Sayings
to Power Us Through Life’s Ups and Downs
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS •
We asked and you answered!
We gratefully acknowledge the many members of the Hazelden Betty Ford community who submitted their favorite mantras for this collection. We were blown away by the depth and truth (and sometimes humor) shared by individuals from near and far.
Since 1954, Hazelden Publishing has been publishing daily meditation books to help people in recovery through daily thoughts, meditations and prayers for living a sober life. These books have become a spiritual resource with practical applications for daily living. We are grateful to add this crowdsourced collection to that long and storied legacy.
While we made small edits to some submissions for clarity, we attempted to stay true to the voice of the writer. We recognize that some may be borrowed from other sources, but we felt that there was value in sharing ideas that are “tried and true.” If even one mantra resonates with even just one reader, we will feel we have accomplished our goals with this modest publication.
The editors
• INTRODUCTION •
Many of us have a saying or mantra that we repeat often to ourselves and others when we’re facing challenges or needing encouragement. These become our “words to live by” that help us power through life’s ups and downs
Whether centered on deeply held religious beliefs or light-hearted reminders to take a different perspective, the sayings that were submitted remind us that we’re human and each of us is getting by, one day at a time. In life, we all face challenges large and small, and in this collection you will find sayings that have guided someone through them.
This is not a book of expert advice or wise guidance from well-trained professionals. Rather, it is crowdsourcing at its best. You will find here words that have helped someone else—a “regular” person just like you This collection represents the power and strength of community
At Hazelden Betty Ford, community is the central focus of our work Through the generosity of former patients, caring family members, friends and supporters, we advance our lifesaving mission every single day. In fact, it is philanthropy that allows us to continuously improve, so we can help more people in more ways than ever before.
We hope, in the ideas that follow, you will find some new ways to think about acceptance, courage and wisdom. Because together, we are committed to sharing messages of healing and hope to empower recovery and well-being for all
David P. Wilke Vice President & Chief Development Officer
Disclaimer:
This publication is not intended as a substitute for the advice of health care professionals.
This publication does not necessarily represent Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s programs, nor does it officially speak for any Twelve Step organization.
MOTIVATIONAL
This too shall pass. -Amy
No matter where you go, there you are. -Anna
You are stronger than you know, and you are built for hard things.
-Brayth
I let go of my desire for security, affection, approval and control and embrace this moment as it is.
-Charlie
You don’t see chickens hanging out at Colonel Sanders.
-Lee
A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.
-David
Caring for others begins “with” and “by” caring for one’s self.
-Steven
When you can’t be right, be nice.
-Elaine
Stay true to the mirror.
-Eddie
Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.
-Jimmy
I am powerless but not helpless. -Ryan
The elevator to success is broken; one has to use the stairs one step at a time.
-Robert
Be the change you want to see!
-Cesar
Determination and perseverance may not change your own situation, but they can create a courageous heart that inspires others to do what they think they can never do.
-Gloria
Life is too short not to love yourself.
-Jennifer
If you don’t like my gate, don’t swing it!
-Jill
If you are content with what you have, you are rich.
-Julie
Let your heart be the most beautiful thing about you.
-Kate
Nothing changes if nothing changes. -Lindy
Be gentle and kind, for everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
-Karen
SPIRITUAL
Every morning I make the sign of the cross on my forehead and say, “I am a child of God, loved beyond measure.”
-Joel
Thy will be done ... not my will be done!
-Carol
I thank God for healing me from my alcohol addiction!
-Stephen
The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I (God) have come to bring life, abundantly. Alternatively, He restores the soul.
-Arla
Higher Power/God/Universe/Whatever -
Thank you for my life, my sobriety, and your love. May I remember and show my gratitude for the good things in life, big or small. Thank you.
-Zach
You can’t slip if you’re on your knees.
-David
Thy will, not my will be done.
-Claudia
I believe in the sun even when it does not shine; I believe in love even when I cannot feel it; I believe in God even when he is silent.
