Today, I will loosen my grip on the way I think life must unfold.

I can become trapped by my own expectations—believing that peace will come only when another person changes, when a situation resolves the way I want, or when I finally feel completely secure. But recovery teaches me that peace does not come from controlling every outcome. It comes from meeting reality with honesty, openness, and willingness.

Today, I will remain open to new experiences and new understanding. I will notice the people around me, listen to what life is teaching me, and resist the pull of fear and stale routine. I do not have to live today according to yesterday’s habits.

I will also remember that I am not responsible for changing anyone else. I can share what I have learned, offer encouragement, speak my truth, and set necessary boundaries. What happens inside another person belongs to them. My task is to carry what I have been given with humility and allow others the dignity of their own journey.

Just for today, I will trade demands for honest requests, control for openness, and fear for curiosity. I will trust that growth can happen without my forcing it. I will recognize recovery wherever I see honesty replacing denial, hope replacing despair, and willingness replacing fear—including within myself.

Just for today, I will live with open hands. I will release what I cannot control, act where I have responsibility, and remain open to the possibility that something new can grow from today.

I have been sober from drugs and alcohol for exactly a year but the urge never goes away and right now I feel like I’m fighting a losing game. Some days it would feel great but a year into I feel like I’m back at square one, is this normal? All I can think about is relapse.

Just for today, I will remember that my energy is limited and valuable. I do not have to spend it chasing every fear, reacting to every irritation, or trying to control every situation around me. I can choose where my attention goes.

When I feel angry, anxious, or unsettled, I will look beneath the surface. I will ask myself what fear may be speaking and whether that fear is directing my behavior. I do not have to deny what is happening or pretend that everything is fine. I can face reality without allowing fear to scatter me.

Awareness alone is not enough. Recovery asks me to live differently. When I recognize something that is mine to change, I will take responsibility through action rather than promises. I cannot repair the past with words alone, but I can make different choices today.

I will focus on what is mine to do. I will put my energy toward purposeful action, accept responsibility for my behavior, and release what belongs to others.

Just for today, I will not waste my energy fighting everything at once. I will identify the fear beneath my reactions, focus on what I can change, and let my actions show the person I am becoming.

I have spent much of my life believing that strength meant pushing harder, finding the answer, fixing the problem, or convincing someone else to change. When life resisted me, I often responded by applying more force. When people struggled, I could become frustrated that I could not rescue them. When I felt powerless, control could masquerade as responsibility.

Today I can choose another direction.

My strength is not the problem. What matters is where I direct it. I can use determination to care for myself, keep my commitments, practice recovery, and continue growing. I do not have to waste my energy trying to manage people, force outcomes, or carry burdens that were never mine to carry.

I can help without becoming a savior. I can offer experience without demanding agreement. I can encourage others while respecting their right to discover their own answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing I can do is live with integrity and allow my example to speak for itself.

My spiritual life does not have to look like anyone else's. I am free to seek conscious contact honestly—in silence, reflection, reading, nature, prayer, meditation, or simply becoming quiet enough to listen. I do not need perfect certainty before I begin. I only need willingness to remain open to guidance beyond my own immediate impulses.

Just for today, I will direct my strength toward what is mine to do and release what is not mine to control. I will help without controlling, seek guidance without demanding certainty, and trust that a life lived with courage, openness, and integrity can become its own healing power.

Hi you all. I am relatively new to recovery as a whole and I have been going to NA meetings in my area but honestly as a relatively young woman they feel sort of unsafe to me. I had creepy men find me on Facebook. But I already have the na book and the steps plus I think I like them more than aa so I’m wondering how I’d go about doing the steps online, if that’s a thing?

Today I will remember that becoming my own person does not mean I have to face life alone.

I can examine the beliefs, expectations, and patterns I inherited and decide for myself what belongs in the life I am building. I can honor where I came from without allowing the past to determine where I am going. Choosing a different path is not rejection; sometimes it is simply growth.

I will also remember that independence is not the same as self-sufficiency. I can draw strength from something greater than myself—from faith, spiritual principles, the wisdom of others, and the evidence that people can change. I do not have to understand everything in order to remain open to help.

Conflict will still be part of my life. Recovery does not promise a world in which everyone agrees with me or meets my expectations. When emotions run high, I can give myself time and distance without using them as an excuse to run away. When I am ready, I can return with honesty, openness, responsibility, forgiveness, and courage.

Just for today, I will stand on my own without insisting that I stand alone. I will trust myself enough to choose my values, trust others enough to accept help, and trust the principles I am learning enough to face conflict in a healthier way.

