I CANNOT CHANGE THE WIND
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for November 1.
The wind represents everything in life we cannot control—other people, events, our own past, and even our alcoholism. The Big Book teaches that the first step to recovery is admitting we are powerless [Page 21], but it doesn't stop there. On page 417, it says: 'Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation—some fact of my life—unacceptable to me.' We can't change the wind, but we can change our attitude toward it. The Third Step Prayer on page 63 asks God to relieve us of the bondage of self, so we can better discern what we can change and what we must accept. Each day, by practicing Steps 10 and 11, we receive a daily reprieve [Page 85]—not from the wind, but from the need to control it. That's freedom.
What wind in your life are you still trying to change today, and how might practicing acceptance 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 November 1?
The theme for November 1 is “I Cannot Change the Wind.” The wind represents everything in life we cannot control—other people, events, our own past, and even our alcoholism.
What wind in your life are you still trying to change today, and how might practicing acceptance set you free?
Each day, by practicing Steps 10 and 11, we receive a daily reprieve [Page 85]—not from the wind, but from the need to control it. That's freedom. (Big Book: Chapter 6, pages 83-85; Third Step Prayer on page 63; 'Acceptance Was the Answer' on page 417)