RECOVERY BY PROXY?
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for September 10.
Recovery by proxy is a charming notion, but a dangerous one. The Big Book makes clear that each alcoholic must take his own journey. In the Doctor's Opinion, we read that the alcoholic 'cannot recover unless he wants to' [xxviii]. No amount of good intentions from others can substitute for that inner willingness. The program is not something we do for someone else — it is something we do with the help of God and our fellow alcoholics. Chapter 7 tells us that when we work with others, we 'carry the message' [Page 89], but we cannot carry their recovery. That burden must be shouldered alone, one step at a time. Trying to recover by proxy is like trying to eat for someone else — it simply doesn't work. The Promises on pages 83-84 are for those who 'have humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings' — a personal act, not a delegated one.
In what areas of your life might you be hoping someone else will do your spiritual work for you?
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 September 10?
The theme for September 10 is “Recovery by Proxy?.” Recovery by proxy is a charming notion, but a dangerous one.
In what areas of your life might you be hoping someone else will do your spiritual work for you?
The Promises on pages 83-84 are for those who 'have humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings' — a personal act, not a delegated one. (Big Book: Chapter 7, pages 89-91; also Doctor's Opinion, page xxviii)