AA Slogans and Their Meaning

Catchphrases for recovery

Some of the catchphrases and slogans that are commonly used in the Alcoholics Anonymous community may surprise some people when they join for the first time. These catchphrases could be a little cliche, especially if they are repeated mindlessly without any thought to their deeper meaning. Someone greets the newcomer enthusiastically, reciting well-known proverbs without pausing to elaborate. 

Nonetheless, there is meaning behind the well-known AA slogans. Therefore, people keep saying them because they have a deeper meaning. Anyone can quickly understand this and come to appreciate it. Please take a moment to study some of the most well-known AA slogans and see why they are still relevant. 

One Day at a Time

Living in the moment and practising mindfulness are crucial aspects of life.

“One day at a time” is one of AA’s most famous catchphrases. This simple statement conveys two critical messages. To begin with, let’s focus on the here and now. No one can control the universe or foresee the future. But right now, we have the power to control what we do. Meeting people who have been sober for a long time can be an unsettling experience. We may never succeed to the same degree as others. Thinking about the future all the time can lead to depression. It can be easy to get discouraged and doubt our abilities at times. We could, therefore, experience a strong desire to give up. We can continue to prioritise our sobriety every day and prevent needless stress by being present in the moment.

Furthermore, it is imperative to realise that life is a series of moments. Though the most well-known AA slogan advocates taking things one day at a time, many members frequently stress the value of living life one hour or one minute at a time. Although their actions may appear light-hearted, they are typically serious. Every minute of every day, making the right decision is crucial. You can preserve a clear conscience by focusing on what is before you. Remember this, or you may have a slip-chip at the next meeting.

Take it easy

Remember to stop and take a deep breath occasionally.

This is one of the more contested AA slogans. Because it is frequently used, Brian Whitney, a writer for The Fix, lists it among the worst AA slogans. It’s often written on signs in conference rooms; people frequently say it without highlighting a specific idea.

It has to mean something, of course. Who, after all, would ever say something like that again if they thought it was empty?

Although it can be difficult to add more simplicity to a slogan that is already so clear, this one emphasises the value of taking things slowly. There are certain parallels between it and living day by day. We have a propensity to be overeager when we first start recovering.

We always find a solution before moving on to Step Nine. While it’s generally advised that we avoid taking on new responsibilities during our first year of recovery, we could consider pursuing a new career or beginning a new relationship. Naturally, those who start the recovery process frequently desire to change their lives as soon as possible. It’s critical to keep in mind that change is a procedure. Respecting and acknowledging that process is essential because ignoring it may have unfavourable effects.

Let Go and Let God

Some things are out of our control like feathers softly blowing in the wind.

Whitney has expressed doubts regarding the suitability of this AA catchphrase for certain addicts. We can’t give up easily when faced with homelessness or unemployment. In times such as these, we must take responsibility for our lives.

There are circumstances in which we might not relate to this slogan. When applied appropriately, it is a helpful reminder that we don’t always have total control over everything. We ought to think about looking for work or housing, but we must keep in mind that these things cannot be attained just by willpower. After completing our best efforts, we hold out hope. Everything is left up to fate after that.

Of course, in this slogan, fate stands in for God. Some people might find AA slogans like this one offensive because of their strong feelings about the word “God.” It’s critical to remember that faith encompasses more than just religion. We don’t have to attribute our belief in the universe to any supernatural deity to maintain it.

This is not too difficult of a slogan to believe if you have faith in God. But it’s important to remember that God does not define this slogan if you have an atheistic or agnostic viewpoint. Religion has nothing to do with the point. It all comes down to giving up control. You’re the one who might benefit from periodically letting go if you can’t accept that.

Religion is for those who have fears about Hell. Spirituality is for those who have been there. 

For those who have already experienced it, spirituality has a resonance.

The term “AA” is frequently used by people to refer to “spirituality.” Still, those who disagree with this slogan frequently highlight the idea of going to Hell. To compare one’s opulent party lifestyle to a fiery, hellish underworld does seem a little self-centred. Furthermore, portraying AA members’ faith as merely a source of fear may offend some of the group’s most devout members.

It’s important to remember that this AA slogan is still very valuable despite these criticisms. Even though things weren’t always easy, we didn’t recover because nothing went wrong. In the end, this slogan only offers two important lessons.

To remind you, spirituality and religion are not always the same. It is not necessary to practise both. Remembering that sobriety can lead to a more fulfilling life is also critical. Addiction is like Purgatory, Hell, Limbo, or any other place you can imagine, and there’s never a good reason to go back there.

Keep It Simple, Stupid

It is less about depending only on intelligence and more about achieving mental tranquillity.

This AA slogan is ironic because it benefits the more intelligent members. In summary, this tagline is a gentle reminder to keep our healing process uncomplicated and uncomplicated. People with higher IQs may have a harder time recovering.

We like to examine our addiction and think that using our brains to solve problems is essential to overcoming obstacles. AA prioritises spirituality over academics. Many turn to drug and alcohol addiction as a coping mechanism for their emotions. We act in this way because we think it’s a sensible choice.

First, sobriety was only one of our most deliberate efforts. If anything, it made things worse. The simplicity of these AA slogans should come as no surprise. We should all strive for greater simplicity in our lives.

Overanalysing the situation should be avoided, as it may trigger a relapse. Overanalysing doesn’t improve the intelligence we value so highly.

Progress, not Perfection

Hitting the mark can be difficult at times. While it’s acceptable to occasionally ignore the meaning behind these AA slogans, it’s crucial never to give up.

