Wise Sayins

Sayings, Slogans, and "Catch Phrases" have been part of 12 step programs from the beginning. Here are a few that we know. The list grows with time.

First Things First
Live and Let Live
Let go and let God
Time takes time
One day at a time
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less
Live life on life's terms
You can't think your way into a new way of living...you have to live your way into a new way of thinking
GOD = Good Orderly Direction
HALT = don't get to Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
Your worth should never depend on another persons opinion
HOW it works = Honesty, Open mindedness, and Willingness
SLIP = Sobriety Lost Its Priority
Don't pick up, ask for help, call your sponsor, and go to meetings
It's a simple program for complicated people
It works if you work it
Learn to listen and listen to learn
Many meetings, many chances; few meetings, few chances; no meetings, no chances
Meeting makers make it
People who don't go to meetings don't hear about what happens to people who don't go to meetings
To keep what you have, you have to give it away
How does it work? It works just fine
If you don't want to slip, stay away from slippery places
If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got
If you sit in the barber's chair long enough, you'll eventually get a haircut
Most things can be preserved in alcohol; dignity, however, is not one of them
Progress, not perfection
think......think.......think
Keep it simple
This too shall pass
Stick with the winners
H O P E = Happy Our Program Exists
Recovery is a journey ...not a destination
To thine own self be true
Turn it over
Nothing is so bad, a drink won't make it worse
Willingness is the key
Keep the plug in the jug
Do it sober
Hugs not Drugs
Just for Today
Pass it on
Don't quit before the miracle happens
Time takes time
Use the 24-hour plan
When all else fails, follow directions
Change is a process, not an event
Call your sponsor before, not after, you take the first drink
I was sick and tired of being sick and tired
It's the first drink that gets you drunk
Take what you can use and leave the rest
Help is only a phone call away
One drink is too many and a thousand not enough
Keep coming back
Easy does it
Principles before personalities
Seven days without a meeting makes one weak
If it looks like a Duck and it Quacks like a Duck it's probably a Duck
One of the best parts of recovery is getting your feelings back. The worst part is getting your feelings back.
A GRATEFUL Alcoholic won't drink
Give time...time
Is your program powered by Will Power or Higher Power?
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Misery is optional
God never made no junk
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less
Live life on life's terms
You can't think your way into a new way of living...you have to live your way into a new way of thinking
The key to freedom is in the Steps
If you want to stay clean, don't use
Learn to listen and listen to learn
Nobody ever found recovery as a result of an intellectual awakening
Call your sponsor before, not after, you take the first drink
You only get out of it what you put into it
An addict alone is in bad company
You can only keep what you have by giving it away
Recovery begins with the First Step
Nothing changes if nothing changes
It is possible to change without improving - it is impossible to improve without change
Experience, strength and hope not opinions, bullshit and dope
An addict cannot be grateful and hateful at the same time
Easy does it but do it
Serenity is not freedom from the storm but peace amid the storm
Feelings are not facts
Turn it over, don't turn it off
Seven days without a meeting makes one weak
Growing old is mandatory - Growing up is optional
Slogans are wisdom written in shorthand

Recovery Affirmations

I am a good person.

I am intelligent.

Today, I will put all negativity behind me.

I am loved.

Today, I will rejoice in my abilities.

I have many talents.

My Higher Power loves me.

Today, I have confidence.

I am not a victim.

I look forward to each new day.

I no longer feel the need to control others.

I will be who I am.

I affirm my worth and goodness.

I am a loving person.

I am a strong person.

I am a friendly person.

I am a capable person.

I am not alone.

I am emotionally calm.

I respect myself.

I feel happy.

I am at peace with myself.

I am a responsible person.

I can be playful.

I can trust all of my thoughts and emotions.

I trust people.

I make decisions confidently.

Today I am a new person.

I touch those near me with love and gentleness.

I have a new awareness in my life.

I acknowledge my needs.

I allow my Higher Power to enter my life today.

I trust in the serenity my Higher Power provides.

I am calm and tranquil.

I can face my fears and work to overcome them.

I take full charge of my life today.

I let serenity flow into my life.

I feel appreciated today.

I can give to others with no strings attached.

I accept my parents and affirm my independence from them.

I am independent.

I can meet new opportunities without fear.

I am alert.

I will not be intimidated.

I am joyful.

I will seek out friends today.

I am a friendly person.

I am a good listener.

I do not dwell on the past.

I look for new challenges.

I feel complete today.

I feel great hope.

I feel great potential for myself.

I feel surrounded by love.

I can make things happen.

I feel relaxed.

I am a resourceful person.

I am non-judgmental.

I am tactful in my dealings with others.

I am learning to express my love.

I feel good about myself.

I express my feelings.

I make wise choices.

I treat myself with kindness and patience.

I am an important person.

I am beginning to establish my limits.

I am in charge of my life.

I forgive myself and others who have hurt me.

I am a friend to myself.

I can enjoy leisure without guilt and anxiety.

I can express my anger openly, honestly and appropriately.

Today I view my childhood without shame.

I open my heart to my inner child.

I can handle criticism with ease

Doing better than I thought.

Before getting out of treatment I was extremely nervous. I was questioning myself if I was able to stay sober once I was out. After all its easy to stay sober in rehab. The hard part comes once you're out in the real world. And it is hard but Im handleing it well. Im pretty surprised that I m feeling better than I thought at this point of my recovery. The nervousness has left me. Now I feel I can keep going forward. I thank God for that...

My sponser and I went to a beginners meeting. The newcomers would each share first and then the floor would be open for the rest to share. There was alot of oldtimers there as well. I loved it.

What I go out of that meeting was that a truly greatful addict/alcoholic never uses.

I got a good piece of email today from my email. I will attach it to this post.

http://www.theaddictionblog.com/apps/blog/

Addiction and the Brain - Addiction and Treatment Blog

Addiction and the Brain - Addiction and Treatment Blog

My First Days Out of Treatment

Jan 2009 "If I can do it, so can you!"

I was broken when I went into treatment for drug addiction. Now four and a half months later I have hope and willingness that I've never experienced before. I still have alot of hard work ahead of me but I am determined to stay clean and will go to any lengths to get there, like I did for the drugs. I can't fail if Im doing the right thing.

I was told to get to a meeting the day you get out and your chances are greater that you will remain clean the first year. So, I did. I also have a wonderful sponser who truly wants to help me and a homegroup. And even a network of people that want to help. Its awesome!! Im fortunate to even have another chance for a real life, not one that I just existed in, then to have friends in the program

that understand is the best thing that has even happened to me.

More later.....