ACCEPTANCE
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for September 19.
From the Big Book's perspective, acceptance is not passive resignation but active surrender to reality. It begins with Step 1: admitting powerlessness over alcohol [Page xxviii]. This is the bedrock. Later, in the story 'Acceptance Was the Answer,' we find this powerful line: 'Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.' [Page 417] That means accepting our whole lives — our resentments, our fears, our character defects — as they are, without trying to control them. It's the key to Step 6, where we become entirely ready to have God remove these defects [Page 76]. When we accept ourselves and others as they are, the Promises of Chapter 6 unfold: we will lose our fear of people and of economic insecurity [Page 84]. Acceptance turns the Steps from a to-do list into a way of living.
Where in your life today are you still trying to control something that you need to simply accept?
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 September 19?
The theme for September 19 is “Acceptance.” From the Big Book's perspective, acceptance is not passive resignation but active surrender to reality.
Where in your life today are you still trying to control something that you need to simply accept?
Acceptance turns the Steps from a to-do list into a way of living. (Big Book: Chapter 6, pages 83-85, and personal story 'Acceptance Was the Answer', page 417)