My “meditation” today is about what I think about a lot. Staying sober.
Ever since I came to this program, even with all my silly thinking and “analysis” of what I heard in here and read, has always been about staying sober. The gift I received from the beginning, the release from the bondage of alcohol, has been one of the most precious and valuable gifts I have ever received. It’s the best thing that ever happened in my life.
I often go to meetings thinking about this. I want to hear other sober alcoholics talk about this. Staying sober. I want to hear their stories and how they work this program and why. It always reinforces my commitment. And I never want to forget that.
I love it, when I hear others talk about the spiritual solution to their alcoholism. Their stories about what it’s like today, as a result of finding this program and their working these 12 Steps into their lives. Their struggles, which I always identify with. The problems they had to face in trying to learn how to live life for the first time sober. How this program and the people in it helped them to resolve their difficulties. That was me and I need to hear it and be reminded.
Especially I need to hear how they found their Higher Power. How they came to believe. But first how they found hope that they could stay sober and what it meant to them. Those thoughts are so important for me to hear. I never want to ever forget and, when I hear them talk about this, it renews my hope and my faith in this program.
Only once was I ever tempted to drink again and that was fairly early on. But it serves me well (my selfishness) to hear the temptations others have had to face and how they overcame these. How the people in this program and their Higher Power helped them to get back on the path we all travel.
Anyway it was a big help to me today to sit and listen to others describe their experiences. I couldn’t help but think how generous others are, when it comes to talking about their sobriety. Freely giving what we were all freely given. And I am grateful.