Yes, No, I want, I can, I feel, I believe, I see, I love.  This is a form of
self-love that creates unity and peacefulness within because we are
living at one with our wisest self.

Finding joy doesn't mean that life will always be easy; rather life
becomes rich because we live near the pulse of possibility.  To open the
door, you can start by saying I am willing.  I am willing to feel, to Know,
to love, and to expand.  I am willing to let the concrete walls of my
beliefs slip away and move into a new level of awareness.

When we allow ourselves to feel joy, we create an inner sanctuary, a
home for the soul that allows us to feel safe to laugh, cry, be angry,
question, and think for ourselves.  When we create this home for truth
and delight, we feel a sense of inner strength.  Unkind remarks and
difficult situations lose their ability to singe our souls or tear at our
hearts because we are no longer candles in the wind.  Rather, we become
the fire of life itself - a being, an identity that cannot be blown about or
extinguished by external events ~ because we accept all of who we are."

Charlotte Davis Kas

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

HOPE

Either we have hope within us or we don't. It is a
dimension of the soul and it is not essentially
dependent on some particular observation of the world.

It is an orientation of the spirit, an orientation of
the heart.  It transcends the world that is
immediately experienced and is anchored somewhere
beyond its horizons.

HOPE in this deep and powerful sense is not the same
as joy that things are going well or willingness to
invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for
early success, but rather an ability to work for
something because it is good, not just because it
stands a chance to succeed.

HOPE is definitely not the same as optimism. It is not
the conviction that something will turn out well, but
the certainty that something makes sense regardless of
how it turns out. It is hope above all which gives us
the strength to live and continually try new things.

Vaclav Havel

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Free Yourself

Reach into your heart and pull yourself out.

You crawled into hiding, from the world, you closed the door, pulled down
the shutters...to avoid pain and exposure...and in doing so you blocked out
the sun...you discouraged the joy of friendships...you stunted your growth.

The bogeyman is in your mind, he grows every year...do not let your fears
control your destiny.

Break open the lock, pull down the chains, kick the door open, in a burst
of passion to let the sun pour in.

Step out of your fears to embrace the joys you were missing, the
friendships of love that are waiting for you.
Do not let your past hold you to it.
Draw a new destiny to strive for.
Plan a new route and understand it awaits you.

But, understand you can not get to Europe by sitting at your kitchen
table and you can not experience life of the jungles of Brazil from your
living room chair.

You were born into a world, to experience it, not to live it through your
TV screen, books and magazines.

You experience life by waking up to it. Even if you are ill and in bed, you
can embrace the day. Marvel at what is available, how things work, at
what makes the people around you "tick" and find out who they truly are
and what their hopes and dreams are.

Explore the territory around you with a new desire to learn from...and
give back to.

Remember even the most beautiful flower, when its time is done, gives
back to the earth as compost for nourishment for future flowers.

There is a way to share your heart, uplift others, contribute to society,
there is one loving unique way you can make this world brighter, and
other's lives, by donating time, service, gifts of yourself, so that you are
giving back for your precious gift of life.

As the beautiful flower, that nourishes our eyes and spirits as others
gaze upon it. We too can give silently to others...and it may be through
gentle prayers that radiate from us to the world.

Break the gate, pull down the bars, it is time to free you from your self
imposed exile from life and become the greatest asset to yourself...and
to others.

Amen

İ2000 Authors: Mary Ellen "Angel Scribe" and her Angels
http://www.angelscribe.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

First Step Poem

I am starting my mornings
In a whole different way
Admitting my illness
To begin my day
I cannot go on
Saying no to my problem
Addiction to drugs
Is the thing Iıll be solving
My whole life has been
Repetition of pain
That hurtful emotion
Again and again
OK, I-m an addict
What more can I say
A wise bit of knowledge
For a brand new day
Preparing my first step
And writing it well
Make sure I remember
Drugs took me to hell
This first step is Crucial
For me to go on
Can-t jump to the second
Until itıs well done
So this is the work
I am doing today
Surrender my own self
Surrender me well
To the fact that drugs
Only took me to hell
Develop these thoughts
Until I make sure
The pain was as much
As I could endure
I want to keep going
Today to my meetings
To greet the newcomer
With love and warm greetings
I cannot keep anything
Of all that Iıve got
If I do not share it
I could go get lost
So when I remember
The time Iıve been clean
It-s twenty-four hours
That-s just what I mean!

AlexAndra
Honduras
alextreme_hn@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you want to hear the truth, listen to the heart,
because it doesn't know how to lie.
Gingerale

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In forgiving ourselves,  we make the journey from guilt
for what we have done (or not done)
to celebration of what we have become.
Joan Borysenko

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The principle we are working with today is CLOSURE.
It is a state of being complete through mental and emotional detachment.
An act or actions that bring to a close the nature
and status of a situation or relationship.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The best cure for worry, depression, melancholy, brooding,
is to go deliberately forth and
try to lift with one's sympathy the gloom of somebody else.
Arnold Bennett

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Courageous risks are life-giving, they help you grow,
make you brave, and better than you think you are.
Joan L. Curcio

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The journey of a lifetime begins with
one day and the first step.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you find a path with no obstacles,
it probably doesn't lead anywhere .

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Principles before personalities .

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Slogans are wisdom written in shorthand.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
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"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

"12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give readers ,
inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org/

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org/

Cluttererıs Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org/

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous/

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org/

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org/

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org/

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com/

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com/

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org/

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org/

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com/

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org/

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org/

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org/

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org/

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis/

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org/

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@ż@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

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