KEEPING OPTIMISM AFLOAT
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for November 2.
Keeping optimism afloat in recovery means holding onto the hope that our condition is not hopeless. The Big Book tells us on page 30 that alcoholics have 'an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind,' but that we are not to be blamed for this. On page 60, the Steps are laid out as a design for living that works. The Promises on pages 83-84 assure us that if we work the Steps, we will know a new freedom and happiness, and we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. That is real optimism. But it’s not a feeling we can generate by willpower; it comes from daily reliance on a Higher Power and carrying the message to others (page 89). As it says on page 85, we have a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. So optimism is kept afloat by staying in fit spiritual condition, one day at a time.
What am I doing today to keep my spiritual condition strong so that optimism remains my natural state?
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 November 2?
The theme for November 2 is “Keeping Optimism Afloat.” Keeping optimism afloat in recovery means holding onto the hope that our condition is not hopeless.
What am I doing today to keep my spiritual condition strong so that optimism remains my natural state?
So optimism is kept afloat by staying in fit spiritual condition, one day at a time. (Big Book: Chapter 6: Into Action (pages 83-85) and Chapter 7: Working With Others (pages 89-103))