At the meeting today I was listening to what I never want to forget. That’s what it was that helped me to stay sober. And what that was are these Twelve Steps. And, of course, a lot of other things.
The first of the requirements for me is that I wanted this program so desperately. I can never forget what alcohol did to me and how it almost made me take my own life. Thankfully someone came into my life and introduced the idea of this program. I really had no idea about the program until that moment.
The second, actually without me knowing it, was the first. My praying to the God of my understanding in desperation to stop me from drinking and living the life that I was living. My promise in return was that I would do anything He wanted me to do. The program was the answer.
Then I was introduced to a spiritual way of life. The Second Step, the need to be restored to sanity, through a belief in a power greater than myself. And through these Steps I have been. I have had a spiritual awakening as a result.
What has been such a key to all of this for me are the meetings I have been attending over the years. I learned I could not stay sober by myself. I have to be here to listen to what it is that will help me stay sober. Beginning with my Primary Purpose. And it was at the meetings that I found a sponsor to guide me and all those old timers, who knew what I was, just another drunk, and who gave me understanding and helped me to understand. To come and listen and do what was required of me, if I wanted to stay sober.
I also saw another drunk like myself, who was still under the influence. Just the sight of him took me back to the beginning and reminded me of why I’m here. To never drink again and to live this program a day at a time. I know he had an impact on a lot of folks in there today. They talked about it afterward. Makes me so grateful to my Higher Power and the people, who have helped me to survive and stay sober.