Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that is, in part, famous due to its cliches. Idioms like “progress, not perfection” and “willingness is key” are not only peppered throughout AA clubhouses and church multi-purpose rooms but are part of modern vernacular as well. However, they are much, much more than just a cultural representation of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. They are, to some, everything.
These three or four-word reminders help to encapsulate the program and put it in a form that is easily comprehended and digested by all. To stay sober, people need reminders of the bigger picture as well as feelings of commitment and loyalty to the program that keeps them sober. Some people new to the program might think that these statements seem simple, and they are, but the old-timers (and almost anyone in the program for that matter) will understand the beauty in their simplicity.
Inspirational Alcoholics Anonymous Sayings
When people come into recovery, their lives are messy. They need a simple set of rules to live by, and AA offers that and more. Alcoholics Anonymous helps addicts and alcoholics pick themselves up by their bootstraps to repair their lives. These statements might not be the only thing at play when it comes to how an addict recovers, but they are certainly part of the formula. If you are new to the program, or just wanna refresh yourself on some awesome AA sayings, you will love our compilation of AA sayings that will help inspire you in recovery.
“Easy Does It”
This saying is definitely simple, but there is a beauty in its ease. It reminds all of us alcoholics and addicts to chill out, which is often what we need to hear. It reminds us of what is most important, rather than to be worked up about every menial task you have to perform in a day. Many addicts and alcoholics turned to drugs or the bottle because they could not cope with the daily stressors of each day. Part of recovery, a big part of it, is figuring out how to deal with the things that occur each day that would’ve triggered us in our past. Building healthy coping mechanisms is one of the most important parts of Alcoholics Anonymous as well as recovery in general. “Easy does it” embodies the central themes behind AA- stick to what’s most important, cut yourself a break, and above all, don’t use.
“We Are Only As Sick As Our Secrets”
It might seem a little intrusive to tell people about the most intimate parts of you and your life, but in AA, everyone understands, so social conventions are less of a big deal. You not only can, but should tell those you trust in AA the big things about you, your life and your story. This is especially true with your sponsor. Especially when you are reading your fourth step to them (the personal inventory you take as a part of completing the steps), you should be completely transparent. No one will judge you in AA. Whatever you have done, trust us, probably five people in your local AA meeting have done it too! If you do not disclose what is bothering you, past traumas or hurts, or current resentments, you will be less likely to get better. Relapse preys on the things that bother you that you do not disclose. Take a leap of faith, and share with your AA community today. The response will overwhelm you.
“First Things First”
“First things first” represents the fact that Alcoholics Anonymous is extremely solution-driven. Whatever happens, the Big Book, and the program itself, will encourage you to look at whatever you are facing, figure out a logical step (with the help of prayer, meditation and your sponsor, of course) and proceed from there. Addicts and alcoholics have a tendency to not cope well with things or to blow things out of proportion, and this simple saying helps combat that negative behavior.
“One Day at a Time”
“One day at a time” is arguably the most popular saying of not only Alcoholics Anonymous but of Narcotics Anonymous as well. Both programs are based on the fact that alcoholics and addicts should not look at sobriety as a life sentence, but rather as a thing to do each day. Many addicts and alcoholics come into the rooms after years of drinking and drugging, and a life without their crutch seems overwhelming. This is why it’s so important to keep sobriety one day at a time. It allows us to live in the present rather than start future-tripping about things we have no control over. If you keep telling yourself you can rethink sobriety tomorrow, and you say it every day, you’ll never take the drink. That’s a success in our book.
“Let Go and Let God”
However you feel God, the sentiment behind this quote is very meaningful and representative of AA. letting go and letting God embodies steps one through three of alcoholics anonymous- admitting your powerlessness, believing a higher power can restore you to sanity and choosing to turn your will over to this higher power. This is really the thesis of the whole program- we can’t recover alone, but we can with the help of God and the loving individuals in the rooms of AA.
“Honest, Open, Willing” H.O.W.
“H.O.W. it works” is one of the rehabilitation resources to employ. H – Honesty, O – Open-mindedness, W – Willingness These appear to be straightforward when you consider them closely, and in most cases they are. Especially in early sobriety When you’re in those first 90 days
However, as many of you may have discovered, that freshness fades. The gift of desperation departs you, and you begin to feel at ease in your routine. When H.O.W. becomes the most important tool in your recovery toolbox.
Perhaps you’re still confused about the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. That’s perfectly natural- there is so much more to the program than just clever sayings. If you are an addict or alcoholic in need of recovery, look no further than Recreate Life Counseling. Here at Recreate Life Counseling, we utilize Alcoholics Anonymous and the twelve steps as well as renowned therapeutic approaches to combat the disease of addiction. Addiction is hard, but Recreate Life is dedicated to helping you and your loved ones beat it.
FAQ
What is the definition of H.O.W. = honest, open, willing?