Finding the Way

Letting Go and Letting God — The Path to Growth and Service

July 3rd, 2025

July 3, 2025

In the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous, there were just two people—two brave souls who chose to step away from the darkness of addiction and into the light of healing, hope, and community. What began as a small flicker has become a blazing fire of recovery that now spans the globe. There are thousands of AA groups and members today, and yet—as the AA Thought for the Day reminds us—“the surface has only been scratched.” There are still millions of people who need help, hope, and healing.

This thought invites us not just to admire how far AA has come but to ask ourselves a deeply personal question:

Am I doing my part to help AA grow—not just in numbers, but in spirit?

The foundation of AA has always been spiritual in nature. From the very start, recovery begins when we admit two life-changing truths:

1. We are powerless over alcohol.

2. We need a Power greater than ourselves.

That Higher Power, whatever name we call It—God, Spirit, the Divine, the Universe—works through us and around us to bring about growth, not just in individual lives, but in the collective fellowship of AA. But none of that is possible without surrender.

Giving In to God: The Heart of the Journey

Surrender is not weakness. In fact, surrendering to God requires tremendous courage, humility, and willingness. It means loosening our grip on what we think we know or control, and placing our trust in something greater.

Here are two ways you can begin or deepen the practice of “Giving in to God” in your daily life:

1. Start Your Day With Surrender

Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, take a quiet moment to acknowledge your Higher Power. A simple prayer or even a breath with intention can shift your mindset. Say something like:

“God, I don’t know what today holds, but I trust You. Help me stay sober, present, and useful to others. I surrender this day to You.”

This sets the tone for your decisions, your reactions, and even your thoughts. It reminds you that you’re not walking this path alone.

This small act of surrender can become a sacred habit. Over time, it builds spiritual muscle memory. When stress hits, your first reaction won’t be panic or control—it’ll be trust.

2. Pause Before Reacting

One of the ways we resist God is by acting out of impulse. Old habits, fear, and ego love to take the wheel—especially in difficult moments. Giving in to God means pausing long enough to invite spiritual clarity before you respond.

When you’re confronted with a tough situation—an argument, a temptation, or even a minor frustration—try this:

• Take a deep breath.

• Ask silently, “God, what would You have me do right now?”

• Wait. Even if it’s just for a few seconds.

This simple practice creates a sacred pause between your emotion and your action. In that pause, grace lives. In that pause, God has room to work.

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The Unexplored Country of the Spirit

The Meditation for the Day reminds us of a beautiful truth: much of life is “spiritually unexplored country.” And only those who walk in step with God, with hearts open to righteousness, will discover its treasures.

This is a call to spiritual adventure.

Just as early AA members had to be pioneers in recovery, we are called to be explorers of the spirit. There are revelations still waiting to be found—healing truths, fresh wisdom, and deeper peace. But we won’t find them chasing material things or clinging to the familiar. We’ll find them when we hunger and thirst after righteousness, when we desire to live a life aligned with spiritual principles.

The journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about showing up, staying open, and letting God guide your steps.

A Prayer for Today

I pray that I may not be held back by the material things of the world. I pray that I may let God lead me forward.

What a simple but powerful plea. This prayer reminds us that it’s easy to get distracted. Our culture shouts that success, possessions, and control will bring us happiness. But our spiritual lives whisper something different. True peace and growth come from letting go—and letting God.

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Conclusion: The Ripple Effect of Your Recovery

Your growth—your personal, humble surrender—doesn’t just affect you. It has a ripple effect. Every time you surrender instead of controlling, trust instead of fearing, serve instead of isolating—you help AA grow. You show others that recovery is possible. That peace is possible. That God is still working wonders.

So, take courage today. Keep exploring that “spiritually unexplored country.” Keep giving in to God, one breath, one step, one prayer at a time.

Before you go…

What’s one area of your life where you could surrender a little more today?

And how might that surrender bless someone else?

Come back tomorrow as we keep walking this path together—step by step, day by day. There’s more light ahead. Don’t miss it.
The Healing Power of Fellowship and the Freedom of Childlike Faith

July 2nd, 2025
In the journey of recovery, few things are more powerful than the feeling of being understood. Within the AA fellowship, we discover more than a group of people with shared experiences—we find connection, community, and a genuine sense of belonging.