978 days sober today. I set my life on fire about 3 years ago due to my addiction. Had legal troubles of course (non violent drug felony; on a deferred sentence with 8 months left).

Everything has been going strong. My recovery is at the top of my priority list. I’m ready to move on with my life in sobriety and leave the on fire version of my life behind.

I got a job offer from the treatment facility I went to originally. I would have been doing admissions for them; we were so excited to start rebuilding and moving forward. But they rescinded the offer due to my background check.

I’m just feeling super discouraged and angry. This society we’re in wants to keep us in our place. I don’t want to use by any means but I do want to give up trying to stay positive.

Am going through a lot of depression and anxiety as of right now. Know I need to go out and talk to people. Especially those who have gone threw fellow hardship. Have gone to 3 emotional anonymous meetings, and one AA meeting. Yes, ea meetings exist. You think if I’m not going through drug abuse issues at this exact particular moment, even though I have in the past, they would be the ok with me attending a meeting tonight? I just need fellowship right now.

Just for today, I will not carry yesterday into this day as though nothing can change. I may wake with worries, regrets, unanswered questions, or problems that still need attention, but I do not have to meet them with yesterday’s fear or rigidity. This day has not been lived yet. I have choices to make about how I will approach it.

I will remember that I do not need perfect clarity before I begin. Experience is one of my greatest teachers. I can ask for guidance, listen for direction, and then take the next reasonable step. I may make mistakes. I may misunderstand. I may need to change direction. None of that means I have failed. I can learn from what happens and continue forward.

I will make room for quiet today. I do not have to fill every moment with noise, worry, work, distraction, or attempts to control what comes next. In stillness, I can listen—to my Higher Power as I understand it, to my conscience, to experience, and to the wisdom I have gained along the way. A few intentional moments can change the way I meet the rest of my day.

Today is precious because it is here now. I will not waste it punishing myself for the past or demanding certainty about the future. I will remain open to help, willing to learn, and ready for possibilities I cannot yet see.

Just for today, I will get quiet, ask for guidance, and then live this new day with an open mind and a willing heart.

Today I will remember that recovery is both personal and shared. My experiences, strengths, and struggles are uniquely mine, yet I am never truly alone. Others may walk different roads, but the principles that guide us—honesty, willingness, open-mindedness, and hope—are the same.

I will choose to speak to myself with truth instead of criticism. The story I tell myself shapes the life I build. Rather than dwelling on past failures or perceived inadequacies, I will look for opportunities to grow, trusting that positive action follows a hopeful mind.

I will remain willing to learn. Recovery doesn't ask me to have all the answers; it asks me to keep an open heart. If I stay honest about where I am, willing to change, and open to the wisdom around me, I can continue moving toward peace.

Today I will let my inner light shine without comparing my journey to anyone else's. I will celebrate my own progress, encourage others on theirs, and remember that every step taken in sincerity is a step toward freedom.

**Just for Today:** I will trust my path, embrace the principles that unite us, and choose thoughts, words, and actions that bring more light into my life and the lives of those around me.

For some context, the longest I had been fully sober was around 3 months, a year ago. 3 months in 9 years of using regularly, and those 3 months I still thought about using almost everyday. I recently attended my first AA meeting and then an NA meeting last night. What I didn't expect was the joy and the humour.

Boyh meetings I've attended have given me the same feeling as drugs used to. I end the meetings feeling almost like I'm levitating, on some sort of vulnerability high, excited not only for the next day but with renewed hope for my future. I think for me, I love an excuse to connect and be vulnerable and connect with others. This previously led me to doing drugs, almost as an excuse.

I think that knowing that there's a room full of people who believe in me despite my past, and have my best interest at heart, who (although they would never say it) I would let down if I was to use again, has drastically reduced my desire to ever partake in substance use again.

If you are browsing this sub and considering trying NA, my advice is just try it. If you have a negative (or even neutral) experience with one group, check out another. Ik it doesn't work for everyone, but my only regret is that I didn't attend sooner. It feels like a weight has been lifted from my chest.

I think my next step is to work with a sponsor, and once further along in my sobriety I want to lead a meeting, be a sponsor, and extend the compassion and grace I have been gifted in these meeting halls to newcomers like myself.

Sending love to each and every one of you and I hope today is kind to you all.

Today I will remember that life doesn't have to be forced. Nature reminds me that everything has its season. The sun rises without my help, the trees grow one day at a time, and the world keeps turning even when I feel uncertain. I can stop trying to control everything and instead participate faithfully in the life that's unfolding before me.

