I was thinking today, what someone said to me a long time ago. You have to be tough to go through old age. Hmm. I should think. But the same is true for sobriety. We all have to be tough and develop a thick skin to stay sober. In other words, we all have to grow up.
I know we all reach a point where it’s easier to stay sober and not entertain that next drink, but it requires a lot more than that. At least that’s my experience. I know it’s true in the lives of others whom I’ve had the opportunity to talk with.
For instance. We all have our problems. I know that through the years I’ve certainly been through my share. But, through the leadings of my sponsor and others, I’ve found that most of my problems were in my thick head. My real problem was right there under my nose. My troubles were rooted in my pride and the fears which ignited this problem. I found that all I had to do was to let go and step away from this defect. Tenth step and six and seven.
Bill tells us we are problem people and that our problems were of our own making. When I talk about tough, the person I had to get tough on was myself. Isn’t there somethng in the literature about rigorous honesty?
Maybe, just maybe, what I think are problems are nothing more than irritations. But my anger or resentment, driven by a pride which doesn’t want to let go of anything, is what’s wrong. The toughest thing I had to do was wrestle this stuff out of my mind and unclench my grasp.
Whenever I think of problems I think of what Bill said, alcohol is a subtle foe. I believe behind every problem is a drink. It doesn’t look that way. It’s subtle after all. Doesn’t mean we’re going to drink over each one, but given enough problems and our penchant for obsessing on each and everyone, and it just might happen.
I’m glad that my sponsor and others helped me to toughen up. To get tough minded, because I want to stay sober.
No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go