It’s often said that we are the sum of the people we surround ourselves with. In early recovery, this becomes especially true. The friendships formed in AA offer more than just kind words—they offer presence, accountability, and compassion. These relationships gently guide us away from the places, people, and patterns that once led us astray. In their place, we find safe ground to rebuild our lives.

There’s something deeply healing about being around people who “get it.” Those who have walked the same dark paths, made the same mistakes, and yet still choose to show up for others with open hearts. They are willing to listen without judgment, to share without holding back, and to help without expecting anything in return. It’s in this kind of fellowship that many of us begin to truly feel alive again.

But the wisdom of today’s reflection doesn’t stop there. It also calls us to examine the condition of our spirit.

“Except ye become as little children, ye cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

This isn’t about immaturity. It’s about returning to something pure and essential—trust, joy, simplicity, and the ability to believe. As we grow older and face the wear and tear of life, we often become guarded, skeptical, or overly serious. But recovery invites us to rediscover the lightness of being that many of us left behind in childhood.

Being childlike means laughing freely, trusting openly, and seeing the good in others. It means letting go of cynicism and allowing hope to bloom again, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar at first. When we begin to live with childlike faith, we stop trying to control everything and start allowing life to unfold as it’s meant to.

Think about Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol. He wasn’t young when he changed. He was set in his ways, closed off, and deeply bitter. But when he was touched by the spirit of compassion and generosity—when he remembered the joy of giving and the simplicity of love—he came alive again. That’s the power of a softened heart. That’s the transformation available to each of us, no matter our age or how far we’ve drifted.

Questions for Reflection:
1. Do you recognize and appreciate the unique friendships and support offered through your recovery community?
  Sometimes we can become so focused on our goals that we forget to pause and acknowledge the people who walk beside us. Who has lifted you up recently? Who has made you feel seen?
2. In what ways could embracing a more childlike spirit—trusting, joyful, and open—help you move forward today?
  Is there something you’re holding too tightly? Something you could approach with more ease, wonder, or hope?
Closing Thought

Recovery isn’t just about removing the things that harm us—it’s about embracing the things that heal us. Fellowship gives us strength. Faith gives us direction. And childlike joy gives us freedom. If you’re feeling worn down or closed off today, maybe the answer isn’t in doing more—but in softening more. In becoming open again.

Come back tomorrow for another daily reflection—something simple, honest, and grounding to help you stay aligned with your purpose. Let’s grow, one day at a time.
Finding Calm in the Storm: 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude Daily

July 1st, 2025
Published on: July 1, 2025

Author: Jeremy Skupien

When the Storm Hits, Let Gratitude Be Your Shelter

We’ve all faced moments when life feels like a storm—relentless winds of worry, waves of regret, and the chilling rain of uncertainty. But what if, even in the center of that storm, we could discover calm, peace, and purpose?

The AA program teaches us that sobriety is not just about stopping a behavior—it’s about transforming how we live. Each sober day becomes a building block for new habits and a deeper understanding of ourselves. As we move forward, day by day, the fear and effort we once felt begin to give way to peace and purpose.

One of the most powerful tools on this journey is gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling. It’s a practice—one that anchors us in the present, strengthens our spirit, and shifts our mindset from survival to serenity. Below are three powerful and practical ways to cultivate gratitude in your daily life, even when things feel hard.

1. Start a Gratitude Journal

It may sound simple, but writing down what you’re grateful for each day can completely change your outlook. Studies show that when we train our minds to notice the good, our brains begin to naturally look for more of it.

How to Start:
- Grab a notebook or open a notes app.
- Each morning or night, list three things you’re grateful for.
- Be specific and keep it real.
Examples:
- The way your coffee smelled this morning.
- A friend who checked in with you.
- Getting through a tough moment without falling apart.
Don’t wait for perfect days. On hard days, gratitude helps you find light in the dark. Write about what challenged you, and what it taught you. That counts too.

