Problems, problems, problems. We all have them, as do others not like us. But discussing them in a meeting invites not a solution, but opinions, advice.
Through the time I have been sober, I had to learn not to bring my problems into meetings. I learned from my sponsor to take my problems to him and to go to meetings to learn the solution to them. And what’s that? The solution is always spiritual no matter what the problem.
It all began with the 2nd Step after I had surrendered in the 1st. I came to believe in a power greater than myself. That opened the door to the rest of these Steps and the spiritual awakening. I know from listening to others experiences with these Steps that I had to begin to do what they did. They practiced the principles they found in this program and not only got hope, but a faith that led them to care and love others and want to help them find what they had found.
I can’t say that I have practiced this program perfectly. I know I have not, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to quit. It means to me that all I have to do, when I find myself missing the mark, is begin all over again. To start my day over. To get up each morning and ask for the help to begin again. I know I’m not cured, but have been granted the freedom from a drink of alcohol. I have been restored to sanity by virtue of being willing to do what I have been told to do.
That certainly wasn’t what I was like, when I came here. I was rebellious, stubborn, and not willing to listen to anyone, but myself. I didn’t have the trust necessary to survive. But my bottom changed all that. The pain, the despair, the insanity I suffered from made me surrender and become willing to do whatever it took to save me from myself and alcohol. I’m so grateful that it all happened. It was truly a spiritual awakening I know now.
Anyway, I was thinking about the solution. The spiritual way of life I have found in this program.