I know I’m always writing and thinking about problems, which can lead back to drinking and talking about the solutions to our alcoholism. However, one of the insurance policies I rarely mention is happiness.
Happiness and joy are the elements I’ve witnessed in my own life and those around me. I know from experience that the application of spiritual principles in my own life, through the practice of the steps given to us so freely by our co-founders and all the old timers in the beginning of AA, has brought this about. The very fact that this program has saved so many lives, my own included, is in the gratitude so often expressed by those of us, who have benefited from this gift. An indication of this happiness.
But happiness comes to us from right living. He mentions it as a by product of this way of life. I know for me that happiness has increased exponentially as sobriety has grown within me over the years. I believe that’s directly related to the help I have received from others in this program, when I have made mistakes, and when I have needed guidance to stay on this path.
Joy, on the other hand, is a state, which can be a constant for all of us. I really enjoy this way of life. This comes, I believe, from what Bill and Bob and so many others have urged us to do to maintain our sobriety, that is to work with others. The joy of living, as stated in the twelfth step in the 12&12 and as the BB urges us to do.
All of this is supported by the ultimate solution offered to us: the reliance and faith in our Higher Power, rather than ourselves.
Anyway, that’s what I was thinking about.