2. Practice Presence with Others

The AA meditation says we should “leave each soul the better for having met you or heard you.” This is less about impressing people—and more about being present.

When you’re truly present for someone, you’re saying: “You matter. This moment matters.” That’s a form of gratitude.

Ways to Practice:
- Put your phone away when talking with someone.
- Make eye contact. Really listen.
- Speak gently, even when stressed.
This applies to everyone: family, coworkers, strangers. A simple kind word or calm presence can ripple outward more than you know. And when you give that energy, it often comes back to you.

3. Give Thanks in the Storm

It’s easy to feel grateful when things are going well. But real growth shows up when we can be grateful even when things are hard.

The AA reading reminds us to trust in the goodness and purpose of life—even in sorrow or difficulty. It doesn’t mean pretending everything’s okay. It means saying: “There’s still meaning here. There’s still growth here.”

Try This:

Next time you feel overwhelmed, pause and breathe. Then say:

“I’m grateful for what this moment is teaching me.”

Maybe it’s patience. Or strength. Or clarity. There’s always something—if we’re willing to look.

Pro Tip:

Set an alarm on your phone labeled “Gratitude Pause.” When it goes off, stop what you’re doing, breathe, and give thanks for one small thing.

Gratitude won’t always change your circumstances. But it will change you. And that changes everything.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude Is the Gateway

Gratitude isn’t just a reaction to good things. It’s a decision. A daily choice to see what’s still good, to connect with others, and to trust the process—even when the process is messy.

One day at a time, you’re building something real. Something beautiful. Something strong.

So wherever you are today—whether you’re walking through a storm or soaking in the sunlight—practice gratitude. Let it root you in the moment. Let it calm your fear. Let it open your heart.

Come Back Tomorrow—There’s More Light Ahead

Each day brings new challenges, but also new chances to grow in calm, trust, and gratitude. Check back daily for more reflections, tools, and encouragement on your path. You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.

Your storm won’t last forever. But your peace can.

Subscribe to stay grounded. Return to stay growing.
June 30: Living in the NOW

June 30th, 2025
The passage from the AA Thought for the Day encourages living in the present rather than being consumed by guilt over the past or anxiety about the future. Alcoholics often struggle with these time-bound traps, which prolong their suffering. True recovery begins when one chooses to be present—accepting the now as the only real moment they have control over. The meditation reinforces this by urging people to let go of past failures, trust the process of healing, and walk forward in faith. The accompanying prayer asks for strength to release the past and move ahead with hope and spiritual confidence.

5 Steps to Improve How You View Your Situation — Inspired by AA Wisdom

Life can feel overwhelming when we carry the weight of our past mistakes or obsess over the unknowns of the future. For many in recovery, and anyone seeking peace of mind, shifting perspective is not just helpful—it’s essential. One powerful principle from Alcoholics Anonymous reminds us that living in the present is key to emotional and spiritual freedom. But how do we actually do that when our minds seem wired to replay the past or fear the future?

Here are five steps to help you reframe how you view your situation, so you can begin to move forward with hope, clarity, and power.

1. Anchor Yourself in the Present

“Now is the time. Now is ours.”

Our minds love to time travel. They’ll replay an argument from three years ago or spiral into what-ifs about tomorrow’s meeting. But the truth is, the present moment is the only place where action, change, and peace can actually occur.

Start small. Throughout your day, pause and ask yourself:

“Where am I right now?”

Feel your feet on the ground. Notice your breath. Take in your surroundings.

The more you practice being in the now, the more power you reclaim. You can’t rewrite the past, and the future hasn’t happened yet. But this moment? It’s yours. Live it.

Tip: Use grounding exercises—like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (identify 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, etc.)—to bring yourself into the present when your mind drifts.

2. Let Go of the Past Without Denying It

“I must forget the past as much as possible… Nothing can be done about the past, except to make what restitution I can.”

It’s tempting to obsess over past failures, especially if they involve hurt you’ve caused others or mistakes you’ve made repeatedly. But endlessly reliving your wrongs doesn’t create healing—it deepens shame.

