I'm in one of those periods when I need to get to a meeting everyday.

[Critters2]

And my schedule didn't allow it today (there are no more meetings here today). So, I did readings from the literature and e-mailed my sponsor, to try to stay on an even keel. I'm curious as to how others get through days when you could use, but can't get to, a meeting. Thanks for any helpful experience.

I'm Critters2, and I'm powerless over my emotions.

[NMDemDist2]

1. I make a call

or several calls if needed to talk to others in recovery

if that fails, I try to help someone else. not necessarily someone in recovery, but more a "how can I make the next person I see day a little better" type of help

I remind myself to practice the last part of the 11th step prayer

Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted -- to understand, than to be understood -- to love, than to be loved.

It takes me out of myself and puts me into the 'service' mode and that always helps

:hug:

[IndyOp]

2. Okay - where do you find these prayers?

My primary program is Al Anon, but over the past few serenity-gone-out-the-window months I've been attending 3-4 Open A.A. meetings each week and I keep hearing people talking about the 3rd step prayer and now you are writing about the 11th step prayer -- are these in the A.A. Twelve & Twelve? I have a copy of Twelve & Twelve and the Big Book and the Daily Reflections and As Bill Sees It and Came to Believe and I read them all, but I have only read the first 3 steps of the Twelve & Twelve carefully and I feel like I am not catching onto everything.

I don't have an A.A. sponsor because I am not an alcoholic.

The power source - my connection to my higher power - is in the rooms of both A.A. and Al Anon, but the power in A.A. is HUGE. Working the steps with people who are working them as if their lives depend on it is intense and wonderful. Many people in Al Anon work the steps to make their lives better but they aren't working them as if their lives depend on them. So...

Where do I find the step prayers?

[Critters2]

3. I did some googling and found this,

with page numbers from AA lit. http://www.ipass.net/a1idpirat/prayers.html

[NMDemDist2]

4. yup, that's them

:hi:

:yourock:

[IndyOp]

6. Thank you, NMDemDist2! (n/t)

[IndyOp]

5. Thank you, Critters! (n/t)

[Kajsa]

8. Love the kitty-cats too, Critters.

:) Thanks! :hi:

[Kajsa]

7. I call another person in recovery.

I also like the prayer,

God, remove from me every defect of character
that stands in the way of my usefulness to you
and to others.
- 7th Step prayer

Our little group here is a real lifeline to keep in
touch with the program, too.

:)

[Critters2]

11. These are good ideas, Thanks, Kajsa! nt

[FlyingSquirrel]

9. I read the Big Book..

I especially like the stories, because they are more interesting than the rest of it and they seem a bit different every time.

But for a quick fix, a little prayer goes a long way. Don't know where you are on the spiritual spectrum, but for me, just finding a quiet place and saying the Lord's Prayer helps some.

[Critters2]

10. All good advice! Thanks!

Critters
powerless over my emotions