Whether it’s anger, or merely frustration at our circumstances in life, there is a solution. We don’t have to drink over anything that may be in our way.
I was told a long time ago that the first thing is to quiet the disturbance within us. Because that’s where the core of the problem always resides. Something deep down within, usually from a long way back, has been stirred up by what is around us. Being able to talk about it and sitting quietly, when we have recovered our balance, may allow us to find the answer, and then correct what is wrong with us. At least that has been my experience.
As long as I try, on a daily basis, to apply these principles I have learned in this program to my life, I can, and often do, maintain my balance and stay sober. It comes from what I gained from practicing the 12 Steps. It’s not knowledge of myself or anything else. That might help, but alone these elements fall far short of being of any value. It’s the underlying spirituality of this program. Something I lacked before I came here.
I knew enough about myself, when I was drinking. It never helped me get sober. I knew one thing for certain. That I was an alcoholic and a drunk. When I came here I not only learned what that meant, but also many other things which opened my mind. But it still might have never been enough. What I know or don’t know won’t ever help me to stay sober. Not all of my thinking is going to do that. No, it has been demonstrated to me over and over again that it is my reliance on my higher power.
I may never be perfect at this, but I can honestly say that the attempt I make to practice these principles in all of my affairs, these spiritual principles, which has enabled me to live a sober life. My sponsor simply told me that, if I did what others before me did, I would be able to get sober and stay sober. Somehow I would be able to overcome all the obstacles to what might get in the way of my staying sober. And I have so far. I really don’t understand it all, but I know it works. And, I know it can work for anyone, who is willing to work it.
I was thinking about this today, as I looked around and watched it working in the lives of those around me. It made me grateful.