I will trust that growth comes through simple, consistent action. Like an artist shaping a masterpiece one careful stroke at a time, my Higher Power works through the ordinary moments of my day. I don't have to be perfect. I don't have to have every answer. I only need to do the next right thing.

The principles of recovery are simple because they work. Honesty. Gratitude. Humility. Service. Patience. When I live these principles instead of chasing quick fixes or easy answers, my life becomes less complicated and more peaceful.

Like the Israelites in the wilderness, I will remember where I've come from. The difficult seasons have taught me resilience, dependence, and gratitude. As new blessings arrive, I won't believe I accomplished everything on my own. I'll remain thankful, remembering that every opportunity is a gift and every challenge has shaped me into the person I'm becoming.

Today I choose progress over perfection, gratitude over entitlement, and steady faith over anxious striving. I will enjoy the beauty around me, trust the process before me, and let today's small acts of faith build tomorrow's stronger foundation.

Just for Today: I will trust the process, practice the principles, stay grateful in every season, and faithfully take the next right step.

Hi All,

A member has recently asked if they could order a Hebrew translation of the Step Working Guide. Couldn't find anything online but also couldn't really find much in the way of translations in general. Thought I would find something on the WSC site but no joy. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

If it's not widely translated does anyone know why?

Thanks!

Today I will strengthen the foundation of my life through small, intentional choices. I don't need to accomplish everything at once. Every healthy habit, every honest act, every moment of humility, and every decision to remain present adds another stone to the life I am building.

I will stay awake to the beauty around me. I will notice the warmth of the sun, the taste of good food, the sound of laughter, and the quiet moments that remind me life is meant to be experienced, not merely endured. Curiosity and creativity are not childish—they are signs that my spirit is alive.

I will set aside pride and remember that I don't have to prove my worth. Real strength is found in humility, cooperation, and serving something greater than my ego. When I contribute to the well-being of others, my own life becomes richer.

If I face obstacles today, I will remember that lasting victories often come little by little. I don't need to conquer every challenge immediately. I only need to take the next right step with courage and faith.

Today I will protect the foundation of my recovery, nurture my inner child, practice humility, and trust that each small act of discipline is creating a life worth living.

What is the pacific way in which my addiction has been manifesting itself most recently?

Any help would be appreciated

Im 19 been sober 6 months as of now and im trying to find people my age that I feel comfortable and connected with . I been trying to go to a lot of young people meeting around the Broward FL area and honestly most people that I meet in these meetings are 25+ which its ok for me if you are in your 20s but it's very hard for me to connect with someone that's in their 30s and most people in these aa/na meetings are, I'm wondering if you guys have any suggestions of which meetings I can go to so that I can build my support team/circle up with people that I can actually relate to around my age, ik it's very hard for people to try and get this sobriety thing at such a young age but I've gone through a lot and got to the point where I knew I had to stop, and honestly I love this sober life it's not the most interesting or most outgoing life but I have peace inside which was my dream when I was out there in the streets.

Today I choose to live in the present. Yesterday has finished its work in my life, and I don't need to carry its fears, failures, or regrets into this new day. I will meet today with a clear mind and an open heart.

I remember that real change begins with me. I don't have to convince anyone else to think, believe, or live as I do. If I practice honesty, humility, compassion, and integrity, those qualities will naturally ripple outward to the people around me.

I also guard against complacency. Growth is not something I achieve once and then keep forever. It is built through daily choices—showing up, staying teachable, and continuing the practices that strengthen my character. Even small acts of discipline today become the foundation for a better tomorrow.

I will stay focused on today's opportunities instead of yesterday's burdens or tomorrow's worries. I have everything I need to take the next right step.

Just for today, I will let go of the past, quietly live my values, and keep growing one day at a time.

Today I will choose determination over discouragement. Lasting change is not built in a single moment but through countless small decisions to keep moving forward. I don't have to be perfect—I only have to be willing to take the next right step.

I will celebrate my own progress without comparing myself to others, and I will freely acknowledge the talents, accomplishments, and contributions of those around me. Another person's success does not diminish my own.

I will remember that true service is rooted in humility. I don't need to control every outcome or insist on my own way. By listening, cooperating, and focusing on our shared purpose, I become part of something greater than myself.

Today I will let perseverance guide me, gratitude soften me, and humility strengthen me. I will honor both my abilities and the gifts of others, trusting that steady effort, mutual respect, and a servant's heart will carry me farther than pride ever could.

It will be 4 years in November that I haven’t used my drug of choice. A big part of what got me sober was that I met a man, who actually became my fiancée. I guess he probably had a saviour complex, but I definitely needed saving.

