FREEDOM TO BE ME
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for May 18.
Well friend, the 'freedom to be me' in recovery is really the freedom *from* the bondage of self. Alcohol locked us into a prison of selfishness, fear, and resentment. The Big Book says we 'were reborn' through the Steps [Page 63] — not to become someone else, but to shed the armor we wore to protect our drinking. The Promises tell us 'we will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us' [Page 84]. That's freedom: no longer being driven by our defects. We discover that our real self — the one God made — is good enough. As it says, 'We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines' [Page 60]. So this theme means you can stop performing, stop hiding, and simply live as your authentic self — imperfect, growing, and free.
What parts of your old self are you still trying to protect, and how might letting them go set you free?
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 May 18?
The theme for May 18 is “Freedom to Be Me.” Well friend, the 'freedom to be me' in recovery is really the freedom *from* the bondage of self.
What parts of your old self are you still trying to protect, and how might letting them go set you free?
So this theme means you can stop performing, stop hiding, and simply live as your authentic self — imperfect, growing, and free. (Big Book: Chapter 5, pages 60 and Chapter 6, pages 83-85)