For many of us in recovery, the idea of stopping drinking wasn’t foreign—we’d tried. We’d made promises, set deadlines, and swore “never again.” We were filled with the desperate belief that somehow, someday, we’d learn to drink like normal people. But time after time, we lapsed into the same pattern: that ceaseless, unhappy drinking cycle that ruined relationships, careers, and our own sense of self-worth.

The AA Thought for the Day reminds us of this painful truth: we didn’t lack the desire to stop—we lacked the power. Friends and loved ones tried to help, and when they finally gave up, it wasn’t out of hate—it was out of despair. It was only in AA that we began to understand: it wasn’t about drinking less or drinking differently. It was about giving up the excuses and surrendering our will to something greater.

That brings us to the key question:

Have I given up every excuse for drinking?

Let’s be honest—excuses are seductive. They whisper to us in moments of weakness:

• “Just this once.”

• “It’s been a hard day.”

• “I deserve it.”

• “I can handle it now.”

But behind each excuse lies the same outcome: relapse, remorse, and regret. Recovery begins the moment we stop believing those lies and start accepting responsibility—and guidance.

1. Action Step One: Get Honest with Yourself

The first real step toward achievement in sobriety isn’t dramatic. It doesn’t require anyone else’s permission. It happens quietly and powerfully in the heart: brutal honesty.

Take a moment today to look at your thoughts. Are there still excuses hiding in the background? Are you still trying to hold on to a shred of control, secretly believing that someday, somehow, you might return to “normal drinking”?

Let those thoughts go.

Write down every excuse you’ve used in the past. Get them on paper. Say them out loud. Then ask yourself:

Did any of these ever lead to real joy? Peace? Freedom?

Chances are, they led only to pain.

By exposing our excuses to the light, we take away their power. Excuses thrive in secrecy. Truth is their undoing.

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Meanwhile, the Meditation for the Day reminds us of another key truth—life will throw things at us that threaten to knock us off course. A fight, a loss, even success can stir old instincts. But no matter how far we drift, there’s a compass that remains steady: God’s will.

You don’t have to call it “God” if that doesn’t sit right with you. The key is recognizing there’s a greater force at work—one that doesn’t shift with your moods or circumstances. While you and I may falter, that steady hand continues to guide, waiting patiently for us to realign ourselves.

Sometimes we resist. Sometimes we outright rebel. But the current of grace is always there, waiting for us to swim with it instead of against it.

2. Action Step Two: Invite God Into Your Decision-Making

It’s easy to call on God in a crisis. But what about calling on Him in the small moments? What about letting that Higher Power into the decisions—not just the disasters?

Try this today:

Before making any decision, large or small, pause and say a simple prayer like:

“God, guide me in this moment. Help me choose what aligns with peace, not ego.”

This simple pause redirects your thinking. It gets you out of “self-will run riot” mode and into receptive mode. You’re no longer the captain of a boat spinning in circles. You’re now a crew member on a ship steered by purpose.

The final part of the message—the Prayer for the Day—hits home with quiet conviction:

“I pray that I may try to steer a straight course. I pray that I may accept God’s direction in my life’s journey.”

Isn’t that what we’re all after? A straight course. A path with fewer storms, fewer wrecks, fewer regrets. But even when the waters do get rough—as they sometimes will—there’s a comfort in knowing you’re not steering alone.

So, if you’re still battling the urge, or if you’ve recently stumbled, know this: the course can still be corrected. You’re never too far off. The excuses can be laid down. The wheel can be handed over.

And each day that you choose honesty over denial, surrender over control, and faith over fear, you’re achieving something far greater than just sobriety. You’re achieving peace.

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In Summary:

• We’ve all made excuses—but freedom begins when we stop believing them.

• Life’s chaos doesn’t stop, but God’s direction is always available.

• We achieve lasting sobriety through honesty and willingness, not willpower alone.

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Today’s Two Actions for Achievement:

1. List and challenge your excuses. Expose them. Examine them. Let them go.

2. Pause and pray before decisions. Invite your Higher Power into the small moments, not just the big ones.

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Come Back Tomorrow…

Tomorrow’s reflection will explore how we can begin to forgive ourselves—a necessary step on the road to healing. You won’t want to miss it.

Until then, may you find peace in the pause and strength in surrender.