Someone once turned a time honored statement around. The statement was “practice what you preach”. They altered it and limited it. “Preach only what you practice.”
The reason I was thinking about this today was the result of a phone conversation I had with another recovered alcoholic. Things came up and I shared my experience with him. I also shared my strength and hope with him. That’s what I was told to do. To share my experience, strength, and hope. Mine and mine only.
It was the result of what I have gained in this program. I not only gained experience in applying these 12 Steps to my life, but in association with so many old timers and so many other sober alcoholics and my higher power, I also gained some strength to forge on along this sober path we all are on. How could I ever forget what I have been given? I don’t and I won’t.
It’s my own personal story. The only one I have. It’s not bragging or boasting. It just is what it is. I’m not even sure I earned it, but it’s what I have been so freely given. It’s what I live on a daily basis. I know for a fact that what I have is something I’m not sure I merited, but I’m also willing to share that thought. My higher power plays such a large part in what I have I really can’t describe it. Only state it.
Then there is the hope, which we all offer one another. That anyone can have this way of life, freedom from the bondage of alcohol, if they want it. I know that I got that hope the moment I heard there was a place where men and women stayed sober together. When I got here, that hope was reinforced. And that hope grew into faith. A belief in a higher power, who could do for me what I could not do for myself. What my intellect and my will power could never do. That’s where this program and the Steps offered me the solution. A solution, which has not only manifested itself through a spiritual awakening, but continues to grow a day at a time.
Anyway, after our talk today, my thoughts went back to our experience, strength, and hope. Part of that honesty, open mindedness, willingness this program has given to me. I need to think about this, because it is my sobriety and my sober life.