THE LIMITS OF SELF-RELIANCE
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for February 11.
From the Big Book's perspective, 'THE LIMITS OF SELF-RELIANCE' speaks directly to the core of alcoholism. The alcoholic is told that we 'are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago' [Page 24]. This is the insanity of the disease—our self-reliance fails precisely when we need it most. We are convinced that we can stop on our own, but the Big Book warns that such self-sufficiency is 'the rock upon which so many founders' [Page 52]. The only way out is to admit our limits and turn to a Power greater than ourselves, as outlined in Step Two [Page 59].
In what areas of your life are you still trying to rely on your own willpower instead of asking for help from a Higher Power?
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 February 11?
The theme for February 11 is “The Limits of Self-Reliance.” From the Big Book's perspective, 'THE LIMITS OF SELF-RELIANCE' speaks directly to the core of alcoholism.
In what areas of your life are you still trying to rely on your own willpower instead of asking for help from a Higher Power?
The only way out is to admit our limits and turn to a Power greater than ourselves, as outlined in Step Two [Page 59]. (Big Book: Chapter 4, pages 52-57; Chapter 3, pages 30-43; Chapter 5, pages 58-62)