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On Awakening Checklist

A Daily Recovery Practice
AA Big Book, pp. 86–88

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Morning

1. Consider the day ahead.

What are my plans for the next 24 hours?

2. Ask God to direct my thinking.

May my thoughts be free from:

  • ☐ Self-pity
  • ☐ Dishonesty
  • ☐ Self-seeking motives
  • ☐ Self-will

3. When I am uncertain…

Pause. Relax. Don’t struggle.

Ask for:

  • ☐ Inspiration
  • ☐ An intuitive thought
  • ☐ The right decision
  • ☐ The next right step

Then become quiet enough to listen.

4. Morning Prayer

God, show me throughout this day what my next step should be. Give me whatever I need to meet the problems before me. Free me from self-will and direct me toward what will be helpful to others.

Throughout the Day

When agitated or doubtful:

PAUSE

Ask:

What is the right thought or action?

Remember:

I am no longer running the show.
Thy will be done.

Release:

  • ☐ Excitement
  • ☐ Fear
  • ☐ Anger
  • ☐ Worry
  • ☐ Self-pity
  • ☐ The need to control

Return to:

  • ☐ God
  • ☐ The present moment
  • ☐ The next right thing

Today

What needs my attention?

What can I surrender?

What is my next right action?

Today’s Reminder

Relax. Don’t struggle.

Listen for guidance.

Let go of self-will.

Do the next right thing.

“Thy will be done.”

Faith requires action.

ACTION — AND MORE ACTION.

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