-David
God’s got it! -Patty
Nothing can separate me from the love of God. -Kathy
Nothing in God’s world happens by mistake.
-Candice
Thank you Jesus for the special love you have for me.
-Jack
Let go, let God.
-David & Tracy
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
-Carolina
Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.
-Michelle
Sweet Father, thanks for my life. Thanks for the joy that clings me to life. Thanks for the pain that teaches me the better way today. Let me find all of them and use it for me and for all the people around me. See you and feel you tomorrow.
-Ana
I pray for the “Shield of Discernment” so that my actions are worthy.
-Michael
God is in CONTROL. -Lori
Do the next right thing. Progress not Perfection. Let Go and Let God. -Terry
Besides the Serenity Prayer,
“This too shall pass.”
-Ingrid
Thy will be done.
-Ross & Traci
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 -Tom
Live in faith, not fear. -Sara
“Getting back on our feet usually involves starting on our knees first.”
-Always Say A Prayer -submitted by Jerry
Please help me be, do or say the right thing at the right time to the right person or situation so that it may help others through your love.
-C.T.
“Be kind whenever possible, and it is always possible.”
- Dalai Lama -submitted by Sandi
What is coming will make sense of what is happening ... Let God finish his work!
-Sherri
�� Use me Lord, use me anyway You can,
Let my life’s toil bring harvest, and blessings from Your land ... -Steven
One day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time. It will be okay. Everything has a way of working itself out. When one door closes, another one always opens up. Trust in your higher Power.
-Sheri
Jesus I trust in you! & Come Holy Spirit! -Christy
Put ‘God’ first in everything you do, and always do the next right thing.
-Jeanne
Give it to God and go to sleep.
-Patty
God is love.
-Gonzalo
Be humble, Be grateful, Thank God. -Peter
Life is messy, bring a broom.
Breathe God in, exhale fear.
Suit up and show up, even when I don’t want to.
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. -Kimberly
Thank you God.
-Dean
Bless them, change me.
-Debbie
This too shall pass. & You’ll feel better about it in the mornings. -Jeffrey
God grant me the serenity. Let go and let God. It too shall pass.
H.O.P.E.: Hang On, Pain Ends Be �� -Kara
If this is your will, let it be. If not, please show me the path.
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
- Lao Tzu -submitted by Christopher
As repeated by Al Tighe years ago, “Living life on life’s terms.” Just took me years to find out what that meant.
-Steve
Heavenly Father, guide my path this day that I may be of service to you and to those I encounter.
-Chip
Amor fati -
It is used to describe an attitude in which one sees everything that happens in one’s life, including suffering and loss, as good or, at the very least, necessary.
-Gavino
RECOVERY
It’s just not an option. -Steve
“Living one day at AA’time.” -Alcoholics Anonymous -submitted by Michael
Stay positive in your recovery, all is not lost.
Please persevere and stay strong in your recovery. You can do it.
-Jeannine
After 30+ years of sobriety, the Serenity Prayer is still my daily mantra. When I address my daily challenges with the wisdom to know what I can and cannot change, I open up the path to move forward.
-Mary
Don’t drink, and go to meetings! -Russ
No matter what, I won’t drink or drug. -David
I say take one day at a time and I know a lot of people say that, but it really works for me. Don’t beat yourself up for messing up, tomorow’s a new day to start all over again. Ice tea for me! Reward yourself for not drinking even if no one else does!
-Pamela
I’m not going to drink today, and probably not tomorrow.
-Paul
Do the next RIGHT thing, ALWAYS ... and thank you Hazelden!
-Tony
‘It’s not about me’ ... sponsor had me repeat this often in early sobriety. 6000+ one day at a time later, it’s still not about me.
-June
Have courage and be kind. 1. Strangers brought me back to life. 2. Even if I can do something to change it - is it my responsibility? 3. I forgive myself. 4. My recovery is a journey, not a desination. 5. -Erin
It’s not I cannot drink, it’s I CAN NOT drink.
-Mark
The Serenity Prayer always helps me through difficult times.
-Ioana
