DIDN'T WE HURT ANYBODY?
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for August 15.
Ah, the old 'didn't we hurt anybody' dance — one of our finest self-deceptions. In the Big Book, we read that the alcoholic 'is seldom sincerely trying to stop drinking' [Page 30] and that 'the great fact is that we were powerless over alcohol' [Page 30]. This theme cuts to the core of Step 1: admitting our drinking was not a private affair. The Promises assure us that 'we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it' [Page 83], but only after we've faced the damage we caused. Those relationships we swore were fine? The book says we must 'clean up the past' [Page 76]. So this reflection asks us to drop the denial and see the wreckage we left behind — not to shame us, but to free us.
Who is one person you told yourself you didn't hurt with your drinking, but you now suspect was deeply affected?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for August 15?
The theme for August 15 is “Didn't We Hurt Anybody?.” Ah, the old 'didn't we hurt anybody' dance — one of our finest self-deceptions.
Who is one person you told yourself you didn't hurt with your drinking, but you now suspect was deeply affected?
So this reflection asks us to drop the denial and see the wreckage we left behind — not to shame us, but to free us. (Big Book: Chapter 3: More About Alcoholism, pages 30-43)