A direct opposite? That’s what we were talking about today.
If we’re to stay sober, we have to change. We were basically talking about Step 12.
Most people talked about how they had changed from the person they were into something else. How they had begun to accept responsibility, be a better partner, to meet the requirements of what is expected of them at work and in families and society. Most talked about having worked the Steps and the change in attitudes and thoughts, which were the result.
In other words, as one man pointed out, read the 5th chapter. Rarely have we seen a person fail, who has thoroughly followed our path. Follow the spiritual path, as laid out, and we change.
That’s what happened over time with me and everyone else, who is sober. I identified with so many today. The result of arriving at a point in life where I am comfortable with me and with others. The inner emptiness I brought in with me is gone. I am happy as a result of these changes.
The ideas we all had of how important we were is fading. Some humility has replaced it. And my caring for others and having compassion and willingness to give away what was so freely given to me is part and parcel of my life today.
The spiritual awakening brought about these changes. And it is the result of following this pathway to sobriety. But it is in trying to practice these principles in my life and the lives of others that sometimes amazes me, as others reported today.
When I hear others talking like this, it reminds me that the spiritual life is not a theory. Living it, taking the action necessary, is what it’s about. Most seemed to agree with this today. So glad that I had a chance to listen and participate in such a meeting today. And all of them spoke of how grateful they were that alcohol is finally out of their lives. Me too.