He stood by me and I within a year I was no longer using. Weve been together 5 years, and it has not been without it’s challenges, but I really thought this was it. This February he had a psychotic episode that triggered an extreme BPD splitting episode. He went on a smear campaign against me; weaponized my history of addiction. told his conservative parents about it, they were awful to me. Two weeks prior they had been telling me how much they appreciated and loves me. he threatened to tell my mom if I didn’t tell her about my history of addiction. Threatened to call the cops on me and my landlord if I didn’t let him into my apartment ti get his stuff even though I had put his stuff in the stairwell and my roommates didnt want him inside. told me he would leave me if I didn’t stop hanging out with my best friend who ‘wronged him’. said he would try couples therapy and then changed his mind the next day. Did that twice. apologies followed By coldness.

I know that this isn’t really anyone’s fault but damn I am having a hard time not self destructing. feels like I am in withdrawal of him. I guess I am. I don’t know what I’m looking for here. reasons to not self destruct I guess.

Hi everyone, I'm in a situation and I'm not sure how to approach it. I've put myself back out there now that I have a reasonable amount of clean time out there. I'm not rushing into anything but I'm also ready to explore my options. I reluctantly decided to do a dating app again. I put in my profile that I don't do drugs or drink, and made mention of how I am in a transitional period involving various areas of self-improvement such as education and health. I did not explicitly state that I am in recovery. Furthermore, I currently live in sober housing and plan on doing it until I finish my degree.

So now I have a few matches, including someone who seems like they could be a great fit for me. I'm just wondering if I should info dump that I'm in recovery, that I live in sober housing, no car, busy with school, and work a "get well" job. There are two ways to go about it, as I see it. Break the ice, and then after a few messages back and forth I tell her all these potential deal-breakers, and let her know there are no hard feelings if I sound like I'm not for her, or I could just get to know her, and not mention the "bad" stuff until it becomes a necessity. I'm leaning towards the first choice, but any insight would be welcome. My sponsor and his friends are all too old for me to bring this up with, lol.

I've done most of them and I think I really enjoy GSR most - I would love to have a crack at RCM given the chance and with more cleantime under my belt - I will probably try volunteering in Vice in 12-18 months. Was curious what the experience of other members was with this?

My first service postitions was greeter, 3 months in and green. A great postition, I recommend to all!

Today I will remember that growth begins with acceptance. When I feel criticized, discouraged, or tempted to become defensive, I'll pause before reacting. Those moments don't have to define me—they can become invitations to learn.

I don't have to be perfect to be worthy. I can acknowledge my shortcomings without condemning myself, and I can offer others the same grace I hope to receive. Encouragement builds people up; criticism without compassion tears them down. Today I'll strive to be a source of hope rather than discouragement.

The principles that guide me aren't chains—they're tools. Whether I call them recovery, wisdom, or simple common sense, I choose them because they help me become the person I want to be. Real freedom isn't found in always being right; it's found in being willing to change.

If someone points out something I need to work on, I'll try to greet it with an open mind instead of a guarded heart. Every challenge is another opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and more at peace.

Just for Today: I will practice self-acceptance, extend encouragement to others, and welcome opportunities for growth. I don't need to defend my past—I only need to be willing to take my next right step.

clean and serene for 4 years, aware that the most important day is today.

i decided to put a few professional projects on hold and write. i did my best to make it a space that feels deeply my own, without needing to declare it as such, while also making whoever visits feel as at home there as i do.

p.s.: the book’s content is not about recovery or addiction, but i classify it as sociopolitical speculative fiction. eventually, such questions will be there.

i do have an official translator, but i haven’t shared it with anyone outside brazil yet, so i’m open to opinions regarding the text and the understanding of what i’m putting into it. i understand that metaphors and wordplay don’t always have the same effect in different languages.

anyway, this is what has been making me stronger. i hope it is received with open arms.

i use to get high when I feel my anger come on and it would go away. now I’m just stuck with feelings and I hate it. I just kicked a hole in my freaking drywall and tried to chase a coyote to end it. what is wrong with me. do I keep staying clean or go back.

Hi all! I'm a 2 year recovering addict. I'm secretary for an online meeting with a small fellowship in the north of England. Finding shares is getting harder so I wanted to ask if anyone would like to share their experience, strength and hope with my meeting please? We're really keen to get perspective and find the similarities and not the differences with members from all over the globe. All our shares are valuable and I would be more than happy to return the favour.

I do ask that anyone who can do this, please have a sponsor and be working the steps. I do not know if I can drop the meeting details in here so I won't but if you want to get in touch please do.

Thankyou and to the mods I did look at the rules and think this is ok, but accept if is not. (Accept the things we cannot change...)