Talking to people down in the storm area yesterday, I was reminded of something Bill W. said about our 10th Step. Something to the effect that it’s a poor day, when we haven’t done something good. Something positive.
The reason this came up was that I was talking to someone, who was really discouraged at the fact that he lost his temper and had yelled at one of his children. He couldn’t seem to get over his tendency to beat himself up for that. Amazing how our emotions can control how we think and how we feel about ourselves.
We talked about looking for the good things we did during the day or the week. How we reached out and tried to help others. That did it. He had really had a very positive week and day. Helping others and his children. It was wonderful how suddenly the picture of himself changed. Very positive.
But it also revealed to me the truth of what my sponsor taught me. That a problem shared is a problem cut in half. When I find myself caught up in a negative problem(s) and I keep them to myself, my thoughts become all out of proportion. They’re magnified so much that my head is almost bursting with them.
However, once I can get myself to talk with someone about what’s going on, they begin to deflate and get cut down in size. They’re reduced and I find relief. And like my friend, I can go and bring the positive into my mind and my life. My problems are so diminished that they either dissolve or I can begin to find a solution. Usually spiritual.
Thinking about all of this, I can really see how this program has worked to my benefit over time. How it still does. How all of this has contributed to my sobriety.
It’s also something, which tells me how grateful I have to be for my old sponsor and others, who have showed me how to live a sober life. Not just from their words, but from their example. I am truly grateful for all of this.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to my Higher Power, who opened the door to this alcohol free life I have found. He continues to do so for me everyday I have lived this way of life. I owe so much to my Higher Power and all the sober alcoholics I have met along the way.
Just thinking about staying sober.