“I try to accept reality instead of trying to control it. When I make that adjustment, the struggle ends.”

“Genuine peace will always be a chief ingredient of AA’s freedom. But let none suppose that we shrink from major conflict only because we are afraid. Nowadays we believe we keep the peace because we love each other.”

“Perhaps for some, ‘How It Work’ has become a tired, overworked bit of dogma, an opportunity to daydream. But not for this alcoholic. I get more out of those words with each passing day. The words don’t change, but I do.”

“I didn’t need to learn how to meditate before meditating. It turned out to be one of those learn-as-you-go things -- just as learning how to stay sober is part of staying sober a day at a time.”

“Nothing improves if you drink.”

“Up to now AA seems to have taken the right turning at each new crossroad. This could scarcely have been our doing alone. Our Fellowship has afforded a convincing proof of that wise old adage which declares that ‘man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.’”

“I am finally learning really to live one day at a time and to appreciate and be alert to the beautiful, marvel-filled, albeit sometimes infuriating world around me.”

“We well know that our defects, as people and as a Society, have been and still are very great. And we hope that we shall never cease to rededicate ourselves to their correction.”

“While I may be powerless to solve the globe’s problems, I am given all the power I need to make a difference to my community, my family, my job, my friends, and most importantly, to stay sober and help other alcoholics.”

“It’s a waste of time to take God’s inventory.”

“Nearly all of us, when we think about it, agree that we are a long, long way from being anywhere near grown up, from almost any point of view. We can clearly see that our job as individuals and as a Fellowship is to keep right on growing by the constant use of our Twelve Steps.”

“While I’ve never been sober today before, I count on my Higher Power to keep me sober as he has done on all those other days before.”

“What matters is what works, not my opinion of what works.”

“We of AA can never set any hampering limitation upon the ultimate destiny of ourselves and our Fellowship, nor any whatever upon God’s love for us all. Individually and collectively, structurally and spiritually, we shall ever need to build for the future.”

“Be willing to be willing to follow directions and you will find your life changing in all areas.”