In Whitney’s opinion, this is the best AA slogan ever. Given that we hear it prior to each meeting, it has some meaning. Unlike other AA slogans, this one is taken straight from the Alcoholics Anonymous text. Typically, we begin meetings by reading a section from Chapter 5 (“How It Works”) that just so happens to contain this exact sentence. “How It Works” reminds us that we might never fully be able to overcome our spiritual flaws in this specific situation. But our willingness to work will elevate us and enable us to advance.

Simply put, try not to be too hard on yourself whenever you find it difficult to follow AA principles. Perhaps you were overthinking your recovery or worrying about the future after reading one of the AA catchphrases. This reminds us of our common humanity.

We are not heavenly beings; we are just everyday people. We can’t realistically expect to reach perfection. On the other hand, we can actively practice the Twelve Steps and adhere to alternative principles to improve continuously. Remember that giving up is the only way actually to succeed.

You will always continue to move in the right direction if you maintain your focus on the path of enlightenment. Sometimes, we must go back a step, even though it may be disappointing.

Nothing Changes, if Nothing Changes

If we’re unhappy with this phase of our lives, we need to adjust and go on.

This specific AA slogan, though often repeated, may seem unclear at first. It might sound simple, but to someone hearing it for the first time, it can be hard to understand its significance. Like many AA slogans, this one emphasises how we embrace and practice the program’s principles.

Shall we wait for things to get better and sit around? Or do we work hard and put in the effort to become the person we want to be? We have the power to live better lives and make healthier decisions. But if we continue living as we do, making a significant personal development might be challenging.

This popular expression frequently surfaces during our life-ranting sessions. Remembering that these statements are not meant to minimise us is critical. Rather, they remind us that we can make our own decisions. We have two options: live in the present and accept what is or take proactive measures to improve our circumstances. The only way to address many of our problems is to make the necessary changes.

First Things First

We cannot rush the healing process, like a chrysalis transforming. Thinking about the right sequence is crucial to ensure our progress isn’t impeded.

According to Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this is number three.

Recognising that you don’t have to complete the work at hand to lead a more balanced life is acceptable. There’s no need to exert too much pressure on yourself; go easy. Understanding that saying no when necessary is sufficient will help you focus on your top priorities.

There are some parallels between the AA catchphrases “first things first” and “easy does it” in this situation. It is imperative to remember that the Twelve Steps are intended to be adhered to in a particular sequence. Taking things one step at a time is crucial to prevent needless stress and guarantee steady progress.

If you open the caterpillar’s cocoon before its transformation is complete, you will not be able to see the beauty of a butterfly. Make the process of change a priority and accept it with honour.

Faith Without Works Is Dead

We must take an active role in our healing. The Steps will demand commitment.

Readers who have a religious background might recognise this one. You have probably encountered it in the New Testament, not on a list of AA catchphrases. The Bible says that James uses this illustration to demonstrate how faith can change people. Their belief in God is evident in their words and examples.

Recovery can benefit people in positive ways. We can inform people of our decision to abstain from alcohol and other drugs. They’re not likely to notice our actions or pick up any smells. But it gets hard for other people to trust us if they see us carrying on with the same lifestyle we did when we were addicted.

In contrast to some of the more direct AA slogans, different people may interpret this one differently. It doesn’t say straight out that faith without deeds is useless. Belief is incredibly powerful and vital in directing our spiritual development. Our behaviour makes it abundantly evident that the program has paid off.

If we believe people don’t fully respect our sobriety, we must consider our behaviour. All we need to do is work harder to earn our loved one’s trust. We must act to show that we are committed to this new way of living.

As we proceed, we’ll see a steady improvement in our interpersonal relationships. Above all, we will have more self-confidence, which will make our sobriety much more meaningful and easier to maintain.

Here are more quotes that will inspire you in your recovery and encourage your growth in your recovery journey:

ï Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. – Charles R. Swindoll

ï The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. – Mark Zuckerberg

ï Opportunities don’t happen. You create them. – Chris Grosser

ï The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt

ï Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.

ï The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

ï If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission. – Anonymous

ï Dream big and dare to fail. – Norman Vaughan

ï The only way to do great work is to love what you do. – Steve Jobs

ï I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse. – Florence Nightingale

ï You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky

ï Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world. – Roy T. Bennett

ï Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going. – Sam Levenson

ï Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you. – Walt Whitman

ï Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. – Helen Keller

ï The harder I work, the luckier I get. – Samuel Goldwyn

ï Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston Churchill

ï Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. – Christian D. Larson

ï The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. – Chinese Proverb

ï The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same. – Colin R. Davis

ï Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistencethrough failure. – Aisha Tyler

ï Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. – John D. Rockefeller

ï The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

ï Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. – Will Rogers

ï It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius

ï Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert Schweitzer

ï The only way to do great work is to love what you do. – Steve Jobs

ï It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius

ï The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday. – Anonymous

ï The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt

ï Drinking won’t drown your problems; it will irritate them.

ï First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man (Japanese proverb)

ï If you don’t change, you will drink. If you don’t drink, you will change.

ï WE can all stop drinking. Staying stopped is the problem.

ï It’s the first drink that gets you drunk.

ï You may have another drink in you, but you may not have another recovery.

ï Drunkenness is nothing but voluntary madness.

ï Medication for humility: swallow your pride.

ï Learn to listen. Opportunity knocks very softly.

ï Take care of your body. If you don’t, where else are you going to live?

ï Recovery is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it.

ï Recovery is the easier, softer way.

If you wish to reclaim your life from addiction, call Freephone at 0800 140 4044