The healthier approach is acknowledgment without attachment. Yes, you may have caused harm. Yes, there may be regrets. But the past does not define you.

Take responsibility where appropriate—through amends, apologies, or changed behavior—and then release the emotional burden. You are not your past. You are the person choosing to walk a new path today.

Tip: Write a letter to your past self. Acknowledge the pain, then end with a commitment to move forward. Burn or discard the letter as a symbol of release.

3. Trust the Process of Healing

“The clouds will clear and the way will lighten.”

Healing is not linear. Some days you’ll feel strong and hopeful. Other days, you might feel like you’re walking backward. That’s okay. Progress is rarely a straight line.

The passage encourages faith—not just in a higher power, but in the process of recovery and growth. You don’t have to see the entire path. Just take the next step. Over time, what once felt impossible will become your new normal.

Even if your life has been “wrecked,” it doesn’t mean it’s over. Healing is real. Wholeness is possible. But it requires belief that change is worth striving for, even when it’s hard to see immediate results.

Tip: Keep a journal of small wins—no matter how tiny. On hard days, revisit it to remind yourself how far you’ve come.

4. Redefine What It Means to Be Free

“God has no reproach for anything that He has healed.”

Spiritual recovery isn’t about earning forgiveness—it’s about receiving it. Whether you use the word “God,” “higher power,” or simply “grace,” the idea is the same: you are not beyond redemption.

Freedom begins when you stop punishing yourself for something that healing has already touched. The quote “Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more” is a powerful reminder that once you’ve chosen a new direction, you don’t have to keep dragging shame along with you.

Let forgiveness be real. Let healing be enough.

Tip: If you’re struggling to accept forgiveness (from yourself or others), write a list of what freedom would feel like. Then, ask yourself what’s keeping you from embracing it—and challenge those beliefs.

5. Move Forward in Faith, Not Fear

“I pray that I may not carry the burden of the past. I pray that I may cast it off and press on in faith.”

Fear is often a result of imagining a future without trust—trust in yourself, in others, in the world, or in something greater. But fear doesn’t protect you—it paralyzes you.

Faith, on the other hand, propels. It doesn’t guarantee an easy life, but it opens the door to a meaningful one.

To improve how you see your situation, you must practice walking forward—even when you can’t see what’s ahead. That’s what faith is: movement without full clarity, trusting that the next step will meet you.

Tip: When faced with a decision or situation clouded by fear, ask:

“What would I do if I trusted everything would work out?”

Let that guide your next action.

Final Thoughts

Your situation may feel heavy, hopeless, or stuck—but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story. Changing how you view your circumstances doesn’t require superhuman strength. It starts with five small shifts:
1. Be where your feet are.
2. Stop dragging the past behind you.
3. Trust the slow, imperfect process of healing.
4. Accept that you are already worthy of freedom.
5. Walk forward, even if you’re scared.
Whether you’re in recovery, navigating a tough season, or simply feeling lost, remember: The present moment is your ally. Start there. That’s where the change begins.

Call to Action:

Try choosing one step above and practicing it for the next 7 days. Journal your reflections. You might be surprised by how your view of your situation—and yourself—begins to shift.

Changing how you see your life doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen with consistent effort, one small shift at a time. If today’s message spoke to you, know that you’re not alone on this journey. We’re showing up here daily with fresh insights, tools, and encouragement to help you keep moving forward—no matter where you’re starting from.

So check back tomorrow.

You never know which message will be the one that clicks, inspires, or lifts the weight you’ve been carrying.

Until then, keep breathing, keep walking, and remember:

The now is yours. Use it well.
Welcome

August 21st, 2023

I am delighted that you are here!

Finding the Way has been created to curate the many experiences we witness throughout our lives. Some of those experiences are ones we endure and upon which we can build. Others are those we can enjoy from simply having been willingly open to new possibilities. Wherever you are in your life, I hope you will join me in Finding the Way!

Letting Go and Letting God — The Path to Growth and Service

The Healing Power of Fellowship and the Freedom of Childlike Faith

Finding Calm in the Storm: 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude Daily

June 30: Living in the NOW

Welcome