Wednesday, August 5th

Take what you like and leave the rest.

Those eight words describe how SCA members might receive and respond to the experience, strength, and hope we hear at meetings, in conversations, and from our literature.

The SCA Tools of Recovery describes the slogans as “simple statements that can be used in crisis situations so that we have some basic guidelines.” Slogans such as Easy does it or Progress, not perfection are gentle ways to help our understanding of the recovery process.

For instance, Progress, not Perfection might refer to someone’s self-assessment of their recovery or their efforts with Step work. This slogan also implies that we can take responsibility for doing our job, whether it be on our personal recovery or some group project. We are not, however, responsible for the outcome. If we have completed our task, we learn to accept the results: those things we cannot change.

Other slogans, such as One day at a time or Sex is not an emergency, might be helpful during moments when we face a situation triggered by some event or when struggling to maintain our sobriety.

There are many varieties of slogans that may seem appropriate for an occasion — whatever the issues or emotions we might face.

Keep coming back; it works if you work it! 

Tuesday, August 4th

Today, my needs are met. I won’t worry about tomorrow until tomorrow.

Many of us joined SCA plagued by negative feelings, such as harsh self-judgment or victimization. We may have used these emotions to justify our sexual acting out. Hunting for sex often became our default option — a soothing action like reaching for a drink or drug.

Feelings of shame or perfectionism may have affected how we viewed ourselves and our surroundings. We became very demanding of others while trying to repress our sense of low self-esteem.

In recovery, we learn that we don’t control the universe — or ourselves. However, we can change our behaviors and outlook by becoming willing to let go of those false beliefs and character defects that may often mislead us in our compulsion.

Working the Steps and using the Tools can give us clarity and acceptance of who we are. As we modify our behaviors and choose the next right action, we begin to experience serenity. We become grateful for aspects of our daily lives that we had once dismissed or taken for granted. We may find that we are no longer victims of uncontrollable events but rather recipients of gifts given through the care of our Higher Power. We begin to live in the present.

We can give thanks for today.