One thing I was thinking about today was the catch phrase we hear, “same old same old”. Over time I have heard many of the same things. As one person said, “if I hear something new, I’ll know I’m in the wrong place”.
What is it then that keeps AA fresh on a daily basis? One thing I know is that alcohol itself keeps my attention. The very real possibility that sometime, some day I might be tempted to take a drink. The very fact that I have a quick forgetter and need to be reminded is a help in keeping things “new” for me.
But there’s another facet that I thought about; it’s us. I know for myself that nothing is static or stationary in my life. Things keep changing. Or, at least they seem to. Maybe it’s me. Maybe I keep changing and my viewpoint is different. I see things differently.
The exercise of going through these Steps definitely brought about a change in me. I am not the same person who came into this program. The story in the BB about the man who overcame his fear, when he had that moment, after prayer and rest. He said everything had changed and yet nothing had changed. The truth was that the only thing which had changed was him.
When I try to practice these principles in all of my affairs, and the operative word is “try”, I believe that I keep changing over time. At least my attitude is on the move; and my thoughts.
I know that my perception of my higher power keeps changing. And my thoughts about the program. Ever refreshed by these changes.
But the one thing I am grateful for, through all these seeming changes is that the program remains the same. It’s what keeps me anchored and secure.
I know that, if I remain faithful and committed to this program, I am free from the thought of a drink. I also know that by doing this I am able to maintain my spiritual condition, so that I can experience the benefit of the reprieve granted to us each day.